Bachelor of Nursing (CRICOS course code 050456J) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by The University of Queensland over 3 years. This CRICOS-registered course prepares international students for a rewarding career in general nursing, one of Australia’s most in-demand professions. As a graduate, you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. The University of Queensland (UQ) is a government-owned institution (CRICOS 00025B) consistently ranked among the world’s top 50 universities. With a strong focus on evidence-based practice and clinical excellence, this program combines theoretical learning with extensive hands-on clinical placements. UQ’s St Lucia Campus, located in Brisbane, offers a vibrant campus life and access to world-class healthcare facilities. Whether you’re a school leaver or a mature-age student, this course opens doors to nursing careers in Australia and globally. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource — all data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
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Bachelor of Nursing (CRICOS course code 050456J) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by The University of Queensland over 3 years. This AQF Level 7 program is classified under field of education 060301 General Nursing. UQ is a CRICOS-registered provider (00025B) with a reputation for research excellence and high graduate employability. The course is delivered on the St Lucia Campus in Brisbane, Queensland. All international students studying on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and student rights. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses across Australia, it’s important to choose a course that meets your career goals and visa requirements. HeadStart Academy’s data comes directly from the official CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026.
This General Nursing program covers the theoretical and practical foundations of nursing care across the lifespan. You’ll study anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, mental health nursing, chronic illness management, and community health. The course emphasises clinical reasoning, cultural competence, and interprofessional collaboration. Graduates are prepared to work in hospitals, aged care, community health, and other settings. As an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree, the curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, research skills, and professional ethical standards. While specific unit outlines are set by UQ, typical nursing degrees in Australia include simulation labs, clinical skills workshops, and supervised placements. This course is a single qualification — no dual degree or foundation studies included.
The course duration is 3 years (156 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. No dual qualification or foundation studies are offered as part of this course. Students are expected to attend full-time on campus at St Lucia. The program includes a mandatory work component of 78 weeks (14 hours per week, approximately 1092 hours total). This work-integrated learning takes the form of clinical placements in various healthcare settings. Study load per semester typically includes 3–4 subjects, with a mix of lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, and self-directed study. Attendance requirements and assessment methods are detailed in UQ’s course handbook.
The indicative tuition fee for Bachelor of Nursing is A$120,724. Non-tuition fees (such as student services and amenities fees) total A$3,109, making an estimated total of A$123,833. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by The University of Queensland. Always confirm current fees on UQ’s official website: www.uq.edu.au. Note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are not included. OSHC is mandatory for international students; typical costs range from A$500 to A$700 per year depending on the provider. Brisbane’s cost of living is lower than Sydney and Melbourne, with indicative weekly costs of A$200–300 for rent, A$80–100 for groceries, and A$30–50 for public transport. The Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs recommends a financial capacity of at least A$21,041 per year for living costs (2026 rate).
Entry requirements for Bachelor of Nursing at UQ are set by the institution. International students typically need an English language proficiency of IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall with no band below 5.5–6.0. Equivalent scores from PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge English are also accepted. Academic prerequisites generally include completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, with prerequisite subjects such as English, Biology, or Chemistry. Some applicants may be admitted via foundation or pathway programs; check UQ’s website for details. Meeting the minimum requirement does not guarantee admission — places are competitive. HeadStart Academy does not assess eligibility; consult UQ’s admissions team. All applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for a Student visa.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 78 weeks, totaling approximately 1092 hours at 14 hours per week. This work-integrated learning takes the form of clinical placements in hospitals, aged care facilities, community health centres, and other healthcare settings. Placements are supervised by registered nurses and allow you to apply theoretical knowledge in real patient care scenarios. You will gain hands-on experience in areas such as medical-surgical nursing, mental health, maternal and child health, and primary care. Clinical placements are arranged by UQ and may occur across Brisbane and regional Queensland. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Work placements are part of the course and do not count toward work rights limits.
Bachelor of Nursing is delivered at The University of Queensland’s St Lucia Campus, located in St Lucia, Queensland (postcode 4067). St Lucia is a suburb of Brisbane, approximately 7 km from the city centre. Brisbane has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, making it a major study destination. The city has a population of about 2.5 million and a vibrant student community. Public transport to UQ St Lucia is excellent, with bus and ferry services connecting to the city and suburbs. Campus facilities include libraries, simulation labs, clinical skills centres, and student accommodation. Brisbane’s climate is subtropical with warm winters and hot summers. Living costs in Brisbane are generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, with a typical student budget of A$400–500 per week for accommodation, food, and transport.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. The visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course plus time for travel. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meet attendance and academic progress requirements, and hold adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion requires you to demonstrate a genuine intention to stay temporarily for study. Financial capacity must be shown — see homeaffairs.gov.au. After graduation, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485). Always check current visa conditions with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses.
Brisbane is Australia’s third-largest city and a growing hub for healthcare education. With over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, it offers diverse study options. The cost of living is more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne — indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment is A$200–300, groceries A$80–100, and transport A$30–50 (with student discounts). The climate is warm year-round, ideal for exploring outdoor activities. Brisbane’s healthcare infrastructure includes major hospitals such as the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and the Princess Alexandra Hospital, providing ample placement opportunities. The city has a strong multicultural community, with many support services for international students. Public transport includes buses, trains, and ferries, with frequent services to UQ St Lucia. Consider your preference for city size, climate, and lifestyle when choosing Brisbane.
Nursing is a demanding but rewarding profession. Before enrolling, ensure you meet the English and academic requirements. Clinical placements require physical stamina, emotional resilience, and effective communication skills. You’ll need to be able to work shifts, including nights and weekends. Check if you have any criminal history that may affect registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. International students should also consider post-study work options — nursing is on the skilled occupation list, and the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) allows up to 4 years of work after a Bachelor Degree. Research the registration process with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) after graduation. Always consult your institution and relevant authorities for the most current information.
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Bachelor of Nursing is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Queensland. 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.