$30,800 /Yr
The Master of Nursing Science at University of Melbourne is a 2-year accredited graduate entry nursing degree designed for international students seeking professional nursing qualification in Australia. Located in Parkville, Melbourne, the program ranks 29th globally for Nursing (QS 2026) and is offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at Australia's #1 ranked university. The university ranks 19th worldwide and 8th in graduate employability globally. The program integrates clinical skills and theory concurrently, with 4-6 weeks of clinical placement at partner hospitals. Indian graduates gain registration with the Australian Health Practitioners Registering Authority (AHPRA) as Division 1 registered nurses and access post-study work rights of up to 3 years under the Australia-India ECTA agreement, providing a clear pathway to permanent residency.
Current Admission Status:
Applications for February 2027 intake close on September 30, 2026. This is the only intake available for the Master of Nursing Science. Early application is strongly encouraged as places are limited.
- Why Study Master of Nursing Science at University of Melbourne
- Tuition Fees for Master of Nursing Science
- Cost of Living in Melbourne
- Admissions Requirements
- English Language Proficiency Requirements
- Curriculum Overview
- University & Course Rankings
- Placements & Career Outcomes
- Return on Investment (ROI)
- Visa & Work Rights
- Scholarships for International Students
- FAQs
Why Study Master of Nursing Science at University of Melbourne
- High employment rate: Over 90% of graduates secure graduate nurse employment upon graduation, with many employed during studies as health assistants at Melbourne Health.
- AHPRA registration: Graduates are eligible for registration as Division 1 registered nurses in Australia and can apply for international accreditation in USA, Canada, UK, and Ireland.
- Strong ROI: Entry-level registered nurses earn AUD 65,000-75,000 (₹43.5-50 lakhs) annually, with senior nurses earning AUD 100,000+ (₹67+ lakhs).
- Post-study work rights: Indian graduates get up to 3 years to work in Australia under the Australia-India ECTA agreement, compared to 2 years for other nationalities.
- Integrated curriculum: Only program where clinical skills and theory are learned concurrently, ensuring practical readiness from day one.
Tuition Fees for Master of Nursing Science
Exchange Rate Note: 1 AUD = 67 INR (as of April 16, 2026). Rates fluctuate; confirm with your bank before payment.
| Fee Component | Currency | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| First Year Tuition (2026) | AUD 44,000 | ₹29,48,000 (29.48 lakhs) |
| Second Year Tuition (2026) | AUD 44,000 | ₹29,48,000 (29.48 lakhs) |
| Total 2-Year Course Fee | AUD 88,000 | ₹58,96,000 (58.96 lakhs) |
| Annual Fee Increase | ~3-5% | Included in estimates |
Key Insights: International students pay full tuition fees. The 2-year program is one of the most affordable postgraduate nursing programs in Australia. Fees are subject to annual review. Advanced standing (credit for prior studies) can reduce course duration and fees if you have relevant postgraduate qualifications.
Cost of Living in Melbourne
| Category | Weekly/Monthly Cost | Annual Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (On-Campus) | AUD 200-300/week | ₹10-15 lakhs |
| Accommodation (Off-Campus Shared) | AUD 150-250/week | ₹8-13 lakhs |
| Food & Groceries | AUD 80-120/week | ₹4-6 lakhs |
| Public Transport | AUD 50-80/week | ₹2.5-4 lakhs |
| Utilities & Internet | AUD 30-50/week | ₹1.5-2.5 lakhs |
| Entertainment & Misc | AUD 50-100/week | ₹2.5-5 lakhs |
| Total Annual Living Cost | — | ₹17-25 lakhs |
Accommodation Details:
- On-Campus: University of Melbourne offers residential colleges and managed accommodation starting from AUD 200/week. Includes utilities and internet in most cases.
- Off-Campus: Shared apartments in suburbs like Carlton, Fitzroy, and Brunswick cost AUD 150-250/week. Private rentals: 1-bed flat AUD 475/week, 2-bed flat AUD 575/week.
- Part-Time Work: International students can work 48 hours per fortnight during semester and unlimited hours during breaks. Minimum wage is AUD 23.23/hour (~₹1,556). Many nursing students work as health assistants at Melbourne Health during studies.
Admissions Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | In any discipline, completed not more than 10 years prior to application, with minimum 65% WAM |
| Alternative Eligibility | Older undergraduate degree + recent graduate study OR 5+ years documented relevant work experience (healthcare sector preferred) |
| IELTS Score | 7.0 overall (no band less than 7.0) |
| TOEFL Score | 94+ (writing 27, speaking 24, reading 24, listening 24) |
| Pearson Test | 72+ (written communicative skill 75, no other skill below 72) |
| NMBA English Declaration | Required (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia) |
| Application Deadline (Feb 2027) | September 30, 2026 |
Eligibility for Indian Students:
- Bachelor's degree from recognized Indian university in any discipline with 65%+ marks (equivalent to 65% WAM).
- IELTS 7.0 is the standard requirement; no waiver available for Indian students.
- Must complete Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia English Language Skills Declaration.
Application Process:
- Submit official transcripts with English translation (if applicable).
- Provide IELTS/TOEFL score report.
- Submit current CV with at least two professional referees (if degree completed more than 10 years ago).
- Complete Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia English Language Skills Declaration.
- Assessment typically takes 4-8 weeks after all documents are received.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
| Test | Minimum Score | Component Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 7.0 | Writing 7.0, Speaking 7.0, Reading 7.0, Listening 7.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 94+ | Writing 27, Speaking 24, Reading 24, Listening 24 |
| Pearson PTE | 72+ | Written communicative skill 75, no other skill below 72 |
| Cambridge CAE | N/A | Not accepted for this course |
| LanguageCert Academic | Accepted | Check specific score requirements |
| Michigan English Test | Accepted | Check specific score requirements |
Important: IELTS 7.0 is significantly higher than most other postgraduate programs (typically 6.5). This is a requirement of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) for nursing registration. No waivers available for Indian students.
Curriculum Overview
- Integrated Theory & Practice: Clinical skills and theoretical knowledge taught concurrently, not sequentially.
- Clinical Placements: 4-6 weeks of clinical placement with partner hospitals including Melbourne Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, and other major healthcare facilities.
- Nursing Fundamentals: Assessment, communication, evidence-based practice, and clinical decision-making.
- Specialization Options: Mental health nursing, aged care, community health, critical care, or general nursing.
- Professional Development: Leadership, research skills, and professional practice standards.
- Health Assistant Employment: Opportunity to work as health assistant in nursing at Melbourne Health during studies, gaining paid clinical experience.
University & Course Rankings
| Ranking Body | Rank | Category |
|---|---|---|
| QS World Rankings 2026 | #29 | Nursing |
| QS World Rankings 2026 | #19 | Overall University |
| THE World Rankings 2026 | #37 | Overall University |
| ARWU Rankings 2026 | #38 | Overall University |
| Graduate Employability | #8 | Worldwide |
| Australia Ranking | #1 | Nursing & Health Sciences |
Course-Specific Recognition: The Master of Nursing Science is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and recognized by the Australian Health Practitioners Registering Authority (AHPRA). Graduates can apply for international accreditation in USA, Canada, UK, and Ireland.
Placements & Career Outcomes
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Graduate Employment Rate | 90%+ within 6 months |
| Average Starting Salary | AUD 65,000-75,000 (₹43.5-50 lakhs) |
| Senior Nurse Salary (5+ years) | AUD 100,000+ (₹67+ lakhs) |
| Top Employer Sectors | Hospitals, aged care, community health, mental health, critical care |
| Clinical Placement Partners | Melbourne Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Mercy Health, Monash Health |
Career Paths: Registered nurse, clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator, nurse manager, mental health nurse, aged care nurse, community health nurse, critical care nurse, research nurse, nurse practitioner.
Top Employers: Melbourne Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Mercy Health, Monash Health, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Florey Institute, Burnet Institute, Australian government health agencies, private hospitals.
Return on Investment (ROI)
| Metric | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Total 2-Year Investment (Fees + Living) | ₹1.05-1.15 lakhs |
| Average Starting Salary (Annual) | ₹43.5-50 lakhs |
| Break-Even Period | 2-2.5 years |
| 5-Year Cumulative Earnings | ₹2.17-2.50 lakhs |
| Net ROI (5 years) | 90-140% |
Analysis: The Master of Nursing Science offers exceptional ROI for Indian students. With post-study work rights of 3 years, graduates can earn AUD 195,000-225,000 (₹1,31-1,51 lakhs) before returning to India. The 2-year duration and high employment rate (90%+) mean faster entry into the workforce. Senior positions in Australia or India offer salaries exceeding ₹80+ lakhs annually, making this one of the highest-ROI postgraduate programs available.
Visa & Work Rights
Student Visa (Subclass 500):
- Valid for 2 years (duration of course).
- Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during semester, unlimited during breaks.
- Health insurance (OSHC) mandatory; costs AUD 600-800/year (₹40,000-54,000).
Post-Study Work Visa (Temporary Graduate Visa - Subclass 485):
- Indian graduates: Up to 3 years (under Australia-India ECTA agreement).
- Other nationalities: 2 years for Master's degree.
- Allows full-time work in any occupation.
- Pathway to permanent residency possible through skilled migration (nursing is on the skilled occupation list).
Clinical Placement Requirements:
- Police Record Check required.
- Working with Children Check required.
- Immunisation compliance required (COVID-19, influenza, etc.).
Scholarships for International Students
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne International Scholarship | 25% tuition fee waiver | High-achieving international students | Rolling basis |
| Graduate Research Scholarships | Varies | Academic merit + research potential | Ongoing |
| Faculty Bursaries | Up to AUD 5,000 | Financial hardship + academic merit | Case-by-case |
| Nursing-Specific Scholarships | Varies | Nursing students with demonstrated need | Ongoing |
Application Process: Automatic consideration upon admission for most scholarships. No separate application required. Check the University of Melbourne Scholarships portal (scholarships.unimelb.edu.au) for updated opportunities. Indian students are eligible for all international scholarships.
FAQs
Ques. Why is the IELTS requirement 7.0 for Master of Nursing Science when other programs require 6.5?
Ans. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) requires IELTS 7.0 for nursing registration to ensure patient safety and effective communication in clinical settings. This is a regulatory requirement, not a university preference, and no waivers are available for any international students.
Ques. Can I work as a nurse in Australia after completing the Master of Nursing Science?
Ans. Yes. Upon graduation, you are eligible for registration with AHPRA as a Division 1 registered nurse. You can work in any Australian healthcare setting. With 3 years of post-study work rights, you can gain valuable Australian nursing experience before returning to India or pursuing permanent residency through skilled migration.
Ques. What is the clinical placement component and how does it work?
Ans. Clinical placements are 4-6 weeks of hands-on experience at partner hospitals including Melbourne Health and Royal Melbourne Hospital. Many students work as paid health assistants in nursing at Melbourne Health during studies, gaining clinical experience while earning income. This provides both practical skills and employment opportunities.
Important Alert
- Summer (February intake) applications due - Sep 30, 2026
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $30800 (AUD 44000) |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $9464 (AUD 13520) |
| Food Cost | $5096 (AUD 7280) |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $28000 (AUD 40000) |
| 2024 | $28000 (AUD 40000) |
| 2021 | $24058 (AUD 34368) |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Summer (February intake) applications due | Sep 30, 2026 |
Scores Required
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TOP Scholarships
| Scholarship name | Award amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Student Bursaries | $1,000 - $10,000 | Have an academic status of Good Standing |
| Rao Family Bursary | $1,000 - $3,000 | Be enrolled at the University of Melbourne |
Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Course Guides
Master of Nursing in Australia: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, & Job Opportunities
MS in Australia: Top Universities, Application Process, Cost, Scholarships and Job Prospects
Programs Comparison
| ranking | # 25 for Nursing by QS World University 2025 | # 51 for Nursing by QS World University 2025 | # 8 for Nursing by QS World University 2025 | - |
| application | - | - | - | - |
| exam scores | IELTS - 7/9PTE - 72/90TOEFL - 94/120 | IELTS - 7/9PTE - 72/90TOEFL - 94/120 | IELTS - 6/9PTE - 62/90TOEFL - 85/120 | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 79/120 |
| cost to study | - | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -USD 57540 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -USD 45500 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -USD 23730 |
| application dates | Sep 30, 2026 (Summer (February intake) applications due) | - | Oct 15, 2024 (Application Deadline For 2025 Intake) | Jul 21, 2024 (Application Deadline) |
| why to opt? | - | - | This Post-graduate Nursing Programme aims to provide you with a bird’s eye view of the complexities in the Singapore healthcare system, thereby enabling you to chart a clear path on acquiring key competencies required to manage these challenges. The goal is to stretch the students’ multidimensional abilities through knowledge gaining, case study discussions, clinical encounters, development of community projects and generate evidence-based solutions for healthcare challenges. | This course is designed for registered nurses with a demonstrated ability to conduct extensive study and research in a focused area of nursing. It will allow you to make new discoveries and ultimately improve the health of individuals, families and communities. You’ll plan, undertake and disseminate rigorous research into a specialised area of nursing. The course will provide you with excellent professional development as well as the chance to make a contribution to knowledge and clinical practice in nursing. |
| Admission Criteria/Better to Have | - | - |
|
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| - | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison |
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships | Scholarship per student$ 94,500/Yr$135,000 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| MSD International Scholarships 2020 | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam International Postgraduate Scholarships 2020 | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 700/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,450/Yr$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based |
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