Study Bachelor of Nursing at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for International students.

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International students

Start date
February

Campus
City East

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
IBNU

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
2021: AUD$ 32,600 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)
2022: AUD$ 32,600 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)

Admissions
Student Profile

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [7]
IELTS reading [7]
IELTS writing [7]
IELTS speaking [7]
IELTS listening [7]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
024218F

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND

Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR
Higher education study

Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above

OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Diploma or above

OR
Work and life experience

Qualify for Special Entry, or
Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past, or
Be an Enrolled Nurse with a current practising certificate

Essential requirements for admission

To meet entry requirements, applicants must consider the professional registration requirements, including the English Language Skills standard and complete a declaration stating how they will demonstrate their English language competency, as determined by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

Prerequisites

None

Assumed Knowledge

None

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as a second 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 the University of South Australia. 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.

English language test

IELTS total [7]
IELTS reading [7]
IELTS writing [7]
IELTS speaking [7]
IELTS listening [7]

See equivalence table for other qualifications and English Language tests accepted by UniSA (PDF)

Admission Requirements by Country

Bangladesh HSC	3.5
Canada High School (OSSD)	65
Eynesbury FSP	320
German Abitur	3
India (best 4)	63
Kenya KCSE (average)	B
Malaysia STPM (best 3)	6
Malaysia UEC	31
Norway GPA	3
Pakistan HSSC	80
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3)	7
Sweden GPA	13
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board	7
Vietnam	7.5
Australia	67
IB (best 6)	26
USA SAT (1600)	1110
HKDSE	16
Nepal NEB	2.51

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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DOMESTIC STUDENTS ONLY: This program is also offered at the Whyalla and Mount Gambier campuses.

Degree overview

Study at a university that is ranked in the World Top 100 for Nursing.¹
Join the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers in nursing.²
Learn in our unique, clinical-led, authentic simulated hospital and health service on campus with expert clinical and academic staff.
Practice your skills with residents of our virtual health community including interactive manikins each with their own persona, and real people acting as residents.
Embark on industry placements from your first year of study.
Develop the knowledge, clinical skills and attitudes needed for professional practice.
Learn from well above world-class researchers in Nursing³, academics and industry-experienced clinicians.
Be supported by online learning resources, available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Make a positive contribution to Australian healthcare.

¹2020 QS Subject Rankings. ²ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018-20 – Overall Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). Public SA-founded universities only. ³2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Snapshot

Nursing student.jpg The healthcare industry is constantly changing with new technologies and approaches to improve the detection, diagnosis and management of chronic and acute illness, as well as having a strong emphasis on keeping populations healthy. Our nursing degree is evolving with these changes, which means you will be guaranteed an industry-relevant, practical qualification that ensures you graduate career-ready.

There is a strong focus on theory and practical experience, and you will do much of your learning in our unique clinician-led, authentic hospital and health service on campus. Our state-of-the-art facilities include authentic hospital wards, clinical units and community areas. This simulated hospital environment, known as the Horizon Hospital and Health Service (HHHS), is led by practicing registered nurses and midwives (clinicians), and is the only one of its kind in South Australia.

You will also have the opportunity to further develop these skills when you embark on real-world clinical placements across metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals and health services under the supervision of registered nurses.

What you'll need

When students undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as clinical placements in health settings, they must demonstrate that they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, a Working with Children Check and immunisation requirements. Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists. On entry to the qualification you will be required to confirm that you meet the ‘Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements’ requirements.

All students enrolled in a program leading to professional registration must be registered with the relevant National Board. The registration process is undertaken by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) with the University providing notification to AHPRA following enrolment in the program.

What you'll learn

Nursing and midwifery lab

This degree prepares you for placement and your professional nursing career with more than 170 hours of learning in our unique clinician-led, authentic simulated Horizon Hospital and Health Service (HHHS). You will also complete more than 900 hours in clinical settings across metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals, and health services.

We teach and assess four domains of nursing practice during your studies including:

collaborative and therapeutic practice
critical thinking and analysis
professional practice
provision and coordination of care.

The degree is designed to prepare you to meet healthcare delivery requirements for the 21st century and respond to Australian and international healthcare priorities and trends. Six integrated themes are embedded throughout the curriculum and represent core approaches that inform contemporary nursing practice:

cultural competence
evidence-based practice
mental health
primary health
professional communication
safety and quality.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
STAGE 1 - Knowledge, skills and attitudes for understanding
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Being a Health Professional	NURS 1033	9		Rule(s): 10
Human Body 1	BIOL 1047	4.5
Global and National Health	HLTH 1036	4.5		Rule(s): 10
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Human Body 2	BIOL 1048	4.5
First Peoples' Health	HLTH 1047	4.5
Mental Health	HLTH 1037	4.5
Experiential Learning Activity: Preparation for Clinical Practice Practicum 1	NURS 1061	4.5		Rule(s): 5,6,7,10
STAGE 2 - Knowledge, skills and attitudes for intervention
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Health of Older Adults	NURS 2024	9		Rule(s): 10
Scientific Basis of Clinical Practice	BIOL 2058	4.5
Experiential Learning Activity: Older Adults Practicum 2	NURS 2034	4.5		Rule(s): 5,6,7,10
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Health of Adults	NURS 2023	9		Rule(s): 10
Health of Infants, Children and Young People	NURS 2022	4.5		Rule(s): 5,6,7,10
Experiential Learning Activity: Acute Care Practicum 3	NURS 2033	4.5		Rule(s): 5,6,7,10
STAGE 3 - Knowledge, skills and attitudes for professional practice
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Research Methodologies	NURS 3044	4.5
Nursing Contexts of Practice	NURS 3045	4.5		Rule(s): 10
Experiential Learning Activity: Extension to Practice Practicum 4	NURS 3042	9		Rule(s): 5,6,7,10
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Becoming a Registered Nurse	NURS 3041	4.5		Rule(s): 10
Experiential Learning Activity: Transition to Practice Practicum 5	NURS 3043	9		Rule(s): 5,6,7,10
Nursing Project	NURS 3046	4.5		Rule(s): 10
Students who have been granted 36 units of credit in accordance with rule 13 below are required to complete the following:				Rule(s): 13
STAGE 1 - Knowledge, skills and attitudes for understanding
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Professional Practice N	NURS 1044	4.5	Note(s): 1
STAGE 2 - Knowledge, skills and attitudes for intervention
Health of Older Adults	NURS 2024	9		Rule(s): 10
Scientific Basis of Clinical Practice	BIOL 2058	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Health of Adults	NURS 2023	9		Rule(s): 10
Health of Infants, Children and Young People	NURS 2022	4.5		Rule(s): 5,6,7,10
Experiential Learning Activity: Acute Care Practicum 3	NURS 2033	4.5		Rule(s): 5,6,7,10
STAGE 3 - Knowledge, skills and attitudes for professional practice
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Research Methodologies	NURS 3044	4.5
Nursing Contexts of Practice	NURS 3045	4.5		Rule(s): 10
Experiential Learning Activity: Extension to Practice Practicum 4	NURS 3042	9		Rule(s): 5,6,7,10
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Becoming a Registered Nurse	NURS 3041	4.5		Rule(s): 10
Experiential Learning Activity: Transition to Practice Practicum 5	NURS 3043	9		Rule(s): 5,6,7,10
Nursing Project	NURS 3046	4.5		Rule(s): 10
Students who have been granted 18 units of credit in accordance with rule 13 below are required to complete the following:				Rule(s): 13
STAGE 1 - Knowledge, skills and attitudes for understanding
Professional Practice N	NURS 1044	4.5	Note(s): 1
Human Body 1	BIOL 1047	4.5
Global and National Health	HLTH 1036	4.5		Rule(s): 10
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Human Body 2	BIOL 1048	4.5
Mental Health	HLTH 1037	4.5
STAGE 2 - Knowledge, skills and attitudes for intervention
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Health of Older Adults	NURS 2024	9		Rule(s): 10
Scientific Basis of Clinical Practice	BIOL 2058	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Health of Adults	NURS 2023	9		Rule(s): 10
Health of Infants, Children and Young People	NURS 2022	4.5		Rule(s): 5,6,7,10
Experiential Learning Activity: Acute Care Practicum 3	NURS 2033	4.5		Rule(s): 5,6,7,10
STAGE 3 - Knowledge, skills and attitudes for professional practice
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Research Methodologies	NURS 3044	4.5
Nursing Contexts of Practice	NURS 3045	4.5		Rule(s): 10
Experiential Learning Activity: Extension to Practice Practicum 4	NURS 3042	9		Rule(s): 5,6,7,10
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Becoming a Registered Nurse	NURS 3041	4.5		Rule(s): 10
Experiential Learning Activity: Transition to Practice Practicum 5	NURS 3043	9		Rule(s): 5,6,7,10
Nursing Project	NURS 3046	4.5		Rule(s): 10

Rules & notes

Rules

1. The Bachelor of Nursing is an undergraduate degree accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) as a qualification leading to entry to the Register of Nurses with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). The program accreditation requires students to complete the program in three years full-time or up to six years part-time.

2. On entry to the program and before undertaking a course related clinical placement, all students must confirm that they meet the "Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements" requirements necessary to undertake a clinical placement as a student, in preparation for entry (registration) into the nursing and midwifery professions or for specialist or advanced practice qualifications

3. Student registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia is required in order to study this program. Students who do not meet registration criteria and are refused registration with the Board, or who have their registration rescinded during the program, will be unable to continue in the program.

4. Students who are subject to an investigation by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency (AHPRA) under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act cannot proceed to clinical placement (or will have their placement suspended) until the investigation is complete and the University is notified of the outcome.

5. All students who, as part of their program, undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required, such as in field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate that they have a current National Police Certificate (NPC) through SAPOL (or their home state police service) and a current Department of Human Services (DHS) Working With Children Check (WWCC) which is valid for the duration of the program. The National Police Certificate will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent clinical placement involvement. The University has a process for reviewing these outcomes to assess suitability for placement.

6. A 'Provide First Aid Certificate' and a `Manual Handling Certificate' are prerequisites for these courses. Students will be expected to have successfully completed a recognised 'Provide First Aid' program and a Manual Handling program before they will be permitted to commence these courses.

7. A CPR Certificate must be current at the commencement of these courses.

8. Students are required to satisfy the standard of dress, behaviour and fitness for practice as prescribed by institutions in which clinical practicum placements are undertaken. This also applies to students undertaking Horizon Hospital and Health Service (HHHS) activities.

9. Failure to satisfy the requirements of Rules 1-8 above may prevent students from meeting course requirements and hence the completion of the program.

10. Students are required to attend compulsory on-campus intensive workshops/seminars for these courses. Where possible, compulsory on-campus workshops/seminars for courses scheduled in the same study period will be timetabled to minimise the duration that a student is required to be on campus. Further information is available on the School of Nursing and Midwifery website (http://www.unisa.edu.au/nur/).

11. Students undertaking nursing studies in Australia must practice in accordance with the Registered Nurse Standards for Practice mandating that nurses must ensure that personal values and attitudes are not imposed on others and must maintain an effective process of care of individuals/groups regardless of race, culture, religion, age, gender, sexual preference, physical or mental state (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia 2016). If a student is unable to provide care to individuals due to religious, cultural or other reasons, the student will be unable to successfully complete course objectives and assessments within this program. This rule also applies to peer group work in classes.

12. Students who have completed a leave of absence and/or not engaged in a Experiential Learning Activity (ELA) course in the previous 12 month period will be required to undertake an 'IBNU Compulsory Module' for which a fee may be charged. The purpose of the 'IBNU Compulsory Module' is to ensure that practice standards are maintained.

13. Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled/Division 2 Nursing) graduates, registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) without restrictions on their license and with a current practicing certificate will be eligible for 36 units of block credit transfer into the Bachelor of Nursing.

14. Students must meet the vaccination requirements for health professionals prior to commencing the program. Failure to meet vaccination requirements will limit placement opportunities.

Notes

1. Enrolled Nurses with a completed Diploma or a Certificate IV undertake NURS 1044 Professional Practice N instead of NURS 2034 Experiential Learning Activity: Older Adults Practicum 2.

2. The "Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements" requirement statements advise potential applicants and students of the requirements necessary to undertake a clinical placement as a student in preparation for entry (registration) into the nursing and midwifery professions or for specialist or advanced practice qualifications.

3. Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to teaching and learning, assessment, clinical practice and other activities to enable them to participate in their course and meet the Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements requirements. Reasonable adjustments should not fundamentally change the nature of the "Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements" requirements.

4. Experiential Learning Activities/clinical practicum placements are integral to this program. Due to limited placement availability and/or a request from a placement venue that a student be assessed directly by a University staff member, interstate and non-metropolitan students may be required to attend a placement in metropolitan Adelaide.

5. Students are advised that they may be required to undertake a clinical placement in a rural or remote location.

6. Attendance requirements apply to the clinical components of the program. Students enrolled in courses with a clinical component will need to attend on a full-time basis for the duration of the placement.

7. Students may be required to undertake a Certificate of Mandatory Notification before commencing their clinical placement.

8. Students are advised that a current South Australian driver's licence may be required by some clinical venues.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate on average 40 hours per week.

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

projects
presentations
case studies
essays and assignments
examinations
objective structured clinical examination
clinical placement assessment
quizzes.

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Bachelor of Nursing

Nursing student

UniSA has invested millions of dollars in on-campus clinics and facilities, which includes the Horizon Hospital and Health Service (HHHS), a clinician-led, authentic simulated hospital and health service at our City East, Mount Gambier and Whyalla campuses. As a nursing student, you will participate in clinical learning and practice within the HHHS throughout your degree, in addition to off-campus clinical placements.

The HHHS is a fully equipped, state-of-the-art clinical learning environment populated by residents of Horizon City and Community (HCC) – a virtual health community which is unique to UniSA. It is designed to facilitate, enhance and support your understanding of real-world nursing practice. Residents of Horizon include interactive manikins each with their own persona, as well as real people acting as residents, who have their own personal stories, relationships and health histories.

As part of your studies, you will regularly engage and interact with Horizon residents, both within the virtual environment and in HHHS to develop and practise your nursing knowledge and skills.

By learning from experienced clinicians and teaching staff who are well above world-class researchers in Nursing¹, you are assured the very best in academic resources, learning facilities and support.

This degree is also a great option for those wanting the flexibility that comes with online learning and workshops on campus – we offer accessible online learning facilities and dedicated support staff who are with you every step of the way.

¹2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)

Real-world connections

As a student, you will benefit from our strong industry links. You will learn from experienced clinicians, including registered nurses both on campus and when you complete clinical placements as part of your study.

These placements provide you with the opportunity to practice your clinical skills, implement your knowledge into practice, learn from industry-experienced professionals in the field, and build valuable networks and relationships.

Students may have the opportunity to undertake an overseas study tour or participate in exclusive clinical placement streams with industry healthcare partners.

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Online study

This qualification is offered online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:

study online, including accessing videos and course resources
participate in an interactive online learning environment
submit your assignments and get feedback online
use online forums for team work and communication.

Online study is available but some on-campus workshop attendance is required at the City East campus. These requirements are detailed on individual course pages.

Horizon Hospital and Health Service (HHHS) at UniSA

UniSA's Horizon Hospital and Health Service is an on-campus simulated learning environment for Nursing and Midwifery students.

Career outcomes

Your career

Registered nurses play a key role at the forefront of healthcare service, with their contribution to client care imperative for the wellbeing of today's society. This degree prepares you to deliver the highest quality care to individuals and groups, and also meets and responds to Australian and international health challenges and priorities.

Graduates can work in a wide variety of healthcare settings, such as:

hospitals
primary health and community support services
aged and rehabilitative care
schools
home care
drug and alcohol treatment centres
community health organisations
mental health services
international aid agencies
corrections facilities
management.

As a Registered Nurse, you may also have the opportunity to undertake further study in the areas of research with a Masters by Research or specialise in areas like allergy nursing, critical care or cardiovascular with our range of postgraduate qualifications.

Graduates may complete the Transition to Professional Practice Program with a participating employer.

Professional accreditation and recognition

Graduates satisfy the academic requirements for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. The requirements for registration are determined by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

Industry facts

Employment for midwifery and nursing professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 56,100 (16.2 per cent) by November 2025.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2020

To November 2025, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 249,500 jobs.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2020

Employment for Registered Nurses in Australia is projected to increase by 46,500 (15.6 per cent) by November 2025.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2020

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Alternative Pathways

Australian

There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

UniSA College Diploma in Health
UniSA College Foundation Studies
diploma-level TAFE or other registered training organisation (RTO) qualification
SAIBT Diploma of Health Science

TAFE and RTO pathway

The minimum entry requirement for applicants seeking entry from TAFE or another registered training organisation (RTO) is a diploma-level qualification. Alternatively, the minimum entry requirement for applicants with a current Enrolled Nurse Practising Certificate is a Certificate IV-level qualification.

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

SAIBT Diploma of Health Science

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.

Learn more

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for their first year of study for selected degrees.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gainaccess to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets should you need, from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages or explore our student accommodation by urbanest on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

career advice and mentoring
help with student visas and health cover
personal counselling
academic counselling
fees and finance help
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
accommodation services
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

Emergency Department

Our state-of-the-art facilities include a fully-equipped emergency department and day surgery. This simulated hospital environment fully led by practicing registered nurses and midwives (clinicians), known as the Horizon Hospital and Health Service (HHHS), is where students can practise their skills with residents of our virtual health community, which is the only one of its kind in South Australia.

The HHHS is a fully equipped, state-of-the-art clinical learning environment populated by residents of our Horizon City and Community, a virtual health community which is unique to UniSA. It is designed to facilitate, enhance and support your understanding of real-world nursing practice. Residents of Horizon include interactive manikins each with their own persona, as well as real people acting as residents, who have their own personal stories, relationships and health histories.

Your program director

My nursing career has predominantly been in Emergency, working for many years as a senior emergency nurse at the (old) Royal Adelaide Hospital and interstate. I completed my PhD in 2016 and remain a passionate nurse-researcher applying my clinical and theoretical knowledge to investigate the support needs of families with children with rare diseases, and how healthcare services aimed at supporting these families can be improved. I have taught and coordinated extensively across the Bachelor of Nursing program and am also an Academic Integrity Officer. In all of this, I remain committed to student-centred learning and to ensuring that our students get the most out of their studies, experience the full benefits of university life, and feel prepared for practice in the real-world as the next generation of nurses and nurse leaders.

Dr Lemuel Pelentsov

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Lemuel Pelentsov

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How to apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

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What others are saying

The authentic simulated settings are great because you are able to put theoretical knowledge into practice in a clinical setting.

Robyn Warner-Todd

Bachelor of Nursing

Robyn Warner-Todd

Bachelor of Nursing

I loved learning from Registered Nurses who taught from experience, not just books. They demonstrated first-hand how the profession is progressing.

Ella Head

Bachelor of Nursing

Ella Head

Bachelor of Nursing

I was glad that I made the decision to study at the University of South Australia. They have a very good balance between learning theory and hands-on clinical experience from an early start.

Kelly Nguyen

Bachelor of Nursing

Kelly Nguyen

Bachelor of Nursing

Being a nurse allows me to build bonds with patients and their relatives and gives me a sense of achievement and satisfaction by helping improve patients’ health conditions.

Amber Jenkins

Bachelor of Nursing

Amber Jenkins

Bachelor of Nursing

What I enjoy most about studying at UniSA is the clinical practice. I undertook a work placement as part of my studies, where I learnt a lot about nursing processes and the health care system.

Bader Alahmadi

Bachelor of Nursing

Bader Alahmadi

Bachelor of Nursing

I would like to specialise in paediatric nursing or midwifery and provide the unique type of care that critically ill children need in hospital. Often children – and their families - have to spend lengthy amounts of time in medical facilities and I would like to brighten their days as much as possible.

Courtney Woolford

Bachelor of Nursing

Courtney Woolford

Bachelor of Nursing

UniSA graduates are overall passionate and engaged learners, who can successfully adapt to different clinical environments and cultures while still putting theory into practice. Not only can they learn a specific skill set, but they have the ability to think innovatively and question the perceived norms.

Juanita Ielasi

Employment: Chief Executive Officer, Calvary Wakefield Hospital

Juanita Ielasi

<br />Employment: Chief Executive Officer, Calvary Wakefield Hospital

I have always enjoyed helping people and learning practical skills that I can apply to making a person’s life better or the community a better place. Healthcare is where people are at their most vulnerable and I want to help those people feel supported and do my best to give them the best possible outcomes.

Bennett Lusher

Bachelor of Nursing

Bennett Lusher

Bachelor of Nursing

After learning new skills using the unique virtual health community and on-campus simulated hospital environment, I completed placements in a rural nursing home, a stroke unit, neurosurgery ward and a cardiac surgical unit. The highlight was observing an open-heart surgery, which ultimately led me to a career in paediatric surgical nursing.

Jemima Robles

Bachelor of Nursing

Jemima Robles

Bachelor of Nursing

Nursing and Midwifery Careers Snapshot

Amy shares her experiences of her rural placement at Pika Wiya Aboriginal Health Service in the Flinders Ranges, supported by UniSA’s Department of Rural Health.