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Bachelor of Nursing (H3O)

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Overview (2027)

Key Information

Duration

Minimum 3 years, up to a maximum of 7 years.

This course is available to study only on a full-time basis
Duration
Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Reduced duration available

Location

Hobart
Semester 1
Cradle Coast
Semester 1
Launceston
Semester 1
Sydney
Semester 1

Something appealing about nursing to me was definitely the ability to have an interchangeable career with all the different fields of nursing. You can travel overseas with it, you can travel to remote parts of Australia, and your skills are interchangeable.

It's like a passport, really, to go and just see the world but also do what you love at the same time.

Caitlin Bruinewoud, Bachelor of Nursing

Nurses transform and make a positive impact on people’s lives.

Prepare for a successful healthcare career with our comprehensive course designed for the diverse roles of nurses.

Your learning is delivered in a highly supportive environment with dedicated nursing teaching staff, and small, well-supported groups for your practical and simulation experiences. We're here to help you get the most out of your course and to ensure that your learning experience is personalised and focused, just like the care you'll be providing as a registered nurse.

You'll undertake a minimum of 800 hours of Professional Experience Placements across five different clinical and healthcare environments such as: Acute Care (Hospitals), Aged Care, Rural/Remote, Mental Health, Primary Health, or Community Nursing. Tasmanian placements are state-wide, and New South Wales placements are located across Greater Sydney.

Professional Experience Placements begin in your second semester, with between 80 and 240 hours completed in each of the 5 placements throughout your course. Through these and your theory, practical, and simulation learning, you will be prepared to be solution-focused, compassionate, agile, and resilient, developing clinical reasoning and practical skills required for your career as a registered nurse.

If you’re in Tasmania and need to study away from home, our Relocation and Travel Support Allowance helps cover accommodation and associated costs within the state.

Graduate faster with our two-year accelerated study option

Students who meet the Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements after their first semester of study have the option to choose an accelerated plan (subject to placement availability) to fully complete the degree in two years. By utilising spring, summer, and winter study periods in year 2, you complete the same number of units and same amount of Professional Experience Placement hours in a shorter time, graduating sooner so you can start your career faster.

Enrolled Nurse Pathway

The Enrolled Nurse Pathway is offered in a two or three year advanced standing pathway that recognises the professional experience of enrolled nurses who want to undertake university study to become Registered Nurses

During the Enrolled Nurse pathway you’ll develop the skills to work more autonomously; assessing patients, designing and managing care plans, and making informed clinical decisions. This increased responsibility can lead to higher salary levels and a broader range of career pathways including leadership and senior positions within healthcare teams. Becoming an RN also opens the door to specialisation across diverse areas of practice, allowing you to direct your career towards your interests and professional goals.

Visit Enrolled Nurse pathway to learn more about what’s involved in the course.

  • 1 Practice the core values of the profession from a primary health care philosophy by valuing and incorporating empathy, compassion, social justice and promotion of health across the lifespan.
  • 2 Adhere to the legal and ethical parameters of the regulations and standards governing nursing practice in the delivery of quality, safe, ethical and evidence informed care.
  • 3 Function as an adaptive solution focused leader who implements innovative and sustainable practices for health, cognisant of individual, family, community, population and global perspectives and priorities.
  • 4 Communicate therapeutically, effectively and in a culturally safe manner with patients, families, health care professionals, industry partners and the broader community, and embrace the use of technology in nursing practice and continuing professional development.
  • 5 Provide safe, quality nursing care in complex healthcare environments underpinned by evidence informed practice, scientific knowledge, critical thinking and clinical reasoning.
State-of-the-art simulation labs

In purpose-built learning environments across all four campus locations you’ll be exposed to the latest healthcare technology, developing the clinical knowledge and skills you need to practice in future healthcare environments. We maintain a supportive staff/student ratio in all simulated learning environments and practicals, ensuring you receive real-time feedback and support.

Hands on experience

You’ll also gain practical experience in real healthcare settings.  Professional Experience Placements are a major part of your course, and these give you the opportunity to practice your skills alongside working healthcare professionals.  Click work-integrated learning below to learn more about your placements.

Professional Experience Placement

Professional Experience Placements (PEP) allows you to put theory in to practice in real healthcare settings. To ensure you have the experience you need to be confident and capable in your career as a registered nurse, you’ll complete a minimum of 800 hours of PEP during your studies. During your placement, you’ll gain hands-on experience, actively participating in patient/client care alongside registered nurses and other health professionals.  There are five placement units, commencing during second semester in the course, and in each you’ll complete between 80 and 240 hours of experience.

Unit Title

Duration

Hours (approx.)

Timing

Standard 3 year course

Accelerated 2 year course

Nursing Practice 1

2 weeks

80

Year 1 Semester 2

Year 1 Semester 2

Nursing Practice 2

3 weeks

120

Year 2 Semester 1

Year 1 Spring School (late)

Nursing Practice 3

4 weeks

160

Year 2 Semester 2

Year 2 Semester 1

Nursing Practice 4

6 weeks

240

Year 3 Semester 1

Year 2 Winter

Nursing Practice 5

6 weeks

240

Year 3 Semester 2

Year 2 Spring School (late)

Your professional experience placements are conducted in healthcare locations throughout Tasmania and   New South Wales, including Mental Health, Community, Rural and Remote, Acute Services, Aged Care, Primary Health, and a broad range of specialty health services. Experience working in a broad range of healthcare settings helps you to start your career with a confident understanding of the diverse career options available to registered nurses.

Support is available to help you meet the cost of travel, accommodation, and uniforms for your placements. The Commonwealth Prac Payment offers nursing students support while they’re undertaking mandatory placements, and eligible students can access $338.60 per week for 20 weeks (benchmarked to the single Austudy rate) while undertaking a placement. In addition, accommodation assistance and a living allowance is available for some placement locations.

Safety in practice compliance

This course includes compulsory Professional Experience Placements. You must meet the Health Safety in Practice Requirements before census date of the first semester of your course. The safety in practice requirements are completed separately to the course admission application.

Connection to industry

Our close connections with industry across Tasmania and in Sydney mean you will have access to a broad range of healthcare experiences during your PEP. Your placements could include areas such as Mental Health, Community, Rural and Remote, Acute Services, Aged Care, Primary Health, and a broad range of specialty health services.

The Bachelor of Nursing is a professionally accredited degree. This course is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). 

Graduates may meet the requirements for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) as a Registered Nurse. There may be additional requirements for registration beyond the completion of the course. For further registration requirements, please visit the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency website. 

If you have any queries about the accreditation process, please contact us for further information.  

Career outcomes

I plan on using nursing to support a life of travel and adventure – it's a profession that provides portability, flexibility and lots of variety.

Ian Elegy, Bachelor of Nursing

Find out more

The Bachelor of Nursing is designed to prepare you for a career as a Registered Nurse, a role at the forefront of healthcare delivery. Demand for registered nurses is consistently increasing, with 80,000 more nurses forecast to be required by 2033 to meet future healthcare needs .

Demand for registered nurses is strong both locally and internationally, with numerous opportunities for career development. Registered nurses are essential to an efficient and effective healthcare system. They maintain healthy communities by providing advice, treatment, person-centred care, and ongoing management across areas such as health promotion, mental health, and aged care.

As a registered nurse you could work in a variety of roles such as:

  • Acute care nursing, including critical care, emergency nursing, surgical, and neonatal care
  • Primary healthcare, including health promotion, sexual health, and child and family health
  • Mental health across both acute and community roles
  • Rural and remote healthcare
  • Nursing education and management
  • Aged care and disability services

There is a growing demand for nurses across a variety of areas with projections showing that Australia will need approximately 25% more Nurse Managers, Registered Nurses, and Midwives by 2033*.

Postgraduate study

After you’ve completed your Bachelor of Nursing degree, postgraduate study is a great way to specialise and further your career. We offer a range of postgraduate nursing courses, including Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, Masters by Coursework and Masters by Research. Generous fee support is available for registered nurses who apply for postgraduate courses, which can greatly reduce the cost. Postgraduate study is a great way to meet your Continuing Professional Development requirement while gaining a higher qualification that can lead to a higher salary and more career options.

*National Skills Commission ten-year projections from May 2023-May 2033.

Nursing career pathways

Where could nursing take you? From hospitals to schools, in the community, or even overseas, nursing offers a dynamic and flexible career with opportunities to work across a variety of healthcare settings and make a meaningful impact every day.

Nursing career pathways chart

With further study, Registered Nurses (RNs) can expand their skills to become:
Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurse Prescribers, Midwifes, or Researchers.

Read more

Course structure

Entry requirements

This is a quota course. To be considered for a first-round offer, submit your application by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 (also known as ‘on-time applications’). Don’t worry if you miss this deadline—you can still apply!  We’ll consider you for subsequent offer rounds based on the availability of remaining places.

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study.

Please note that admission to the Bachelor of Nursing is highly competitive and that achieving the entry requirements does not guarantee an offer for this course. Applicants who meet the entry requirements are ranked and offers are made based on the number of places available.

For Hobart, Launceston and Burnie campuses, at least 90% of domestic places will be reserved for Tasmanian residents. Residency is based on residential address. 

Schools Recommendation Program

Australian year 12 students can apply for this course via our Schools Recommendation Program. Rather than an ATAR, your application is based on a recommendation by your school teachers. This can factor in your year 11 results, an assessment of your capabilities, and other considerations.

Through the program, you can receive and accept an offer prior to completing year 12. You will still need to finish your year 12 studies – including any exams – to commence your studies.

If you don’t receive an early offer for this course through the Schools Recommendation Program, you will be re-assessed for a higher preference offer once your ATAR is released.

Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education

The minimum ATAR for this course is 60.

Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers are made based on the number of places available. In 2026, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was:

  • 67.30 - Cradle Coast
  • 66.90 - Hobart
  • 61.25 - Launceston
  • 60.15 - Sydney

The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.

Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

Domestic applicants with higher education study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:

  • Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 University of Tasmania credit points at 100-level or above). If an applicant has failed any units, the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made
Domestic applicants with VET/TAFE study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate IV from a registered training organisation (RTO), Diploma, or Advanced Diploma in any discipline in the last 10 years.

As this is a quota course, there are limited places at each campus. Offers under this entry pathway will be made in rounds, based on time of application, until the quota has been filled.  Remaining applicants will remain on a waitlist should a place open on that campus. 

Domestic applicants with work and life experience

This course does not admit students on the basis of work or life experience.  Please enquire online for advice on pathways, or alternative course options.

Enrolled Nurse to Registered Nurse Pathway

As this is a quota course, there are limited places at each campus. Offers for eligible Enrolled Nurses will be made in rounds, based on their time of application, until the quota has been filled.  Remaining applicants will remain on a waitlist should a place open on that campus. 

To be eligible to undertake the Enrolled Nurse to Registered Nurse pathway, applicants must hold current registration as an Enrolled Nurse with Ahpra with no restrictions or conditions to practice, If an Enrolled Nurse opts to study a Bachelor of Nursing with the University of Tasmania and they have met the above requirements, they are eligible for 8 units of defined credit toward their study.

English Language Requirements - All Applicants

Standard 1.3 of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council requires that students demonstrate English language proficiency. All applicants must provide either a written declaration that English is their primary language, or evidence that they have achieved the minimum English language test results (see details, below), as stipulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) English language skills registration standard (2025).

All applicants for whom English is not the primary language require one of:

  • IELTS Academic - overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum score of 7.0 in each three components of listening, reading and speaking, and a minimum score of 6.5 in writing), or
  • Occupational English Test - OET - a minimum score of 350 in listening and writing and 360 in reading and speaking, or
  • TOEFL iBT - a minimum total score of 91 and the following minimum score in each section of the test: 22 for listening, 22 for reading, 23 for writing, and 24 for speaking, or
  • Pearson Test of English - PTE Academic - a minimum overall score of 63, and a minimum score of 58 in listening, 59 in reading, 60 in writing and a minimum score of 76 in speaking.

As the standard is set by the NMBA, please refer to their website for full details.

English Language Requirements and Mandatory Functional Requirements Declaration

Domestic Applicants: All domestic applicants must complete the Bachelor of Nursing English Language and Mandatory Functional Requirements Declaration. Applicants complete this step during the application process.

International Applicants: All international applicants will be asked during the application process to agree to, and accept, both the English Language Requirements and the Mandatory Functional Requirements.

Special Consideration

We believe university education should be an option for everyone, no matter your background. If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition, or disability.

We can only approve applications for special consideration if we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the University admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.

Safety In Practice Requirements

This course includes compulsory work placements. All students must meet the course Safety in Practice Requirements before their first placement. The safety in practice requirements are completed separately to the course admission application.

This is a quota course. To be considered for a first-round offer, submit your application by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 (also known as ‘on-time applications’). Don’t worry if you miss this deadline—you can still apply!  We’ll consider you for subsequent offer rounds based on the availability of remaining places.

All international students will need to meet the minimum English Language Requirements, University General Entry Requirements and any course specific requirements such as pre-requisite subjects, if applicable.

English Language Requirements 

Standard 1.3 of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council requires that students demonstrate English language proficiency. All applicants must provide either a written declaration that English is their primary language, or evidence that they have achieved the minimum English language test results (see details, below), as stipulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) English language skills registration standard (2025).

All applicants for whom English is not the primary language require one of:

  • IELTS Academic - overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum score of 7.0 in each three components of listening, reading and speaking, and a minimum score of 6.5 in writing), or
  • Occupational English Test - OET - a minimum score of 350 in listening and writing and 360 in reading and speaking, , or
  • TOEFL iBT - a minimum total score of 91 and the following minimum score in each section of the test: 22 for listening, 22 for reading, 23 for writing, and 24 for speaking, or
  • Pearson Test of English - PTE Academic - a minimum overall score of 63, and a minimum score of 58 in listening, 59 in reading, 60 in writing and a minimum score of 76 in speaking.

As the standard is set by the NMBA, please refer to their website for full details.

For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

General Entry Requirements

For Hobart, Launceston and Burnie campuses, at least 90% of domestic places will be reserved for Tasmanian residents. Residency is based on residential address. 

Admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a 12th year of education in Australia.

Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country. The ATAR information for this course is located in the “For Domestic Students” section of the entry requirements on this page.

Admission to the Bachelor of Nursing is highly competitive and that achieving the entry requirements does not guarantee an offer for this course. Applicants who meet the entry requirements are ranked and offers are made based on the number of places available.

You can also meet the General Entry Requirement for this course with the following qualifications or prior studies:

  • Completion of an equivalent AQF Diploma or higher
  • Complete or incomplete (minimum 25 credit points) of previous tertiary study at Bachelor level or higher

If you do not meet the minimum requirements, we offer the Foundation Studies Program.

 

Enrolled Nurse to Registered Nurse Pathway

As this is a quota course, there are limited places at each campus. Offers for eligible Enrolled Nurses will be made in rounds, based on their time of application, until the quota has been filled.  Remaining applicants will remain on a waitlist should a place open in that campus. 

To be eligible to undertake the Enrolled Nurse to Registered Nurse pathway, applicants must hold current registration as an Enrolled Nurse with Ahpra with no restrictions or conditions to practice, If an Enrolled Nurse opts to study a Bachelor of Nursing with the University of Tasmania and they have met the above requirements, they are eligible for 8 units of defined credit toward their study.

 

Course Specific Requirements

Safety In Practice Requirements

This course includes compulsory Professional Experience Placements. You must meet the College of Health and Medicine's Safety in Practice Requirements before census date of the first semester of your course. The safety in practice requirements are completed separately to the course admission application.

Registered Enrolled Nurses with a Diploma of Nursing will be eligible for recognition of prior learning for eight defined units (100 credit points).

Applications for credit can be made in your course application. Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.

Talk to us on 13 8827 or enquire online about your credit transfer.

The Diploma of University Studies (Nursing Foundation Studies) specialisation currently provides a pathway to the BN by providing credit for 50 credit points. Students undertake 4 units (50 credit points) of the BN delivered units as part of their Diploma pathway, which are then credited on entry to the BN.

 

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Pathways include the Diploma of University Studies (Nursing Foundation Studies) and the University Preparation Program.

 

Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

Fees & scholarships

Domestic students

Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for this course. For eligible domestic students, this means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

Commonwealth Supported Place indicative annual fee: $6,161.91

How is this calculated?

This is an estimate. The calculation is based on the average full-time enrolment for this course in 2026. All figures are indicative only for 2027. Actual tuition fees will depend on specific unit enrolment, and are subject to annual increases each year. You can find the complete fee details for each unit of study on the individual unit pages. The units for this course are found in the course structure section of this page.

These figures do not include other costs such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). For further information, please visit Scholarships, fees and costs.

HECS-HELP loans

You may be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

Further information on student loans and a CSP eligibility checker can be found at Australian Government Study Assist.

International students

2027 annual international student tuition fee: $45,098 AUD

The standard year of study for this course is 100 credit points.

Indicative total tuition fee for international students: $ 142,170 AUD.

This total tuition fee is indicative only. Please visit fees and costs for further information on how this is calculated.

International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

Domestic scholarships

For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

Additional costs

In addition to course costs, students may be subject to other costs related to study at university including:

Course year 2027

View 2026 course information

View 2025 course information

View previous years course information

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Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.

Domestic

13 8827 (13 UTAS)

International

+61 3 6226 6200

Email

Course.Info@utas.edu.au

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