Masters of Nursing in Australia: Top Universities, Course Fees, Eligibility and Job Prospects

Australia's Health Care and Social Assistance sector is likely to account for more than half (50.4%) of employment over the next 10 years. Research data from the Australian Government’s Jobs and Skills Report 2024 reveals that employment of skilled professionals in the sector in Australia is expected to hit nearly 16.3 million in the coming decade (by May 2034). This further indicates potential growth for professions such as registered nurses in the country. More and more students from Sri Lanka are thus keen to study abroad, particularly in Australia. 

This article explains everything you need to know about pursuing a Masters of Nursing in Australia. The course paves the way for Sri Lankan students in Australia to pursue a lucrative career in nursing. IDP Education can help you study in Australia and find placement in the country upon graduation. 

_{Related Source: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/data/employment-projections}

Why Study a Masters in Nursing in Australia?

Australia is the popular hub of healthcare, ranked among the best in the world. To contribute to this ever-growing sector, numerous students are interested in joining the workforce in this industry, making a rewarding career for themselves. Some of the top reasons Sri Lankan students cite to pursue a Masters of Nursing in Australia are listed below:

• The degree completed by an Australian university enjoys global recognition. This enables students from Sri Lanka to find placement in nursing in any part of the world after graduation.

• Students graduating with a Masters in Nursing in Australia from a top-ranked university are eligible to earn high-pay packages. 

• The degree is carefully designed to offer a perfect mix of theoretical concepts and real-world skills to aspiring nurses.

Nursing Courses in Australia for International Students 

Being famous around the world for its healthcare systems, Australia is home to numerous medical colleges and institutions offering a variety of nursing programs. Among these, the Masters of Nursing in Australia for international students is rather popular, owing to the quality of learning and employment prospects upon graduation. 

The course is generally offered for two years in most Australian colleges. Part-time options may also be available at some institutions. Students learn various techniques and methodologies to offer patients in the real world the highest quality of care. The program covers a wide range of subjects - Pharmacology, Health and Illness, Human Biology, Research, Healthcare Systems, and the like.  

Cost of Studying Masters in Nursing in Australia for Sri Lankan Students  

The average MSc Nursing fees in Australia are likely to be different for various institutions. This may often depend on the rank of the university, course curriculum, location of the university, and other factors. To cite an example, the indicative cost of pursuing a Master of Nursing Science at The University of Melbourne is estimated at AUD 84,000 for the total course in 2025. You may check with the expert IDP Australia Education Consultants for a more accurate idea of the fee structure at the university you wish to apply to.

Disclaimer: The figures are indicative only and may vary from one institution to another every year. Please check with the nursing college you are applying to for the latest fee structure.

_{Related Source: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/graduate/master-of-nursing-science/fees/}   

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements to Study Masters in Nursing in Australia

Students interested in pursuing a postgraduate degree in Nursing from an Australian university must meet certain admission criteria first. The eligibility requirements for MSc Nursing in Australia defined at most medical colleges are listed below. These may vary from one institution to another; hence, do check with the specific university you are applying to:

• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree or an overseas equivalent qualification in any discipline

• GPA of at least 4.0 on a scale of 7.0 in the previous qualification obtained

• Applicants must have earned the last qualification within the last 10 years of applying for a Masters in Nursing.

• The IELTS requirement for MSc Nursing in Australia is an overall 7.0 for most top colleges.

_{Related Source: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/programs/master-nursing-studies-5491#entry-requirements} 

Top Universities / Colleges for Nursing Masters in Australia 

Several high-ranked institutions are offering a Masters degree in Nursing in Australia. Some of the top institutions that enjoy high ranks on QS World University Rankings 2024 for Nursing in Australia are tabulated below for your reference:

_{Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-subject-rankings/nursing?countries=au}

Career Prospects in Australia After Pursuing a Masters in Nursing 

With the healthcare sector being one of the best in Australia, there is always a consistent need for skilled professionals in the country. Every year, nurses join the workforce in large numbers to meet this growing demand. After completing a Master of Nursing in Australia, graduates are eligible to enter rewarding career roles. Some of the best Nursing jobs in Australia after course completion are listed below:

_{Related Sources: https://au.indeed.com/career/nurse-practitioner/salaries
https://au.indeed.com/career/registered-nurse-%20-emergency-room/salaries?from=top_sb
https://au.indeed.com/career/registered-nurse-%20-nicu/salaries?from=top_sb
https://au.indeed.com/career/clinical-nurse-specialist/salaries?from=top_sb
https://au.indeed.com/career/registered-mental-health-nurse/salaries?from=top_sb}

FAQs for Master of Nursing in Australia

1. Which Masters of Nursing is the best in Australia?

When pursuing a Masters degree in Nursing from an Australian university, you can choose to specialize in a variety of areas depending on your interests and preferences.

Some of the top specializations that are the most popular among students include:

• Critical Care Nursing

• Indigenous Health Nursing

• Mental Health Nursing

2. What is the salary of a Masters in Nursing graduate in Australia?

This may vary from one employer to another. Some of the other factors determining the salary component are educational qualification earned and total experience. The average salary of a nurse completing a Masters degree in Nursing in Australia is approximately AUD 65,434 per annum.

_{Related Source: https://au.indeed.com/career/registered-nurse-%20-nicu/salaries?from=top_sb}

3. Can I study Nursing without a Science background in Australia?

Yes, pursuing a Nursing degree is possible at an Australian university even if you do not necessarily have a background in Science at the 10+2 level.  

4. Can I study for a Masters of Nursing without a Nursing background in Australia?

Yes, a couple of Australian colleges and institutions do accept students for Masters of Nursing programs, who do not have prior knowledge or background in Nursing. 

5. Can Sri Lankan nurses work in Australia?

Yes, Australia welcomes nurses from Sri Lanka to work there, provided they meet certain specific eligibility standards and registration requirements mandated by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

_{Updated on February 11, 2025}