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Western Sydney University

Graduate Certificate in Nursing

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 6 months

Provides registered nurses with the theoretical knowledge and critical thinking skills to prepare for advanced practice in the clinical setting.

Course overview

As a program graduate, you can synthesise and apply advanced nursing concepts to lead nursing practice and optimise health outcomes. Once you complete this program, you may transfer to the Graduate Diploma in Nursing. In this program, you will study Cultural and Social Diversity in Health Care, Perspectives on Nursing, Evidence-Based Health Care and Leadership in Clinical Practice.

The Graduate Certificate in Nursing aims to provide Registered Nurses with the theoretical knowledge and associated skills to prepare them for autonomous practice in clinical settings. Graduates can synthesise and apply advanced nursing concepts to lead nursing practice and optimise health outcomes. Students who complete this program may transfer to the Graduate Diploma in Nursing.

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

Delivery
Online
Study level
Postgraduate
Course type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
6 months (Full time)
Units
4
Fees
More Information
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
HECS, CSP
Intake
2nd March, 2026

What you will study

Qualification for this award requires completing four core subjects or 40 credit points.

Core subjects

  • Cultural and Social Diversity in Health Care
  • Evidence-Based Health Care
  • Leadership in Clinical Practice
  • Perspectives on Nursing

Entry requirements

Candidature for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Nursing is based on the following requirements:

  • Registered Nurse (currently registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - Nursing and Midwifery), or eligibility for the same or a certificate of nursing registration, within the last five years, in their own country.
  • One year of full-time equivalent work experience as a registered nurse within the last five years.

Applicants seeking admission based on work experience must support their application with a Statement of Service for all work experience listed on the application.

English language requirements

Applicants who have undertaken studies in other countries may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Details of the minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof can be found on the University's Admissions Centre website.

Contact the university or visit their website for more information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Credit for Prior Learning is the recognition of prior learning in terms of experience and/or studies. When you apply for Credit for Prior Learning, the university will assess your prior learning. It may award you Credit for Prior Learning in the program you are currently studying in recognition of what you have achieved. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

As a graduate of this degree, you can look forward to many exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this degree:

  • Community health
  • Mental health care services
  • Disability services
  • Rehabilitation services
  • Aged care services
  • Research and Education

Fees and CSP

Indicative annual fee in 2025: $2,312 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

The fee estimate provided is indicative only and subject to change. This estimate is based on the current fee structures for a normal full-time study load. However, the final fee may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that this estimate does not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee.

A student’s annual 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.

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 subject 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.