Shahid Mustaq Murshed Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated On - Jul 28, 2025
MSc Nursing in Australia is a 1-2 years postgraduate program, with pre-registration and graduate entry options. Australia continues to be a leading destination for international students in healthcare education, with 17 universities ranked among the top 100 globally for Nursing (QS 2025). Institutions like the University of Sydney (#20), Monash University (#24), and University of Melbourne (#25) offer a specialized MSc Nursing courses, with annual tuition fees ranging between AUD 36,896 to 51,300. Application deadlines for MSc Nursing course in Australia span from July to January, depending on the university and intake cycle.
For Indian students, Australia offers high employability and migration advantages. Registered Nurses in Australia earn an average salary of AUD 80,000, supported by PR-friendly post-study work policies. The nursing sector is projected to grow significantly, with 12.2% job growth by 2028 and 24.5% by 2033. Entry requires a bachelor's in Nursing, IELTS 7.0, professional registration, and in some cases, 1–5 years of clinical experience. Scholarships up to 50% tuition reduction and extended work visas make Australia a compelling choice for a Master of Nursing abroad.
Also Read: Study Abroad
Top Universities for Master of Nursing in Australia
In the latest QS World University Rankings by the Subject Nursing, 22 Australian Universities are listed. Among them, 17 universities are ranked within the top 100 for Nursing. This clearly shows that Australian Universities are well regarded in terms of Nursing studies. Here are some of the top universities for MSc Nursing in Australia, tabulated below.
| QS Nursing Ranking 2025 | Universities | Program Name | Annual Tuition Fees in AUD | Upcoming Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #20 | The University of Sydney | Master of Nursing | 51,300 | October 5, 2025 |
| #24 | Monash University | Master of Nursing Practice | 45,600 | January 2026 |
| #25 | The University of Melbourne | Master of Nursing Science | 40,000 | August 31, 2025 |
| #26 | University of Technology Sydney | Master of Nursing (Research) | 43,110 | August 30, 2025 |
| #33 | Griffith University | Master ofNursing Science | 37,500 | October 20, 2025 |
| #42 | La Trobe University | Master of Nursing | 37,400 | July 13, 2025 |
| #42 | Queensland University of Technology (QUT) | Master of Nursing | 37,800 | Open all year |
| #45 | The University of Queensland | Master ofNursing (Graduate Entry) | 50,032 | November 30, 2025 |
| #47 | The University of Newcastle (UON) | Master ofNursing | 44,905 | July 13, 2025 |
| #51-100 | Curtin University | Master of Nursing Practice | 40,354 | TBA |
| #51-100 | Deakin University | Master of Nursing | 41,000 | October 27, 2025 |
| #51-100 | Flinders University | Master of Nursing | 39,200 | TBA |
| #51-100 | The University of Adelaide | Master of Nursing Science | 42,000 | TBA |
| #51-100 | University of South Australia | Master of Nursing | 39,000 | Rolling |
| #51-100 | University of Wollongong | Master of Nursing (Pre-Registration) | 44,370 | August 31, 2025 |
| #51-100 | Western Sydney University | Master of Nursing | 36,896 | Rolling |
Note: Apart from the tuition fee, Indian students also need to cover the cost of living. Though it varies from student to student, the average annual cost of living in Australia is around 21,400 AUD.
Why Study Master of Nursing in Australia for International Students?
Australia provides cutting edge professional Nursing education to students. Nursing is known as one of the most respected professions in Australia. Nurses in the country have good earnings and a high standard of living. Explore some of the reasons behind why you should study MSc Nursing in Australia for international students.
- Top Universities: 17 Australian Universities are ranked within the top 100 for Nursing as per the QS World University Rankings by Subject.
- Easy Visa Access: Indian students can get priority in the visa acceptance process in Australia for the nursing profession, due to the high demand for nurses.
- Industry Demand: Australia has a high demand for qualified nurses. Jobs for registered nurses are expected to increase to 40,000 (12.2%) by May 2028 and 80,500 (24.5%) by May 2033, according to Jobs & Skills Australia.
- Patient Ratio: Compared with the UK where the patient ratio is 1:8, the patient ratio in Australia is 1:4.
- High Salary: The average salary after Nursing masters in Australia can go as high as 128,000 AUD.
- Permanent Residency: Master of Nursing in Australia is among the popular PR courses in Australia. A current survey shows that 96% of Registered Nurses recruited by HealthStaff Recruitment made Australia their permanent home.
Must Read: Study in Australia
Admission Requirements for MSc Nursing in Australia
To complete higher education in Australia, you need to have a bachelor degree in Nursing. Few universities like The University of Melbourne also ask for prior work experience of up to 5 years for admission to the masters program. The requirements for Master of Science in Nursing Australia are given below:
Academic Qualifications:
- 3-4 year bachelor’s degree in Nursing or a closely related health science field from a recognized institution.
- A minimum GPA or percentage equivalent, around 60% or higher (e.g., 4.0 on a 7.0 scale or 63-66% marks).
- Certain programs may require completion of prerequisite courses such as Human Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Psychology, or Statistics.
- For graduate entry programs, the bachelor’s degree must be recognized by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) or equivalent.
Professional Registration:
- Applicants must be registered nurses in their home country (India) or with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) if applying for advanced clinical or postgraduate courses.
- Proof of current nursing registration is often mandatory.
- Some universities may require additional certifications such as First Aid qualification or Working with Children clearance.
English Language Proficiency:
A strong command of English is essential. The most common accepted tests and minimum scores are:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 7.0 with no band less than 7.0
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 94-100
- PTE Academic: Minimum 65-72
- OET: Grade B in all four components may be accepted by some institutions.
- Some universities may accept completion of an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course with a minimum score (e.g., 70%).
Work Experience:
- 1 to 2 years of clinical nursing experience is preferred and sometimes required.
- Some universities, like The University of Melbourne, may ask for up to 5 years of relevant work experience.
- Experience should ideally be in a healthcare setting relevant to nursing practice.
Additional Application Requirements:
- Statement of Purpose for Australia
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- 2-3 academic or professional reference letters
- Valid passport and other identification documents.
- Some universities may require a research proposal if applying for research-intensive programs.
Age and Other Criteria:
- Minimum age is usually 18 years.
- No strict upper age limit in most universities.
- Some programs may have specific health and character requirements as part of the visa and admission process.
Application Process and Deadlines:
- Applications should be submitted 4 to 6 months before the intake.
- Australian universities usually have multiple intakes per year (February, May, August, November).
- After acceptance, students receive a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) necessary for applying for the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500).
Must Read: How to Apply for Australian Universities?
Scholarships for MSc Nursing Australia
Numerous scholarships for Indian students pursuing masters in Nursing in Australia are offered by the top universities. These scholarships assist students with tuition and living costs while studying in the country. Some scholarships for Indian students in Australia are tabulated below:
| Scholarships | Eligibility | Award Details (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Dorothy Jean Ineke Scholarship | Enrolled in University of Melbourne for a graduate coursework in Nursing, academic merit | 13,000 |
| Sir John Monash Scholarship for Excellence | Enrolled in Monash University, academic merit | 10,000 per annum |
| International Study Grants | Enrolled in Monash University | 5,000-10,000 |
| Global Academic Excellence Scholarship | Enrolled in any undergraduate/postgraduate course in University of Adelaide, minimum GPA of 6.8 on a 7.0 scale | 50% reduction in tuition fee |
| Global Citizens Scholarship | Enrolled in any undergraduate/postgraduate course in University of Adelaide, minimum GPA of 5.5 on a 7.0 scale | 15-30% reduction in tuition fee |
| South Asia Excellence Scholarship | Enrolled in the University of Newcastle, academic merit | 10,000 per annum |
| Global Curtin Scholarships – Merit Scholarship | Enrolled in the Curtin University, academic merit | 25% reduction in the first-year tuition fee |
Note: Governmental scholarships like the Australia Award Scholarship are also available to all international students and offered by the majority of the Australian universities.
Job Opportunities After MSc Nursing in Australia
After getting Master of Nursing in Australia for international students, students can get jobs in Australia as Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, Clinical Manager and many more. As per Payscale, on average, Registered Nurses in Australia earn around 80,000 AUD per year. Entry-level positions start at 76,063 AUD per year up to 97,568 AUD per year. On top of your salary, you will also receive a minimum of 4 weeks paid annual leave and superannuation.
Some top recruiters employing Nursing graduates in Australia are as follows:
- NSW Health
- Westmead Hospital
- Monash Medical Center
- St John of God Hospital
- Royal Hobart hospital
- Ramsay Corporation
- WA Government
- Metropolitan Health Group
Some of the most preferred jobs after Masters in Nursing in Australia and their corresponding average salaries are:
| Job Roles | Average Annual Salary in AUD |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | 73,317 |
| Registered Nurse (RN), Critical Care | 87,556 |
| Registered Nurse (RN), Emergency Room | 76,674 |
| Registered Nurse (RN), Operating Room | 74,254 |
| Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | 99,144 |
| Clinical Nurse Manager | 109,332 |
| Clinical Manager | 101,778 |
| Nursing Manager | 113,860 |
| Veterinary Nurse | 60,009 |
| Primary Care Registered Nurse (RN) | 72,945 |
Important Note:
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) will allow you to live and work in Australia as a points-tested skilled worker. Later, this will help you to obtain a PR in Australia. The post study work visa usually spans between 2–4 years. However, Nursing graduates can get additional 2 years of visa extension.
Read More: Australian Work Visa
A Master of Nursing in Australia offers strong career prospects, with average salaries starting at AUD 80,000 and job growth projected at 24.5% by 2033. With 17 universities ranked in the world’s top 100 for Nursing, multiple scholarship options, and post-study work visas of up to 4 years, Australia is a top choice for Indian students looking for quality education and a clear path to PR. MSc Nursing fees in Australia start from around 37,000 AUD per year in the top universities, which is compared to be lower than top universities in USA or UK.
FAQs
Ques: Can I do a master's in nursing in Australia?
Ans: Yes, international students can apply for a Master of Nursing in Australia. Many top universities offer this program to qualified applicants.
Ques: How much does a master's in nursing cost in Australia?
Ans: It costs between AUD 36,896 and 51,300 per year, depending on the university. You’ll also need around AUD 21,400 per year for living expenses.
Ques: How long is the nursing master’s program?
Ans: Most Master of Nursing programs in Australia take 2 years to complete full-time.
Ques: Who can apply for a master’s in Australia?
Ans: Anyone with a 3–4 year bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 60% marks, and good English test scores (like IELTS) can apply.
Ques: What do I need to study for a master's in nursing?
Ans: You need a bachelor’s degree in Nursing, nursing registration in your home country, IELTS 7.0, and 1–5 years of work experience (for some universities).
Ques: How much do nurses earn after a master’s in Australia?
Ans: Nurses with a master’s degree earn around AUD 80,000 per year. Senior roles can earn over AUD 100,000 annually.



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