Key facts

Domestic students course information.

Entry requirements

Guaranteed ATAR: 72.55

Entry is based on recent secondary (ATAR), higher education (GPA), VET study, work experience, or unrestricted Enrolled Nurse registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

Entry is based on Australian Year 12 equivalence, bachelor qualification in a health-related discipline, Diploma in Nursing, or you are a registered Enrolled Nurse (NMBA). English language requirements must also be met.

View full entry requirements
Duration
  • 2 or 2.5 or 3 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Number of Units (Subjects)
  • 24 units (144 credit points)
View course structure
Fees
  • Commonwealth Supported Place
  • International
View more fees information
CRICOS code
  • 008620G
  • 071722M
Start Dates and Campus
Trimester 1 – February 2024Trimester 2 – June 2024Trimester 3 – October 2024
OnlineOfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
Armidale CampusOfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
OnlineNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
Armidale CampusOfferedOfferedOffered
Sydney CampusOfferedOfferedOffered

Course information

Download course brochure
Nursing student checks heart rate of patient

With a blended delivery that allows you to study online or on campus, UNE is at the forefront of nursing education in Australia. Our Bachelor of Nursing is a professional entry degree, leading to eligibility for Registered Nurse status. Study a Bachelor of Nursing with UNE and ensure you are ready to practice in a range of clinical settings, equipped with the key knowledge and skills required to thrive in the evolving profession of nursing.

Applications for Trimester 1 2024 have now closed.

2024 Health scholarships

Starting a UNE Health course in 2024? Get up to $12,000 towards your studies. For more information about health scholarships and subsidies available, register your interest now.

Please note: which trimester/s you can commence study in depends on your student type and which admission rule you admitted under.

  • Domestic students under any admission rule may commence in Trimester 1, online or on campus at Armidale.
  • International students admitted under Rule A or B may commence in Trimester 1, on campus at Armidale.
  • International students admitted under Rule C may commence in Trimester 2 or 3, on campus at Armidale or UNE Sydney.
  • International students admitted under Rule D may commence in Trimester 3, on campus at Armidale.
  • International students admitted under Rule E may commence in Trimester 1, on campus at UNE Sydney.

Why study the Bachelor of Nursing with UNE?

The Bachelor of Nursing is a professional entry degree course that grants you eligibility for Registered Nurse status. Our course offers flexibility and mobility in the rapidly changing world of healthcare, a multidisciplinary professional sector that offers diverse career pathways and dynamic specialities. UNE's Bachelor of Nursing provides core knowledge and skills, through practical experience and innovative teaching.

Develop your understanding and skills in all aspects of nursing practice including communication, bioethics, biological science, health promotion, health education and nursing leadership with UNE.

What makes our course different?

We focus on you being able to integrate your academic knowledge into your real world of work, with opportunities for:

  • Blended learning to suit your needs, with delivery of the course online or on campus in Armidale for domestic students, or for international students, on campus in Armidale or UNE's Sydney campus,* and excellent online tutor support. For online students, we combine this with mandatory on-campus intensive schools to provide you with hands-on experience in our Clinical Simulation Lab and allow you to engage face-to-face with your peers and academic staff.
  • Flexible study — our students come from diverse professional and clinical backgrounds and we know that you value flexibility when it comes to balancing study with your existing commitments. You have the option to study part-time, taking up to six years to complete your degree, or full-time, allowing you to complete the Bachelor of Nursing in three years. If you're already an unrestricted Enrolled Nurse, enter in year two of the degree and graduate in four trimesters. Our trimester system allows you to enrol flexibly each year.†
  • Clinical placements with major health service providers in the public, non-profit and private sectors, community and mental health, or in specialist multidisciplinary primary health care services.

By choosing UNE, you are choosing an industry leader in the provision of lifelong learning for aspiring and registered nurses. Students consistently award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.

Before commencing study, you must meet a range of course pre-requirements. These include compliance with NSW Health mandatory immunisation requirements, Criminal Record Clearance, English Language Requirements and a Working with Children Check.

If you are a domestic student, you may choose to study on campus at Armidale, or online (commencing in Trimester 1 only) with mandatory on-campus intensive schools.

If you do not meet the admission requirements for our Bachelor of Nursing, you may be able to take advantage of UNE's alternative admission pathways, for example by completing foundation studies through a Pathways Enabling Course which provides the opportunity to complete one nursing unit.

*If you are an international student admitted under Rule A or B, you will be able to study on campus at Armidale, commencing in Trimester 1. If you are an international student admitted under Rule C, you may be offered a place at Armidale or UNE Sydney (Parramatta), in Trimester 2 or Trimester 3. Quotas apply for the places available at each campus, and the campus you may be offered may not be your first choice. If you are an international student admitted under Rule D, you will be able to study on campus at Armidale, commencing in Trimester 3. Please see the Course Rules and Plans for more information.

†Trimester 3 runs from late October – February the following year. If you complete your studies in Trimester 3, this means that you will have completed all of the course requirements, but will not be able to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), or go on to further study such as an Honours year until the results from your final Trimester are available (usually late February – early March).

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 at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus

Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 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.

If you are an international applicant who wants to study on campus 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.

This course is offered under five admission rules, each with its own Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule A: You must have completed, at minimum, an Australian Year 12 qualification or overseas equivalent.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule B: You currently hold unrestricted Enrolled Nurse registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule C: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a health-related discipline, and are not currently registered to practice as a nurse in Australia.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C. Please see the Rule C Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: If you are admitted under Rule C you must study on campus in Armidale or UNE Sydney, commencing in Trimester 2 or Trimester 3.

Rule D: You have completed a two-year full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary overseas Diploma equivalent to the Diploma in Nursing (AQF Level 5), and be or have been registered, licensed or recognised in your own country as a registered or professional nurse during the past ten years.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule D. Please see the Rule D Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: This pathway is only available to candidates from education providers with which UNE has signed a formal partnership agreement. if you are admitted under Rule D you must study on campus in Armidale, commencing in Trimester 3.

Rule E: You currently hold unrestricted Enrolled Nurse registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule E. Please see the Rule E Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: This pathway is only available to candidates from education providers with which UNE has signed a formal partnership agreement. If you are admitted under Rule E you must study on campus in UNE Sydney, commencing in Trimester 1.

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.

You can check your overseas qualifications in our Admission Country List and Qualifications table. If you can't find your qualifications in this list, simply submit your application and UNE's International Admissions team will assess them for you.

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.

Assumed Knowledge

By applying for this course, we assume that you have sound knowledge of any 2 units of English and any 2 units of Science at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Assumed Knowledge

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

For applicable units, multiple intensive schools may be timetabled across each trimester for online students. You will be required to book into one Intensive School group via Moodle.

Visa Information

On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.

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.

You can check your overseas qualifications in our Admission Country List and Qualifications table. If you can't find your qualifications in this list, simply submit your application and UNE's International Admissions team will assess them for you.

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.

Assumed Knowledge

By applying for this course, we assume that you have sound knowledge of any 2 units of English and any 2 units of Science at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Assumed Knowledge

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

For applicable units, multiple intensive schools may be timetabled across each trimester for online students. You will be required to book into one Intensive School group via Moodle.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

  • Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on previous study, upload evidence of your study so we can assess eligibility.
  • 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.

Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.

  • If you are admitted under Rules B or E, you will be granted 48 credit points of Block Advanced Standing.
  • If you are admitted under Rule C, you will be granted 42 credit points of Block Advanced Standing.
  • If you are admitted under Rule D, you will be granted 36 credit points of Block Advanced Standing.

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 five years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for professional experience placement units completed more than two years ago. Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the unit HSNS376 Transitioning to Practice 2.

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

Select the option that best describes your experience.

You are currently studying Year 12 (school or TAFE) or have done so within the past 2 years.

Guaranteed ATAR
72.55

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A 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.

There are two ATAR-related adjustments that can be applied to increase your rank when applying for this course. You can receive a maximum of five points in addition to your ATAR result. It is possible to be considered for either the UNE ATAR Adjustment Scheme OR the Educational Access Scheme, but not both.

UNE ATAR Adjustment Scheme
UNE automatically offers an additional five points of adjustment factors to the ATAR of eligible applicants from regional, rural and remote locations without the need for an application.
> Learn more about the UNE ATAR Adjustment Scheme

Education Adjustment Scheme (EAS)
UNE acknowledges and provides consideration for applicants who have experienced an educational disadvantage. If you are planning to study on campus you can seek consideration for this scheme when applying for this course.
> Learn more about EAS

UNE Early Entry Program
Early Entry is open to all Year 12 applicants and relies on your school’s assessment of your attributes and suitability for study. You can apply early, receive an offer and secure a place with UNE, even before your scores are released.
> Learn more about the UNE Early Entry Program

UAC Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS)
This scheme provides eligible Year 12 applicants who have applied via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) the opportunity to receive early offers of undergraduate admission to UNE based on their school ratings and Year 11 results.
> Learn more about SRS

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Assumed Knowledge

By applying for this course, we assume that you have sound knowledge of any 2 units of English and any 2 units of Science at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Assumed Knowledge

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

For applicable units, multiple intensive schools may be timetabled across each trimester for online students. You will be required to book into one Intensive School group via Moodle.

You have studied at UNE or other higher education institutions, completed or otherwise.

You can apply for this course if you have undertaken any of the following qualifications with an appropriate Grade Point Average (GPA):

  • Undergraduate Certificates
  • Diplomas
  • Advanced Diplomas/Associate degrees
  • Bachelor degrees
  • Postgraduate degrees

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A 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.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Assumed Knowledge

By applying for this course, we assume that you have sound knowledge of any 2 units of English and any 2 units of Science at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Assumed Knowledge

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

For applicable units, multiple intensive schools may be timetabled across each trimester for online students. You will be required to book into one Intensive School group via Moodle.

You have undertaken VET study through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), e.g. TAFE.

This course is offered under two admission rules, each with its own Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule A: You have undertaken VET studies. When assessing your application, we will look at the following factors:

  • Level and type of qualification (Certificate IV or above)
  • Graded or ungraded (competency-based)
  • Complete or incomplete.

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule B: You currently hold unrestricted Enrolled Nurse registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B 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.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Assumed Knowledge

By applying for this course, we assume that you have sound knowledge of any 2 units of English and any 2 units of Science at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Assumed Knowledge

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

For applicable units, multiple intensive schools may be timetabled across each trimester for online students. You will be required to book into one Intensive School group via Moodle.

You left high school more than two years ago or did not finish Year 12.

You can apply for this course on the basis of work and/or life experience via at least one of the following methods:

Professional Experience
If you have completed at least one year of paid professional experience, we can assess you for admission on this basis. Simply provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s in your application.
> Find out more about applying based on professional experience
> Learn about our Statement of Service requirements

Mature Age Special Entry
Tell us more about your work and life experience, demonstrating why you believe you will be successful in the course you are applying for. Simply complete the form and upload it in your application.
> Download the Mature Age Special Entry form (PDF)

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The STAT is a test that assesses a range of competencies considered important for successful tertiary study. UNE accepts the multiple-choice component provided you have completed it within the three years prior to course commencement.
> Visit ACER for more information

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A 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.

Pathways Enabling Course
This is a free (fees exempt) and 100% online course designed to help you prepare for university. It will provide you with all the skills needed to undertake undergraduate study. Completion of the Pathways Enabling Course will make you eligible for admission into this course, and you may also receive Advanced Standing for some of your studies.
> Learn more about the Pathways Enabling Course

TRACKS (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
TRACKS is a preparation course run by the UNE Oorala Aboriginal Centre. Over two trimesters you will experience what university study is about and learn in a supported environment. Be part of a community of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who share your goals and interests. Completion of TRACKS will make you eligible for admission into this course, and you may also receive Advanced Standing for some of your studies.
> Learn more about TRACKS

Internal Selection Program (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
This program is designed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who have professional work or community experience, or any formal VET qualifications, e.g. TAFE study.
> Learn more about the Internal Selection Program

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Assumed Knowledge

By applying for this course, we assume that you have sound knowledge of any 2 units of English and any 2 units of Science at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Assumed Knowledge

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

For applicable units, multiple intensive schools may be timetabled across each trimester for online students. You will be required to book into one Intensive School group via Moodle.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

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.

Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.

  • If you are admitted under Rules B or E, you will be granted 48 credit points of Block Advanced Standing.
  • If you are admitted under Rule C, you will be granted 42 credit points of Block Advanced Standing.
  • If you are admitted under Rule D, you will be granted 36 credit points of Block Advanced Standing.

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 five years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for professional experience placement units completed more than two years ago. Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the unit HSNS376 Transitioning to Practice 2.

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

Course structure

To qualify for the award, a candidate admitted under the Rules must pass units to the value of 144 credit points.

144 credit points

For candidates admitted under Rule (a), offered at Armidale on campus or online, commencing Trimester 1 only

144 credit points

Complete the following units:

144 credit points

For candidates admitted under Rule (b), offered at Armidale on campus or online, commencing Trimester 1 only For candidates admitted under Rule (e), offered at UNE Sydney on campus commencing Trimester 1 only

48 credit points

48 credit points block advanced standing granted for candidates who hold an unrestricted Enrolled Nurse registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

96 credit points

Complete the following units:

144 credit points

For candidates admitted under Rules (c), offered at Armidale or UNE Sydney on campus only, commencing Trimester 2 or Trimester 3

42 credit points

42 credit points block advanced standing granted for international candidates who have completed a minimum AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree, in a health related discipline area from a recognised university overseas, and not be currently registered to practice as a nurse in Australia.

102 credit points

Complete the following units:

144 credit points

For candidates admitted under Rules (d), offered at Armidale on campus only, commencing Trimester 3

36 credit points

36 credit points block advanced standing granted for international students who hold a minimum 2 year FTE post-secondary Diploma in Nursing (equivalent to AQF Level 5); and be registered, licensed or recognised in their own country as registered or a professional nurse in the last ten years.

108 credit points

Complete the following units:

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

How much will it cost?

Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:

Fee typeCost
International
$32,254*
Commonwealth Supported Place
$5,997*
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time$351

*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.

*The costs will depend on the units you choose to study as the cost of individual units vary. “Estimated fees” are provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking a study load of 48 credit points in the first year of this course. For courses that require less than 48 credit points the fees indicated are based on the total credit points required for completion of that course. For more information, please see fees and costs. If applicable, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) Student Contribution Fees are indicative from 2023. The 2024 CSP rates are still being finalised by the Government and we will update the information as soon as we have more details.

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.

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 scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.

Scholarships

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 2024. View detailed Bursary information.

UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.

Your career

Career outcomes

The world of nursing is changing, and future growth of the sector is very strong.  As a graduate, your high-level knowledge and abilities, clinical practice experience, and adaptability open up a diverse range of local and international opportunities, including roles as a registered nurse in: 

  • public and private health care sectors  
  • nurse education and research 
  • health and welfare service management 
  • health care promotion and public health.
Professional recognition

UNE’s Bachelor of Nursing is externally accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) on behalf of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Upon completing the course, you can apply for registration with the NMBA to become a Registered Nurse. Nursing registration is regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), which works in partnership with the NMBA to ensure Registered Nurses are suitably trained, qualified and safe to practice.  

Course outcomes

The aims of this course are to prepare students to meet the Registered Nurse Standards for Practice (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), 2016).
  1. demonstrate a well-developed understanding of health from individual, family, community, population and global perspectives;
  2. apply knowledge and skills to provide culturally appropriate, quality, safe, thoughtful, creative, responsible and evidence-based nursing in a variety of healthcare settings;
  3. respect the rights of individuals to make choices regarding their own health and the care they receive;
  4. advocate for vulnerable people who are unable to make or implement choices for themselves by virtue of their condition;
  5. value and incorporate health promotion and health education within nursing practice;
  6. practice within legal and ethical parameters and demonstrate accountability for their own practice;
  7. enact clinical leadership and act as a change agent within the healthcare system in order to improve outcomes for individuals and communities; and
  8. embrace the use of technology both in nursing practice and continuing professional development in order to maintain and extend their nursing knowledge and skills through experiential and self-directed learning.
Knowledge of a Discipline

Students progressively develop a sound knowledge of the discipline of nursing in preparation for their roles as professional nurses through participation in online and face-to-face learning activities and clinical practice. Knowledge of the discipline will be assessed through written assignments, online tests, examinations, assessment of clinical skills in the clinical laboratory.Students will engage in learning activities in which global perspectives of nursing practice will be discussed and debated. They will be expected to show their understanding of the global nature of nursing in written assessments and demonstrate this understanding on assessed clinical placements.

Communication Skills

Students will be taught and practise relevant oral, written and non-verbal communication skills in all the units of this course. Assessment of communication skills will occur through written assignments and through assessment of clinical competence in practice.

Problem Solving

Students are taught problem-solving skills as they engage with issues of clinical governance and practise development in online, face-to-face and clinical practice activities. Their ability to solve problems is assessed across all assessment tasks in the course.

Information Literacy

Information literacy is practised and assessed through the assignment tasks attached to each unit of the course. Students are taught research skills and how to access and assess information from a variety of online and paper-based information sources.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Students learn about and develop the capacity to make ethically sound, morally just and socially responsible decisions in all the nursing units of this course. They apply this knowledge specifically to patient advocacy, safety and quality issues. They are assessed on this knowledge across all assessment tasks and apply it in practice while on assessed clinical placements.

Lifelong Learning

Students are required to set ongoing learning objectives at each stage of the course and as they prepare to transition to practice and to progressively refine their plan for continuing professional development in their nursing career. These approaches to lifelong learning will be assessed in the student's professional portfolios and in practice on clinical placements.

Independence and Collaboration

Students are taught theories of team dynamics and teamwork as they relate to a range of health care settings in all nursing units of this course. They participate as members of a health care team where they will develop and refine their skills, understanding and ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a health care team during their assessed clinical placements.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

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

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

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.

Find out more about studying on campus

Stay connected

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Why study with us?

Registered Nurse Sharne Bellia with her certificate of commendation at UNE graduation

I found the whole experience simple and easy to navigate. I was given exceptional mentoring and assistance from supervisors, faculty staff, library staff and others, such as the alumni association. 

Sharne Bellia, graduate, Bachelor of Nursing with Honours

Why study with us?

UNE graduate smiles in UNE campus courtyard

Joining UNE for my Bachelor of Nursing is one of the wisest decisions I have ever made. It allows me to explore so much and gives me the best international platform to stand tall in the field.

Wasana Welikala, Bachelor of Nursing graduate

How to apply

Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are an
you can apply at any time. Apply now and we'll get you started in the next possible intake.

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
Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are applying as a
, the application process may be a little different depending on who you are and what you want to study.

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

Application closing dates for 2024 domestic admissions to the Bachelor of Nursing are as follows:

  • UAC Central: Apply by 9 November 2023 and change preference by 15 December 2023 (last Offer Round will be on 21 December 2023).
  • QTAC: Apply by 7 December 2023 and change preference by 18 December 2023 (last Offer Round will be on 21 December 2023).
  • UAC Connect: Apply, or change preference, by Thursday 21 December 2023.

Please Note: Bachelor of Nursing applications have re-opened for a short period of time as there are still a limited number of places left in the course for 2024 (Trimester 1, 2024). All applicants should apply online direct to UNE. Applications can only remain open whilst there are still places. Applications are likely to close on short notice upon the quota being reached.

Important Notice for Prospective Students

For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.