Are you looking to become a registered nurse in Australia? The Master of Nursing Practice (Pre-registration) (CRICOS course code 103124J) is a two-year Masters Degree (Coursework) (AQF Level 9) delivered by Charles Darwin University (CDU) that prepares you for nursing practice. This course is designed for graduates with a non-nursing bachelor degree who wish to enter the nursing profession. It combines theoretical learning with extensive clinical placements, providing the skills and knowledge required for registration as a nurse in Australia. With delivery locations in Casuarina, Northern Territory, and Sydney, New South Wales, you can choose a study environment that suits your lifestyle. As a CRICOS-registered course (00300K at CDU), international students are eligible to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). All fees shown are indicative and subject to change.
Master of Nursing Practice (Pre-registration) (CRICOS course code 103124J) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Charles Darwin University (CDU) over 2 years. This course is classified under the field of education 060301 - General Nursing, at AQF Level 9. It is designed to provide the essential competencies for professional nursing practice. The program includes a significant work component of 22 weeks (approximately 880 hours) of supervised clinical placement, ensuring graduates meet the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) standards. Charles Darwin University is a government-owned institution (CRICOS 00300K) with a strong reputation in health education. The course is offered at two campuses: Casuarina Campus in the Northern Territory and a Sydney campus at 815 George Street, giving students flexibility in choosing their study location.
As a Master of Nursing Practice (Pre-registration) student, you will engage in a comprehensive curriculum covering health assessment, clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, pharmacology, and nursing care across various settings. The program emphasizes primary health care, rural and remote nursing, and Indigenous health perspectives, reflecting CDU's commitment to serving diverse communities. You will develop proficiency in patient assessment, care planning, and interprofessional collaboration. The course prepares you for the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia's registration exam. While this is a general description, specific subjects may include anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, mental health nursing, and leadership in nursing. The field of education is Health (06) and specifically General Nursing (060301), which encompasses the theoretical and practical aspects of nursing.
The course duration is 2 years (104 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is delivered in English and is a single qualification (no dual awards). This is a coursework-based program, meaning you will attend lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions. The program is designed to be completed on a full-time basis. There is no foundation study component. The language of instruction is English, so you will need to demonstrate English proficiency through an approved test. Charles Darwin University may offer flexible study options, but the standard CRICOS duration is 104 weeks. International students must maintain full-time enrolment as per visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for the Master of Nursing Practice (Pre-registration) is A$80,832 for the full program (2 years). Non-tuition fees are estimated at A$736, making the estimated total A$81,568. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. You should always confirm current fees directly with Charles Darwin University. Note that these fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. As a guide, living costs in Australia are approximately A$21,000 per year, depending on location. For example, rent in Sydney averages A$300-500 per week, while Darwin may be slightly lower. Always budget for additional expenses.
To be considered for the Master of Nursing Practice (Pre-registration), you typically need a completed bachelor degree in any discipline (not nursing) from a recognised institution. You must also meet English language requirements, generally IELTS 6.5-7.0 overall (no band less than 6.5 or 7.0 in speaking and listening, depending on the provider). Some providers may also require a minimum GPA. Additionally, you may need to satisfy pre-entry requirements such as a police check or health clearance. This is general guidance; specific requirements are set by Charles Darwin University and may change. HeadStart Academy recommends visiting CDU's website or contacting them directly for the most up-to-date entry criteria. Foundation or pathway programs are not applicable for this course.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work component of 22 weeks at 40 hours per week, totalling approximately 880 hours. This is a clinical placement or work-integrated learning experience where you apply theoretical knowledge in real healthcare settings under supervision. Placements may occur in hospitals, community health centres, or aged care facilities, providing invaluable hands-on experience. This component is essential for meeting the clinical hours required for registration as a nurse. You will be expected to travel to placement sites, which may require additional costs. CDU's dedicated placement coordinators assist in arranging these placements. International students should note that work placements are part of the course and do not count towards the standard work rights of 48 hours per fortnight.
This course is delivered at two locations: Casuarina Campus in Casuarina, Northern Territory (NT), and Level 10, 815 George Street, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW). The Casuarina campus is located in a suburb of Darwin, the capital of the NT, which has a tropical climate and a diverse population. Sydney, on the other hand, is Australia's largest city with extensive public transport and a high student population. Both campuses offer modern facilities and support services. Choosing your location involves considering factors like cost of living, climate, and lifestyle. Darwin generally has a lower cost of living than Sydney but has fewer entertainment options. Sydney offers a vibrant cultural scene but higher rent. Both cities have CRICOS-registered providers offering health courses.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course. You must maintain enrolment, attend classes, and meet course requirements. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. You must also hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. Additionally, you need to satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, showing you intend to stay temporarily for study. You must demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. The ESOS Act protects your rights as an international student. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; consult a MARA agent for visa matters.
Applying for the Master of Nursing Practice (Pre-registration) at Charles Darwin University involves three key steps. First, research CRICOS-registered providers using resources like HeadStart Academy to compare courses, fees, and locations. Filter by course level, field, and city to find options that suit your needs. Second, apply directly to Charles Darwin University through its online application portal. Ensure you meet entry requirements, including English language proficiency, and submit all required documents such as academic transcripts and a personal statement. Be mindful of application deadlines. Third, upon receiving a Letter of Offer and accepting it, you will be issued a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). With the CoE, you can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Always check current visa processing times and requirements.
Start your nursing career in Australia — explore more nursing courses on HeadStart Academy or contact Charles Darwin University directly for application details.
Master of Nursing Practice (Pre-registration) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Charles Darwin University (CDU). 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.