How to Study Bachelor of Nursing Online in Australia

To study a Bachelor of Nursing online, you’ll need to complete a combination of online classes, campus-based simulation blocks, and at least 800 hours of clinical placements.

Subjects such as anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing theory are delivered online. Clinical skills are taught during condensed, multi-day sessions on campus. Placements are completed in hospitals and other healthcare facilities and may require travel if suitable opportunities are unavailable near your home.

Distance education removes the need to commute to weekly classes, but the hands-on requirements are the same as for other nursing students. After completing an approved degree, you can apply for registration and work as a registered nurse in Australia.

Steps to Become a Nurse by Online Study

Let’s explain how to become a registered nurse through online study. Here are 6 steps that range from pre-enrolment through to applying for jobs.

1. Learn what’s involved in studying nursing online.

An online nursing degree has three key participation elements: fully online classes, hands-on training blocks, and at least 800 hours of clinical placements. Regular classes do not require campus attendance, but the location and frequency of hands-on sessions vary by university.

The online classes cover theoretical knowledge like anatomy, digital technology, and pharmacology. Hands-on training is conducted in condensed campus sessions, known as residential schools or clinical simulation blocks. All nursing students, whether online or not, must successfully complete the clinical placements. Universities may try to arrange placements near where you live, but travel can be required depending on availability.

2. Shortlist suitable universities.

Identify universities that offer an online Bachelor of Nursing. Under the assumption that you will need to travel for campus sessions, consider these options:

Charles Darwin University (CDU) – Annual simulation blocks are available in Darwin, Alice Springs, Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne
CQUniversity (CQU) – Online study supported by campuses in Brisbane and regional Queensland
Charles Sturt University (CSU) – Online option with compulsory intensive schools and placements
Federation University Australia – Blended options in Ballarat, Berwick, Gippsland, and Wonthaggi
University of New England (UNE) – Online students attend mandatory intensive schools in Armidale
University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) – Residential schools are held in Ipswich or Toowoomba
Western Sydney University (WSU) – Four-year online course for domestic students, with in-person clinical training

Carefully review the travel and placement requirements of each online nursing program. Look for a university with a simulation location close enough to attend, but allow for the possibility of travelling for placements.

3. Read student reviews.

Explore student feedback for insights into each university’s nursing program. You should be aware of any potential problems.

Use the University Reviews website, for example, entering searches like “site:universityreviews.com.au/students/ nursing [name of university]” to find specific reviews. This step will help you understand the quality of education, the support provided by the university, and the experiences of current and past students.

4. Enrol in your chosen program.

Check whether you meet the entry requirements for each course. Depending on the university, admission may be based on Year 12 results, prior VET or higher education study, an enabling course, or current registration as an enrolled nurse. Some universities accept a Certificate III or higher, but requirements vary.

Nursing courses have specific English language requirements aligned with the NMBA English language skills registration standard. Year 12 English may be assumed, while science is sometimes recommended rather than required.

Understand the inherent requirements for the degree, such as the ability to cooperate, communicate in spoken English, and complete auditory tasks.

Online Bachelor of Nursing programs are generally intended for domestic students living in Australia because campus sessions and clinical placements are completed here. International students on student visas normally need an on-campus program.

For eligible domestic students offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), annual tuition is generally well under $10,000. The 2026 maximum student contribution for a full-time load of nursing units is $4,738, although units in other funding bands can cost more. Eligible students can use HECS-HELP to defer their fees and repay the debt through the tax system once their income reaches the repayment threshold. International students pay full tuition fees and cannot access HECS-HELP.

5. Create a study schedule and strategy.

For effective online learning, establish a study schedule and incorporate proven strategies. Key resources include:

Study Planner and Timetable Template. Provides a template for organising your study week, focusing on integrating study times with other commitments.
21 Study Tips for Online Classes Success. Offers insights from online students on staying organised, motivated, and disciplined.

These popular articles guide you in managing time, setting goals, and adopting habits crucial for success in online nursing studies. Most nursing degrees take three years of full-time study, although the Western Sydney online course takes four years. You’ll need to stay focused throughout the journey.

6. Graduate and register with the NMBA.

Work diligently through both the theoretical and hands-on components of your nursing course to successfully complete your degree. You can apply through Ahpra for NMBA registration up to 90 days before you expect to complete all course requirements, including placements. Registration must be granted before you can work as a registered nurse in Australia.

Once you have completed the degree and obtained registration, you can apply for graduate nursing jobs and start working as a registered nurse.

Related: Online Degrees in Nursing