December 10, 2025

Nursing in Australia (2026–2027): Complete Guide to AHPRA-Approved Courses, Pathways & Requirements

Nursing remains one of the most respected, future-proof and in-demand professions in Australia. With healthcare workforce shortages and expanding employment opportunities, it continues to be a highly attractive study option for international students seeking stability, purpose, and a strong pathway to permanent residency.

However, the Australian nursing education system includes multiple pathways-AHPRA-approved programs, pathway colleges, EN-to-RN routes, graduate-entry options, RN conversion programs and OBA requirements. Choosing the correct pathway is essential to ensure eligibility for registration and future employment.

This comprehensive guide explains every AHPRA-approved nursing pathway, including Navitas college options, English requirements, OBA pathway, career outcomes, and PR relevance.

Aussizz Group supports students with course selection, GS guidance, Subclass 500 visa lodgement, OSHC, AHPRA-English requirement guidance and long-term migration planning.

Why Nursing Is a Strong Career Path in Australia

1.1 High Demand Across All Healthcare Sectors

Australia is experiencing sustained shortages across:

Aged Care
Acute & Surgical Care
Emergency & Critical Care
Mental Health
Disability & Community Care
Rural & Remote Nursing

Nursing consistently features in Australia’s Top 10 Most In-Demand Occupations.

1.2 Competitive Salaries

Registered Nurses (RNs) typically earn:

AUD $70,000–$110,000
Increased rates for ICU, ED, Mental Health, Theatre, Night Duty or Regional Areas

1.3 Clear Permanent Residency Pathways

Nursing qualifications support strong PR options:

Subclass 189
Subclass 190
Subclass 491
Subclass 485 Post-Study Work Visa
482 → 186 Employer-Sponsored Pathways

1.4 International Recognition

Australian nursing qualifications are recognised in:

UK
New Zealand
Ireland
Singapore
Middle East

2. Importance of Choosing an AHPRA-Approved Program

AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) regulate nursing registration.

Only graduates from AHPRA-approved programs are eligible to apply for:

Enrolled Nurse (EN) registration
Registered Nurse (RN) registration

Choosing a non-approved program may lead to:

Ineligibility for registration
Requirement to complete the OBA
Delayed employment
Additional costs

AHPRA-approved programs include supervised clinical placements and are designed to meet Australia’s national nursing standards.

3. AHPRA-Approved Nursing Programs in Australia

Below is the updated list of programs that are AHPRA-approved and currently running in Australia.

1. Enrolled Nurse (EN) – Diploma Level

Program Type	Award Name	AHPRA Outcome	Example Providers (Approved + Running)
EN Qualification	Diploma of Nursing	EN Registration (Division 2)	TAFE QLD, TAFE NSW, Box Hill Institute, GOTAFE, IHNA, South West TAFE, Holmesglen, Federation TAFE

2. Registered Nurse (RN) – Bachelor-Level Degrees

Program Type	Award Name	AHPRA Outcome	Universities (Approved + Advertising Intakes)
Direct Entry RN	Bachelor of Nursing	RN Registration	Deakin, QUT, La Trobe, Monash, RMIT, UTS, University of Adelaide, Federation University, WSU, CDU, University of Wollongong
Dual Degrees with RN Outcome	BN / Bachelor of (Midwifery, Psychology, Public Health, Paramedicine etc.)	RN Registration	Deakin, QUT, ACU, Monash, La Trobe, UTS
EN-to-RN Pathway	Bachelor of Nursing (Accelerated / EN Pathway)	RN Registration	UTS, RMIT
Graduate Entry	Bachelor of Nursing (Graduate Entry)	RN Registration	Flinders University, University of the Sunshine Coast (USC)

3. Registered Nurse – Postgraduate (Entry-to-Practice Master’s)

Program Type	Award Name	AHPRA Outcome	Universities (Approved + Running)
Pre-Registration Master’s	Master of Nursing Practice / Master of Clinical Nursing / Master of Nursing Science	RN Registration	University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, QUT, Western Sydney University, University of Wollongong, ECU, Southern Cross University, Charles Darwin University, Adelaide University, Curtin University (from 2025)

4. RN Re-Entry / Return to Practice Programs

Program Type	Award Name	Provider	Outcome
RN Re-Entry	Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Nursing (RN Re-entry)	University of Notre Dame	RN Re-Entry Eligibility
RN Re-Entry	Re-entry to Practice (RN)	La Trobe University	RN Re-Entry
RN Re-Entry	Graduate Certificate of Nursing (Re-entry)	ACN	RN Re-Entry
RN Re-Entry	Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Re-entry)	CQU	RN Re-Entry

5. Internationally Qualified Nurses – RN Conversion Program

Program Type	Award Name	Provider	AHPRA Outcome
RN Conversion (IQN Stream)	Bachelor of Science (Nursing) – Registered Nurse Conversion (Australian RN Stream)	Curtin University	Eligibility for RN Registration

6. Nurse Practitioner (Endorsement Pathway)

Program Type	Award Name	Universities	Outcome
NP Endorsement	Master of Nurse Practitioner / Master of Advanced Nursing Practice	University of Melbourne, Monash, QUT, University of Sydney, UniSA, Federation University, CDU	NP Endorsement Eligibility
NP Prescribing Credential	Specialist Certificate in Registered Nurse Prescribing	University of Melbourne	Supports NP Prescribing Endorsement

Important Note

AHPRA updates its approved program list regularly. Before enrolling, always check the current AHPRA-approved nursing program list to ensure your degree remains accredited and eligible for registration.

4. Navitas Nursing Pathways (For Students Not Meeting Direct Entry Requirements)

Navitas pathway programs are ideal for students who:

Do not meet direct BN entry requirements
Do not have science subjects
Require academic support before university-level study
Need English development to reach university requirements

Duration

Diploma: 8–12 months
Bachelor of Nursing after progression: 2–2.5 years

Navitas Pathway Providers

Navitas College	University	Program	English Requirement	Notes
Curtin College	Curtin University	Diploma of Health Sciences	IELTS 6.5 (no band < 6.5)	Leads to Curtin BN
Edith Cowan College	ECU	Diploma of Health Science	IELTS 6.5 (no band < 6.5)	Suitable for non-science students
Eynesbury College	Adelaide University	Diploma of Health Sciences	IELTS 6.5 (no band < 6.5)	Popular for regional SA
Griffith College	Griffith University	Diploma of Health Care	IELTS 6.5 (no band < 6.5)	Strong health foundation
La Trobe College	La Trobe University	Diploma of Health Sciences	IELTS 6.5 (no band < 6.0)	Only Navitas college accepting 6.0 band

Note:

Students must meet AHPRA’s English Language Skills Standard at the time of BN enrolment, not at Diploma entry.

5. OBA Pathway for Students With Non-AHPRA-Approved Nursing Qualifications

If your qualification is not considered substantially equivalent to Australian standards, AHPRA requires completion of the OBA (Outcome-Based Assessment).

Step 1: Application & Assessment

Submit transcripts, syllabus, placement evidence, approved English test and identity documents.

Step 2: OBA Referral

AHPRA issues an OBA referral letter if gaps exist.

Step 3: OBA Exams

NCLEX-RN (theory exam)
OSCE (practical exam in Australia)

Some students choose the RN Conversion pathway instead for structured support.

AHPRA English Language Requirement

To register as an EN or RN, applicants must meet the English Language Skills Registration Standard published by AHPRA/NMBA.

Accepted Tests & Required Scores

Test Type	Minimum Overall Score	Minimum Sub-Scores	Conditions / Notes
IELTS Academic	Overall 7.0	L: 7.0, R: 7.0, S: 7.0, W: 6.5	One sitting OR two sittings within 12 months under AHPRA rules
PTE Academic	Equivalent to IELTS 7.0 (~65)	L: 65, R: 65, S: 65, W: 58	Must follow AHPRA concordance & combination rules
TOEFL iBT	Equivalent to IELTS 7.0	L: 24, R: 24, S: 23, W: 21	Combined sittings allowed under AHPRA rules
OET (Nursing)	B (350+) in L, R, S	C+ (300+) in W	One sitting or two sittings allowed
Cambridge (CAE/C1)	Overall 185	L: 185, R: 185, S: 185, W: 176	Two sittings allowed within 12 months

Important Points

Scores must be valid at the time of registration.
University entry English requirements are NOT the same as AHPRA requirements.
Students must meet the AHPRA standard before applying for registration, not before course commencement.

7. Career Outcomes After Nursing Studies

Australia offers excellent career opportunities across hospitals, aged care, mental health, community care, primary healthcare, disability support and regional practice. Nurses may progress into specialist practice, leadership roles or advanced nursing positions.

Overview of Nursing Careers

Career Category	Common Roles	Work Settings	Salary Range
Entry-Level Roles	EN, Graduate RN	Hospitals, Aged Care	AUD $55,000–$70,000
Registered Nurse	RN, Staff Nurse	Medical/Surgical Wards	AUD $70,000–$110,000
Specialised Nursing	ICU, ED, Theatre, Mental Health	Critical Care Units	AUD $80,000–$120,000+
Community & Aged Care	Community RN, Aged Care RN	Home Care, Community Health	AUD $65,000–$95,000
Rural & Remote Nursing	Remote Area Nurse	Regional Hospitals, FIFO	AUD $90,000–$130,000+
Senior Clinical Practice	CNS, NUM, NP	Specialist Units	AUD $90,000–$180,000
Academic/Research	Lecturer, Research Nurse	Universities & Institutes	AUD $90,000–$150,000

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is nursing in demand in Australia?

Yes. Every Australian state reports ongoing nursing shortages across public and private healthcare sectors.

2. What English scores are required for AHPRA registration?

AHPRA accepts IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge and OET.
Under the updated 2025 standard, applicants must achieve:

Overall equivalent to IELTS 7.0
Minimum 7.0 in Listening, Reading, Speaking
Minimum 6.5 in Writing

These apply to all applicants, regardless of university entry scores.

3. Can I study nursing if I do not have science subjects?

Yes – through Navitas Diploma pathways.

4. What is the difference between the OBA and RN Conversion?

OBA = exam pathway (NCLEX + OSCE).
RN Conversion = academic university-based pathway.

5. Which pathway is fastest for someone who already has a degree?

Graduate Entry Bachelor (2 years) or Pre-Registration Master (2 years).

Conclusion

Nursing is one of Australia’s most reliable, respected and PR-friendly study options. Whether you choose an AHPRA-approved diploma, bachelor’s degree, graduate-entry program, pre-registration master’s, Navitas Diploma pathway or the OBA route, there is a pathway suitable for every academic and professional background.

Aussizz Group supports students with: