Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
240Course code
Overview
The Bachelor of Nursing is a professionally accredited degree and will qualify you to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia as a Registered Nurse (Division 1). This degree is an accredited program of study recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
As a graduate of the Bachelor of Nursing, you will be ready to work as a safe, collaborative, articulate and ethical registered nurse. This degree will prepare you to be responsive to local, national and regional healthcare needs, and aware of emerging global healthcare trends.
Diploma-qualified Enrolled Nurses, please look at the course WNURE1 Bachelor of Nursing (Enrolled Nurses Pathway).
Practical Training
In order to complete the Bachelor of Nursing and qualify as a Registered Nurse, you are required to undertake two types of practical experience: simulation blocks and professional experience placements. Each year, you will complete a 4-day intensive simulation block, conducted full-time and face-to-face at one of CDU's many simulation suites across Australia. CDU currently has simulation suites in Darwin (NT), Alice Springs (NT), Sydney (NSW), Brisbane (QLD) and Melbourne (VIC).
In addition to the simulation blocks, you will complete 800 hours of professional experience placements across the three years of the course. There is an opportunity for placement in a variety of healthcare settings, including regional and remote locations. Students complete a simulation block and professional experience placement for each year level and are responsible for any associated travel and accommodation costs. Placements are based on the students' residential address, although students may need to travel depending on student location and placement availability.
Regardless of your study mode or pattern, you are required to complete professional experience placement on a full-time basis, with rotating shifts across a seven-day week. These may include night, weekend and public holiday shifts. Professional experience placement may occur outside of your semester of enrolment.
As a Bachelor of Nursing student, you may broaden your global outlook with additional international study tours.
English Language Requirements
In order to register as a nurse or midwife in Australia, you're required to meet the English language requirements laid out by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. This applies to all initial registrations, regardless of whether they qualified in Australia or overseas. Find out more: the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) at www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/.
Safe Practice
In order to study nursing and practice safely, you will need to have an inherent set of qualities. Nursing needs a degree of physical strength and mobility, endurance, communication and cognitive abilities. If you feel you may experience challenges in meeting these requirements, you are encouraged to discuss these with the University before applying for the course.
Mandatory Preclinical Compliance
You must provide proof that you have met all university and State/Territory preclinical requirements before commencing professional experience placement. Your pre-placement compliance documents are a legal requirement to meet contractual, Occupational Health and Safety and Legal agreements with partnering health facilities.
Reporting Obligations
Under the National Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, CDU is required to register nursing students with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and to notify AHPRA if a student has or develops a health impairment that may place the public at substantial risk of harm. More information from the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) at www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities in public and private hospitals and medical clinics in areas such as mental health, community health, acute, chronic care, aged and primary health care.
Practical experience
This course includes 800 hours of clinical placement.
Professional recognition
Graduates of this course are eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia).
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline, subject to meeting criteria. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2026 is AUD $38,720.00. This equates to $ $4,840.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study nursing and midwifery at CDU?
Find a rewarding career in healthcare when you study nursing or midwifery at CDU. Our graduates have the academic knowledge and hands-on experience to confidently enter the workplace and deliver evidence-based care to their patients.
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Gain practical experience through placements and state-of-the-art clinical simulation suites located around Australia
- Five-star Australian university for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study Nursing and Midwifery at CDU?
Find a rewarding career in healthcare when you study nursing or midwifery at CDU. Our graduates have the academic knowledge and hands-on experience to confidently enter the workplace and deliver evidence-based care to their patients.
- Gain practical experience through placements and state-of-the-art clinical simulation suites located around Australia
- Five-star Australian university for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study nursing and midwifery at CDU?
Find a rewarding career in healthcare when you study nursing or midwifery at CDU. Our graduates have the academic knowledge and hands-on experience to confidently enter the workplace and deliver evidence-based care to their patients.
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Gain practical experience through placements and state-of-the-art clinical simulation suites located around Australia
- Five-star Australian university for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study Nursing and Midwifery at CDU?
Find a rewarding career in healthcare when you study nursing or midwifery at CDU. Our graduates have the academic knowledge and hands-on experience to confidently enter the workplace and deliver evidence-based care to their patients.
- Gain practical experience through placements and state-of-the-art clinical simulation suites located around Australia
- Five-star Australian university for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
Twenty-three (23) compulsory core units provide students with essential knowledge that underpins a population health and person-centred approach to nursing practice when caring for people with acute and chronic health problems. The specialist elective (1) unit provides greater depth of knowledge and allows students to study a specialty subjects.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (23 units) | 230cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 230 credit points as detailed below. HSC133 Perspectives of First Nations Health |
| Specialist Elective Units (1 unit) | 10cp | Specialist Elective unit totalling 10 credit points selected from the units detailed below. NUR380 Nursing Practice in Higher Acuity Settings NUR381 Nursing Practice in Extended Care Settings NUR382 Nursing Practice in Primary Health Care Settings NUR383 Nursing Practice Global Experience Placement |
| 240cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)
- A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
- A minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
# Simulation block: Students are required to attend a 32 hour (4 days) on-campus simulation block as a part of this unit.
## Work Integrated Learning: Students are required to attend the clinical placement hours as allocated by CDU Placement Office.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | PR = Placement Unit |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| NUR136 Professional Nursing Practice 1 | CO | NUR135 Fundamentals of Primary Health Care | CO |
| NUR137 Fundamentals of Nursing Care | CO | NUR138 Preparation for Nursing Practice 1 # | CO |
| HSC133 Perspectives of First Nations Health | CO | NUR134 Professional Experience Placement 1 ## (160 hours) | PR |
| Year 2 | |||
| SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare | CO | NUR259 Acute and Chronic Nursing | CO |
| SBI242 Pharmacology for Clinical Practice | CO | NUR256 Research and Evidence Based Practice | CO |
| NUR253 Preparation for Nursing Practice 2 # | CO | NUR257 Professional Experience Placement 2 ## (160 hours) | PR |
| NUR254 Mental Health Nursing | CO | NUR260 Professional Experience Placement 3 ## (80 hours) | PR |
| Year 3 | |||
| NUR372 Paediatric Nursing Care | CO | NUR367 Leadership for Nursing Practice | CO |
| NUR374 Professional Nursing Practice 2 | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
| NUR360 Preparation for Nursing Practice 3 # | CO | NUR371 Professional Experience Placement 5 ## (80 hours) | PR |
| NUR370 Professional Experience Placement 4 ## (160 hours) | PR | NUR420 Professional Experience Placement 6 ## (160 hours) | PR |
# Simulation block: Students are required to attend a 32 hour (4 days) on-campus simulation block as a part of this unit.
## Placement unit: Students are required to attend the clinical placement hours as allocated by CDU Placement Office.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | PR = Placement Unit |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| NUR136 Professional Nursing Practice 1 | CO | NUR135 Fundamentals of Primary Health Care | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| NUR137 Fundamentals of Nursing Care | CO | NUR138 Preparation for Nursing Practice 1 # | CO |
| HSC133 Perspectives of First Nations Health | CO | NUR134 Professional Experience Placement 1 ## (160 hours) | PR |
| Year 3 | |||
| SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare | CO | NUR259 Acute and Chronic Nursing | CO |
| SBI242 Pharmacology for Clinical Practice | CO | NUR256 Research and Evidence Based Practice | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| NUR253 Preparation for Nursing Practice 2 # | CO | NUR257 Professional Experience Placement 2 ## (160 hours) | PR |
| NUR254 Mental Health Nursing | CO | NUR260 Professional Experience Placement 3 ## (80 hours) | PR |
| Year 5 | |||
| NUR372 Paediatric Nursing Care | CO | NUR367 Leadership for Nursing Practice | CO |
| NUR374 Professional Nursing Practice 2 | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Year 6 | |||
| NUR360 Preparation for Nursing Practice 3 # | CO | NUR371 Professional Experience Placement 5 ## (80 hours) | PR |
| NUR370 Professional Experience Placement 4 ## (160 hours) | PR | NUR420 Professional Experience Placement 6 ## (160 hours) | PR |
# Simulation block: Students are required to attend a 32 hour (4 days) on-campus simulation block as a part of this unit.
## Placement unit: Students are required to attend the clinical placement hours as allocated by CDU Placement Office.
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
This course is not available for Semester 2 commencement.
Entry requirements
Quota
The Bachelor of Nursing is a highly competitive course with a limited number of places available. This means that although you may meet the minimum entry requirement for the course, you may not be ranked high enough to receive an offer. Subquotas are in place for First Nation applicants.
Location and Study Load
Prior to applying, please carefully consider whether you intend to study on a part-time or full-time basis, as well as the specific state or territory in which you wish to undertake your studies. Once an offer is made, the location and study load indicated are final and cannot be changed at a later time.
By applying for a specific location, applicants acknowledge that all placements will occur within this State or Territory. Students will be responsible for any travel costs associated with their placement or simulation blocks.
Subquotas Based on Residency
For each location, there is a subquota for applicants who currently reside in that state or territory. This ensures that applicants with local ties can contribute to healthcare within their own communities. To be considered for the residency subquota, you must have a current address within the state or territory you are applying for.
*Admission quota is determined by ANMAC and NMBA
Subquotas Based on Residency
For each location, there is a subquota for applicants who currently reside in that state or territory. This ensures that applicants with local ties can contribute to healthcare within their own communities. To be considered for the residency subquota, you must have a current address within the state or territory you are applying for.
| Delivery Location | Mode | Attendance Type | SATAC Code |
| Casuarina Campus | Internal | Full-time | 113411 |
| Casuarina Campus | Internal | Part-time | 113421 |
| CDU Sydney Campus | Internal | Full-time | 164141 |
| CDU Sydney Campus | Internal | Part-time | 164151 |
| Online (NT Placements) | External | Full-time | 193174 |
| Online (NT Placements) | External | Part-time | 193175 |
| Online (NSW or ACT Placements) | External | Full-time | 193176 |
| Online (NSW or ACT Placements) | External | Part-time | 193177 |
| Online (QLD Placements) | External | Full-time | 193178 |
| Online (QLD Placements) | External | Part-time | 193179 |
| Online (SA Placements) | External | Full-time | 193180 |
| Online (SA Placements) | External | Part-time | 193181 |
| Online (TAS Placements) | External | Full-time | 193182 |
| Online (TAS Placements) | External | Part-time | 193183 |
| Online (VIC Placements) | External | Full-time | 193184 |
| Online (VIC Placements) | External | Part-time | 193185 |
| Online (WA Placements) | External | Full-time | 193186 |
| Online (WA Placements) | External | Part-time | 193187 |
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Australian Defence Force (ADF) members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
- Current School Leaver Pathways:
- Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
- School recommendation program
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Applicants with a Diploma of Nursing or Advanced Diploma of Nursing and current AHPRA registration as an Enrolled Nurse will not be admitted into this course. Please apply for the WNURE1 Bachelor of Nursing (Enrolled Nurses Pathway) instead.
Additional admission requirements
All applicants to Nursing courses must meet a specific level of English language proficiency before being considered for an offer. Evidence must be uploaded via their SATAC application, demonstrating they meet or exceed the minimum standards outlined. These English Language Skills Registration Standards are set and outlined by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) at www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/.
You can demonstrate English language proficiency in one of three ways:
- completing a declaration that English is your primary language; or
- sitting an approved English language proficiency test; or
- holding current AHPRA registration as an Enrolled Nurse or Midwife.
International entry pathway
All applicants must supply evidence of achieving the required minimum scores in one of the accepted English language tests such as IELTS and meet all other entry requierments.
Essential requirements
Pre-clinical requirements:
You must provide proof that you have met all university and State/Territory pre-clinical requirements before starting clinical placements. These requirements may include, but are not limited to:
- immunisation requirements
- Applied First Aid qualification
- annual criminal record checks
- working with children clearances
- fitness-to-practice requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
All applicants to nursing and midwifery courses are required to meet the English Language Skills Registration Standard as outlined by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) at www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/and will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
English language proficiency can be evidenced for this course by one of the following:
- completing a declaration that English is your primary language, or
- sitting an English language proficiency test, or
- being an AHPRA registered enrolled nurse.
PRIMARY LANGUAGE PATHWAY
A signed English Language Declaration indicating the following:
- English is your primary language: and
- You have attended and satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English in a recognised country*, including at least two years between years 7 and 12.
*Recognised countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, Canada, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guernsey, Guyana, Isle of Man, Jamaica, Jersey, Malta, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan de Cunha, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States of America, and US Virgin Islands.
OR
ENGLISH TEST PATHWAY
Applicants have achieved and can supply evidence of the required minimum scores in one of the following English language tests:
| Minimum score requirements | Test information | |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 7.0 Minimum scores: > Listening 7.0 > Reading 7.0 > Speaking 7.0 > Writing 6.5 No band below 6.5 when combining two tests. | IELTS Indicator Test is not accepted. |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 66 Minimum scores: > Listening 66 > Reading 66 > Speaking 66 > Writing 56 No band below 56 when combining two tests. | PTE Online is not accepted |
| Test of English as a Foreign language (TOEFL) | Overall minimum: 94 Minimum scores: > Listening 24 > Reading 24 > Speaking 23 > Writing 24 No band below the following when combining two tests. > Listening 20 > Reading 19 > Speaking 20 > Writing 24 | TOEFL Home Edition is not accepted |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | Overall minimum: B Minimum scores: > Listening B > Reading B > Speaking B > Writing C+ No band below C+ when combining two tests. | |
| Cambridge (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency) | Overall minimum: 185 Minimum scores: > Listening185 > Reading 185 > Speaking 185 > Writing 176 No score below 176 when combining two tests. |
English language proficiency tests are valid for 12 months from the date of the test to the date of commencement of the course.
OR
ENROLLED NURSE PATHWAY
Applicants who have current AHPRA registration as an Enrolled Nurse or Midwife meet the English requirements. Applicants must include their AHPRA registration number and ensure registration is current as of the course commencement date.
Further information
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| Cambridge (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency) | A minimum overall score of 185 with no score less than 185 in listening, reading and speaking, and no score less than 176 in writing. |
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no score less than 7.0 in listening, reading, and speaking, and no score less than 6.5 in writing. |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | A minimum overall grade of B with no grade less than B in listening, reading and speaking, and no grade less than C+ in writing. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 66 with no score less than 66 in listening, reading and speaking, and no score less than 56 in writing. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 94 with no score less than 24 in listening, reading, and writing, and no score less than 23 in speaking. |
* The IELTS Indicator, PTE Online, or TOEFL Home Edition tests are not accepted.
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Unlike the other universities I looked at where you spend time in a lab each week, CDU offers one-week practical intensives in a clinical simulation suite (which is a bit like a mock hospital environment) at one of their campuses or centres around Australia.
Michelle
CDU student
The student community and CDU staff welcomed me with open arms, creating such a positive experience.
Hema
CDU student
Unlike the other universities I looked at where you spend time in a lab each week, CDU offers one-week practical intensives in a clinical simulation suite (which is a bit like a mock hospital environment) at one of their campuses or centres around Australia.
Michelle
CDU student
The student community and CDU staff welcomed me with open arms, creating such a positive experience.
Hema
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Student profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about nursing at CDU
Reeya is from Nepal studying a Bachelor of Nursing at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about nursing at CDU
Reeya is from Nepal studying a Bachelor of Nursing at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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