Graduate Diploma in Intensive Care Nursing (CRICOS course code 068771F) is a Graduate Diploma delivered by The University of Sydney over 1 year. This course is designed for registered nurses seeking to specialise in critical care, focusing on the advanced assessment and management of patients in intensive care settings. As a CRICOS-registered program (provider 00026A), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. The University of Sydney is a leading public research university located in Camperdown, NSW, consistently ranked among the top universities globally. Choosing a CRICOS-registered course ensures your qualification is recognised and that you are protected under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act.
This course falls under the field of education 060309 - Critical Care Nursing. Students will develop advanced clinical reasoning, decision-making, and technical skills specific to intensive care nursing. The curriculum typically covers topics such as hemodynamic monitoring, mechanical ventilation, pharmacology in critical care, ethics, and leadership. As a Graduate Diploma (AQF Level 8), it builds on prior nursing knowledge and prepares graduates for specialist roles in intensive care units. The program emphasises evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration. Note: This description provides general guidance on the field; for specific syllabus details, refer to The University of Sydney's official course page.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (dual qualification: No) and is not a foundation studies program. There is no VET national code as this is a higher education graduate diploma. Students are expected to attend classes at the CAMPERDOWN campus. The University of Sydney offers this program full-time, though part-time options may be available for domestic students; international students must maintain full-time enrolment as per visa conditions.
According to the CRICOS register, the indicative tuition fee for this course is A$48,900. Non-tuition fees are estimated at A$365, giving an estimated total of A$49,265. Please note that these fees are indicative, sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are subject to change. The University of Sydney sets and reviews its fees annually. Additional costs not included in this estimate are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., accommodation, food, transport), and the student visa application charge. For the most current fee information, always check the provider's website at sydney.edu.au. Sydney's cost of living is among the highest in Australia; indicative weekly costs are rent A$350-600, groceries A$80-150, and transport A$40-60.
International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. The indicative English requirement for this course is IELTS 5.5-6.0 overall (or equivalent). Additionally, applicants are expected to hold a Bachelor of Nursing (or equivalent) and be registered as a nurse in their home country or Australia. Some clinical experience may be required. Foundation or pathway options are not listed for this course; contact The University of Sydney for details on alternative entry or bridging programs. All entry requirements are set by the institution and may vary – verify directly with the provider.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, students may have opportunities for clinical placements or practical experience as part of the curriculum; check with The University of Sydney for details.
Graduate Diploma in Intensive Care Nursing (CRICOS 068771F) is delivered at The University of Sydney — CAMPERDOWN, NSW. Camperdown is a suburb of Sydney, approximately 3 km from the city centre. The university's main campus is well served by public transport, including buses and light rail. Sydney is home to over 200,000 international students and has over 20 CRICOS-registered providers offering nursing courses. The city offers a vibrant multicultural environment with excellent healthcare facilities for clinical training.
International students enrolling in this course need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, evidence of financial capacity, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. It is essential to maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course and comply with attendance requirements. For detailed visa information, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA).
Follow these three steps to apply for Graduate Diploma in Intensive Care Nursing at The University of Sydney: 1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy's free course search to filter by course level (Graduate Diploma), field (Critical Care Nursing), and location (NSW). Confirm the provider is CRICOS-registered (The University of Sydney, code 00026A). 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Check the entry requirements, including English test scores (IELTS 5.5-6.0), academic transcripts, and nursing registration. Submit your application online via the University's admissions portal before the deadline. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once accepted, you'll get a CoE. Use this to apply for a student visa. Prepare documents: passport, CoE, OSHC, financial evidence, and GTE statement. Lodge your visa application online. For visa help, see our Student Visa (Subclass 500) guide or contact a MARA agent.
Sydney is Australia's largest city, offering a high standard of living but with higher costs. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers nationwide, Sydney alone hosts dozens of universities and colleges. For nursing students, the city has world-class hospitals and clinical placement opportunities. Consider your budget, climate preferences, and lifestyle. HeadStart Academy offers state-specific guides to help you decide.
Ready to take the next step? Explore more intensive care nursing courses on HeadStart Academy, or visit The University of Sydney's website to apply directly.
Graduate Diploma in Intensive Care Nursing is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Sydney. 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.