Master of Nursing (Acute Care) (CRICOS course code 088943C) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Flinders University over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This program is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in critical care nursing, preparing graduates for leadership roles in acute care settings. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 00114A), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. Whether you aim to work in intensive care, emergency, or high-dependency units, this qualification opens doors across Australia's healthcare system. Flinders University, a public research university in South Australia, offers this course at its Bedford Park campus in Adelaide. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers nationally, choosing a registered course ensures ESOS Act protections and a pathway to a Student visa (Subclass 500). Below, we break down fees, entry requirements, and what you need to know before applying.
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Master of Nursing (Acute Care) (CRICOS 088943C) is a graduate-level program focusing on advanced clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, and critical care management. Classified under Field of Education 060309 — Critical Care Nursing, it addresses the growing demand for specialised nurses in acute and intensive care environments. The course is delivered by Flinders University, a government-funded institution with a strong reputation in health education. Duration is 1 year and 6 months (78 weeks), with English as the language of instruction. This is a single qualification — no dual awards or foundation studies. While the course does not include a mandatory work component, international students on a Student visa can work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
This Masters degree delves into acute care nursing, covering areas such as advanced assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and clinical leadership. Students typically learn to manage complex patient conditions in critical care settings, apply evidence-based interventions, and coordinate multidisciplinary care. While the exact syllabus is set by Flinders University, graduates can expect competency in critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and advanced clinical skills. The program is designed for registered nurses with prior experience, building on undergraduate knowledge to prepare for senior roles in intensive care, coronary care, emergency departments, and retrieval services. Australia's healthcare sector heavily relies on skilled acute care nurses, and this qualification aligns with national competency standards.
The course runs for 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks), as recorded on the CRICOS register. Language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification — no dual awards. There is no foundation studies component. Students are expected to study full-time, with a combination of theoretical coursework and clinical placements (if applicable). Flinders University may offer flexible learning options, but the CRICOS registration reflects a standard full-time pathway. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their Student visa conditions.
Tuition fees for Master of Nursing (Acute Care) are indicative at A$51,700 total for the program. Non-tuition fees (e.g., materials, student services) add A$1,124, bringing the estimated total to A$52,824. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by Flinders University. Always check the provider's website for current fees. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — approximately A$500–700 per year for single cover; living expenses — in Adelaide, rent averages A$200–350 per week, groceries A$80–150 per week, and public transport A$40–60 per week; and the Student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). Budgeting for these is essential.
Entry requirements for this Masters degree typically include a Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent, current registration as a nurse in Australia or overseas, and English language proficiency. The indicative English requirement is IELTS 6.5–7.0 overall (no band below 6.5). Some providers also require clinical experience. For specific prerequisites — such as prior critical care exposure — refer to Flinders University directly. Foundation or pathway programs are not part of this course, but students who need to meet English standards may consider English language courses offered by the university or other CRICOS-registered providers. Always verify entry criteria on the provider's website as they can change.
No work component is included in this course. The CRICOS register indicates no mandatory work placement. However, clinical placements may be integrated into the curriculum at the provider's discretion — confirm with Flinders University. International students on a Student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, which can help offset living costs. Work must not interfere with studies. The Australian Government provides student work rights subject to visa conditions.
This course is delivered at Flinders University's Bedford Park campus in BEDFORD PARK, SA (postcode 5042). Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, has a population of about 1.4 million and hosts multiple universities and over 100 CRICOS-registered providers. The Bedford Park campus is located 12 km south of the Adelaide city centre, accessible by bus and train. Living costs in Adelaide are generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, with average rent around A$250–350 per week for a one-bedroom apartment. Students enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, quality healthcare, and a growing international student community.
International students enrolled in this CRICOS-registered course can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key conditions include: maintain enrolment in a registered course, meet attendance and academic progress requirements, hold valid OSHC, and satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. Student work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled holidays. After graduation, students may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485). ESOS Act protections apply: all CRICOS-registered providers must ensure quality education, refund policies, and support services. For visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow these three steps to apply for Master of Nursing (Acute Care) at Flinders University:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** — Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Masters Degree), field (Nursing), and location (South Australia). Confirm the course code 088943C meets your goals.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** — Visit Flinders University's international admissions page. Prepare your academic transcripts, nursing registration evidence, English test results (e.g., IELTS 6.5-7.0), and any required documents. Submit your application before the deadline.
3. **Receive your CoE and apply for your Student visa** — If accepted, you'll receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). With the CoE, apply online for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and meet GTE requirements.
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Interested in Master of Nursing (Acute Care)? Start by comparing CRICOS-registered nursing courses across Australia — use HeadStart Academy’s search tools to find your pathway.
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Master of Nursing (Acute Care) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Flinders 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.