Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing (CRICOS course code 068772E) is a Graduate Diploma delivered by The University of Sydney over 1 year. This AQF Level 8 program is designed for registered nurses seeking to specialise in mental health nursing, focusing on evidence-based practice, therapeutic interventions, and comprehensive care for individuals with mental health conditions. The course is CRICOS-registered, allowing international students to study in Australia under a Student visa (Subclass 500). The University of Sydney is a public, government-funded institution (CRICOS 00026A) located in Camperdown, NSW. As part of Australia's leading research universities, it offers a world-class education with strong clinical links. International students completing this graduate diploma will be equipped with advanced skills in mental health assessment, treatment planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and student rights. Whether you're an Australian registered nurse or an overseas-qualified nurse, this program can advance your career in one of healthcare's most critical fields.
The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing (CRICOS 068772E) is a 1-year (52-week) graduate diploma offered by The University of Sydney. It falls under the field of education code 06 - Health, specifically 060305 - Mental Health Nursing. This program is at AQF Level 8, designed for graduates who already hold a bachelor's degree in nursing or equivalent. The course aims to develop specialist knowledge and skills in mental health nursing, including therapeutic communication, psychopharmacology, and recovery-oriented care. The University of Sydney is one of over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, offering more than 26,000 courses to international students. As a CRICOS-registered provider, the university meets Australian Government standards for teaching, facilities, and student support. Graduates may pursue roles in mental health hospitals, community health centres, or private practice. The course does not include a dual qualification or foundation studies component.
Students in the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing will engage with advanced theoretical and practical content relevant to mental health nursing. While specific syllabi are set by The University of Sydney, typical graduate diploma programs at this level cover topics such as mental health assessment, evidence-based interventions, crisis management, and ethical practice. The curriculum often includes clinical placement or simulation components to integrate learning. Graduates are expected to demonstrate critical thinking, leadership in multidisciplinary teams, and culturally sensitive care. This program builds on undergraduate nursing knowledge, deepening expertise in mental health contexts. The field of mental health nursing is growing due to increased awareness and demand for specialised care in Australia. studying in New South Wales, particularly Sydney, offers access to diverse clinical placements and metropolitan health services.
The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing has a duration of 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification course, not a dual award or foundation program. Students are expected to study full-time to meet visa requirements. The course does not have a work component, meaning no mandatory work placement is included in the curriculum. However, students may seek part-time work under their student visa conditions. The University of Sydney delivers this program at its Camperdown campus in Sydney, NSW. Sydney is Australia's largest city with a vibrant international student community — over 150,000 international students study in NSW across more than 200 CRICOS-registered providers. The cost of living in Sydney is higher than the national average, with indicative weekly rent of A$300–600 for a room or unit, groceries A$80–150, and public transport A$30–50 per week.
The indicative tuition fee for the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing is A$48,900, with non-tuition fees of A$365, giving an estimated total of A$49,265 for the 1-year program. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. The University of Sydney sets its own fees; always confirm the latest fees on their official website. Note that this estimate does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students (typically A$500–700 per year for single cover), nor does it include living costs (accommodation, food, transport) or the Visa application charge (currently A$1,600 as of 2024, subject to change). For a full budget, add at least A$20,000–25,000 per year for living expenses in Sydney. HeadStart Academy provides indicative fee information as a free resource — we do not charge referral fees or commissions.
International students must meet both academic and English language requirements. For this Graduate Diploma, applicants typically need a bachelor's degree in nursing (or equivalent) and current registration as a nurse in their home country. The indicative English requirement is IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent) — however, many nursing programs require higher scores (e.g., IELTS 7.0). Check directly with The University of Sydney for exact scores. Foundation or pathway programs may be available if you do not meet entry requirements — contact the university for options. All applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion for their student visa. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent for personalised advice. CRICOS registration ensures the course meets Australian quality standards.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. Students are not required to undertake any work placement or internship as part of the program. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This work must not interfere with course attendance. The University of Sydney's career services can help students find casual or part-time work in the nursing field, but it is not part of the curriculum.
The course is delivered at The University of Sydney's Camperdown campus in Sydney, NSW. The campus is located near the city centre, accessible via public transport (bus, train, light rail). Sydney's inner west offers a vibrant student lifestyle with cafes, parks, and cultural venues. Camperdown is close to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, providing clinical learning opportunities. Studying in Sydney gives you access to a major healthcare network and a large international student community. NSW has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, offering diverse education options.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Visa conditions include maintaining enrolment, satisfactory attendance, and adequate OSHC coverage. You can work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during breaks. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement must be satisfied — you must demonstrate genuine intention to study and return home. Financial capacity is assessed; you need to show funds for tuition, living costs (A$21,041 per year as per Department of Home Affairs), travel, and dependents (if any). OSHC is mandatory — apply through providers like Medibank or Allianz. For visa application assistance, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit homeaffairs.gov.au. ESOS Act protections cover your tuition fees and student rights.
Follow these three steps to apply: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Graduate Diploma), field (Health), and location (NSW). Ensure The University of Sydney is CRICOS-registered (00026A). 2. Apply directly to The University of Sydney: Check entry requirements, submit English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL), academic transcripts, and a personal statement. Deadlines vary — apply well in advance. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the university will issue a CoE. Then submit a visa application via ImmiAccount, including proof of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement.
Explore more graduate diploma courses in Health on HeadStart Academy, or search by CRICOS code 068772E to begin your application journey.
Graduate Diploma in Mental Health 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.