Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on a completed Bachelor of Nursing, or unrestricted registration as a Registered Nurse Division 1 with AHPRA.
Entry is based on a completed Bachelor of Nursing, or unrestricted registration as a Registered Nurse Division 1 with AHPRA. English language requirements must also be met.
- 1 or up to 2 years part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2026 | Trimester 2 – June 2026 | Trimester 3 – October 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
The global population is ageing rapidly. In Australia, the proportion of people aged 65 and older is increasing, driving strong demand for aged care services. UNE's Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Nursing is strategically designed to prepare postgraduate nurses for advanced practice in a diverse range of aged care settings, providing you with the advanced knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to offer comprehensive and compassionate care to older persons.
Why study the Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Nursing with UNE?
At UNE, you will learn from specialist nurses and industry experts who bring real-world insights and practical knowledge to the classroom. This course focuses on preparing you for real-world aged care nursing via our cutting-edge simulated activities, which guide you through 5 days in our virtual aged care facility. You'll meet and learn from staff and residents alike, experience daily life in an aged care facility, and complete simulated forms like those you'll experience in a real-world setting.
UNE has the longest heritage of any Australian university in offering distance and online courses. We’re also highly rated – year after year, students award UNE 5-star ratings in The Good Universities Guide for Overall Experience and Student Support, so when you study with us, you know you are in good hands.
What makes our course different?
The units of study you will complete in this course have been developed by specialist nurses in consultation with industry partners to ensure maximum relevancy and value in the workplace, and incorporate a unique interactive approach to learning person-centred care for older persons. When you study the Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Nursing with us, you will:
- Acquire the skills to coordinate evidence-based nursing care that considers not only physical health but also an individual's emotional, social and psychological wellbeing.
- Become an expert in infection prevention and control, leadership and governance, with units designed to empower nurses with the required skills to be leaders in their field.
- Get real world experience through our state-of-the-art virtual aged care simulation activities, where a virtual clinical facilitator will lead you through 5 days in our virtual aged care facility.
- Set yourself up for future study. The Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Nursing is specifically designed to articulate in our Graduate Diploma in Aged Care Nursing, where you can further your knowledge while receiving advanced standing for the units completed in your graduate certificate.
- Study flexibly online. This course is offered part-time and online, allowing you to balance your professional and personal commitments while advancing your career.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together to build real world networks for the future.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
This course is not currently available for this mode of study.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
There are no intensive school requirements for units within this course.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
You can apply for this course if you have completed ONE of the following admission qualification pathways:
- You have completed a Bachelor of Nursing qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent).
- OR you have current unrestricted registration as a Registered Nurse Division 1 with the Australian Health Professional Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
There are no intensive school requirements for units within this course.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification/s OR proof of current unrestricted registration as a Registered Nurse Division 1 with the Australian Health Professional Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
Please note: you can apply for up to 12 credit points of Advanced Standing.
You can apply for this course if you have completed ONE of the following admission qualification pathways:
- You have completed a Bachelor of Nursing qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent).
- OR you have current unrestricted registration as a Registered Nurse Division 1 with the Australian Health Professional Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study)."
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
There are no intensive school requirements for units within this course.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification/s OR you must provide proof of current unrestricted registration as a Registered Nurse Division 1 with the Australian Health Professional Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
Please note: you can apply for up to 12 credit points of Advanced Standing.
Course structure
To qualify for the award, a candidate must pass units to the value of 24 credit points.
18 credit points
Complete the following units:- Perspectives on Ageing (HLTH440) – 6 credit points
- Infection Prevention and Control (HSNS481) – 6 credit points
- Nursing Older Adults (HSNS580) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
Complete ONE unit from the following:- Mental Health and Older Adults (HLTH427) – 6 credit points
- Working with Aboriginal People (OORA400) – 6 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
Understanding Your Course Fees
Your total course fees are based on the number of units you complete, not the length of time you study. This gives you flexibility to tailor your study journey to suit your circumstances.
Here's how it works:
- Unit-based pricing - Each unit has its own fee. Visit our Fees and Costs section for detailed unit pricing information
- Advanced standing - If you're eligible for credit for previous study, you'll complete fewer units and pay less overall
- Study pace - Choose part-time or full-time study to fit your schedule without affecting unit costs
- Trimester 3 option - Students who choose to accelerate their progress by studying during Trimester 3 can do so without increasing overall costs
The table below shows estimated fees for a typical full-time year of study (48 credit points which typically equates to 8 units)
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Full Fee (no government subsidy) | $12,288* |
| International | $17,088* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $3,936* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $373 |
* Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2025. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
Upon completing the Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Nursing, graduates will be well-positioned for a range of career opportunities within the aged care sector, including:
- Aged Care Nurse: Provide specialised nursing care to older adults in residential aged care facilities, community settings, or hospitals, focusing on promoting health, managing chronic conditions, and enhancing the quality of life for older patients.
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (Aged Care): Take on a leadership role as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, providing advice, developing care plans, and leading clinical teams in the delivery of complex care to older adults.
- Nurse Educator (Aged Care): Educate and train the next generation of nurses or upskill current nursing staff in aged care practices, ensuring that they are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to provide high-quality care to older adults.
Nurses who are interested in a career pathway as an Infection Prevention and Control lead within a residential aged care facility must also complete and receive a certificate for the Australian Quality and Safety Commission COVID-19 modules. For more information please visit https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/infection-prevention-and-control-leads
To work in Australia, Registered Nurses are required by law to be registered as practitioners with AHPRA. Please see their registration standards Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - Registration Standards (ahpra.gov.au)
Course outcomes
- interpret and implement the Aged Care legislation and frameworks as they apply to nursing practice, ensuring the delivery of quality, comprehensive, and culturally safe nursing care to older adults;
- exhibit an advanced understanding of the physiological and psychosocial aspects of ageing, including common age-related health conditions and their management;
- initiate critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address complex healthcare needs encountered in aged care nursing practice; and
- implement evidence-based strategies for delivery of comprehensive care to older adults across diverse populations and settings.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Students will develop an advanced knowledge of aged care nursing in a diverse range of settings. Through engagement in online learning activities, including a virtual placement experience, students will learn to assess, plan, and manage the nursing care of older adults. Knowledge will be assessed through written and oral assignments and online examinations.
- Communication Skills
Communication skills are essential in nursing practice, and students will explore and practice relevant oral, written and non-verbal communication skills within units of this course. Students will learn to effectively communicate with patients, families and the healthcare team. Communication skills will be assessed through written and oral assignments and online discussions.
- Problem Solving
Students will be taught how to identify complex healthcare issues and develop innovative solutions to improve patient care delivery. Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills to analyse patient data, anticipate potential complications, and implement timely interventions. Their ability to problem solve will be assessed across all assessment tasks.
- Information Literacy
Students will access, evaluate, and utilise a wide range of literature and resources to inform clinical decision-making. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the role of digital health care evidence based Students will Information literacy is practiced and assessed through the assignment tasks attached to each unit of the course.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Students will learn about and develop the capacity to make ethically sound, morally just and socially responsible decisions within the units of this course. They will uphold professional standards of ethics and integrity in all aspects of nursing practice. Students will learn how to advocate for patient autonomy, dignity, and cultural sensitivity in the delivery of care. They are assessed on this knowledge through written assessment tasks within the units of the course.
- Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning skills are taught and practiced in assessment tasks undertaken by students in this course. The discipline knowledge, information literacy and problem solving skills obtained in this course equip students with the ability to understand, interpret and critically evaluate regional, national and international issues of relevance to nursing. Students will demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and development through participation in continuing education activities within the virtual placement unit.
- Independence and Collaboration
Students will have worked independently as well as collaboratively in order to complete learning and assessment activities within this course. Students will explore the nurses' role within healthcare teams and will develop and refine their skills, understanding, and ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a healthcare . Student will recognise the unique expertise and perspectives of other healthcare professionals and seek opportunities for interprofessional collaboration to optimise patient care.
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026 Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026 Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate) Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025 Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
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Why study with us?
The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.
Why study with us?
UNE provides an excellent learning experience, and a wide range of social and student services. It is a perfect place to experience diverse culture, seasons and lifestyle!
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 24 February 2026 | 23 February 2026 |
| Trimester 2 | 23 June 2026 | 22 June 2026 |
