Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Professional Studies) exit only (CRICOS course code 086215G) is a Graduate Certificate delivered by Western Sydney University over 26 weeks (~6 months). This AQF Level 8 qualification is designed for registered nurses seeking to deepen their professional knowledge and skills in a specialised area of nursing. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00917K), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. HeadStart Academy sources all data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), ensuring you receive accurate, up-to-date information. Whether you are looking to advance your nursing career or meet professional development requirements, this graduate certificate offers a focused pathway. Western Sydney University is a government-owned institution with a strong reputation in health education. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,433 courses available in Australia, you can trust that this listing is part of a regulated, quality-assured system. ESOS Act protections apply to all international students at this institution.
Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Professional Studies) exit only (CRICOS course code 086215G) is a Graduate Certificate delivered by Western Sydney University over 26 weeks (~6 months). This course falls under the field of General Nursing (060301) within the Health sector. It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies component. As a CRICOS-registered course, it is approved for international student enrolment under the Australian Government's ESOS framework. Western Sydney University (CRICOS 00917K) is a public university consistently ranked among the top young universities worldwide. The course is taught in English and is ideal for registered nurses looking to specialise or advance their clinical practice. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, with no referral fees or commissions.
While specific syllabi are set by Western Sydney University, a Graduate Certificate in Nursing at this level typically covers advanced clinical assessment, evidence-based practice, leadership in nursing, and specialised care pathways. Graduates develop skills in critical thinking, patient management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The program is designed to build on your existing nursing knowledge and prepare you for higher-level responsibilities. As a Level 8 qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), it requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field. The field of education (060301 General Nursing) ensures that content is grounded in contemporary healthcare practices.
The course runs for 26 weeks (approximately 6 months) on a full-time basis, as recorded on the CRICOS register. Language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification—no embedded dual degrees or foundation year. The intensive format allows you to gain specialised skills quickly and return to the workforce or proceed to further study. Check with Western Sydney University for any flexible study options.
Tuition fees for this course are indicative at A$19,368, with non-tuition fees of A$150, bringing the estimated total to A$19,518. Please note: this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Western Sydney University. Always confirm current fees on the provider's website before applying. For a full cost picture, budget for weekly rent (approximately A$350–500 in Parramatta), groceries (A$80–120), and transport (A$30–50) per week.
English language requirements vary by provider; typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For this graduate certificate, you generally need a recognised bachelor's degree in nursing and current registration as a nurse in Australia or equivalent. Some providers may also require relevant work experience. If you do not meet the direct entry criteria, pathway options may be available—contact Western Sydney University for details. HeadStart Academy does not assess eligibility; we recommend consulting the provider's admissions team or a registered migration agent for personalised advice.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as an international student on a Subclass 500 visa, you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Work placements are not part of this program, so you can focus entirely on your studies.
This course is delivered at Western Sydney University – Parramatta, located in Parramatta, NSW. Parramatta is a major commercial and cultural hub in Greater Sydney, home to a large student population. The campus is well-served by public transport, including trains and buses, with frequent services to Sydney's CBD (approximately 30 minutes by train). Parramatta offers a vibrant lifestyle with shopping centres, parks, and diverse dining options. Indicative weekly living costs in Parramatta: rent A$300–400 (shared or studio), groceries A$80–120, and transport A$30–50. There are over 20 CRICOS-registered providers in the Parramatta area, making it a popular study destination.
International students enrolled in this course must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criteria, sufficient financial capacity, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. With this visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. All CRICOS-registered courses, including this one, are covered by the ESOS Act, which ensures tuition protection and refund rights. Visa applications are managed by the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; we recommend consulting a MARA-registered agent for visa advice.
Follow these three steps to begin your studies at Western Sydney University: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers: use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm that the course (CRICOS 086215G) meets your goals. 2) Apply directly to Western Sydney University: meet the entry requirements (including English language tests), prepare your academic transcripts, and submit your application by the deadline. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Once you have your CoE, lodge your visa application online with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and evidence of financial capacity. Good luck!
Ready to take the next step? Explore more Graduate Certificate courses in NSW or contact Western Sydney University directly.
Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Professional Studies) exit only is a CRICOS-registered programme at Western Sydney 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.