Bachelor of Nursing

What you will study

To earn the Bachelor of Nursing, students must complete 72 credit points equivalent to 24 units. Each unit is worth three credit points.

Entry requirements

For entry into the Bachelor of Nursing you will need one of the following:

• Year 12 ATAR with a selection rank of 65 and above.
• Other Australian qualifications (e.g. minimum AQF level 3 or Certificate III and above).
• Overseas qualification (A previously obtained qualification that is equivalent to at least an AQF Level 3 (i.e. Certificate III).
• Prior work experience determined by the time and position level that aligns with the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations.

Assumed knowledge

• Mathematics – General (minimum required)
• English (required)
• Biological Science (preferred)
• Chemistry (preferred)
• Psychology (recommended)

English language requirements

English Language Assessment Test results from one of the following English proficiency tests: - Academic IELTS score of 7.0 overall with minimum score of 7 in listening, reading and speaking and minimum score of 6.5 in writing; or - OET grade of B with minimum score of B in listening, reading and speaking and minimum score of C+ in writing; or - TOEFL iBT with an overall score of 94 with minimum score of 24 in listening, reading and writing and 23 in speaking; or - PTE Academic score of 66 overall with minimum score of 66 in listening, reading and speaking and minimum score of 56 in writing.

Results will only be accepted from either: One test sitting, OR A maximum of two sittings in a 12-month period only if below minimum scores are met: Academic IELTS minimum overall score of 7 in each sitting and no score in any component of the test(s) for either test sitting below 6.5;  OET tested in all four components in each sitting and no score in any component of the test(s) for either test sitting is below C+; TOEFL iBT minimum total score of 94 in each sitting and no score in any of the test sitting sections below 20 for listening, 19 for reading, 24 for writing and 20 for speaking;  PTE Academic minimum overall score of 66 in each sitting and no score in any of the communicative skills for either test sitting below 56.

Additional admission requirements

Immunisations

 TB Screening

 National Police Check

 NSW Health forms

 Working With Vulnerable People

 First Aid/CPR

Recognition of Prior Learning

Previous study may be considered for credit towards the Bachelor of Nursing in accordance with University of Canberra credit policies.

Applicants who have completed an approved Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) may be eligible for 24 credit points of advanced standing, equivalent to one year of the Bachelor of Nursing. UC lists credit transfer arrangements for eligible Diploma of Nursing graduates from the Canberra Institute of Technology and other Australian TAFE providers.

For the CIT pathway, applicants must have completed the Diploma within five years of applying to UC and hold current registration as an Enrolled Nurse with AHPRA to receive the 24 credit points. Eligible CIT graduates are also guaranteed admission, subject to course quotas and intake availability.

Other previous study or relevant learning may be assessed individually in accordance with UC’s credit and Recognition of Prior Learning policies. Professional accreditation requirements may limit the amount of RPL credit that can be granted.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

• Conduct nursing assessments to establish priorities and inform planning; provide skilful nursing interventions for people across the lifespan within the scope of a Registered Nurse and evaluate responses to determine effectiveness.
• Integrate sciences, appraise research and apply evidence and strength-based best practice approaches to think critically and inform safe clinical decision making for quality person-centred nursing care.
• Build and apply career-readiness, a clear professional identity and the skills, knowledge and personal attributes necessary to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Registered Nurse Standards for practice.
• Develop and apply nursing knowledge and skills to approach all interactions with empathy in a culturally safe, respectful manner where cultural understanding and reconciliation are valued, ensuring that all feel safe.
• Implement culturally appropriate nursing care integrating First Nations perspectives on health, connection to land and community.
• Demonstrate professional communication and therapeutic relationships that are consistent with ethical strengths-based approaches to person-centred nursing care and relevant legal frameworks that govern healthcare practice.

Career outcomes

This course leads directly into becoming eligible for registration as an Australian-qualified Registered Nurse (RN). Nursing is a diverse career, and a UC-trained RN can comfortably look for work in the hospital sector, private health care, primary health care, rural and remote health care and military support. An Australian RN qualification is also highly respected internationally and opens the door to numerous nursing employment opportunities overseas.

Fees and CSP

Average indicative full-course fee in 2027: From $17,822 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

The average full-course fee shown is calculated based on a full-time study load of 72 credit points (24 units). The amount is indicative because CSP student contributions are calculated per unit according to the discipline area and EFTSL of each unit. UC’s 2027 rates are $613 per standard Nursing Band 1 unit and $1,235 per standard Band 2 unit.

Student fees may vary depending on:

• The number and type of units studied.
• The student contribution band of each unit.
• Credit received for previous study.
• Annual changes to student contribution rates.

You may also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee.

Student fees are subject to change. Contact the University of Canberra directly to confirm current fees.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government subsidises part of the tuition fees for students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). Students pay the remaining amount, known as the student contribution amount. Most eligible domestic undergraduate students at UC are offered a CSP.

Your student contribution amount is:

• Calculated for each unit you enrol in.
• Based on the study area and EFTSL of the unit.
• Reviewed and adjusted each year.

Eligible Commonwealth supported students may be able to use HECS-HELP to defer payment of their student contribution amount.