Nursing courses
Want to work as a nurse? You can start with a diploma and qualify as an enrolled nurse, or study a degree to become a registered nurse. Here's what each course leads to, how long it takes and what it costs.
- Quickest way to start
- 18 months
- Diploma, full time at TAFE NSW
- TAFE cost from
- $16,425
- subsidised Diploma, TAFE Queensland
- What the jobs pay
- $92,400 to $114,000
- median pay across 3 jobs
- Demand
- 3 of 3 jobs
- are on the national shortage list
Which course do you need?
It depends on the job you want.
Diploma of Nursing
Work as an enrolled nurse
Care for patients in hospitals, aged care, community health and clinics, giving medicines and treatments alongside registered nurses.
Median pay$92,400
- How long it takes
- 18 to 24 months full time at TAFE NSW
- What it costs
- $16,425 at TAFE Queensland if you're eligible for a subsidised place, or $26,475 full fee
- How you'll study
- Online or on campus
A bachelor degree in nursing
Become a registered nurse
Assess patients, plan and carry out their care, give medicines and lead care in hospitals, aged care and the community.
Median pay$114,000
- How long it takes
- 2 to 3 years full time
- How you'll study
- Online, on campus or a mix
You don't have to do it all at once
You can start with the diploma, work as an enrolled nurse, then study a nursing degree to become a registered nurse. Here's how that can look.
- Get your Diploma of NursingThe quickest way in. Check the course is accredited and approved before you enrol.
- Work as an enrolled nurseBuild experience in a hospital, aged care, community health or a clinic.
- Study a nursing degreeBecome a registered nurse by completing a board approved degree, with placements along the way.
How much it costs at TAFE
If you're eligible for a government-subsidised place, you pay much less than the full fee, and in some states these courses can be free. Here's what each TAFE lists.
| TAFE | State | Diploma | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subsidised | Full fee | ||
| Chisholm Institute | VIC | $20,559 | $38,359 |
| GOTAFE | VIC | $19,360 | $37,040 |
| Holmesglen Institute | VIC | $17,856 | $37,570 |
| The Gordon | VIC | $19,185 | $32,631 |
| TAFE Queensland | QLD | $16,425 | $26,475 |
Chisholm InstituteVIC
- Diploma
- $20,559 subsidised
- $38,359 full fee
GOTAFEVIC
- Diploma
- $19,360 subsidised
- $37,040 full fee
Holmesglen InstituteVIC
- Diploma
- $17,856 subsidised
- $37,570 full fee
The GordonVIC
- Diploma
- $19,185 subsidised
- $32,631 full fee
TAFE QueenslandQLD
- Diploma
- $16,425 subsidised
- $26,475 full fee
Fees as each TAFE shows them on its website, checked 20 September 2026. “Not listed” means the TAFE doesn't show that fee online. Private colleges set their own fees.
The nursing degrees compared
All of these degrees prepare you to work as a registered nurse, as long as the program is approved by the nursing board. The main differences are who each one is for and how much credit you get for study you have already done. Most can be studied online at one or more universities.
- Bachelor of NursingThe general nursing degree, combining health science with nursing practice, simulation labs and supervised placements in a range of settings.How long2 to 3 yearsWho it's forSchool leavers and career changers
- Bachelor of Nursing - Advanced StandingGives credit for study you have already done, so it can be finished faster than a standard nursing degree. You still complete placements across health settings.How long2 yearsWho it's forPeople with earlier study to credit
- Bachelor of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse Entry)For enrolled nurses stepping up, with earlier study recognised. Covers nursing theory and safe medication use, with substantial supervised clinical practice.How long2 yearsWho it's forEnrolled nurses
- Bachelor of Nursing (Enrolled Nurses)For enrolled nurses moving up to registered nurse, with credit for earlier study. Nursing practice in simulated settings and a substantial amount of supervised clinical placement.How long3 yearsWho it's forEnrolled nurses
- Bachelor of Nursing (Pre-registration)The usual first step towards registered nurse work, building clinical reasoning and safe, ethical care through simulation and supervised placements. Some providers give credit to enrolled nurses.How long3 yearsWho it's forFirst degree, including some enrolled nurses
Short university courses
Jobs you can do with this study
Pay is the median for everyone in the job, not a starting salary.
- Registered NurseWhat you needA nursing degreeMedian pay$114,000In demand
Nurse PractitionerMedian pay$114,000In demand- Enrolled NurseWhat you needDiplomaMedian pay$92,400In demand
“In demand” means the job is on the national skills shortage list. Check the course and provider are approved for the work you want, as rules differ by state.
Still not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few quick questions about your time, state and budget, and we'll show the courses that suit you.