Study Nursing

Make a difference in your community

Save up to 81% on course fees

with a Commonwealth Supported Place1

Graduate job-ready

at QLD's #1 university for full-time employment2

Earn up to $338.60 per week

during paid placement opportunities for eligible students3

 

Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-Registration] Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-Registration] [Mixed]
Study nursing at JCU and gain hands-on experience from your first year. With a strong focus on rural, remote, and First Nations communities, JCU graduates are among the most employable in the country, who are ready to build meaningful careers across hospitals, aged care, and community health - both locally and globally.
Why JCU?
  • Study Nursing at the university ranked #1 in QLD for full-time employment2 and gain hands-on clinical experience from your first year.
  • Build the skills to deliver exceptional patient care across a range of settings including rural, remote and tropical communities.
  • Develop the confidence to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
  • Prepare for clinical placements by training in world-class facilities, including JCU's new Yeinie Building (Cairns students).
  • Choose flexible study options that suit your lifestyle, whether you prefer to study on campus or balance study with other commitments.
  • Benefit from a Commonwealth Prac Payment while you are completing a mandatory practical placement as part of your degree.

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Access info on entry criteria, course content and more.


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Small, supportive class sizes

Study in friendly, collaborative environments where lecturers genuinely care about your progress and success.

Real-world practical experience

Benefit from extensive supervised professional practice and start building clinical experience from year one.

Flexible ways to study

Choose to study full-time, part-time, on campus or online, with options designed to fit around work and family commitments.

▶ Undergraduate options
Bachelor of Nursing Science
[Pre-Registration]
Study nursing through weekly face-to-face classes and simulation labs, then move into placement blocks from first year, where you may be eligible for Commonwealth Prac Payments. Learn to assess patients, plan and deliver care, and evaluate outcomes across metropolitan, rural, remote and tropical settings. Develop your skills in world-class facilities, including JCU's new Yeinie Building in Cairns, and prepare for clinical placements in simulation facilities designed to replicate real-life hospital wards. Graduates meet the academic requirements for Registered Nurse (Division 1) registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Pathways to study are available for new students and diploma-qualified nurses.

Fast facts

Location: Online*, Cairns, Townsville, Emerald, Mackay, Mount Isa
Starts: February, July
Entry requirements:** ATAR: 66
Recommended knowledge: English (Units 3/4,C), Biology, Chemistry and one of General Maths, Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Maths (Units 3/4,C)

*This course requires some on-campus attendance by online students.

**This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.


What career possibilities are there?

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for Registered Nurse (Division 1) registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Graduates can expect to work in hospitals, community health and government or non-government agencies across Australia and overseas. A solid foundation in general nursing opens pathways to specialisation in emergency, mental health, aged care, oncology, community health, or rural and remote practice. You can also progress into policy, research, management or education.

Bachelor of Nursing Science
[Pre-Registration] [Mixed]
Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-Registration] [Mixed] students earn the same qualification, with a flexible study design that fits around work and family commitments. Core content is delivered online, allowing you to study around your schedule, with short residential workshops held each study period for intensive skills training before placement. Virtual tutorials keep you connected with lecturers and peers wherever you live. Placements – which may include a Commonwealth Prac Payment - begin in the first year and are arranged as close to your home region as possible. You will complete practical training in world-class facilities, including simulation labs and JCU’s new Yeinie Building (Cairns students). Graduates are eligible to apply for Registered Nurse (Division 1) registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Pathways to study are available for new students and diploma-qualified nurses.

Fast facts

Location: Online*
Starts: February, July
Entry requirements:** ATAR: 66
Recommended knowledge: English (Units 3/4,C), Biology, Chemistry and one of General Maths, Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Maths (Units 3/4,C).

*This course requires some on-campus attendance by online students.

**This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.


What career possibilities are there?

The mixed-mode degree leads to the same roles and advancement options as the on-campus version: hospitals, community health, defence, regional centres, and international settings. Specialise after registration in fields such as emergency, mental health, aged care, oncology, community health, or rural and remote practice, or pivot into policy, research, management or education.

Photo: a nursing student checking medical equipment. Credit: Budd Photography

Take your next step with confidence

File Arrow Down Icon Download Study Guide Find out more about entry criteria, course content and career opportunities.
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▶ Discover pathways options
If you do not meet the entry requirements of your chosen nursing degree, there are pathways and bridging courses you can take to help you gain entry.

Enrolling in JCU Prep can help you meet entry requirements. Introductory academic subjects are also available to prepare you for taking the leap into tertiary study.
Photo: a group of nusing students smiling. Credit: Budd Photography
Jaise Jaimon

"With a unique emphasis on rural and remote healthcare, JCU equips me for real-world challenges, making me confident in my abilities as a nursing student. The dedicated faculty and enriching community environment are crucial to my professional and personal growth, helping me become a competent and compassionate nurse."

Jaise Jaimon

Bachelor of Nursing Science – Student

Ailee Hookey

"My journey with JCU has been a life-changing experience. The lecturers genuinely care and go above and beyond for us. As a science enthusiast, the microbiology, anatomy and physiology labs were the highlight of my first year, and the Indigenous Education and Research Centre has played an essential role in my success."

Ailee Hookey

Bachelor of Nursing Science – Student

Ivy Hodges

"Doing my three-week placement in Weipa made me more drawn to becoming a rural and remote nurse and giving back to my people. I was able to have a more hands-on experience: applying cultural competencies and applying competent nursing skills to my people. This made me realise my potential as a future registered nurse."

Ivy Hodges

Bachelor of Nursing Science – Alumni

▶ How to apply
Apply today via the link below using the QTAC code on the relevant course page.
1
Explore your options

Choose your JCU nursing course, confirm that you meet the entry requirements, and note the QTAC code.

2
Check the application dates

Refer to the application due dates on the QTAC or JCU websites to ensure you apply before the deadline. 

3
Apply online via QTAC

To apply for entry into a bachelor's nursing degree please submit your application via QTAC.

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