Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
Australia offers 20 study nursing for free courses in 2026, ranging from Certificate IV to Master's Degree. You can study study nursing for free fully online or on-campus through registered RTOs, TAFEs, and universities. Courses typically take 5 months to 8 years to complete. Depending on eligibility, some places are covered by fee-free TAFE, JobTrainer or state-subsidised nursing programmes that lead to roles such as Clinical Nurse Consultant or Clinical Nurse Educator.


Displaying 20 of 20 courses
Study nursing for free refers to Australian nursing pathways where part or all of your tuition is covered by programs such as fee-free TAFE, JobTrainer or state-subsidised training. These options can span from Certificate IV through to Master's Degree level. Many sit within the broader Health Industry training package. You still pay for some materials or placement costs, but tuition fees can be reduced to $0 for eligible students.
Most funded nursing courses in Australia fit within a 5 months to 8 years study window. A Certificate IV or Diploma often takes 5–24 months, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time. Bachelor of Nursing degrees usually run for 3–4 years, while a nursing-related Master's Degree commonly adds 1.5–2 years of postgraduate study.
Many nursing theory units are available fully online, and some “study nursing for free” options allow you to complete large components via distance learning. Practical clinical placements still need on-campus labs or approved health facilities. Both TAFEs and universities offer mixed-mode delivery, combining online lectures with intensive on-campus blocks. You can compare flexible options through general Online Courses listings.
Course fees vary widely by level, from subsidised Certificate IV programs through to full-fee Master's Degrees, which can reach tens of thousands of dollars over several years. Under fee-free TAFE, JobTrainer and state-subsidised schemes, eligible students may pay $0 in tuition for certain places. Higher-level courses may offer VET Student Loans or HELP-style support rather than being entirely free. Always check current funding rules in your state or territory before enrolment.
Graduates can move into roles such as Clinical Nurse Consultant, Clinical Nurse Educator, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Health Information Manager, depending on whether they complete Bachelor or Master's level study. Some Certificate IV or Diploma pathways also support progression into Registered Nurse training. To explore advanced roles, many students use free or subsidised pathways as a stepping stone to a Clinical Nurse Consultant Career.