Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing (CRICOS course code 073315K) is a Graduate Diploma delivered by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology over 1 year. This AQF Level 8 program sits within the field of Health (06) – Nursing (0603) – Mental Health Nursing (060305), preparing graduates with advanced clinical skills to support individuals experiencing mental health challenges. As a CRICOS-registered course at RMIT (CRICOS provider 00122A), it meets the high standards required for international student enrolment under the ESOS Act. Located at the Bundoora Campus in Melbourne’s north, this program combines theoretical learning with a substantial work component to give you real-world experience. Whether you are an Australian or international student, HeadStart Academy provides this detailed profile to help you research and compare courses confidently using official CRICOS data.
Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing (CRICOS course code 073315K) is a Graduate Diploma delivered by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology over 1 year. It is listed on the official CRICOS register as a single qualification (no dual award) with English as the language of instruction. The course is classified under the field of Health – Nursing – Mental Health Nursing, reflecting its focus on specialised mental health care. RMIT is a government university with CRICOS provider code 00122A, meaning it has been approved to enrol international students. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students receive the protections of the ESOS Act, including tuition assurance and complaint handling. HeadStart Academy sources all data from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring you get accurate, up-to-date information.
This Graduate Diploma equips registered nurses with advanced knowledge and skills in mental health nursing. The curriculum typically covers therapeutic communication, psychopharmacology, crisis intervention, and recovery-oriented care. Students learn to assess, plan, and evaluate care for individuals across the lifespan with mental health conditions. While specific subjects are not listed here (contact RMIT for the full syllabus), the course is designed to deepen clinical reasoning and leadership in mental health settings. Graduates may pursue roles in community mental health, inpatient units, or specialised clinics. As an AQF Level 8 qualification, it builds on prior nursing knowledge and prepares you for further study or advanced practice.
The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing has a duration of 1 year (52 weeks) on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification, not a dual award or foundation program. Study mode is likely full-time on-campus, but you should confirm with RMIT for the latest delivery options. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions.
Tuition fees for this course are indicative only and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. The indicative tuition fee is A$36,480 for the full program. Non-tuition fees are estimated at A$373, giving an estimated total of A$36,853. These fees are set by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and are subject to change. Always visit RMIT's official website for the most current fees. Note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are not included in this estimate. As a guide, international students in Melbourne typically budget between A$20,000 and A$27,000 per year for living expenses (including rent, groceries, and transport). HeadStart Academy provides this information to help you plan, but you should confirm all costs directly with the provider.
General entry requirements for this Graduate Diploma include a minimum English language proficiency of IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 overall (or equivalent). Since this is a postgraduate-level program, you are expected to hold prior qualifications in nursing—typically a bachelor's degree in nursing and registration as a nurse. Some providers may require relevant work experience. Other English tests such as TOEFL or PTE may also be accepted. For the most accurate and up-to-date entry requirements, refer to RMIT's website or contact their admissions team. HeadStart Academy does not guarantee admission; all applications are assessed by the institution.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 8 weeks at 40 hours per week (approximately 320 total hours). This is typically a clinical placement or industry internship in a mental health setting, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in real healthcare environments. Work-integrated learning is a key feature of this program, providing valuable experience and networking opportunities. International students must ensure their visa allows for the work component; student visa holders with Subclass 500 are generally permitted to undertake placements that are a compulsory part of their course.
The course is delivered at RMIT's Bundoora Campus, located at Plenty Road, Bundoora, Victoria 3083. Bundoora is a suburb in Melbourne's north, approximately 20 km from the city centre. The campus is accessible by public transport, including trams and buses. Melbourne is home to over 100 CRICOS-registered providers offering hundreds of courses. Living costs in Melbourne are among the highest in Australia, with indicative weekly rent for a student sharing ranging from A$200 to A$350, plus groceries and transport. For more on studying in Victoria, see our state page.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time and work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, with unlimited work during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; we recommend consulting a MARA-registered agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice. All CRICOS-registered courses, including this one, are covered by the ESOS Act, ensuring your rights as an international student.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city. You can compare this course with other mental health nursing programs across Australia.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Once you've selected RMIT, check the specific entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application online through RMIT's international admissions portal.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – After acceptance, RMIT will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your student visa. Remember to arrange OSHC and prepare for the GTE assessment. HeadStart Academy provides visa guidance but does not assist with applications.
Bundoora is a vibrant suburb with a large student population thanks to RMIT's campus. It offers a mix of urban amenities and green spaces. Living costs are slightly lower than the Melbourne city centre, but still require a budget of around A$1,000 per month for rent and utilities. Public transport connects Bundoora to the CBD in about 40 minutes. The area has supermarkets, cafes, and parks, making it a convenient base for study. When choosing a course location, consider your lifestyle preferences, proximity to clinical placement sites, and access to support services. Victoria has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, so you have plenty of options.
Ready to take the next step? Research more mental health nursing courses or contact RMIT directly for application details.
View the full Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology profile →
Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing is a CRICOS-registered programme at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. 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.