- 1 year part-time
- Online
- Feb, May, Sep
- View dates
- AUD 2,312
- (Indicative annual fee)
Overview
- Extend your skill set and progress your nursing career with UniSQ’s Graduate Certificate of Nursing.
- Choose between four specialisations and learn to apply specialised knowledge and technical competencies within different health contexts.
- Collaborate with a range of healthcare professionals to achieve the best possible healthcare outcomes for individuals and communities.
- Benefit from flexible study - delivered part-time, this postgraduate nursing degree gives you the opportunity to upskill while working.
Specialisations in the Graduate Certificate of Nursing
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Clinical Education
Gain expertise as a clinical educator, learn to create strategies for positive learning environments and lifelong learning.
-
Gerontology
Be ready to deliver high-quality, ethical and evidenced-based care to our elderly population.
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Leadership and Management in Health
Explore the concepts and challenges of contemporary healthcare leadership and learn to create and manage effective teams.
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Rural and Remote
Develop expertise in rural and isolated healthcare delivery, learn to address unique challenges, and enhance your critical thinking for accountable nursing practices.
Supportive
My academic journey at UniSQ has been amazing, the lecturers are supportive and genuinely want students to do well.
Nicole - Health
Career outcomes
You may find work across diverse healthcare settings as a specialised nurse, including hospitals and aged care facilities, community health centres and primary care clinics, educational institutions (TAFE, universities), government and non-government health agencies, rural and remote health services, or telehealth and emergency response units.
Graduates may pursue roles such as:
- clinical nurse specialist
- nurse educator
- nurse unit manager
- roles in telehealth and digital health services
- community health nurse
- health services manager
- policy advisor (health/nursing)
- project officer or coordinator in healthcare
- advanced practice nurse (depending on experience and further qualifications).
What you'll study
To graduate from the Graduate Certificate of Nursing, you must successfully complete 4 units of study.
Degree structure
A postgraduate university degree typically comprises of advanced coursework and research opportunities, allowing you to deepen your expertise in a specific field while building upon foundational knowledge.
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.
Other study options
If you’re interested in further study, after completion of this degree you can go on to study the Graduate Diploma of Nursing or the Master of Nursing (if you meet all the entry requirements).
Entry requirements
There are many ways to be considered for entry into a UniSQ degree based on your education, work experience and relevant personal attributes. You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this postgraduate degree.
- Completion of an Australian-university 3-year bachelor degree, or equivalent, in the area of nursing.
- Hold a current professional registration as a Division 1 nurse, or equivalent, with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or relevant regulatory body in applicant's home country.
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.
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 (4 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.
Payment options
You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP is a government loan scheme that allows you to defer payment until your income reaches a certain threshold. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP.
You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Services Australia.
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
Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.
ApplyYou can select to start your study in Trimester 1, 2 or 3.
| Study period | Application closing date | Orientation | Start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1, 2025 | Monday 10 February | Monday 3 February | Monday 10 February |
| Trimester 2, 2025 | Monday 26 May | Monday 19 May | Monday 26 May |
| Trimester 3, 2025 | Monday 8 September | Monday 1 September | Monday 8 September |
| Trimester 1, 2026 | Monday 16 February | Monday 9 February | Monday 16 February |
More information on application key dates is available.
Preparing to apply
You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:
The entry requirements for your degree will provide you with details regarding the documentation to provide. These may include:
- interviews and selection criteria
- CV/resume or LinkedIn profile
- referee reports.
After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. You will be notified via email the outcome of your application within 10 business days.
Follow the link in your email from UniSQ or log in to the application portal to accept your offer.
Find out more
Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.
Available 5 days a week
Chat now
Freecall
1800 269 500
Email us at study@unisq.edu.au
Frequently asked questions
There are many reasons why you should get started in a Graduate Certificate of Nursing at UniSQ.
- Increase your pay packet – when you add postgraduate study to your resume, you are likely to add some numbers to your salary.
- Transferable skills – expand your knowledge, improve your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, develop independent thought, and learn to work in a team.
- A pathway to further study – continue to enhance your nursing knowledge and use your Graduate Certificate in Nursing as a stepping-stone to the Graduate Diploma of Nursing or Master of Nursing.
At UniSQ you can tailor your learning experience to suit your personal interests and career goals by choosing from a variety of Graduate Certificate in Nursing majors including:
- Clinical Education – Gain the skills and knowledge needed to become a clinical educator, with a focus on learner-centred education in clinical settings.
- Gerontology- Develop your understanding of chronic conditions, dementia and end-of-life care to support the needs of the ageing populations.
- Leadership & Management in Health - Become a leader in the health care profession and gain a competitive edge to advance your career.
- Rural & Remote – Gain a clear understanding of the social, cultural and geographical features that affect health care in remote communities.
Would you like to talk through your study options? Get in touch and we can provide you with the personalised support and advice you need.
Yes! At UniSQ you will study our Graduate Certificate of Nursing externally or online, allowing you to choose where you study, when you study and even how you study.
As an online student, you’ll receive the same level of support as an on- campus student and we’ll be there with you, every step of the way.
Discover more about online study at UniSQ.
Opportunities for Graduate Certificate Nursing graduates exist in a variety of nursing and health care settings including:
- Aged care
- Hospitals
- Private practice
- Schools
- Emergency care
- Rehabilitation.
There are many great reasons to study a Graduate Certificate of Nursing and take the next step towards your future career:
- Our research in nursing has been evaluated as world class in the recent ERA results.
- Benefit from industry –relevant, practical and theoretical training.
- Continue to enhance your new found knowledge and use the Graduate Certificate in Nursing as a stepping-stone to study the Graduate Diploma of Nursing or Master of Nursing.
