University of South Australia
Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Health and Ageing)
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
Build your extended knowledge and skills in the healthcare and well-being of older people with this one year of part-time online study.
Course overview
Designed to further your career as a registered nurse, this qualification will prepare you to respond to the needs of Australia’s ageing population, which is at the forefront of the healthcare agenda. It will enable you to advance your knowledge for your current workplace and equip you to practice in the specialised field of aged care nursing.
You’ll develop an understanding of the structures and processes influencing ageing in contemporary society and explore how nurses can influence the promotion of healthy lifestyles for older people. You’ll cover topics such as the health and well-being of older people, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary care assessment, rehabilitative care, communication and counselling, promoting consumer-directed care and person-centred care.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
July, 2026
What you will study
This qualification comprises any two 9-unit courses from the schedule below:
- Comprehensive Care of the Older Person
- Best Practice in Older People's Mental Health
- Palliative Care Nursing
Entry requirements
Applicants must hold current registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The university's flexible suite of postgraduate nursing and midwifery qualifications is designed to recognise your prior learning and advance your career. Upon successful completion of this qualification, you may then be eligible to gain credit for higher-level qualifications. Contact the university for further information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
With an ageing population, the Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Health and Ageing) will advance your knowledge for your current workplace and will equip you to practice in the specialised field of aged care nursing. Graduates will be well-placed to find employment as nurses in a wide variety of aged care settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Primary health and community support services
- Aged care
- Rehabilitative care
- Home care
- Community health
Fees and CSP
Estimated total fee in 2025: $2,313.50 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Student fees may vary per:
- 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.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
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 only need to pay some of your tuition fees. The student contribution amount is 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 course you're enrolled in.
- Depending on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
