🩺 Why Study a Master of Nursing in Australia?
Australia is one of the world’s most attractive destinations for nursing education. With globally recognised universities, cutting-edge healthcare systems, and strong career prospects, a Master of Nursing equips international students with the knowledge and clinical skills needed to become registered nurses or advance into leadership roles in nursing practice.
Whether you’re aiming to become a Registered Nurse (RN), specialise in a clinical field, or transition from another career, this guide explains what you need to apply successfully.
🎓 Types of Master of Nursing Degrees
In Australia, there are two main categories of Master of Nursing programs:
| Program Type | For Students Who… | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-to-Practice (Pre-registration) | Have a non-nursing background | Become a Registered Nurse (RN) in Australia |
| Advanced Practice / Specialisation | Already qualified nurses (with registration) | Expand into leadership, research, or specialty areas (e.g. mental health, aged care) |
👉 This blog focuses on the Entry-to-Practice Master’s — ideal for international students switching into the nursing field.
✅ Entry Requirements for a Master of Nursing (Pre-Registration)
To be eligible to apply as an international student, you need to meet academic, English language, health, and visa requirements.
1. 📚 Academic Requirements
You must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline (not limited to health sciences).
- Most universities require a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 4.0–5.0 out of 7 (equivalent to 60–70%)
- Some programs may prefer applicants with a background in science, psychology, or healthcare, but it’s not mandatory
📌 Note: This is a postgraduate entry-to-practice course, not a top-up course for already qualified nurses.
2. 🌐 English Language Proficiency
Because nursing involves direct patient care, international students must meet strict English language standards set by both the universities and the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).
Accepted English Tests and Minimum Scores:
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Overall 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0) |
| OET (Nursing) | Minimum B in each sub-test |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 79 (no section below 19) |
| PTE Academic | Overall 58 (with no section below 50) |
✅ These standards ensure eligibility for registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) after graduation. Different universities may have different requirements. Click here to find out more.
3. 💉 Health, Vaccination & Police Checks
Before clinical placements, students are required to:
- Submit an up-to-date immunisation record (Hepatitis B, MMR, influenza, COVID-19, etc.)
- Complete a national or international police check
- Obtain a Working with Children Check (state-specific)
- Pass a health declaration or medical assessment
4. ✈️ Visa Requirements
To study in Australia, international students need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include:
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered institution
- Evidence of financial capacity
- Valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- English test results
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
📌 Learn more at the Department of Home Affairs
🏫 Top Universities Offering Master of Nursing (Pre-Registration)
Here are some CRICOS-approved universities offering nursing programs for international students:
| University | Program Name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| University of Wollongong | Master of Nursing | 2 years |
| University of Melbourne | Master of Nursing Science | 2 years |
| Deakin University | Master of Nursing | 2 years |
| University of Queensland | Master of Nursing Studies | 2 years |
| Griffith University | Master of Nursing Science | 2 years (Bachelor of Nursing Required) |
All these programs are ANMAC-accredited and lead to eligibility for registration with AHPRA as a Registered Nurse.
🛤️ Pathways if You Don’t Meet Entry Requirements
If you fall short of academic or English requirements, consider:
🔹 Graduate Certificate in Nursing
- Can be used as a pathway into the master’s program at the same university. It is typically a 1-year course designed to give you the preliminary knowledge you need to enter the Master’s course. Talk to us to find out whether this is the right pathway for you
🔹 English for Nursing (ELICOS + Packaged Offer)
- Language centres at many universities offer Academic English + Master of Nursing bundled for visa purposes. We can arrange this for you for free. Contact us to let us know about your interest in the program.
🎯 Career Outcomes After Graduation
Graduates of Master of Nursing (Pre-registration) programs in Australia can work as:
- Registered Nurses (RNs)
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Aged Care or Community Health Nurses
- Pathways into Midwifery, Mental Health Nursing, or Nurse Practitioner roles
➡️ Eligible for Post-Study Work Visa
➡️ Nursing is on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List, providing pathways to Permanent Residency
✅ Final Tips for International Applicants
- 🔍 Choose an ANMAC-accredited and AHPRA-eligible program
- 📄 Prepare your documents early: transcripts, passport, English scores
- 🛡️ Get health checks, immunisation, and OSHC in advance
- 💬 Seek help from official university representatives or agents
📌 Conclusion
A Master of Nursing in Australia offers international students the opportunity to start a respected healthcare career with global mobility and strong employment prospects. Understanding the entry requirements is the first step toward becoming a registered nurse in Australia.