Are you looking to start your nursing career in Australia? The Diploma of Nursing (CRICOS course code 112257K) is a Diploma (AQF Level 5) delivered by Chisholm Institute over 1 year and 6 months (78 weeks). This course is designed for international students who want to become enrolled nurses and work in Australia’s healthcare system. At HeadStart Academy (headstartacademy.com.au), we provide trusted, data-driven information sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. All listed providers are CRICOS-registered, ensuring you study at a government-approved institution. Whether you are drawn to Victoria’s vibrant student life or the strong healthcare sector, this page covers everything you need to know about fees, entry requirements, work placements, and how to apply. Remember, course fees shown are indicative only and subject to change – always confirm with Chisholm Institute before applying.
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Diploma of Nursing (CRICOS course code 112257K) is a Diploma delivered by Chisholm Institute over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This qualification, with VET national code HLT54121, prepares you to practice as an enrolled nurse under the supervision of a registered nurse. The course falls under the broad field of Health (06) and specific field of General Nursing (060301). As a CRICOS-registered course, it is approved for delivery to international students on a student visa. Chisholm Institute is a government-owned TAFE (CRICOS 00881F) with multiple campuses across Victoria, including Berwick, Dandenong, and Frankston. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses – and this Diploma of Nursing is one of the most sought-after in the health sector.
The Diploma of Nursing at Chisholm Institute equips you with the knowledge and skills to provide nursing care across a range of healthcare settings. The curriculum covers anatomy and physiology, clinical assessment, medication administration, wound care, and patient communication. You'll learn about legal and ethical nursing practice, cultural safety, and working with diverse populations. While the exact syllabus is set by Chisholm, graduates of this level typically gain competencies in critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and teamwork. The course includes supervised clinical placements, giving you real-world experience in hospitals, aged care facilities, and community health centres. This practical component is essential for building confidence and meeting Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) standards.
The Diploma of Nursing is delivered over 78 weeks (1 year 6 months) as a single qualification – no dual qualifications or foundation studies are offered in this CRICOS registration. The full-time study load is expected in English, with all instruction and assessments delivered in English. As the course is VET (Vocational Education and Training), it combines classroom learning with practical workshops and industry placement. International students must maintain satisfactory attendance and academic progress to comply with student visa conditions. Chisholm Institute may offer flexible study options – contact the provider directly for timetables and delivery modes.
The indicative tuition fee for the entire Diploma of Nursing is A$35,019, with an additional non-tuition fee of A$995, bringing the estimated total to A$36,014. Please note: these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. The total does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. Living costs vary by city; for Victoria, weekly expenses for rent, groceries, and transport are approximately A$300–500. Always check the latest fees on Chisholm Institute's website (chisholm.edu.au). As a HeadStart Academy reminder, all listed fees are indicative only – always confirm directly with the provider before enrolling.
To enrol in the Diploma of Nursing, you will need to meet Chisholm Institute's academic and English language requirements. The indicative English requirement is IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent), with no band below 5.5. Higher scores may be required for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). You typically need to have completed Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) and any prerequisites specified for this AQF Level 5 course. Foundation or pathway options may be available – contact Chisholm for details. Remember, entry requirements are set by the provider and the Nursing and Midwifery Board – always verify on the provider's website.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 10 weeks, totalling approximately 400 hours of industry placement. This clinical placement is a crucial part of your training, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in real healthcare settings under the supervision of registered nurses. Placements may occur in hospitals, aged care homes, community health centres, or other approved facilities. While the hours per week are not specified on the CRICOS register, you can expect a full-time commitment during placement periods. Successful completion of this work-integrated learning is required to graduate and apply for registration as an enrolled nurse.
Chisholm Institute delivers the Diploma of Nursing at four campuses in Victoria: Berwick Campus (25 Kangan Drive, Berwick), Dandenong Campus (121 Stud Road, Dandenong and 311 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong), and Frankston Campus (Fletcher Road, Frankston). All campuses are well-served by public transport and offer modern learning facilities. Each location is in a growing region with strong healthcare demand – for example, Berwick is home to several hospitals and aged care facilities. Dandenong and Frankston are multicultural hubs with large student populations. When choosing a campus, consider commute times, local accommodation costs, and proximity to clinical placement sites. Victoria has over 70 CRICOS-registered providers offering nursing courses, so this Diploma is a popular choice for students seeking a reputable government TAFE.
International students studying the Diploma of Nursing on a full-time basis will typically apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion requires you to demonstrate that you intend to stay in Australia temporarily for study. Financial capacity evidence must show you can cover tuition, living costs, and travel. As a HeadStart Academy reminder, we do not provide immigration advice – consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for your visa application. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, ensuring your rights as an international student.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of Nursing at Chisholm Institute:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy's free tools to filter by course level, field, and city. Confirm Chisholm Institute (CRICOS 00881F) is listed and offering course 112257K.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Meet the entry requirements (including English test scores and prerequisite qualifications) and submit your application online. Check application deadlines and provide all necessary documents.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once accepted, Chisholm will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application through the Department of Home Affairs. Remember to arrange OSHC and demonstrate financial capacity.
Victoria is Australia's second-largest state and home to over 230,000 international students. With a thriving healthcare sector, multicultural communities, and excellent public transport, it's a top destination for nursing students. Living costs in Melbourne are around A$300–500 per week for rent, A$60–80 for groceries, and A$30–50 for public transport. Regional campuses like Berwick and Frankston offer lower costs and a quieter lifestyle. Consider your study preferences – Chisholm's campuses are all in growth corridors with strong job prospects for enrolled nurses. Victoria has over 40 CRICOS-registered providers offering nursing courses, giving you plenty of options.
Ready to apply? Follow the steps above or visit Chisholm Institute's website for the latest admission information.
Diploma of Nursing is a CRICOS-registered programme at Chisholm Institute. 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.