Bachelor of Nursing Science
Make a difference as a Registered Nurse with UniSC’s Bachelor of Nursing Science. This program is offered through two pathways to suit your experience and goals: the Standard three-year pathway for new students to university study, and the Graduate Entry pathway for those with prior tertiary qualifications seeking an accelerated option. The Endorsed Enrolled Nurse (EEN) Transition pathway is incorporated into our Standard pathway and recognises existing diploma-level nursing qualifications.
In this program you will:
- Engage in immersive, hands-on learning from your first year, combining clinical simulation, virtual reality environments, and electronic medical records with extensive placements across hospitals, aged care, community, and primary health settings.
- Study across multiple campuses and learn in small, supportive cohorts. Develop the clinical judgement, cultural safety capabilities, interprofessional teamwork skills, and person-centred care approach required for contemporary practice.
- Graduate confident, practice-ready, and eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia – and highly sought after across Australia’s diverse and evolving health workforce.
This program is currently undergoing accreditation assessment by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (Anmac) and approval assessment by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). The program is not yet accredited or approved.
Eligible students can now receive $338.60 per week during their mandatory placement.
Find out more about the Commonwealth Prac payment
Location
CRICOS code
Duration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2026 fees (A$)
CSP Annual feeQTAC code
Start
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
QTAC 013411 Graduate entry pathway
QTAC 014211 Graduate entry pathway
QTAC 018661 Graduate entry pathway
QTAC 019421 Graduate entry pathway
Career opportunities
- Aged care
- Community
- Indigenous health
- Mental health
- Nurse in acute care
- Regional and remote
Accreditation
This program is currently undergoing accreditation assessment by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (Anmac) and approval assessment by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). The program is not yet accredited or approved.
- Start
-
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Total courses
- 21-22
- Total units
- 288
- Duration
- 3 years 3 years
- CRICOS code
- 078086M
- UniSC program code
- UB013
- Program coordinator
Introductory courses
54 units
HLT108 Applied Anatomy & Physiology for Nursing and Midwifery
NUR106 Professional Experience 1: Nursing Foundations in Practice
NUR107 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Cultural Safety
NUR110 Professional Experience 2: Caring Across the Lifespan(18 units)
Developing courses
66 units
HLT210 Partnering in Care: Mental Health
NUR204 Professional Experience 3: Safe and Effective Nursing Practice(18 units)
NUR205 Professional Experience 4: Developing Clinical Decision-Making
NUR206 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Health Professionals 2
NUR222 Health, Law and Ethics
Graduate courses
72 units
NUR306 Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
NUR308 Primary Health Care
NUR309 Professional Experience 5: Complex Care
NUR310 Professional Experience 6: Nursing Internship(24 units)
NUR313 Leadership and transition to evidence-based professional practice
Pathway
60 units
Standard & Enrolled Nurse Pathway
Required courses from a specified list
36 units
Select 36 units from the specified list or a course approved by the Program Coordinator.
HLT206 Neonatal and Infant Health
HLT303 Perinatal and Infant Mental Health
NUR307 Partnering in Care: Reablement and Recovery
NUR312 Life Crisis
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.
- In order to graduate you are required to complete 288 units as outlined in the program structure.
- This program has two distinct entry pathways: Standard pathway and Graduate Entry pathway.
Pathway Course Requirements
Standard Pathway
Students are required to complete 288 units, including the Standard Pathway courses (60 units) to build foundational nursing knowledge and skills.
Graduate Entry Pathway
Students who meet the Graduate entry admission requirements receive reduced Volume of Learning and are required to complete 192 units, including the Graduate Entry pathway courses (60 units) designed to support accelerated progression through the program.
Program notes
- International students are not eligible to enrol in this program at the UniSC Gympie campus.
- International students studying on a Student Visa are required to enrol on a full-time basis; a part-time study option is not available.
- International students on a Student Visa please note:
- Students must successfully complete the theoretical and pre-placement clinical skills component of each Professional Experience course before progressing to the associated Professional Experience Placement (PEP). A Fail grade in either the theoretical or placement component results in a Fail grade for the course and prevents progression to subsequent courses. This ensures that students demonstrate the required knowledge, skills and safe practice at each stage before advancing through the program.
- A Professional Experience Placement course is scheduled in the first teaching period of the program. Students must therefore commence and complete all mandatory PEP requirements as early as possible to ensure they are eligible to undertake placement when scheduled. Failure to complete these requirements by the specified deadlines may prevent participation in PEP and impact progression through the program.
- Courses and other components of the program, including Professional Experience Placements (PEP), may be scheduled outside standard teaching periods and during scheduled breaks. Students must be available to undertake PEP when scheduled, as placement timing is determined by placement availability and program requirements. As a result, published standard teaching period dates may not apply to all components of the program.
- UniSC has sought to minimise the cost of required textbooks by providing students with free access to as many prescribed texts as possible through ClinicalKey Connection. Where textbooks need to be purchased, the program has, wherever possible, prescribed the same texts across multiple courses so they can be used throughout the program.
- Required courses from specified list:
-
- New students into this program are strongly encouraged to select NUR307 Partnering in Care: Reablement and Recovery.
- Only students who have selected UniSC Moreton Bay as their primary campus may enrol in nursing laboratory (SLE) classes at Moreton Bay. Where demand for SLE classes exceeds available capacity at the Moreton Bay campus, some students may be required to attend scheduled laboratory classes at UniSC Caboolture or another UniSC campus.
WIL notes
This program includes compulsory placements in settings that require full COVID-19 vaccination.
It is a Queensland Government requirement that students undertaking a placement within a clinical setting are fit tested annually for an approved respirator. Clinical settings include hospitals, residential aged care facilities, residential disability care facilities, prison health services, youth detention health services, community health care settings, and vaccination clinics. If the Fit Testing requirement applies to placement activity within your Program it will appear in your mandatory checks on Sonia Online. In accordance with Australian Standards, you must be clean shaven for your fit test. Facial hair that lies along the sealing surface of a tight-fitting respirator prevents an effective seal. Therefore, it is a requirement that there is no hair growth between the skin and the facepiece sealing surface in order to achieve a fit. At this stage, there is no exemption in Queensland to this requirement for religious or other reasons and UniSC is unable to waive this requirement.
You will be required to hold a valid Blue Card, throughout the duration of your program, which is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). You should allow 12 weeks for CCYPCG to issue the card. Students who do not comply with these requirements will be unable to complete the clinical practice component of their program and will be unable to meet graduation requirements.
Credit precedents
Credit for graduate entry pathway
The graduate entry program has a pre-defined structure that recognises prior degree studies. Eligible credit will be automatically applied upon admission.
Credit for Enrolled Nurses
Students may receive credit transfer (of 8 courses) if they hold current AHPRA registration as an Enrolled Nursing (Division 2) (General) without restrictions/conditions and have completed a Diploma of Nursing from an accredited Australian education provider within 10 years prior to admission. Evidence of AHPRA registration must be provided with the application.
NOTE: Applicants who do not have current registration or hold current registration with restrictions etc, no credit transfer will be granted. If the diploma was completed more than 10 years ago, a current resume must be supplied with the credit application for consideration of credit.
This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.
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Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.
Standard entry (288 units)
Completion of Year 12 or equivalent.
Graduate entry pathway (192 units)
Applicants who hold a three-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognised higher education institution within the last 10 years may be considered for graduate entry, creating a two-year study sequence.
Additional information:
•Graduate entry applicants must apply via the separate QTAC code for the graduate entry pathway.
•Applicants with an Enrolled Nursing qualification and current AHPRA registration apply for standard entry and, upon acceptance of offer, apply separately for credit transfer in recognition of prior learning.
Entry requirements
For entry into most UniSC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.
Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.
Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that UniSC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.
If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.
English language requirements
You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).
Post admission requirements
In order to commence clinical placement, you must comply with the Pre-Clinical Mandatory Checks including:
- Hold a valid Blue Card (Working with Children Check) from QLD Government Blue Card Services throughout the duration of your program. You should allow 12 weeks for Blue Card Services to issue the card.
- Obtain a National Criminal History check through the Australian Federal Police
- Comply with QLD Health vaccination requirements
- A current First Aid and CPR certificate is required from an organisation recognised by the Australian Resuscitation Council before commencing clinical practice
- Complete the QLD Health student orientation requirements
- Travel to attend clinical placements
- Have a level of computer literacy, including word processing and email
In addition, students are required to complete individual health service requirements as directed by the placement provider.
Students who do not comply with these requirements will be unable to complete the clinical practice component of their program and will be unable to meet graduation requirements.
Note: Students are required to commence action of the above requirements immediately after enrolling. Hepatitis B immunity can take up to six months to determine and the processing of your UniSC Blue Card Application Form can take up to 12 weeks. Visit Nursing and Midwifery - Clinical Placement for more information about these requirements before you apply.
Additional entry information
Applicants from a non-English speaking background should refer to the English language requirements for further information.
- Recommended prior study
- English; General Maths, Maths Methods or Specialist Maths; at least one science subject
Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.
Refer to Bachelor of Nursing Science (and Graduate entry) - Inherent Academic Requirements
UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.
What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?
The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.
Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.
UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.
Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.
Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.
Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?
IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.
How does this affect you?
To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.
If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.
If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.
Headstart Program - Years 10 to 12
The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.
Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12
The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at UniSC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.
Prior study or work experience
If you:
- have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
- have a TAFE/VET qualification
- have relevant work experience, or
- have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)
You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.
Tertiary Preparation Pathway
If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.
If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.
It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.
Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)
You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.
High-school leavers completing year 12 are not eligible, and must apply through QTAC.
Further study pathways
This program provides a pathway to higher degree research, including Master's and PhD programs and prepares graduates for research-focused careers across health, biomedical science and related sectors.
- CSP estimate
- TBA
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2026)
- TBA
Additional student costs
Students are expected to purchase the approved UniSC nursing student uniform and closed shoes to wear to clinical practice laboratories and clinical practicums.
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.
If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.
Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:
- meet the citizenship and residency requirements
- complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
- meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.
Fee-paying places
A fee-paying place is not covered by any government subsidy, and you are required to pay the full cost of the courses you are studying.
If you accept a fee-paying place, you can defer the cost of your studies via a FEE-HELP loan. Eligibility for a FEE-HELP loan is the same as for a Commonwealth-supported place. You must:
- meet the citizenship and residency requirements
- complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
- meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.
International fee-paying places
Annual tuition fees are based on 2025 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.
Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).
All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).
Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to UniSC if they meet certain criteria.
Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.
Note: All programs are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change. Applicants are encouraged to review the program information before enrolling at UniSC.
No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.
Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.
Need help with submitting your application?
UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.
Any questions? Contact us.
Note: All programs are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change. Applicants are encouraged to review the program information before enrolling at UniSC.
QTAC code
| Location | QTAC code |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 013401 |
| Moreton Bay | 014021 |
| Caboolture | 018601 |
| Fraser Coast | 019101 |
| Gympie | 013501 |
Student story
"It was the education and support that UniSC provided that strengthened and scaffolded my beliefs which transformed me into a better version of myself."
Need advice on what to study or how to apply?
Our Student Central team can help.
Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@unisc.edu.au
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