Bachelor of Nursing (CRICOS course code 010599C) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Charles Sturt University (CSU) over 3 years. This course is designed for international students seeking a career in general nursing. As a CRICOS-registered provider (00005F), CSU meets Australian Government standards for delivering education to overseas students. The program combines theoretical learning with hands-on clinical placements, preparing graduates for registration as a Registered Nurse in Australia. All data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) — HeadStart Academy is a free resource with no referral fees. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,000+ courses, finding the right nursing program is crucial. This page covers fees, entry requirements, locations, and student visa essentials for your study in Australia.
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Bachelor of Nursing (CRICOS course code 010599C) is a Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) in General Nursing (Field of Education 060301) delivered by Charles Sturt University (CSU). CSU is a government-owned university headquartered in Bathurst, NSW, with campuses across regional New South Wales. The course is offered at five locations: Albury-Thurgoona, Bathurst, Dubbo, Port Macquarie, and Wagga Wagga. With a duration of 3 years (156 weeks), this program is taught entirely in English. The course does not include foundation studies and is not a dual qualification. It includes a compulsory work component of 20 weeks (40 hours per week, approximately 800 hours total) comprising clinical placements and work-integrated learning. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). International students benefit from ESOS Act protections, ensuring quality education and consumer rights.
This nursing degree covers the field of General Nursing, focusing on comprehensive patient care across the lifespan. Students learn anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, mental health, community health, and clinical practice. The curriculum integrates evidence-based nursing, critical thinking, and cultural competence — essential for working in Australia's diverse healthcare system. While the exact syllabus is set by CSU, typical bachelor-level nursing programs include practical simulations, laboratory work, and supervised clinical placements. The emphasis is on developing safe, ethical, and compassionate registered nurses ready to work in hospitals, aged care, community health, and other settings. Graduates meet the standards required by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
The Bachelor of Nursing is a 3-year full-time program, recorded as 156 weeks on the CRICOS register. Language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification — no combined degrees or foundation studies. Students attend classes on campus, with practical components in clinical settings. CSU offers flexibility with multiple campuses, but the course is not available online. International students must maintain full-time enrolment as per student visa conditions (Subclass 500). The duration aligns with AQF Level 7 standards. For those needing additional English or academic preparation, CSU offers pathway programs — contact the provider for details.
Indicative tuition fee: A$103,920 for the entire program (3 years). Non-tuition fees (e.g., student services, materials): A$1,104. Estimated total fee: A$105,024. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change — always confirm with CSU directly at www.csu.edu.au. The following costs are NOT included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — approximately A$600–$700 per year for single cover; living expenses (Australia recommends at least A$21,041 per year for a single student, plus travel); and the visa application charge (currently A$1,600). Regional campuses like Wagga Wagga or Dubbo typically have lower living costs than Sydney — weekly rent A$150–$250, groceries A$80–$120, and local transport A$30–$50. For accurate, up-to-date fees, visit the CSU website.
International students must demonstrate English proficiency: IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall, with no band below 5.5–6.0 (specific requirements vary by campus — check with CSU). Applicants should have completed Year 12 or equivalent (Australian senior secondary certificate or international equivalent). Prerequisites may include science subjects (biology, chemistry). Prior nursing qualifications can be considered for credit transfer. Foundation/pathway options: CSU offers a Foundation Studies Program or Diploma of Health Science for students who do not meet direct entry — contact the provider for eligibility. HeadStart Academy does not assess qualifications; we recommend consulting CSU's admissions team. All applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for the student visa.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 20 weeks of clinical placement, at 40 hours per week (approximately 800 hours total). This work-integrated learning (WIL) involves supervised practice in hospitals, aged care facilities, or community health settings. Placements are arranged by CSU and may be in regional or metropolitan NSW. Students gain hands-on experience in patient care, medication administration, and teamwork — essential for registration. The work component is unpaid and counts toward the degree. International student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study terms and unlimited during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). The placement hours count as study, not employment, so they do not affect work rights.
Charles Sturt University delivers the Bachelor of Nursing at five campuses in New South Wales: - Albury – Thurgoona (Albury, NSW) - Bathurst (Bathurst, NSW) - Dubbo (Dubbo, NSW) - Port Macquarie (7 Major Innes Road, Port Macquarie, NSW) - Wagga Wagga (Wagga Wagga, NSW) All campuses are located in regional NSW cities with growing populations and healthcare needs. Albury (pop. ~53,000) has a strong health sector; Bathurst (~46,000) is a university town; Dubbo (~43,000) offers affordable living; Port Macquarie (~47,000) is a coastal city; Wagga Wagga (~70,000) has a major hospital. Each campus has dedicated nursing simulation labs and partnerships with local health services. Public transport connects campuses to city centres. Living costs in these regional centres are typically 20-30% lower than Sydney. There are many CRICOS-registered providers in NSW — over 500 — but CSU stands out for its regional focus and hands-on nursing education.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Key requirements: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for CRICOS 010599C, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) declaration, sufficient funds (tuition + living costs + OSHC), English proficiency, and health insurance (OSHC). Work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks (commencing July 2023 for all visa holders). OSHC must be maintained for the visa duration — cost about A$600–$700/year for single cover. Financial capacity should cover course fees (A$105,024) plus living costs (A$21,041/year) plus travel. All applicants must satisfy the GTE criterion — demonstrating genuine intention to study and return home. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered MARA agent or visiting homeaffairs.gov.au for individual advice.
Follow these three steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to compare nursing courses across Australia. Filter by course level, field (Nursing), and city. Verify CRICOS registration on cricos.teqsa.gov.au. 2. Apply directly to Charles Sturt University (CSU): Check entry requirements (English test scores, academic transcripts), prepare your application documents (passport, qualifications, statement of purpose), and submit via CSU's international application portal. Note application deadlines — CSU typically has March and July intakes. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, CSU issues a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Visa processing times vary (1–4 months). After visa grant, you can enter Australia up to 90 days before course start.
Choosing a regional campus in NSW offers distinct advantages: lower cost of living, smaller class sizes, strong community ties, and potential for regional visa benefits (e.g., additional points for permanent residency). CSU's campuses in Albury, Bathurst, Dubbo, Port Macquarie, and Wagga Wagga provide authentic Australian experiences. However, consider that regional areas may have fewer entertainment options and require car ownership for convenience. The healthcare sector in regional NSW faces workforce shortages, meaning more placement opportunities and potential post-study employment. Australia has over 400 registered nursing courses on CRICOS — regional programs like this one are highly regarded. Weigh your preference for city life versus regional lifestyle before applying.
Ready to start your nursing journey in Australia? Browse more CRICOS-registered nursing courses on HeadStart Academy, or visit Charles Sturt University's website to apply.
Bachelor of Nursing is a CRICOS-registered programme at Charles Sturt University (CSU). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.