Bachelor of Nursing (External)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
This degree is only available to Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 70.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO Note: Enrolled Nurse Certificate IV or Diploma in Nursing - both with current registration with NMBA
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 70.00
TAFE/RTO: Dip
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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 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past, or
- Hold current registration as an Enrolled Nursing without conditions or restrictions to license with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
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).
All students must confirm that they meet the "Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements" requirements upon entry to the program.
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
This program includes mandatory on-campus workshops. All clinical placements must be undertaken in South Australia.
Program also offered on-campus at City East, Whyalla and Mount Gambier.
Degree overview
- Join one of Australia’s most trusted professions as a Registered Nurse and be ready to provide life-changing healthcare to people.
- Embark on 1,000 hours of nursing placements from your first year of study, in varied clinical settings across South Australia.
- Develop the knowledge, clinical skills and attitudes needed for professional practice.
- Practice your skills in our clinician-led, authentic simulated hospital and health service on-campus under the guidance of expert clinical and academic staff.
- Study with South Australia's No.1 university for graduate careers in nursing.1
- Study at a university ranked in the World Top 100 for nursing.2
- Learn from academics and industry-experienced clinicians at a university with well above world-class research in nursing.3
- Elevate your nursing career with lifelong learning, and upskill with further postgraduate study into clinical specialisations, management, or research roles.
- Be supported by online learning resources, available to you 24/7.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,4 we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23 – Overall Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 22024 QS Subject Rankings. 32018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 4Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
Start your unstoppable career in nursing at UniSA, and become a highly sought-after health professional, caring for people across all health settings.
Graduate ready to confidently step into a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse and make a positive contribution to Australian healthcare. UniSA offers you an industry-relevant, practical qualification which will ensure you’re career-ready.
With constant change in technology and approaches to care in the healthcare industry, UniSA’s nursing programs are also constantly evolving and adapting with this change.
There are four delivery options for the Bachelor of Nursing. Studying externally, this program delivery allows you to study the majority of your courses online. However, you are required to participate in mandatory on-campus practical components such as workshops and placements across a range of nursing settings.
What you'll need
All students studying a health-related program where interaction with the public is required, such as clinical placements in health settings, must meet certain compulsory requirements.
All nursing students must confirm they meet the "Fitness to Practice in Clinical Placements" requirements upon entry to their programs and on each re-enrolment, as well as meeting mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit page for more information.
All students enrolled in a program leading to professional registration must be registered with the relevant national board. The student registration process is completed by the University with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) after enrolment. No fees apply.
While students can study this program externally, you must attend mandatory on-campus workshops and undertake all clinical placements in South Australia.
What you'll learn
The Bachelor of Nursing prepares you for placement and your professional nursing career with online learning, hands-on workshops in our Horizon Hospital and Health Service, and 1,000 hours in clinical settings across metro, regional and rural hospitals, and health services in South Australia.
During your studies, your learning will enable you to meet the seven interconnecting
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Registered Nurse standards for practice, which include the capacity to:
- think critically and analyse nursing practice
- engage in therapeutic and professional relationships
- maintain the capability for practice
- comprehensively conduct assessments
- develop a plan for nursing practice
- provide safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice
- evaluate outcomes to inform nursing practice
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 including mental health, primary healthcare and healthy ageing. Six integrated themes are embedded throughout the curriculum and represent core approaches which inform contemporary nursing practice:
- safety and quality
- cultural safety
- evidence-based practice
- professional communication
- consumers as partners in care
- teamwork
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
Study hours
For each course you study, you’ll need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus, you’ll need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). 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 (External)
Nursing at UniSA offers a combination of theory and practical experience, with a strong track record of career-ready graduates.
UniSA has invested millions of dollars towards building one of the most advanced simulated hospital environments and nursing teaching facilities in Australia. This includes our Horizon Hospital and Health Service at our City East, Mount Gambier and Whyalla campuses. During on-campus workshops you'll learn in authentic hospital wards, clinical units and community areas led by practising Registered Nurses and Midwives.
To teach our nursing students the highest standards of patient care, the simulated hospital is populated by residents of a virtual health community. Residents 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.
By learning from experienced clinicians and academics at a university with well above world-class research in nursing2, you’re assured the very best in resources and support to become a capable and confident Registered Nurse.
This degree comes with a blend of online and real-world learning, with dedicated support staff who are with you every step of the way.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2019-20 – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Real-world connections
You’ll benefit from UniSA’s strong ties to the healthcare industry, across its many diverse settings. When you complete clinical placements as part of your study, you’ll learn from experienced clinicians, including Registered Nurses on-campus and in hospital and health settings in South Australia.
You’ll get to embark on clinical placements across metro, regional and rural hospitals and health services under the supervision of Registered Nurses. Through placements, you’ll practice your clinical skills, try hands-on patient care, and build valuable networks and relationships.
Students may also have the opportunity to go on an overseas study tour or participate in exclusive clinical placement streams with industry healthcare partners.
We also host regular University-wide alumni events, employee master classes and employment expos in Australia and overseas.
Online study
Most of your studies for this qualification can be completed online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:
- access videos and course resources online
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use online forums for teamwork and communication
There are four delivery options for the Bachelor of Nursing. Studying externally, this program delivery allows you to complete the majority of your studies online. However, you are required to participate in mandatory on-campus practical components such as workshops. On-campus attendance requirements are detailed on individual course pages.
Your career
Registered Nurses are at the forefront of healthcare, with their contribution to patient care imperative for the wellbeing of today's society. UniSA nursing 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.
Graduates may complete the Transition to Professional Practice Program with a participating employer.
As you gain working experience as a Registered Nurse, you can also extend your understanding of evidence-based practice by continuing onto further postgraduate study.
We offer a range of Graduate Certificates, allowing you to upskill into areas of clinical need. Tailor your studies to your specific career goals, or study targeted industry areas including mental health, health and ageing, nurse education, and critical care.
Further opportunities include a Master of Nursing which will equip you for senior leadership roles in clinical practice, policy, research, education or management, or the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) to join the growing nurse practitioner workforce and develop your confidence to diagnose and treat patients.
You may also expand your research capabilities with a Master of Research.
Applying to study with us:
- go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
- you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- UniSA College Diploma in Health
- UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Health)
- SAIBT Diploma of Health Science
Deferment
This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.
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.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. 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 loads more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal 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 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:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- career services and mentoring
- Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
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 study spaces
You'll get to learn in our simulated clinical environment, the Horizon Hospital and Health Service, located on our City East, Mount Gambier and Whyalla campuses.
As part of your online degree you will travel to campus to complete in-person workshops and learning in these spaces.
Our state-of-the-art facilities include a fully equipped emergency department and day surgery, all led by practising Registered Nurses and Midwives (clinicians). Housed in the simulated hospital environment are the Residents of Horizon – interactive manikins each with their own persona and health concerns, as well as real people acting as residents, who have their own personal stories, relationships and health histories.
These teaching facilities and study spaces are designed to enhance and support your understanding of nursing practice as it continues to evolve, and provide a safe learning environment to practice your skills before stepping into placement and practice.
Your program director
I am an experienced Registered Nurse and academic, which informs my role as Program Director of Nursing. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings across South Australia, particularly in Acute Care and Emergency Care, while my research background focuses on improving patient outcomes through early and informed decision-making and early identification of disease.
I understand the importance of connecting theory with practice, and I am committed to student-centred learning. I aim to ensure our students get the most out of their studies and can confidently and expertly meet the needs of their future patients.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
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
My involvement in the rural health club at university provided me with a different view into the health care system and offered great networking opportunities around Australia.
Martins Strikis, Registered Nurse, Mount Gambier Community Mental Health Service
Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
Nursing allows me to follow my dreams. I have always wanted to care for people, and work in a hospital environment. The support that I got from my tutors and my colleagues throughout my studies was amazing. I also got the chance to create connections with local senior nurses via clinical placements. These placements were a way of putting all the skills I learnt at University into practice, while building my confidence.
Joseph Ndjeka
Bachelor of Nursing, Mount Gambier
Registered Nurse | Mount Gambier Hospital
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
Chief Executive Officer | Calvary Wakefield Hospital
