Train for one of the most in-demand careers in the world at QUT — a university built around real-world work readiness. Hundreds of clinical placement hours, a direct pathway to registration as a nurse, and a 2-year post-study work visa in Australia's growing health sector.
3 years
Full-time duration
AU$40,800
Tuition / year (intl.)
Feb 2027
Next intake
IELTS 7.0
English requirement
Overview
✓NMBA-accredited degree — a direct pathway to registering as a nurse in Australia
✓ Nursing is among the most in-demand professions on Australia's skilled lists
✓ Hundreds of clinical placement hours plus a 2-year post-study work visa
QUT's Bachelor of Nursing combines the science of health — anatomy, physiology, pharmacology — with extensive hands-on training in state-of-the-art simulation labs and real hospital placements. You graduate confident, work-ready and eligible to register as a Registered Nurse.
Nursing is one of Australia's most needed occupations, so graduates enjoy strong employment and one of the clearer routes to skilled migration. A 2-year post-study work visa gives you time to build experience and register.
Need to lift your English to 7.0 or a science prerequisite? Pathway and English programmes can bridge the gap — your counsellor will map the right route.
What you'll study
Core courses
01 Anatomy & Physiology
02 Pharmacology
03 Health Assessment
04 Mental Health Nursing
05 Community & Primary Health
06 Clinical Placement
After you graduate
Career outcomes
AU$70k+
Typical starting salary for registered nurses
2-year 485 visa
Post-study work in Australia
In demand
Nursing is on Australia's skilled shortage lists
PR pathway
High-demand route to permanent residency
How to apply
Application timeline
June – September 2026
Prepare your application
Gather transcripts, take IELTS (aiming for 7.0 in each band), and prepare your documents. Your counsellor reviews everything free of charge.
September – November 2026
Submit your application
QUT assesses international applications directly. Nursing places are limited — apply early for the February 2027 intake.
November 2026 – January 2027
Receive your offer
Offers are released as applications are assessed. Your counsellor follows up on your file and helps you compare offers.
December 2026 – January 2027
Accept & student visa
Accept your offer, receive your CoE, arrange OSHC, complete immunisations, and apply for your subclass 500 student visa.
February 2027
Orientation & start
Arrive in Brisbane for orientation and begin your Bachelor of Nursing — with clinical placements from early in the degree.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees & costs
Tuition (international)
Per annum
AU$40,800
Total degree cost
3 years (indicative)
~AU$122,000
OSHC (health cover)
Mandatory for student visa
~AU$600/yr
Student visa fee
Subclass 500
A$2,000
Scholarships
Funding you may be eligible for
QUT International Merit Scholarship
Queensland University of Technology · Merit-based
25%–50% tuition
Coverage: Fee remission, tiered by merit
Eligibility: High-achieving international applicants
Duration: Degree length
Deadline: Automatic consideration on admission
Source: qut.edu.au scholarships, 2026
Australia Awards
Australian Government · Fully funded
Full award
Coverage: Tuition, living, flights, OSHC
Eligibility: Students from partner countries
Duration: Full programme
Deadline: Varies by country — typically April
Source: australiaawards.gov.au
Government Scholarships (home country)
Saudi SACM, Kuwaiti MOHE, etc.
Full award
Coverage: Tuition + living expenses + flights
Eligibility: Varies by country — healthcare often prioritised
Duration: Full degree
Deadline: Varies — your counsellor checks eligibility
Loans & financing
Alternative funding options
MPOWER Financing
International student loan · No cosigner
Available for international students at leading Australian universities. No cosigner, collateral, or local credit history required.
Work during studies
Student visa holders · Up to 48 hrs/fortnight
Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks — many nursing students find part-time roles in aged care or health support.
Living costs
Monthly budget in Brisbane
Brisbane offers a warm climate, a relaxed lifestyle and lower living costs than Sydney or Melbourne — with a fast-growing health sector that's ideal for nursing placements and jobs.
Rent (shared apartment)AU$750–$1,250
Food & groceriesAU$400–$550
Transport (go card)AU$130
Health cover (OSHC)AU$50
Books & uniform/suppliesAU$70–$130
Personal & leisureAU$200–$400
Estimated totalAU$1,600–$2,500/month
Student-visa financial requirement: A$29,710/year living costs in addition to tuition and travel — via bank statements or approved evidence.
"QUT's simulation labs made me feel ready before my first hospital placement, and there were so many. I registered as a nurse right after graduating and had job offers waiting. My counsellor guided my English prep and application."
AS
Amal S.
Bachelor of Nursing, QUT — Class of 2026 · 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
"Brisbane is warm, friendly and affordable, which mattered a lot on a student budget. Nursing is in such high demand here — the 2-year work visa is helping me build experience toward permanent residency."
MK
Mariam K.
Bachelor of Nursing, QUT — Class of 2025 · 🇪🇬 Egypt
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Will I be able to register as a nurse?
Yes. QUT's Bachelor of Nursing is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). On graduation you're eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA and can work across Australia.
How much clinical placement is included?
The degree includes hundreds of hours of supervised clinical placement in Queensland hospitals and health services, alongside simulation-based learning in QUT's clinical labs. You'll need immunisations and a background check before placement — your counsellor helps you prepare.
Is nursing a good pathway to staying in Australia?
Very much so. Registered Nurse is one of the most in-demand occupations on Australia's skilled lists. Graduates qualify for a 2-year Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), and nursing's high demand supports a strong path to skilled migration and permanent residency.
What English score do I need?
Nursing has higher English requirements because of registration rules — typically IELTS 7.0 in each band (or equivalent). This meets both QUT's entry and AHPRA's registration standards. If you're close, your counsellor will advise the best route.
How affordable is Brisbane?
Brisbane is more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne, with a warm climate and a growing health sector. Budget roughly AU$1,500–$2,400/month all-in. The student-visa financial requirement is A$29,710/year plus tuition.
