Master of Nursing (by Research) (CRICOS course code 069018J) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by Victoria University over 2 years. This program is designed for registered nurses and healthcare professionals seeking to advance their expertise through research. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government quality standards and is available to international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500). Victoria University, a government-funded institution with CRICOS code 00124K, offers this course at its St Albans campus in Melbourne, Victoria. HeadStart Academy (headstartacademy.com.au) provides this page as a free resource to help you evaluate your study options. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses across Australia, it's essential to choose a course that aligns with your career goals and visa requirements. This page covers fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, and student visa considerations to support your decision-making process. Remember, all data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, and fees are indicative only—always confirm with the provider.
The Master of Nursing (by Research) (CRICOS 069018J) is a research-focused degree at AQF Level 9. Students undertake a supervised research project leading to a thesis, contributing new knowledge to the nursing field. The course is classified under Field of Education 060301 (General Nursing) within the broader Health category. As a CRICOS-registered course, it ensures compliance with the ESOS Act, giving international students legal protections including tuition fee safeguards and access to complaints mechanisms. Victoria University, established in 1916, is a major provider with strong industry links. This program is ideal for nurses aiming for leadership roles, academic careers, or advanced clinical practice. Graduates may pursue PhDs or senior positions in healthcare settings. The course is delivered entirely at the St Albans campus, with research supervision from experienced faculty. International students benefit from Melbourne's vibrant multicultural environment and strong healthcare sector.
This research degree emphasises independent investigation under expert supervision. You'll develop advanced skills in research design, data collection, analysis, and scholarly writing. Typical areas of inquiry include clinical nursing practice, health services research, nursing education, and patient outcomes. While specific thesis topics vary, the program aims to produce graduates capable of critiquing and generating evidence to improve healthcare delivery. The field of General Nursing encompasses a broad spectrum of knowledge, from patient care to health policy. At Masters (Research) level, students are expected to demonstrate originality in their research question and methodology. This focus on research distinguishes this degree from coursework master's programs. It prepares you for roles in academia, research institutes, or advanced practice. Victoria University's research strengths include chronic disease management, mental health, and Indigenous health. As an international student, you'll have access to university libraries, ethics committees, and research workshops.
The Master of Nursing (by Research) has a duration of 2 years (104 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. This is a full-time research program with no specified part-time option for international students due to visa conditions. The language of instruction is English throughout. This is a single qualification, not a dual award or combined program. No foundation studies or VET components are included. International students must maintain enrolment in line with their Student visa conditions. The research nature of the degree means you'll work closely with your supervisor and may have flexible hours, but you are expected to progress consistently. The CRICOS duration of 104 weeks is the standard timeframe; actual completion may vary depending on your research progress. The course does not include a mandatory work component, but students may undertake casual work within visa limits. Victoria University's academic calendar typically includes two main semesters and optional summer terms for research activities.
Indicative tuition fees for the Master of Nursing (by Research) are A$68,544 total for the full program (based on CRICOS register data as at April 2026). Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, though this may not include incidental costs such as textbooks, equipment, or thesis printing. The estimated total cost is therefore A$68,544. These fees are set by Victoria University and are subject to change annually. International students should budget additionally for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. In Melbourne, indicative living costs are approximately A$450–600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. The Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (A$21,041 per year for a single student as of April 2026), and OSHC. HeadStart Academy recommends always confirming current fees directly with Victoria University at vu.edu.au before applying. Fee protection under the ESOS Act applies if the provider fails to deliver the course.
Entry requirements for the Master of Nursing (by Research) vary by provider, but typical expectations include: a bachelor's degree in nursing or a related health discipline, usually with honours or a minimum credit average; current registration as a nurse (may be required in Australia); and demonstrated research capability. English language proficiency is mandatory for international students. While specific IELTS scores for this course are set by Victoria University, general guidance suggests a minimum IELTS overall band of 6.5–7.0 with no band below 6.0, or equivalent tests like TOEFL or PTE. Some providers accept alternative evidence such as previous study in English. Foundation studies are not applicable for this level, but pathway options may be available through postgraduate certificates or diplomas if you do not meet direct entry. Always check the exact requirements on Victoria University's website. As a CRICOS-registered provider, Victoria University must ensure students meet genuine student criteria for visa purposes. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; for specific entry advice, consult the institution or a MARA-registered agent.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. It is purely a research degree focused on producing a thesis. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) have work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Work must not interfere with your study commitments. Melbourne offers a strong job market for healthcare professionals, but research students typically focus on their thesis. Casual work in roles such as research assistant, tutor, or healthcare support can complement your studies and provide experience. Always monitor your hours to avoid breaching visa conditions. The ESOS Act protects your right to work within limits. For the most current work rights, refer to the Department of Home Affairs.
The Master of Nursing (by Research) is delivered at Victoria University St Albans campus, located in St Albans, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city with a population of over 5 million, hosting more than 250,000 international students. The St Albans campus is about 15 km from Melbourne's central business district, accessible by train and bus. The area has a diverse community and affordable housing options compared to inner suburbs. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate: typical weekly rent for a shared apartment A$250–400, groceries A$80–150, and public transport A$50 (with student concessions). Victoria's strong healthcare sector provides networking opportunities for nursing researchers. Other study locations in Victoria include over 20 CRICOS-registered providers offering nursing courses. This campus offers modern research facilities, libraries, and student support services. International students can enjoy Melbourne's cultural events, cafes, and proximity to regional attractions like the Great Ocean Road.
International students enrolled in this CRICOS-registered course are eligible for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Victoria University; genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement; sufficient financial capacity (tuition, living costs, OSHC); health insurance (OSHC) for the visa duration; and English proficiency evidence. The Student visa allows work rights as described above. You must maintain enrolment and satisfactory course progress. If you change to a non-CRICOS course, your visa may be affected. Dependents may accompany you on a Student visa (Subclass 500) or apply separately. After graduation, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if you meet requirements. HeadStart Academy strongly advises consulting the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au) or a MARA-registered migration agent for personalised advice. This page does not constitute migration assistance. Remember, ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, ensuring education quality and consumer rights.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Master of Nursing (by Research) at Victoria University:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the official CRICOS register to verify Victoria University's registration (CRICOS 00124K) and the course's registration (069018J). Compare this program with other nursing research degrees in Victoria. Consider factors like supervision expertise, facilities, and location. HeadStart Academy's free resources can help you filter by course level, field, and city.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Victoria University's website (vu.edu.au) to check specific entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results, CV, research proposal, and referee reports. Submit your application online through the university's admissions portal. Some programs require a preliminary supervisor agreement.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: If your application is successful, Victoria University will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) online via ImmiAccount. Include your CoE, OSHC policy, GTE statement, financial documents, and health checks. Processing times vary. Once granted, you can begin your studies and work within visa conditions.
Ready to advance your nursing career through research? Explore the Master of Nursing (by Research) at Victoria University. Start your research on HeadStart Academy, then apply directly to the institution. Remember to verify all details with the provider before applying.
Master of Nursing (by Research) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Victoria University. 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.