Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing

What you will study

You must complete five subjects (50 credit points) to gain the Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing degree. Unless otherwise indicated, each subject is worth 12.5 credit points.

Core subjects

Complete all of the following:

• Applied Pathophysiology
• Foundations in Cancer Nursing
• Cancer Nursing Practice

Electives

Choose two of the following:

• Medical Oncology Nursing (6.25 credit points)
• Haematological Oncology Nursing (6.25 credit points)
• Radiation Oncology Nursing (6.25 credit points)
• Surgical Oncology Nursing (6.25 credit points)
• Haematopoietic Transplant Nursing (6.25 credit points)

Entry requirements

To be considered for entry into this course, you must have the following:

• Completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree or higher-level degree (i.e. Master of Nursing Science - entry-to-practice).
• Current and unrestricted registration as a Division 1 Registered Nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
• Documented evidence of a minimum of one year of post-registration clinical experience.
• Clinical support from a partnering health service and be employed a minimum of three (3) days or 24 hours per week in a specialty area of cancer care for the duration of the course.

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including a recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test.

If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

• IELTS (Academic) - 6.5 overall, with no band less than 6.0.
• TOEFL - minimum score of 79+, with writing 21, speaking 18, reading 13, listening 13.
• Pearson - 64+ overall, with no communicative skill below 60.
• Cambridge - minimum score of 176+, with no skill less than 169.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Prior studies may be credited towards your degree and potentially reduce the duration of your course. This is known as Advanced Standing (also known as credit or recognition of prior learning). Contact the university for more details.

Outcomes

Carreer outcomes

There is a high demand for health professionals with skills and knowledge to deliver comprehensive cancer care. As a graduate of this program, you will meet the competency standards required to increase your employability in the oncology workforce as a specialist cancer nurse. You will be well-positioned to deliver high-quality nursing care within a range of cancer settings.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative first-year and total course fee in 2026: $14,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Unless otherwise noted, the indicative total course fee shown above assumes a study load of 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) commencing semester one of the listed year, except for courses with a duration of less than 1 EFTSL.

Fees are subject to annual review by the University, with any new rates effective from the beginning of each calendar year.

A student’s fee may vary depending on:

• The number of subjects studied per term.
• The choice of major or specialisation.
• Choice of subjects.
• Credit from previous study or work experience.
• Eligibility for government-funded loans.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.