Nurses and midwives form Australia’s largest clinical workforce with over 470,000 registered professionals nationwide. Despite this substantial number, demand continues to grow, with a projected 13.9 per cent increase in nursing positions over the next five years.

If you’re an experienced registered nurse, pursuing a postgraduate nursing degree can position you for significant career advancement and ongoing professional growth. You’ll sharpen your critical thinking and decision-making skills to deliver improved patient care and build valuable industry connections, learning from experienced professionals and networking with peers to build your professional network.

Nursing landscape: industry snapshot

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Why study a postgraduate nursing course?

Benefit from a high-quality, industry-aligned education

When you study a postgraduate nursing course, you’ll learn from experienced nursing professionals and leading academics, benefiting from an education that’s both current and aligned with the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. For example, if you enrol in the Master of Nursing at James Cook University, you’ll be taught by lecturers who are all registered nurses with extensive experience across areas such as mental health, palliative care and paediatric intensive care.

Many institutions also maintain strong partnerships with hospitals and healthcare providers across Australia, providing you with opportunities for networking, collaboration and ongoing professional development.

Stay current in a rapidly evolving healthcare sector

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving due to factors such as technological advancements and an ageing population. By studying a postgraduate nursing course, you’ll gain industry-relevant skills that enable you to remain competitive, deliver high-quality care and adapt to new healthcare challenges.

For instance, the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) focuses on areas such as leadership, clinical practice, applied pathophysiology and evidence-based nursing, ensuring you’re well-prepared to provide effective, person-centred care across advanced clinical settings.

Choose from diverse nursing specialisations

Postgraduate nursing courses have a wide range of specialisations available to suit your interests and long-term career goals.

For example, if you’re an experienced nurse looking to further your clinical expertise in a specialised area, you might consider options like the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing at Southern Cross University or the Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health at UTS. Alternatively, if your goal is to develop strong leadership capabilities, the Master of Nursing (Leadership) at Victoria University may be a good fit. 

Many postgraduate nursing courses also offer specialisations. For instance, the Graduate Diploma of Nursing at James Cook University offers three majors – leadership and management, education and advanced practice for you to choose from.

Advance your nursing career

Demand for highly skilled nurse leaders in Australia is steadily increasing as healthcare needs grow more complex and workforce pressures rise. By pursuing a postgraduate nursing course, you’ll gain the advanced knowledge and leadership skills required to take on more senior positions. 

Some of the nurse leadership positions that you may be able to step into with a postgraduate nursing degree include associate nurse unit manager, nurse unit manager and director of nursing.

Demand for highly skilled nurse leaders in Australia is steadily increasing as healthcare needs grow more complex and workforce pressures rise. By pursuing a postgraduate nursing course, you’ll gain the advanced knowledge and leadership skills required to take on more senior positions. 

Some of the nurse leadership positions that you may be able to step into with a postgraduate nursing degree include associate nurse unit manager, nurse unit manager and director of nursing.

Top universities for postgraduate nursing courses

Discover the top universities in Australia to study nursing according to the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Things to consider before studying a postgraduate nursing course

There are both advantages and challenges to pursuing a postgraduate nursing course. To help you make a decision, here are some factors to take into consideration.

• • Advantages

  • Develop leadership and critical thinking skills
    
    Postgraduate nursing courses are designed to expand your clinical reasoning, leadership capabilities and confidence in complex decision-making, positioning you for a variety of specialised and leadership nursing roles.
    
    You’ll gain the skills required to oversee nursing teams, shape workplace culture and contribute to the strategic direction of the department or unit.

  • Boost your earning potential
    
    A postgraduate nursing qualification can position you for high-paying nursing roles such as clinical nurse and mental health nurse roles where you can earn approximately 25 per cent more than a registered nurse.
    
    Additionally, many states and territories offer qualification allowances, a weekly or annual payment provided to nurses who hold recognised postgraduate qualifications, increasing your overall income.

  • Improve patient care outcomes
    
    By specialising in areas of nursing such as chronic disease management, critical care or acute care nursing, you'll deepen your clinical expertise, improve core competencies associated with person-centred care and make a greater impact in your current role.

  • Study without stepping away from your career
    
    You don’t have to put your job on hold to pursue a postgraduate qualification. Many postgraduate nursing courses offer flexible online or hybrid formats, allowing you to balance study with work and other personal commitments.

• • Challenges

  • Financial investment
    
    While some postgraduate nursing courses offer Commonwealth supported places (CSPs), many courses are full-fee paying. It’s important to assess your current financial situation and explore financial support options such as FEE-HELP to assist with managing costs.
    
    Some institutions may also offer scholarships or alumni discounts that can help reduce the overall financial burden.

  • Substantial time and study load
    
    Balancing postgraduate study with work, family and other obligations can be a genuine juggle. Consider whether you can commit to full-time time study or if you’d prefer a part-time option. This matters in terms of the time commitment as well as dedicating your efforts towards your coursework.

  • Time commitment
    
    Between coursework, assessments and possibly a placement component, postgraduate study can take up a significant chunk of time. Before enrolling in a postgraduate nursing course, it’s important to understand the level of commitment involved and ensure you’re prepared to dedicate the time and focus needed.
    
    Effective time management and setting realistic expectations can help with balancing commitments and reducing the likelihood of burnout.
     

  • Navigating specialisation options
    
    Postgraduate nursing courses offer various specialisations such as acute care and mental health. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which course to choose.  Reflecting on your interests and career goals can help ensure the specialisation you choose aligns with your long-term aspirations.

  • Adapting from hands-on practice to academic learning
    
    Most nurses may be more accustomed to hands-on practical learning so shifting into an academic environment that focuses more on research, critical thinking and theoretical frameworks can be a significant change.

Career outcomes for postgraduate nursing courses

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Completing a postgraduate nursing qualification can open up a range of fulfilling career pathways across clinical, educational and leadership settings. While there are many specialised nursing and leadership roles, here are some career outcomes for those with a postgraduate nursing qualification.

Clinical nurse
Clinical nurses are experienced practitioners with advanced clinical competencies in a specialised area of care. They often support and mentor other nursing staff while leading the implementation of evidence-based practices and contributing to quality improvement initiatives.

Director of nursing
A director of nursing holds a senior leadership role and is responsible for overseeing nursing operations within a healthcare organisation. This position involves strategic planning, managing large teams and ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care. 

Mental health nurse
Mental health nurses deliver high-quality, evidence-based care to individuals experiencing mental health challenges. They conduct comprehensive assessments and assist with crisis intervention and ongoing recovery planning.

Nurse consultant
Nurse consultants are highly experienced practitioners who offer advanced clinical expertise and lead improvements within their area of expertise. They also play a key role in mentoring staff, guiding clinical decision-making and shaping best practice standards across healthcare teams.

Nurse educator
Nurse educators support the professional growth of nursing staff by delivering and designing education programs and mentoring staff. They may also oversee staff development, assess clinical competence and assist in the development of clinical practice improvements.

Nurse unit manager
Nurse unit managers are responsible for the daily operations of a nursing unit or ward, overseeing staffing, budgets and patient care quality. They also play a pivotal role in planning and implementing systems that drive clinical excellence.

Sectors

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Nurses can work in a variety of public and private health sectors. Examples of settings include:

Aged care 
In aged care, nurses provide ongoing medical and emotional support to older adults. They may also collaborate with health teams and provide palliative care support to residents or patients and their families.

Community health services
In this sector, nurses work in health promotion, disease prevention and outreach programs that improve health outcomes at the community level.

Correctional facilities
Nurses in correctional settings provide essential care to inmates, addressing physical and mental health needs.

Rural and remote communities
Nurses in rural or remote areas deliver essential healthcare to populations with limited access to medical services. They often have a wider scope of practice due to the fewer medical resources available in these areas.

Private hospitals 
Nurses working in private hospitals often work in specialised areas and typically care for patients undergoing planned procedures or surgeries.

Primary care practices
Nurses in general practice settings assist with preventative care, chronic condition management and patient education.

Public hospitals
Nurses in public hospitals deliver care across a wide array of specialties, often managing high patient volumes and diverse clinical cases.

Salaries for nursing careers

Below are the average salaries for some nursing careers suitable for graduates of postgraduate nursing courses. Salary data has been sourced from SEEK and reflects the average salary in Australia.

Clinical nurse 
Average annual salary: $105,000

Entry-level positions start at $100,000, while experienced workers can make up to $110,000 a year.

Projected job growth: 13.9 per cent over the next five years.

Director of nursing 
Average annual salary: $150,000

Entry-level positions start at $140,000, while experienced workers can make up to $160,000 a year.

Projected job growth: 23.1 per cent over the next five years.

Mental health nurse 
Average annual salary: $115,000

Entry-level positions start at $110,000, while experienced workers can make up to $120,000 a year.

Projected job growth: 13.9 per cent over the next five years.

Nurse consultant
Average annual salary: $125,000

Entry-level positions start at $120,000, while experienced workers can make up to $130,000 a year.

Nurse educator 
Average annual salary: $133,000

Entry-level positions start at $125,000, while experienced workers can make up to $140,000 a year.

Nurse unit manager
Average annual salary: $128,000

Entry-level positions start at $125,000, while experienced workers can make up to $130,000 a year.

Projected job growth: 23.1 per cent over the next five years.

Frequently asked questions about postgraduate nursing courses

How long is a postgraduate nursing course?

The length of a postgraduate nursing degree varies depending on the qualification you pursue. Here’s a general guide:

Graduate certificate
Graduate certificates are the shortest postgraduate nursing qualification and are ideal for those that are looking to upskill in a specific area of practice. These courses typically take around six months to one year full-time or eight months to one year part-time to complete.

Graduate diploma
Graduate diplomas offer more depth than graduate certificates and often explore content in greater detail. They usually take around 12 to 16 months full-time or two years part-time to complete.

Master’s degree
Master’s degrees are typically the most comprehensive course type for nursing and usually take between 18 months and two years full-time or three years part-time to complete.

What are the differences between studying nursing online and on campus?

The key difference between studying nursing online and on campus lies in the mode of delivery, not in the quality of education or the learning outcomes. Whether you choose to study online, on campus or in a blended format, the skills you gain and the content covered are typically the same.

Many nurses choose to pursue an online postgraduate nursing course due to the flexibility it offers, especially for those balancing work and personal commitments. Online courses often have multiple intake dates and allow for more flexible, self-paced learning. For example, the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education at UTS has intakes five times a year and focuses on one subject at a time, making it easier to manage.

For those who prefer a more structured, face-to-face learning experience, on-campus study may be more appealing. It offers in-person interaction with classmates and academic staff and the opportunity to engage in classroom discussions, which can feel more immersive and interactive for some learners. 

When it comes to online vs on campus courses, there are benefits and drawbacks to both and it’s dependent on which mode of study will help you excel the most.

What are the prerequisites for a postgraduate nursing course?

Entry requirements for postgraduate nursing courses vary between institutions and course types, so it’s important to check the specific criteria for each course. Generally, you’ll need to have completed a Bachelor of Nursing and be a registered nurse with Ahpra. Some courses may also require at least one year of full-time clinical experience or the part-time equivalent.

Specialised courses often have more specific prerequisites. For example, the Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing at Southern Cross University requires students to have access to mental health nurse practitioners during their course of study. Similarly, the Graduate Certificate in Critical Care at UTS requires nurses to have a minimum of one year full-time (1,800+ hours) of post-registration clinical experience, which must be demonstrated through a statement of service.

As a general rule, if you’re considering a course with a specific clinical focus, it’s expected that you are already working in or have prior experience in that field. This ensures you have the practical context needed to fully engage with the content and apply it effectively in your current or future role.

It’s also important to note that Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) courses have different prerequisites, as these courses are designed for applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in another discipline but are looking to enter the nursing profession. Entry requirements include having a bachelor’s degree in any field, and in some cases, completion of a unit of human anatomy and/or physiology.

How much does a nursing course cost?

The cost of a postgraduate nursing course in Australia can vary significantly depending on the level of qualification, the institution and whether the course offers CSPs. 

Graduate certificate
Costs can range from $2,312 for a CSP course such as the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing at Victoria University to around $13,128 for a full-fee paying course like the Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing at UTS.

Graduate diploma
Tuition fees range from $4,624 for a CSP course such as the Graduate Diploma in Nursing at Western Sydney University to around $27,000 for a full-fee paying course such as the Graduate Diploma in Rural and Remote Nursing Practice at La Trobe University. 

Master’s degree
Master’s courses tend to be the most expensive with costs ranging from $9,270 for a CSP course like the Master of Nursing Studies at The University of Queensland to around $54,567 for a full-fee paying course such as the Master of Nursing Science at The University of Melbourne.

What are the payment options for postgraduate nursing course fees?

While postgraduate nursing courses can be a significant financial investment, there are several payment options available to help alleviate costs: 

Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) 
Some postgraduate nursing courses offer CSPs, government-subsidised places that significantly reduce tuition fees for eligible domestic students. With a CSP, the Australian Government covers part of your course cost and you pay the remaining student contribution. 

Commonwealth prac payment (CPP)
Announced in the 2024 - 25 federal budget, the CPP initiative is designed to ease the financial pressure on students completing clinical placements. From 1 July 2025, eligible domestic students enrolled in a CSP Master of Nursing course will receive $331.65 per week while completing mandatory placement hours. 

While not all master’s courses include placements, for those that do, this payment is meant to help offset the added financial strain of reduced work hours or placement-related expenses.

FEE-HELP
If you’re enrolled in a full-fee paying course, FEE-HELP is an Australian government loan scheme that allows eligible students to defer all or part of their tuition fees. Repayments are made through the tax system once your income exceeds the minimum threshold.

In addition to the above, some institutions also offer scholarships, bursaries or alumni discounts that can further reduce your course costs. It’s worth checking with your chosen institution to have a better understanding of what financial support may be available to you.

What skills do graduates gain by studying a postgraduate nursing course?

The skills you’ll gain from a postgraduate nursing course will vary depending on the qualification level and whether you’ve chosen a specific specialisation. For instance, if you’re studying a specialised course such as a postgraduate mental health nursing course, the skills you learn will be focused on providing person-centred care for individuals experiencing mental health conditions. 

Below is an overview of the types of skills you can expect to develop across different levels of postgraduate nursing courses. 

Graduate certificate
Many graduate certificate courses offer specialisations that allow you to tailor your learning to a specific area of nursing. Skills that you’ll typically develop from pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Nursing include:

• Understanding how to deliver holistic, culturally sensitive and socially responsive care, particularly while supporting marginalised or vulnerable populations
• Gaining foundational knowledge in evidence-based clinical practice and the processes required to apply it effectively
• Enhancing leadership abilities to contribute to improved patient or client outcomes
• Applying principles of quality governance across different healthcare settings

Graduate diploma
Graduate diplomas delve deeper into clinical knowledge and leadership development. Similar to a graduate certificate, many offer specialisation options. Skills you may develop include:

• The ability to critically appraise healthcare literature and synthesise best-available evidence to inform safe and effective practice
• Strengthening your clinical knowledge and capability for advanced nursing roles
• Analysing the development, implementation and outcomes of health policies and understanding how they impact healthcare delivery
• Advanced leadership skills in nursing, including in a digital healthcare environment

Master’s degree
Master’s courses are often the most comprehensive with units often focused on leadership, research and advanced clinical decision-making. Some courses may also require you to undertake a capstone or research project.

Many courses also allow you to choose a specialisation, allowing you to further your expertise in a specific area of nursing.

Some key skills you may develop include:

• The ability to lead quality improvement and innovative initiatives within nursing teams or broader healthcare settings
• Formulating research questions and aligning them with appropriate research designs, data collection techniques and analysis methods
• Building advanced capabilities in care planning, delivery and coordination for patients with complex health needs
• Refining your ability to critically review and evaluate nursing and healthcare research to inform evidence-based decisions

What specialties are available for postgraduate nursing courses?

Postgraduate nursing courses offer a wide variety of specialisations to suit different interests. Here are some examples of specialties available in postgraduate nursing courses: 

• Acute care
• Advanced practice
• Aged care
• Cardiac care
• Chronic and complex care
• Chronic disease and ageing
• Clinical nursing
• Correctional health
• Critical care
• Education
• Gerontology
• Intensive care
• Leadership and management
• Medical imaging
• Medical nursing
• Mental health nursing
• Neonatal care
• Neuroscience
• Nursing informatics leadership
• Palliative care
• Paediatric nursing
• Perioperative nursing
• Primary healthcare
• Public health
• Renal nursing 
• Rural and remote nursing 
• Surgical nursing
• Tuberculosis management

How hard is a postgraduate nursing course?

The difficulty of a postgraduate nursing course is dependent on a few factors such as the type of course you choose, if you’re adept at balancing commitments and how well you’re able to engage with course content.

Course type
The difficulty of a postgraduate nursing course often depends on the type of qualification you choose. Graduate certificates usually consist of four units, making them a more manageable option for nurses looking to upskill in a specific area without a long-term commitment.

In contrast, master’s courses typically include up to 12 units, requiring a greater time investment. These courses also often have more complex content that requires data analysis and the use of research methodologies, which can be more academically demanding, especially for those unfamiliar with this type of study.

Balancing commitments
Many nurses undertake postgraduate studies while continuing to work, which can make balancing coursework and personal responsibilities a challenge. If you’re confident in managing your time, are used to juggling multiple tasks or have recently completed academic study, you may find the transition easier.

On the other hand, if you’re returning to study after a break or tend to find balancing various responsibilities more challenging, it may take time to adjust to an academic routine, deadlines and the demands of postgraduate learning.

Course content
Postgraduate nursing courses often involve a transition from hands-on clinical work to more theory-driven, academic learning. You’ll be expected to engage with research, analyse academic literature and produce academic reports, which can be challenging for some.

In addition, while nurses are trained to respond quickly and practically in clinical settings, postgraduate study encourages a more reflective approach, which involves slowing down, analysing your decisions and supporting them using academic frameworks, which can require some getting used to.

Take the next step in your nursing career

Whether you’re looking to deepen your clinical expertise, build leadership skills or step into a senior nursing role, a postgraduate nursing course can help you get there.

At GlobalHealth Education, our university partners offer an array of postgraduate nursing courses to suit different goals and areas of interest. To get started, simply select a course and enquire to speak with a Student Enrolment Advisor who will guide you through the process.