Diploma of Nursing (CRICOS course code 110709C) is a Diploma delivered by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology over 2 years. This nationally recognised qualification (HLT54121) prepares graduates for a career as an enrolled nurse, one of Australia's most in-demand healthcare roles. Delivered at RMIT's state-of-the-art Bundoora and Melbourne campuses, the course combines theoretical knowledge with extensive clinical placements. As a CRICOS-registered provider (00122A), RMIT meets the high standards required to enrol international students. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this Diploma is a direct pathway to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia registration. With Melbourne being home to over 200,000 international students and a thriving healthcare sector, this course offers excellent career prospects. All listed providers are CRICOS-registered and data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). HeadStart Academy is a free resource with no commission fees.
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Diploma of Nursing (CRICOS course code 110709C) is a Diploma delivered by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology over 2 years. The course is classified under the field of education 060301 - General Nursing, AQF Level 5. It provides foundational training in nursing practice, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical skills. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as an enrolled nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). RMIT is a government-funded university known for its strong industry links and modern simulation labs. This course is offered at two locations in Victoria: Bundoora Campus and Melbourne City Campus, both well-connected by public transport. The CRICOS register confirms the course duration of 104 weeks and includes a mandatory work component of 40 weeks (~400 hours) of clinical placement. This hands-on experience is essential for developing competence in real healthcare settings. International students are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and consumer rights.
The Diploma of Nursing curriculum covers core nursing competencies such as patient assessment, medication administration, wound care, and infection control. Students learn to provide person-centred care across diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, aged care facilities, and community health. The field of education (060301 - General Nursing) emphasises evidence-based practice, communication skills, and cultural safety. While specific unit details vary, the course typically includes subjects like human biology, lifespan development, mental health nursing, and legal/ethical frameworks. Practical skills are developed in RMIT's simulated wards, followed by supervised clinical placements. This blend of theory and practice ensures graduates are job-ready. As an AQF Level 5 qualification, it meets the Australian standards for enrolment nursing. Always confirm the exact syllabus with RMIT before enrolling.
According to the CRICOS register, the Diploma of Nursing runs for 104 weeks (2 years) on a full-time basis. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual award) and does not include foundation studies. RMIT typically offers this course in a standard face-to-face mode, with access to online learning platforms for supplementary materials. Students are expected to attend classes at the Bundoora or Melbourne campus and complete clinical placements off-site. The duration is fixed under CRICOS, but students should confirm any variations with the provider. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to meet Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions.
Tuition fees for the Diploma of Nursing are set by RMIT and are indicative only. The CRICOS register lists tuition at A$41,000 for the full program. Non-tuition fees (materials, uniforms, etc.) amount to A$746, bringing the estimated total to A$41,746. These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. As a guide, international students in Melbourne should budget approximately A$520–$650 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. Always confirm current fees directly with RMIT, as prices are subject to change. HeadStart Academy sources fee data from the official CRICOS register and updates it regularly. Remember that all fees are indicative and not guaranteed.
Entry into the Diploma of Nursing typically requires completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent overseas qualification. English language proficiency is required at IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent), as per RMIT's standards. Some applicants may need to complete prerequisite subjects in science or maths. RMIT may offer pathway programs for students who do not meet direct entry requirements. International students must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion for their Student visa. Always refer to RMIT's official admissions page for the most current and accurate requirements. Meeting minimum entry does not guarantee admission, as places are competitive.
This Diploma includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component of 40 weeks, amounting to approximately 400 hours of clinical placement. This practical experience is supervised by registered nurses and occurs in settings like public hospitals, aged care homes, and community health centres. The placement is an essential part of the course, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real patient care environments. During placement, students may also be eligible to work under the Student visa work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The ESOS Act ensures that placements are quality-assured and contribute to learning outcomes. Students should note that placement schedules may require travel or shift work, and must arrange their own transport.
The Diploma of Nursing is delivered at two RMIT campuses in Victoria: Bundoora Campus (Plenty Road, Bundoora VIC 3083) and RMIT University - 124 Latrobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. Bundoora is a suburban campus in Melbourne's north, with good access to public transport and student accommodation. Melbourne City Campus is in the heart of the CBD, surrounded by cafes, libraries, and transport hubs. Both campuses offer modern simulation labs and libraries. Melbourne is home to over 40 CRICOS-registered providers offering health courses, and its public transport system (trains, trams, buses) connects all suburbs. Living costs vary: rent in the city averages $250–$400 per week, while Bundoora is slightly cheaper. The city's student population exceeds 200,000, providing a vibrant multicultural environment.
To study this course, international students need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from RMIT, sufficient funds for tuition and living costs (approx. A$29,710 per year for a single student), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the visa duration, and meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. Visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Dependants may be eligible for work rights. The ESOS Act provides strong consumer protections, including tuition fee refunds if the provider fails to deliver. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice—consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for visa applications.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of Nursing at RMIT: 1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to compare nursing diplomas across Australia. Filter by course level, field, and city to find the best fit. 2. **Apply directly to RMIT** – Check entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application online through RMIT's international admissions portal. 3. **Receive your CoE and apply for a Student visa** – Once you receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), lodge your Student visa (Subclass 500) application. Include evidence of funds, OSHC, and GTE statement. Processing times vary, so apply early.
Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city and a top destination for international students. It has over 40 CRICOS-registered providers offering health courses, including the Diploma of Nursing. The city is known for its multicultural atmosphere, excellent public transport, and strong healthcare job market. Living costs are moderate: weekly rent ranges from $200 (shared) to $400 (studio), groceries around $80–$120, and a monthly myki transport pass about $180. Melbourne's weather is temperate, with mild winters and warm summers. Consider your preferences for campus location: Bundoora offers a quieter, suburban experience, while the city campus immerses you in urban life. Both provide access to clinical placement sites across metropolitan Melbourne.
Ready to pursue a Diploma of Nursing? Start by exploring CRICOS-registered providers and then apply directly to RMIT. Use HeadStart Academy's free resources to guide your decision.
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Diploma of 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.