A Diploma in Nursing is popular among students who wish to pursue a healthcare career. A healthcare career can be suitable for those looking for a rewarding career opportunity that can pave the path for a bright future and give them a chance to serve society.

You can become an enrolled nurse after completing the Diploma in Nursing. The course is typically 18-24 months, and the course fees vary depending on the university and the program. The course is offered full-time and part-time, with multiple intakes throughout the year. 

Why Study Diploma in Nursing in Australia?

The nursing courses in Australia are recognized all across the world. The design and curriculum of the nursing course in Australia prepare the nurses to work in various areas such as old-age care, rehabilitation care, general nursing, child care, and more.

Studying Diploma in Nursing in Australia has several benefits, such as:

• Excellent education system: Australian universities are known for their high-quality education and research facilities. The nursing programs are designed to meet the highest standards, ensuring students receive a world-class education.
• Wide range of specializations: Australian universities offer a variety of disciplines in nursing, such as aged care, mental health, pediatric care, and more. This allows students to choose a specialization that aligns with their interests and career goals.
• Practical training: The nursing programs in Australia include significant practical training, which enables students to gain hands-on experience and develop their skills. The practical training is conducted in state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring students are prepared for real-world scenarios. 
• Career opportunities: Australia has a high demand for nursing professionals, and the job market is expected to grow in the coming years. Studying Diploma in Nursing in Australia can open up several career opportunities, such as a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse, and more.
• International exposure: Studying in Australia provides students with an opportunity to experience a new culture and meet people from different parts of the world. This exposure can help students develop a global perspective and enhance their personal and professional growth.

Course Highlights

Types of Nursing Courses in Australia

The Diploma in Nursing course is offered in various specializations in Australia, such as:

• Diploma in Nursing: You can complete the Diploma course in Nursing to become an enrolled nurse. After completing the course, the candidate has to apply to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) to register as an enrolled nurse. The enrolled nurses work under the supervision of the registered nurses. As an enrolled nurse, you can gain experience and knowledge from senior clinicians and nurses to work in various areas of healthcare.
• Bachelor in Nursing: The Bachelor in Nursing is a three-year course. After the completion of this course, you can work as a Registered Nurse. Some universities also offer a 4-year program, which is for earning an Honors Degree by studying in depth in a particular area of nursing to gain specialization.
• Masters of Nursing Course: Registered Nurses also have the option to pursue the Master of Nursing Course to become a Nurse Practitioner, Senior Research Specialist or to extend their skill set and knowledge in the specialized field. The Master of Nursing can be completed in part-time or full-time mode.

Best Universities for Diploma in Nursing in Australia

Course Curriculum of Diploma in Nursing in Australia

The Diploma in Nursing Course in Australia covers a comprehensive curriculum that equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become a nurse.

The course covers anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nursing ethics, and law, health assessment, clinical nursing practice, mental health nursing, aged care nursing, and acute care nursing. Students will also gain practical experience through clinical placements, working alongside experienced nurses and healthcare professionals.

The course is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in nursing, enabling them to pursue various career opportunities in the healthcare industry.

Eligibility Diploma in Nursing in Australia Requirements

To pursue a Diploma in Nursing course in Australia, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• High school diploma or equivalent with a minimum average of 50%
• English language proficiency (IELTS (Minimum overall score of 7)/TOEFL (Minimum total score of 94))
• Meet the minimum age requirement, i.e., at least 18
• Meet the health and character requirements

Diploma in Nursing in Australia Admission Requirements

To pursue a Diploma in Nursing course in Australia, students must meet certain admission requirements. These requirements may vary depending on the university, but some of the common requirements are:

• Completed application form: Students must fill out the application form for the university they wish to apply to. The form can usually be found on the university's website.
• Academic transcripts: Students must provide their academic transcripts, which show their grades and courses completed. This includes transcripts from high school, or any post-secondary education institutions attended.
• English language proficiency scores: As English is the primary language of instruction in Australian universities, international students are required to provide proof of their English proficiency. This can be done by taking an English language test such as IELTS or TOEFL and achieving the minimum required score.
• Resume/CV: Students may be required to provide a resume or CV outlining their educational background, work experience, and other relevant information.
• Statement of Purpose: Students may be required to write a statement outlining their motivation for pursuing the Diploma in Nursing course and their career goals.
• Work experience: Some universities may require students to have relevant work experience in the healthcare industry. This can vary depending on the university and the program.
• Visa requirements: International students must obtain a student visa to study in Australia. The visa requirements may vary depending on the country of origin but usually include proof of financial support, health insurance, and a valid passport.
• Health and character requirements: Students must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government to be eligible to study in the country. This includes providing a medical certificate and undergoing a police clearance check.

It is important for students to check the specific admission requirements for each university and program they are interested in applying. Some universities may have additional requirements, such as interviews, entrance exams, or prerequisite courses. By ensuring that they meet all the admission requirements, students can increase their chances of being accepted into their desired program.

Admission Process for Diploma in Nursing in Australia

The admission process for the Diploma in Nursing course in Australia usually involves the following steps:

• Research and shortlist universities based on your preferences
• Check the eligibility criteria and admission requirements for each university
• Submit the application form along with the required documents
• Wait for the university to review your application and inform you of the outcome
• Clear the entrance exam and interview conducted by the university (if any)
• If accepted, pay the tuition fees and apply for a student visa
• Plan your travel and accommodation arrangements

It is important for students to plan ahead and allow plenty of time to complete the admission process, as it can take several months to obtain a student visa and make the necessary arrangements for studying in Australia.

Cost of Studying for a Diploma in Nursing in Australia

The cost of studying for a Diploma in Nursing in Australia varies depending on the university, program, and location. Here are some estimated costs:

• Tuition fees: The tuition fees for a Diploma in Nursing course range from approximately $17,000 to $39,000 per year. This may vary depending on the university and program.
• Pre-arrival costs: International students will need to pay for various pre-arrival costs, such as English language proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL), visa application fees, and health insurance. The IELTS exam fee is approximately AUD 410, while the visa application fee is approximately AUD 150.
• Accommodation: The cost of accommodation varies depending on the location and type of accommodation and can range between AUD 450 to AUD 1,200.
• Living expenses: International students must budget for living expenses, such as food, transportation, and entertainment. This can vary depending on the location but is estimated to be around AUD 1,400 and AUD 2,500 every month.

Scholarships for Diploma in Nursing in Australia

Here are some of the best scholarships for a Diploma in Nursing in Australia:

Destination Australia Scholarship: This scholarship is offered by the Australian government to international and domestic students studying in regional Australia. The scholarship amount is AUD 15,000 per year for up to four years. The eligibility criteria and deadline vary depending on the university.

Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to domestic and international students undertaking research-based postgraduate degrees, including a Master of Nursing. The scholarship covers tuition fees, a living allowance, and other expenses. The eligibility criteria and deadline vary depending on the university.

University-specific scholarships: Many universities in Australia offer scholarships specifically for nursing students, such as the Western Sydney University Nursing Scholarships and the University of Technology Sydney Nursing Scholarships. The eligibility criteria, deadline, and scholarship amount vary depending on the university.

Here is a table summarizing some of the scholarships available for a Diploma in Nursing in Australia:

Diploma in Nursing in Australia Scope of Job

After completing the Diploma in Nursing course in Australia, students can pursue various job roles, such as:

• Registered Nurse
• Nurse Practitioner
• Clinical Nurse
• Aged Care Nurse
• Mental Health Nurse