Master of Nursing courses in Sydney

If you’re looking to take your nursing career to the next level, a Master of Nursing could be the key to unlocking new opportunities. This postgraduate qualification can help with expanding your expertise, strengthening your research capabilities and supporting your transition into a leadership role.

Sydney is home to several universities that offer Master of Nursing courses, including some of the best in the nation. Here, we’ll outline the institutions offering these courses in Sydney, share key details and provide an overview of Sydney’s nursing landscape.

Which universities offer Master of Nursing courses in Sydney?

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Which universities in Sydney offer a Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry)?

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University rankings for nursing courses in Sydney

As per the QS World University Rankings 2025, here are the rankings for universities in Sydney that offer Master of Nursing courses:

How much do Master of Nursing courses cost in Sydney?

As of 2025, the most affordable Master of Nursing course is offered by The University of Sydney at approximately $39,450, while the most expensive is the Master of Nursing course at Western Sydney University, costing around $58,112.

Which universities in Sydney offer CSP for Master of Nursing courses?

If you’re considering a postgraduate course in nursing, securing a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) can make a big difference. A CSP is a government-subsidised spot that reduces tuition costs for eligible domestic students. Rather than paying the full course fee, you’ll only need to cover the student contribution amount, a significantly lower figure.

While CSPs are more commonly offered at the undergraduate level, some postgraduate courses in healthcare do offer them. These places are, however, limited and highly competitive. In many cases, the number of applicants exceeds the number of subsidised places available, meaning not all eligible students will receive an offer.

It’s also important to note that CSP availability can change from year to year depending on government funding and university allocations. That’s why it’s essential to double-check with the university to confirm whether CSPs are available for your chosen course and intake.

The universities that offer CSPs for Master of Nursing courses include:

The University of Sydney

The Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) course offers CSPs with an indicative student contribution amount of $6,349 in 2025 for the first 48 credit points of the course.

Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University offers CSP places for its Master of Nursing course with an indicative annual fee of $4,627 for 2025.

Are scholarships available for Master of Nursing courses in Sydney?

Several universities in Sydney offer scholarships that are available to students studying a Master of Nursing course. Availability and eligibility can vary, however, so it’s best to check each university’s website for further information.

The University of Sydney

The University of Sydney provides a wide range of scholarships. One example is the Lyn Mallesch Scholarship, which supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are facing financial hardship.

University of Technology Sydney

The university offers a selection of scholarships ranging from domestic student scholarships to international student scholarships, graduate research scholarships and scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University offers an array of scholarships for eligible Master of Nursing students. Opportunities include scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and equity scholarships supporting students who are experiencing financial hardship.

What specialisations are available for Master of Nursing courses in Sydney?

Apart from The University of Sydney, the other two universities with Master of Nursing courses in Sydney offer specialisations.

University of Technology Sydney

• Research
  Pursue a specialised research topic of your choice and contribute to evidence-based nursing practice.

Western Sydney University

• Clinical leadership
  Develop strong clinical leadership skills to promote nursing excellence and support professional growth within the clinical environment.
• Clinical teaching
  Enhance your teaching skills to excel in roles such as clinical nurse educator or nurse educator.
• Tuberculosis management
  Develop the theoretical knowledge and critical thinking skills to prepare for advanced practice in the clinical management of tuberculosis.

Is there demand for nursing professionals in Sydney?

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There continues to be a growing demand for nursing professionals across New South Wales (NSW), including Sydney. With a growing population, an ageing demographic and ongoing workforce shortages, demand for nursing professionals in Sydney is expected to continue to increase.

Population growth

NSW’s population continues to grow, placing increased pressure on healthcare services. In 2023, the state’s population was estimated to be 8,207,915 and is projected to reach 10,070,500 by 2041, approximately 22.7 per cent more. This growth will naturally drive greater demand for skilled healthcare professionals, including nurses.

Changing demographics

According to the NSW Government, by 2031, 22 per cent of the NSW population is expected to be aged 65 and over, compared to 16 per cent in 2019. As the proportion of older individuals rises, so too will the need for nurses in areas such as aged care, chronic disease management and community nursing.

Shortage of nurses

NSW continues to face a shortage of nurses, with factors such as workload pressures and workforce retention challenges contributing to ongoing gaps across hospitals. Recent efforts by the NSW Government, which include an interim three per cent pay increase for public sector nurses and midwives and improved work-life balance measures, aim to address these concerns. However, the government acknowledges that more still needs to be done to address the chronic shortage of nurses across the state.

What major hospitals are located in Sydney for postgraduate nursing graduates to work at?

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Sydney is home to some of Australia’s most reputable hospitals, including St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Royal North Shore Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital, Westmead Hospital and Sydney Adventist Hospital.

Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

With more than 140 years of history, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital is one of Australia’s leading healthcare institutions. Each year, its staff performs close to 20,000 operations, delivers over 4,200 babies and cares for around 80,000 people in the emergency department. The hospital also offers a broad range of services in areas such as geriatric medicine, radiology and allied health.

St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney

Located in Darlinghurst, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney is recognised for its strong commitment to education and professional development. The hospital provides extensive clinical education programs for registered nurses, including postgraduate speciality nursing opportunities across multiple disciplines. The hospital also has three on-site university partners, University of Notre Dame, University of New South Wales and Australian Catholic University and is co-located with Sacred Heart Health Service, one of the country’s leading palliative care and rehabilitation providers.

Royal North Shore Hospital

Royal North Shore Hospital delivers a wide range of complex medical and surgical services to patients across New South Wales. Specialty services include major trauma, severe burns, spinal cord injury, bone marrow transplantation and neonatal intensive care. The hospital also houses the Kolling Institute, a prominent medical research facility jointly operated with The University of Sydney.

Prince of Wales Hospital

A major teaching and tertiary referral centre, the Prince of Wales Hospital provides care for more than 60,000 emergency patients each year and records approximately 50,000 inpatient admissions. Affiliated with the University of New South Wales, it offers state-of-the-art medical teaching facilities and a vibrant clinical environment that supports ongoing learning and professional growth.

Westmead Hospital

The principal referral hospital for Western Sydney, Westmead Hospital is renowned for its highly specialised and comprehensive healthcare services and also works in partnership with Western Sydney University. The hospital boasts a current patient experience score of 92 per cent and offers specialty services in areas such as neurosurgery, neonatal intensive care and radiation oncology.

Sydney Adventist Hospital

Also known as “The San”, Sydney Adventist Hospital is one of New South Wales’ largest private hospitals, providing high-quality surgical, medical and obstetric care. The hospital has a legacy spanning more than 120 years and has established academic partnerships with Australian National University and Avondale University.

How much are nurses paid in Sydney?

Registered nurses in Sydney typically earn between $80,000 to $90,000 annually. Below are salary ranges for other nursing roles in Sydney, listed from highest to lowest salary:

• Nurse practitioner: $145,000 to $150,000
• Clinical nurse consultant: $130,000 to $135,000
• Nurse educator: $130,000 to $140,000
• Nurse unit manager: $125,000 to $145,000
• Clinical nurse specialist: $110,000 to $120,000
• Mental health nurse: $105,000 to $125,000
• Paediatric nurse: $105,000 to $125,000
• Clinical nurse: $105,000 to $115,000
• Aged care nurse: $90,000 to $95,000
• Scrub nurse: $85,000 to $105,000
• Practice nurse: $80,000 to $85,000
• Theatre nurse: $70,000 to $80,000

Is it better to study a Master of Nursing in Sydney or a rural area?

Whether it’s better to study in Sydney or a rural area really depends on your personal goals, lifestyle preferences and the learning environment you thrive in. Sydney might be more suitable if you prefer a fast-paced lifestyle, value access to leading hospitals and universities and want to build a strong professional network.

Studying in a rural area, on the other hand, could be ideal if you value a more close-knit and community-focused learning experience, are drawn to the financial and career incentives available for rural nurses and want to gain broad hands-on experience in a rural setting.

Both paths can lead to fulfilling nursing careers and many graduates also find opportunities to move between metropolitan and rural settings as their career progresses.

Advantages of studying a Master of Nursing in Sydney

Proximity to leading hospitals

Sydney is home to some of the state’s leading hospitals, including the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital and Royal North Shore Hospital. If you wish to work while studying, the close proximity to these major hospitals means that there are ample opportunities to gain hands-on experience through part-time roles in diverse disciplines.

Universities such as The University of Sydney also have partnerships with local health districts, such as the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network and the Sydney Local Health District, which may provide opportunities to collaborate on research projects and network with industry leaders.

Study at world-class universities

Sydney is home to some of the most respected universities in the world, many of which are recognised for their excellence in nursing education. The University of Technology Sydney, for instance, is ranked #26 in the QS World University Rankings 2025 for nursing, a testament to its excellence in teaching, research and innovation.

Build strong professional networks

As one of Australia’s largest healthcare hubs, Sydney offers countless opportunities to connect with professionals across the industry. Conferences and events, such as the NSW Health Nursing and Midwifery Leadership Forum, are held in Sydney and provide opportunities to hear from industry leaders, share ideas and expand your professional network.

Lifestyle and family advantages

For students with families, the city offers excellent schools and childcare options for children and diverse employment opportunities for partners. Outside of study, Sydney's mix of urban energy, natural beauty and cultural diversity creates a vibrant environment that’s great for both studying and living.

Drawbacks of studying a Master of Nursing in Sydney

Higher living expenses

Sydney is one of the most expensive cities in Australia and living costs can be significantly higher than in rural areas. As rent, transport and daily expenses can quickly add up, careful budgeting and financial planning are essential to manage your finances effectively.

Commuting and traffic stress

Sydney’s size and density can make commuting time-consuming, especially for those living further away from campus. Peak-hour traffic and crowded public transport can add to daily stress, especially when juggling study, work and personal commitments.

Larger class sizes

Universities based in the city tend to have larger cohorts, which can mean less individualised attention from lecturers or tutors compared to rural universities. To maximise your studies, it helps to be proactive in seeking feedback and support and engaging with academic staff.

Increased competition for roles

As a major metropolitan hub, Sydney draws a large number of experienced healthcare professionals, which can make securing a role more competitive in comparison to a rural area. Developing a strong academic profile and actively networking within the industry may give you an edge in securing a role.

Advantages of studying a Master of Nursing in a rural area

Personalised learning in smaller classes

Rural universities often have smaller class sizes, allowing for a more personalised learning experience. With fewer students per lecturer, you’re more likely to receive tailored guidance and build closer relationships with academic staff.

Attractive financial and career incentives

Nurses are in high demand across rural and remote Australia, and to address this need, the government is offering financial incentives to encourage nurses to study and work in these regions. The Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, for instance, offers up to $20,000 in incentives along with additional benefits such as extra leave and study assistance for healthcare workers choosing to work in rural and remote locations within NSW Health.

Opportunities to build a diverse skill set

If you choose to work while studying, working in a rural healthcare environment may help with building a broad skill set. With smaller teams and wider scopes of practice, rural nurses often need to manage diverse and complex cases, which can help strengthen critical thinking, adaptability and problem-solving skills.

More affordable cost of living

The cost of living in rural areas is generally lower than in major cities like Sydney. Combined with potential government incentives and relocation support from employers, studying in a rural location can be a more cost-effective choice.

Potential drawbacks of studying a Master of Nursing in a rural area

Fewer networking opportunities

Studying in a regional or rural area may mean fewer opportunities to attend industry events, conferences or professional development workshops. With many major health conferences, career expos and networking events typically held in metropolitan areas, attending may require extra planning and travel.

Limited campus infrastructure and amenities

Rural universities may not have the same breadth of facilities and support services compared to their city-based counterparts. Access to facilities such as advanced simulation labs, research libraries or specialist equipment, for instance, may be more limited compared to city universities.

Broader roles

Nurses in rural NSW often take on more generalist roles that cover a wide range of healthcare needs due to smaller teams and limited resources. While this can be great for developing a broad clinical foundation, students aiming to specialise in areas such as intensive care, oncology or surgical nursing may find more opportunities in metropolitan areas.

Quieter lifestyle

Rural towns typically offer a quieter, slower pace of life, fewer entertainment options and more limited public transport. While some may enjoy this change of pace, others may miss the convenience and vibrancy of city living.

Comparing top nursing courses: Master of Nursing (Research) at the University of Technology Sydney vs Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) at the University of Sydney

Both of these courses are offered by the top two universities for nursing courses in NSW. As per the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, the University of Sydney ranks #20 globally for nursing, while the University of Technology Sydney follows closely at #26.

Study a Master of Nursing course in Sydney

If you’re ready to take the next step in your nursing career, a Master of Nursing could be the ideal pathway. Whether you choose to study in Sydney or regional New South Wales, a Master of Nursing can help broaden your knowledge, build on your skills and empower you to move into advanced nursing roles.

Still exploring your options? You can find a wide range of postgraduate nursing courses in NSW on GlobalHealth Education. Explore the range of graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and master’s level postgraduate nursing courses. Postgraduate courses are also available in other disciplines such as psychology, counselling, mental health, nursing, public health and social work.