Graduate Diploma of Nursing

What you will study

The Graduate Diploma of Nursing requires the completion of the following courses equivalent to 200 units of credit. Each course is valued at 25 units of credit.

Entry requirements

The following entry requirements apply to this program:

• Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia or provisional registration, whichever is applicable at the time of commencement.
• Nursing of another appropriate degree or the equivalent.
• Minimum of one year relevant post-registration nursing experience.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Advanced Standing is a way the university recognises the studies you've already completed. Instead of repeating subjects, you get credit for them, saving you time and money. You might be eligible for this credit if you've completed studies at any university (even here at Notre Dame), including single subjects. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Diploma of Nursing, graduates will be able to:

• Synthesise advanced theoretical knowledge and skills required of the Registered Nurse to undertake increasingly complex nursing activities.
• Critique the effectiveness of national and international nursing practice and policy models to improve patient outcomes in the hospital and community continually.
• Employ critical thinking and clinical reasoning to solve ethical and legal dilemmas in the culturally and socially diverse healthcare environment.
• Communicate and negotiate with influence to achieve optimum patient care outcomes.
• Collaborate with various professionals to achieve common goals and the best possible healthcare outcomes for individuals and communities.
• Reflect on practice to facilitate awareness and knowledge of one’s cognition and abilities, establishing a mechanism for lifelong learning.
• Actively contribute to the professional development of a range of healthcare team members.
• Conduct national and international research, retrieval and enquiry to inform contemporary nursing practice.

Career outcomes

A Graduate Diploma of Nursing will allow you to advance your nursing career into a leadership role.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Estimated total fee in 2026: From $25,450 to $27,025 (domestic full-fee paying place)

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 200 units of credit (normally eight courses) per year.

Student fees may vary in accordance with:

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

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

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university program.