Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry)

Postgraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

July

Campus

Adelaide City

Duration

2 year(s) full-time

Program code

MANUG

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$44,500

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 7.0 IELTS Reading 7.0 IELTS Listening 7.0 IELTS Speaking 7.0 IELTS Writing 7.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115937F

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirement and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

A completed bachelor degree (AQF level 7) or higher from a recognised higher education institution.

Essential requirements

Successful applicants whose bachelor degree studies are not from a health-related field will be advised to complete a short course in Human Anatomy and Physiology before commencing.
Prior to admission, applicants must meet some professional registration requirements set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). These include the English Language Skills standard. Applicants will complete a declaration stating how they demonstrate English language proficiency, which in some cases may require provision of English language test results.
Upon entry to the program, all students must confirm they meet Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements requirements.

Additional requirements

Students must meet the relevant requirements associated with Professional Experience Placement (PEP) prior to commencement. PEP is an essential and compulsory part of this program. PEP may be allocated across the calendar year, outside of usual teaching weeks. Students are required to complete PEP full time (40 hours/week), some weekend and shift work will be required. PEP cannot be completed on a part time basis unless offered by the clinical setting.

Student DEED Poll
Criminal History Checks
Immunisations and Prescribed Communicable Infection (PCI) screening (including relevant Covid and Influenza requirements)
Tuberculosis screening
Electronic medical record (Sunrise) training
Hand hygiene training
Annual Basic Life Support and Manual Handling Training (Theoretical and practical)
Medication Calculation
Fit testing (mask)
Purchase and wear the prescribed uniform on PEP and in all simulation activities

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 7.0
IELTS Reading 7.0
IELTS Listening 7.0
IELTS Speaking 7.0
IELTS Writing 7.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

Why Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry)?

Join the registered nurse workforce in just two years.

A career as a registered nurse (RN) is deeply rewarding. Registered nurses work as the backbone of Australia’s healthcare system, working in and with different departments, locations and people. Each day is different and offers both challenges and opportunities to provide care.

Studying nursing via graduate entry will prepare you to become a registered nurse in an accelerated two-year program. Learn professional skills and nursing knowledge in disciplines crossing biosciences, social sciences, law and communication. Develop your confidence in professional practice by participating in immersive simulations. Engage in over 800 hours of hands-on learning and placements in clinical environments.

Overview

Adelaide University’s Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) will prepare you for a rewarding career as a registered nurse. As an accelerated program, you’ll learn the foundations of nursing and practice your first hands-on skills from your very first semester.

This qualification will prepare you to provide care across the full lifespan. You’ll learn the scope of practice as a registered nurse across all areas – from initial assessment and technical skills to triage and documentation. You’ll learn foundational biosciences, socio-political perspectives, and vital skills in evidence-based research and respectful communication that will underpin your everyday practice.

You’ll get a hands-on perspective of the many care settings nurses can work in with 800 hours of workplace experience. Learn in aged care, acute care and general healthcare settings, and feel confident to step into all kinds of roles when you graduate.

You’ll graduate able to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, the governing body for registered nurses across Australia.

Key features

Learn the professional, technical, and social skills to succeed as a registered nurse in just two years.
Engage in over 800 hours of workplace experience in dedicated and general healthcare settings.
Practice your hands-on skills through immersive simulations and collaborative workshops.
Develop your theory and understanding of nursing in Australia’s healthcare system.
Work with the varying needs of patients to provide culturally safe care and communications.
Graduate with a qualification ripe for lifelong learning through further specialisation.

What you'll learn

The Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) is a two-year program that prepares you to work as a registered nurse.

Your first year introduces you to the biosciences that inform nursing care. Develop your theory in areas like pharmacology, preventing infection, and science in clinical practice. You’ll discover the socio-political landscape of Australia’s nursing system, including history, ethics and how to communicate as a professional. You’ll consider some of the key clinical areas that inform Australia’s healthcare system, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare and mental healthcare practice.

In your second year, you'll focus on real-world application while exploring forward-looking topics such as leadership, management and evidence-based practice.

Across both years, you’ll benefit from practical learning in immersive simulated environments and real-world industry environments. Gain hands-on experience in real-world settings, including aged care, acute care, and other clinical placements.

You’ll graduate with the key competencies to become a successful RN and become registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia – the main board for registration standards in Australia. You’ll also be equipped with skills to go into different workplace environments to upskill later in your career.

What courses you'll study

Complete 96 units comprising:

72 units for all Core courses, and
24 units for all Work integrated learning

Complete 72 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Pharmacotherapeutics for Nursing Practice	Course code NURS5001	Units 6
Course name Fundamentals of Nursing Knowledge 1	Course code NURS5002	Units 6
Course name Professional Nursing Practice	Course code NURS5003	Units 6
Course name Mental Health Nursing Practice	Course code NURS5006	Units 6
Course name Aboriginal Health M	Course code NURS5025	Units 6
Course name Translating Evidence into Practice	Course code NURS5115	Units 6
Course name Fundamentals of Nursing Knowledge 2	Course code NURS5901	Units 6
Course name Concepts of Leadership and Management in Health	Course code NURS6000	Units 6
Course name Applied Nursing Knowledge 1	Course code NURS6001	Units 12
Course name Applied Nursing Knowledge 2	Course code NURS6002	Units 12

Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Clinical Nursing Practice 1	Course code NURS5902	Units 6
Course name Clinical Nursing Practice 2	Course code NURS5903	Units 6
Course name Clinical Nursing Practice 3	Course code NURS6902	Units 6
Course name Clinical Nursing Practice 4	Course code NURS6903	Units 6

Career outcomes

Registered nurses work all over Australia. They work in our hospitals, community clinics and in rural areas, providing patient-centred care for adults and children alike.

Your career options upon graduating are diverse. You could work in settings ranging from:

Public or private hospitals
Community support services
Aged and rehabilitative care
Drug and alcohol treatment centres
Community health organisations
Schools
Home care
Mental health services
International aid agencies
Corrections facilities
Policy and management
Tertiary education.

Industry trends

No two nursing careers are identical. The scope of practice for each nurse is shaped by the unique characteristics of their workplace environment (Nursing and Midwifery Board, 2024). Adelaide University’s curriculum will expose you to a variety of the workplaces you can work in and prepare you for success in any environment with skills in leadership, inquiry, and collaboration.

Accreditation

Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.

How to apply

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: