Graduate Diploma in Aged Care Nursing

What you will study

To qualify for the award, a candidate must pass units to the value of 48 credit points. Each unit is valued a six credit points.

Entry requirements

This course is offered under two admission rules:

Rule A

• You have completed a Bachelor of Nursing qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent); OR
• You have current unrestricted registration as a Registered Nurse Division 1 with the Australian Health Professional Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A.

Rule B

• You have completed the UNE Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Nursing.

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Course Entry Advanced Standing

Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.

If you are admitted under Rule B, you will be granted 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing for all units completed under the UNE Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Nursing. You cannot apply for further Advanced Standing.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing

If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your study within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

If you are admitted under Rule A, you can apply for up to 24 credit points of Advanced Standing.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

• Interpret and implement the aged care legislation and frameworks as they apply to nursing practice, ensuring the delivery of quality, comprehensive and culturally safe nursing care to older adults.
• Assess, plan and implement care for older adults with a range of complex conditions, including cognitive and behavioural support, palliative care and end-of-life care.
• Initiate critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address complex healthcare needs encountered in aged care nursing practice.
• Implement evidence-based strategies for the delivery of comprehensive care to older adults across diverse populations and settings.
• Exemplify effective leadership and management skills by implementing evidence-based strategies to foster a culture of safety and quality improvement, promote excellence in care and effective resource management, whilst advocating for the needs of older adults.
• Exhibit an advanced understanding of the physiological and psychosocial aspects of ageing, including common age-related health conditions and their management.

Career outcomes

Upon completing the Graduate Diploma in Aged Care Nursing, graduates will be well-positioned for a range of career opportunities within the aged care sector, including:

• Aged Care Nurse
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (Aged Care)
• Nurse Educator (Aged Care)
• Aged Care Coordinator/Manager

Fees and CSP

Estimated first-year and full fee in 2026: $6,074 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

Estimated first-year and full fee in 2026: $24,576 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time: $373

The costs will depend on the units you choose to study, as the cost of individual units varies. “Estimated fees” are provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking a study load of 48 credit points in the first year of this course. For courses that require fewer than 48 credit points, the fees indicated are based on the total credit points needed for the completion of that course.

Student fees may vary in accordance with:

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

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.

Your student contribution amount is:

• Calculated per unit you're enrolled in.
• Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
• Reviewed and adjusted each year.

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.

HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.