OverviewAbout this course

    The Diploma of Nursing prepares you to provide expert nursing care across the health sector.

    You will learn anatomy and physiology, infection control and medication administration to work in a range of health care settings including acute, aged care, rehabilitation and mental health.

    TAFE NSW has developed this course in consultation with peak bodies and industry partners. Our extensive network gives you the opportunity to learn in diverse workplaces and to improve your technical and professional nursing skills.

    Your work placement and on-the-job training will give you diploma level nursing skills across a range of nursing disciplines.

    Numeracy Requirements:

    All international students will be required to undertake a Numeracy test prior to commencing the Diploma of Nursing. The purpose is to demonstrate sufficient numeracy skills. This is a requirement of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).

    To meet this requirement you will need to complete an assessment and achieve competency of at least Exit Level 3 in Numeracy.

    How will I do the test?

    As part of your application process, a TAFE NSW support officer will contact you to arrange to take the test. The test is online access to a computer and the internet is required.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learn new skills

    Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, learn to:

    • Care for a person with complex needs
    • Effectively communicate with patients and colleagues
    • Implement, monitor and evaluate nursing care plans
    • Tend and manage wounds in the clinical environment
    • Work within legal and ethical parameters

    Gain practical experience

    Build your experience and get practical skills in: 

    • Responding to and solving problems
    • Carrying out clinical practice with a mannequin
    • Managing your time, productivity and patient care
    • Experiencing and adapting to the pressures of the workplace

    Develop your professional confidence

    Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:

    • Professionalism and integrity
    • Analytical and pragmatic problem solving approach
    • High energy and commitment
    • Advanced communication and interpersonal skill

    Career pathways

    This qualification could help you prepare for roles like:

    • Enrolled Nurse

    SuitabilityInternational entry requirements

    At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.

    Fees and locationsStarting dates, course fees and locations

    As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.

    Additional costs

    Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.

    Structure and unitsWhat you will study

    At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.


    20 core units 5 elective units, consisting of: 3 units from the list below 2 units from the list below, elsewhere in the HLT Health Training Package, or any other current Training Package or accredited course.

    Core units are the required units that you must complete.

    • Work with diverse peopleCHCDIV001

    • Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safetyCHCDIV002

    • Reflect on and improve own professional practiceCHCPRP003

    • Confirm physical health statusHLTAAP002

    • Analyse and respond to client health informationHLTAAP003

    • Practise nursing within the Australian health care systemHLTENN035

    • Apply communication skills in nursing practiceHLTENN036

    • Perform clinical assessment and contribute to planning nursing careHLTENN037

    • Implement, monitor and evaluate nursing careHLTENN038

    • Apply principles of wound managementHLTENN039

    PathwaysContinue your studies

    At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:


    Vocational study pathway

    Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW degree pathway

    From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways

    TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    Other university pathways

    You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.


    Keep learning with TAFE NSW

    Build your expertise with a University Degree:

    • Students who successfully complete the TAFE NSW Diploma of Nursing may articulate with credit transfer into the undergraduate pre-registration nursing degree program at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
    • The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) gives TAFE NSW graduates guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Nursing with 48 credit points towards the Bachelor of Nursing (this is one year credit transfer of full time study).




    You are able to package two or more TAFE NSW courses together. This means you can plan your studies to achieve your career goals. When you apply for a TAFE NSW vocational pathway, you can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    ServicesCampus facilities and support services

    TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the resources, counselling and facilities to support you while you are studying

    In this course you will learn in a TAFE NSW simulated environment that reflects authentic working conditions by replicating industry environments, equipment and resources.

    We offer a range of support services including: 

    • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
    • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) support  
    • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
    • Smarthinking - online access to a tutor
    • LinkedIn Learning - an online resource that offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills


    You will also have access to the following services to help you succeed:

    • Time with your teacher including additional contact through email, MS Teams calls, phone calls and allocated meeting times
    • Teacher or Education Support Officer assistance

    We're here to help

    If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.

    Contact TAFE NSW International