Bachelor of Nursing - Enrolled Nurse to Registered Nurse Pathway (CRICOS course code 093295K) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Southern Cross University (SCU) over 2 years. This program is designed for qualified enrolled nurses seeking to transition to registered nurse status, providing advanced clinical skills and theoretical knowledge in general nursing (Field of Education 060301). As an AQF Level 7 qualification, it prepares graduates for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Southern Cross University, a government-owned institution (CRICOS 01241G), delivers this program across three campuses: Coffs Harbour in NSW, Bilinga on the Gold Coast in QLD, and Lismore in NSW. The course includes a mandatory work component of 30 weeks (approximately 600 hours) of clinical placements, ensuring you gain real-world experience in Australian healthcare settings. All international students are protected under the ESOS Act, and the course is listed on CRICOS – your guarantee of quality. Indicative tuition is A$78,000, with non-tuition fees of A$6,000. Continue reading to explore entry requirements, delivery locations, and how to apply.
Field of Education: 0603 - Nursing, 060301 - General Nursing. This bachelor-level program equips enrolled nurses with the competencies required for registered nursing practice. You will deepen your understanding of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and evidence-based care. The curriculum typically covers primary health care, chronic disease management, mental health, and leadership in nursing. Graduates emerge with critical thinking skills and clinical judgment necessary for diverse healthcare environments. As a CRICOS-registered course (093295K), the program meets Australian quality standards. For specific subject details, refer to Southern Cross University's official course handbook. The qualification is nationally accredited and aligns with AQF Level 7 outcomes.
According to the CRICOS register, this course is designed to be completed in 2 years (104 weeks) of full-time study. The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. The full-time commitment allows enrolled nurses to progress efficiently to registered nurse status. Southern Cross University may also offer part-time options for domestic students, but international students must maintain a full-time enrolment as required by their student visa. Always check with the provider for the most up-to-date study mode availability.
Indicative fees sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026) are as follows: - Tuition fee: A$78,000 - Non-tuition fees: A$6,000 (including materials, uniforms, etc.) - Estimated total cost: A$84,000 Please note that these fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the student visa application charge. Living costs will vary by location: in Coffs Harbour, estimated weekly rent is A$200–300; in Bilinga (Gold Coast), A$300–450; in Lismore, A$180–280. Always confirm current fees directly with Southern Cross University at www.scu.edu.au before applying. HeadStart Academy provides these indicative figures as a guide only.
As a bachelor-level pathway for enrolled nurses, applicants typically must hold current Enrolled Nurse (EN) registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or an equivalent qualification from overseas. English language proficiency is required: for example, IELTS overall 6.0–6.5 with no band below 5.5–6.0 (specific requirements may vary by campus). Academic qualifications equivalent to an Australian Year 12 or completion of a diploma are expected. Southern Cross University may offer pathway options such as foundation programs or English language courses for students who need to meet entry criteria. Always review the latest entry requirements on the SCU website. International students should also consider the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for their visa.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 30 weeks, at 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 600 hours of work-integrated learning. For nursing, this typically takes the form of clinical placements in hospitals, aged care facilities, community health centres, or other healthcare settings under the supervision of registered nurses. These placements are integral to developing the practical skills required for registered nursing practice. Southern Cross University arranges placements at partner healthcare providers in the local areas of Coffs Harbour, Bilinga, and Lismore. Students must meet any pre-placement requirements (e.g., immunisations, police checks). The work component is supervised and assessed as part of the course.
Southern Cross University delivers this course at three campus locations: - Coffs Harbour, NSW: A coastal city with a growing health sector. Living costs are moderate; average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around A$250–350 per week. The campus is accessible via public transport. - Gold Coast Airport Development Park - Bilinga, QLD: Located near the airport in southern Gold Coast. The area offers a vibrant student lifestyle with higher living costs (rent A$300–450 per week). Excellent transport links to the Gold Coast and Brisbane. - Lismore, NSW: A regional city in the Northern Rivers region. Rent is more affordable (A$180–280 per week). The campus is connected by bus services. Each location provides access to clinical placement facilities. Coffs Harbour and Lismore are in NSW, while Bilinga is in QLD. Students choose based on preference for urban or regional setting.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course in Australia. Key visa conditions include: - Full-time enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course (093295K) - Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions) - Mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the visa - Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement: demonstrate genuine intent to study and return home - Sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, travel, and dependents HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent. We recommend consulting a MARA-registered agent or visiting the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice. All student visa holders are protected under the ESOS Act.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Bachelor of Nursing - Enrolled Nurse to Registered Nurse Pathway at Southern Cross University: 1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy's free database to compare nursing courses. Ensure your chosen provider and course are CRICOS-registered. Southern Cross University (CRICOS 01241G) offers this course under code 093295K. 2. **Apply directly to Southern Cross University**: Submit your application through SCU's international admissions portal. Include your academic transcripts, English language test results (e.g., IELTS), and evidence of your enrolled nurse qualification. Check application deadlines and any additional requirements (e.g., portfolio, interview). 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once accepted, SCU will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your student visa online. Prepare for the GTE assessment and arrange OSHC. After visa grant, you can commence studies.
Choosing to study nursing on Australia's east coast offers diverse experiences. The three campuses — Coffs Harbour, Bilinga (Gold Coast), and Lismore — each provide unique advantages. Coffs Harbour is a regional city with a relaxed lifestyle and lower cost of living, ideal for students who prefer a quieter environment. Bilinga, on the Gold Coast, is a hub of tourism and healthcare services, offering vibrant city life and proximity to major hospitals. Lismore is a smaller regional centre with a strong sense of community and affordable living. All three campuses have partnerships with local health services for placements. When choosing, consider your budget, lifestyle preference, and career goals. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses — ensuring ample choice.
Start your journey to becoming a registered nurse today. Explore Southern Cross University's Bachelor of Nursing (EN to RN) on the CRICOS register and take the next step.
Bachelor of Nursing - Enrolled Nurse to Registered Nurse Pathway is a CRICOS-registered programme at Southern Cross University (SCU). 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.