- 3 years (or part-time equivalent)
- Ipswich
- Toowoomba
- External
- Feb, May, Sep
- View dates
- AUD 33,600
- (Indicative annual fee)
- 093153B
Overview
- Become a registered nurse and begin your career with confidence with UniSQ’s Bachelor of Nursing. Through a combination of nursing courses and clinical simulation in our well-resourced labs and nursing wards, you’ll gain the skills to excel in roles across a range of healthcare settings.
- Learn how to deliver high-quality nursing care to people of all ages – this degree aligns with current Australian professional nursing standards of practice, ensuring that you graduate as a skilled, knowledgeable and highly employable nurse.
- Benefit from nearly 50% of your degree being devoted to clinical practice. Experience hands-on practical learning within simulated on-campus labs or in health care settings, including large metropolitan hospitals, mental health services, regional health care services, aged care settings, community health services, specialty clinics and rehabilitation centres.
- Take advantage of our flexible delivery option which allows you to study the on-campus component of this degree in intensive residential schools each semester, combined with online delivery and face-to-face clinical experience.
- Have the opportunity to undertake placement in a range of settings and locations. Find out what’s involved in the placement process and what opportunities and support UniSQ and organisations, such as Southern Queensland Rural Health (SQRH), offer for rural and away placements.
Never missed a beat
As a current student I can confidently say that UniSQ facilitators have never missed a beat, from helping me navigate my StudyDesk to helping me rearrange residential schools and placements. The content delivered is exceptional, and I have always felt completely prepared for all assessment tasks.
Taylor - Nursing
Career outcomes
- Be prepared for practice as a registered nurse, in public and private hospitals, community health settings, mental health settings, GP practices, clinics, home healthcare, indigenous health, occupational health, rural and remote health services and aged care facilities across Australia and the world.
- This qualification is also a pathway to graduate-entry midwifery and mental health programs and other specialties within nursing and health care.
Professional accreditation
UniSQ's Bachelor of Nursing is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and is listed as an approved program with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
To gain registration as a nurse, you will need to satisfy the registration criteria of the NMBA.
Graduates will have to meet standards in English language skills (if English is their second language), criminal history, and professional indemnity insurance. To maintain registration, nurses are also required to meet standards of continuing professional development and recency of practice. See further details on the NMBA Registration Standards.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) will keep a register of students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing for the duration of their study or clinical training. UniSQ, as the education provider, will pass on students' details directly to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) for registration. No fees are required. UniSQ is also obliged to report to AHPRA when there is a ‘reasonable belief’ that a student has an impairment that, when undertaking clinical training, may place the public at substantial risk of harm. Further details are available at the AHPRA website.
What you'll study
To graduate from the Bachelor of Nursing, you must successfully complete 24 units of study.
Degree structure
An undergraduate university degree typically consists of a combination of core, major and elective courses designed to provide you with foundational knowledge and opportunities for an in-depth deeper dive into your chosen field.
Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for detailed recommended enrolment patterns and course availability.
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previous studies or relevant work experience. This could reduce the number of courses you need to study to complete your degree.
Degree requirements
As part of the degree, you will need to complete 840 hours of practical placements in different healthcare settings. Placements in industry provide professional experience, putting the theory into practice, and opportunities to start networking with potential employers.
All students must be able to meet the physical and other professional requirements of practical placements within this degree.
As part of this degree, you will be required to attend on-campus residential schools. During these sessions, you will attend face-to-face practical classes and workshops, use the laboratory facilities and specialised equipment, and engage with staff and fellow students.
If you choose to enrol in the External mode, you'll study the theoretical courses online, complete clinical experience placements at different health care institutions, and select one of the following locations to undertake your residential school courses.
- UniSQ Ipswich campus
- UniSQ Toowoomba campus
- SQRH Charleville Clinical Training Facility, Charleville, QLD, provided that you reside within one of the eligible postcodes (PDF 85 KB)
Geraldton Universities Centre (GUC), Geraldton, WA (You'll need to submit an Expression of Interest form with your application to study at GUC.) Please note that this residential school location is only available to the GUC cohort.
You'll be expected to purchase and wear a UniSQ nursing uniform while studying on-campus and during off-campus clinical placements.
Entry requirements
You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
Use our International qualification converter to check country-specific grades (that are equivalent to Australian Year 12) you will need to apply for this degree.
- Subject pre-requisite: English (Units 3 & 4, C), or equivalent
- Recommended prior study: Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C) and one of Biology (Units 3 & 4, C), Chemistry (Units 3 & 4, C), Physics (Units 3 & 4, C), or equivalent
Please note: Meeting entry requirements does not guarantee admission. Places within this degree are limited by quota. Quota size is determined by the availability of placements. Where the quota is filled, no further places will be offered.
You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires:
- IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.
During your study
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet these requirements throughout your studies.
Inherent requirements are fundamental skills, capabilities, and knowledge that you must be able to demonstrate to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the degree, while maintaining the academic integrity of the degree.
If you think you may experience any problems meeting inherent requirements, you can talk to an Accessibility Support Officer about reasonable adjustments that may be put in place to assist you. Any reasonable adjustments made must not fundamentally change the nature of the inherent requirement.
Review the inherent requirements and make sure this degree is right for you.
All students must provide the following documents prior to commencing residential schools and clinical placements:
- Blue Card or Working with Children Check
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Workers Screening Card
- Australian Federal Police Criminal History Check certificate
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate
- Queensland Health Student Orientation Checklist
- Queensland Health Student Deed Poll
- Queensland Health iLearn Modules
- A signed UniSQ Clinical Placement Declaration including a requirement to undertake shift work.
Plus evidence of the following immunisations:
- Hepatitis B immunisation
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Pertussis, and Varicella immunisation
- Tuberculosis risk assessment
- Influenza immunisation
- COVID-19 vaccinations as directed by health services.
Entry pathways
There is more than one way to get into university, and if you're not sure about your entry options get in touch to discuss.
Fees and scholarships
- This estimated 2025 annual fee is based on the current average rate for your first year of study (8 units per year) and does not include cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee.
- This is an indicative guide only and your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment.
- We review our fees annually and they may increase each year.
- Further details are available on the Fees website.
Additional costs
You may be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as part of your degree cost.
This degree includes an on-campus residential school component that involves travel, accommodation, and meal expenses.
Placement courses may incur some additional costs, including uniform and equipment, transport to and from venues and, in some instances, living expenses, particularly for placements in rural and remote settings
Additional costs may apply within this degree, such as the purchase of a uniform or specialised equipment required for placement courses.
UniSQ Scholarships
We offer scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need - you can apply for more than one!
Find out moreHow to apply
The University accepts applications all year. Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.
ApplyYou can select to start your study in Trimester 1, 2 or 3.
| Study period | Orientation | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1, 2025 | Monday 3 February | Monday 10 February |
| Trimester 2, 2025 | Monday 19 May | Monday 26 May |
| Trimester 3, 2025 | Monday 1 September | Monday 8 September |
| Trimester 1, 2026 | Monday 9 February | Monday 16 February |
Preparing to apply
You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:
You can contact one of our approved agents to guide you through the application process. Our agents provide:
- advice on your study plans
- advice on applying to UniSQ
- document certification
- assistance with any pre-departure arrangements
- assistance with your visa requirements.
To support your application, you will need to submit certified copies of:
- identity documents (passport)
- evidence of your English language proficiency
- senior high school (A levels/Year 12) certificate and academic transcripts
- all post-secondary study certificates and academic transcripts (if any)
- evidence of work experience (if required).
Application dates can vary so be sure to check our key dates to get all the details.
It is important to apply early to allow enough time for your application to be assessed and processed to meet study commencement dates and participation in Orientation activities. You should also factor in visa processing requirements and timeframes, where applicable.
After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. Please allow up to 14 days for assessment. If further assessment is required for course credits or exemptions, this process may take longer.
Once you have received your letter of offer from UniSQ, you will need to return your signed acceptance of offer form. The UniSQ team will contact you at this time with more information regarding next steps.
Find out more
Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.
Frequently asked questions
A nursing degree opens up career paths in a variety of health care areas as a registered nurse. You might want to consider careers in:
- theatre nursing
- aged care nursing
- private practice nursing
- mental health nursing
- emergency nursing
- oncology nursing
- critical care nursing
- hospice nursing.
After completing a nursing course in Australia, such as a Bachelor of Nursing, you can pursue specialised postgraduate courses to advance into healthcare leadership roles.
To become a registered nurse you will need to complete a Bachelor of Nursing. Evidence of AHPRA registration is required in your application to study and upon enrolment.
If it has been over 5 years since you completed a Diploma of Nursing qualification, additional supporting documentation will be required with your application to study.
UniSQ's Bachelor of Nursing is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and to become a registered nurse upon completion of this degree you will need to satisfy the registration criteria of the NMBA.
Please view the entry requirements section of this page for details on supporting documentation.
You can choose to study our Bachelor of Nursing either on-campus (Ipswich and Toowoomba locations) or externally which means you learn your subject theory online and attend on-campus residential schools.
Regardless of how you choose to study, you’ll experience the same level of support and opportunities to connect with others. Discover more about the different ways to study.
The cost of a Bachelor of Nursing in Australia will vary depending on the education provider you choose. Other associated costs to consider include:
- clinical experience costs
- student services and amenities fees
- residential school costs.
Please view the fees and scholarships section of this page for further details.
- We are ranked #1 in Australia for nursing graduates in full-time employment (Good Universities Guide, 2025).
- Our health simulators provides a real-life environment for you to develop your clinical nursing skills.
- Our Nursing degree is fully accredited, aligning with current Australian professional nursing standards of practice.
