Master of Nursing
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
You're viewing degree information for International students
You're considered an International student if you are:
- NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
IMNI
Fees
AUD$ 39,000 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
International Admission by Country
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CRICOS Code
This program is not available to students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa
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Entry requirements
Applicants are required to hold a completed Bachelor degree (or higher) in Nursing from a recognised higher education institution.
In addition, applicants must:
- hold current registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia; AND
- have completed a minimum of one year of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse.
English language entry requirements
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) requires all nurses on initial registration with the NMBA to demonstrate English language skills to be suitable for registration. Applicants wishing to enter the Master of Nursing are not required to undertake an additional English language skills assessment to enter this program. Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
The program is available on a part-time basis only and will normally be completed over 3 years part-time.
Degree overview
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Extend your skills in nursing practice, policy, leadership, research, education and management.
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Graduate confident to step into advanced practice or senior leadership roles.
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Choose to study a clinical pathway or research pathway, depending on your interests and career goals.
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Benefit from flexible learning, including online and part-time study options.
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Use your qualification as a pathway into further learning, including the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) and doctoral studies.
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Study at a university ranked in the World Top 100 for nursing.1
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Learn from industry-experienced clinicians at a university with well above world-class research in nursing.2
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Study with South Australia’s No.1 university for teaching quality in nursing and midwifery.3
12024 QS Subject Rankings. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 3ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Nursing – Teaching Quality Indicator (Postgraduate). SA public universities.
Snapshot
The Master of Nursing is designed to inform and improve your knowledge, practical skills and understanding of evidence-based practice, grow your understanding of professional issues and extend your research capabilities.
Offered part-time over three years, this program is designed to complement and expand upon your existing clinical practice. The flexible curriculum and schedule enables you to choose between a clinical or a research pathway, alongside a range of electives tailored to your career goals.1
1Some course prerequisites apply. More information can be found on individual course pages.
What you'll learn
The Master of Nursing will give you the skills and knowledge to embrace a variety of advanced roles in nursing. The flexible curriculum allows you to study areas which will inform and improve your nursing practice, knowledge, and research capabilities.
During your studies, you will choose a variety of elective courses and one of two pathways: a clinical pathway or research pathway.
- By undertaking the clinical pathway, you will complete a small clinical project. This project enables you to negotiate and undertake a project for a specific issue you’re interested in that is relevant to your current practice.
- By undertaking the research pathway, you will complete a minor thesis. This thesis work enables you to investigate a small nursing research project under the guidance of your supervisors, and contribute advanced research to your field.
Our electives are aligned with key clinical areas and offer you flexibility to match to your interests and career goals. Choose from areas including mental health, education, leadership and management, and high acuity.1
You can start with your electives followed by your desired pathway, or you can begin studying your chosen pathway and then complete your electives if starting in February.
1Some course prerequisites apply. More information can be found on individual course pages.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for planned learning activities. Depending on your study mode, these activities may include online discussion forums, virtual classroom sessions, lectures, tutorials, workshops, and seminars. You will also need to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings, and projects.
As a rule, most postgraduate study is completed part-time. If you are studying full-time, your studies should be treated like a full-time job, with approximately 35-40 hours of study per week. The full sum of these hours should balance your planned learning activities and your own independent study.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- presentations
- case studies
- online activities
- portfolios
- critical analysis
- discussion papers
- project or minor thesis
- research proposal.
Global opportunities
One of the key benefits of studying at the UniSA is our ability to attract and retain internationally renowned researchers. You’ll learn from researchers and academics who are directly connected to industry and all of our clinical teaching staff combine teaching with industry experience.
In addition, our diverse student population means you have the opportunity to gain global and cultural understanding, ideas and insights direct from your peers.
Real-world connections
Learn from award-winning teaching staff, academics and health professionals via our online forums and virtual classrooms and workshops, offering you the opportunity to learn from experienced clinicians in the field and build valuable industry networks and relationships.
We also host regular University-wide alumni events, employee master classes and employment expos in Australia and overseas.
Online study
This qualification can be studied 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 discussion forums for teamwork and communication
Some on-campus workshop attendance is required at UniSA’s City East campus. These requirements are detailed on individual course pages.
Your career
Graduates are qualified to step into advanced practice and senior leadership roles and senior roles across a wide variety of settings, such as:
- hospitals
- community services
- healthcare policy
- research
- education
- management.
Students who complete the clinical pathway and embark on a career in advanced practice may be eligible to apply for credit into the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner).
Industry facts
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.
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.
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.
International Merit Scholarship
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
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 gain access 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. 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 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 program director
I have a strong background in intensive care and infection control, gained from working in public and private ICUs in Australia and overseas. As a former graduate of UniSA’s Nursing program and now Program Director of the postgraduate suite of Nursing and Midwifery programs, I greatly benefitted from real-world experiences in my studies, and understand how important it is to help students achieve their career goals. In addition to hands-on learning, I also ensure my teaching is closely informed by industry, where I have close connections with key groups including education, ICU, perioperative, and more.
Ask UniSA
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How do I 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.
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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.
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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.
What others are saying
UniSA teaching staff have a broad range of knowledge and experience, they help develop confident nurses who are able to contribute to the ongoing learning and change that the nursing profession needs. The staff welcomed questions that challenged age-old concepts and practices that brought about change to better practice and patient outcomes.
Nina Collyer
Master of Nursing
The Masters studies further developed my confidence in my ability to think critically and to conceptualise at a strategic level. It was directly applicable to my work, especially in the areas of operational nursing leadership, management and leading state-wide projects. In my role I feel very privileged to provide advice and to have the opportunity to influence on matters related to nursing and midwifery at a state and national level.
Julie Brown
Master of Nursing (Leadership and Management)* Now Master of Nursing
Senior Nursing and Midwifery Policy Advisor | SA Department for Health and Wellbeing
Staff who have upskilled with postgraduate study really shine through as motivated workers. We often employ people with postgraduate qualifications in our managerial positions as they have equipped themselves with those extra specialised skills.
Jo Boylan
Director of Operations | Southern Cross Care
The University of South Australia understands that quality teaching in nursing and midwifery goes hand-in-hand with industry partnerships. They work collaboratively across all health care services to design industry-informed curriculum.
Jennifer Fereday
Executive Director | Women’s and Children’s Health Network
