Graduate Certificate in Nursing Specialising in Acute Nursing

What you will study

To complete the study for the Graduate Certificate in Nursing specialising in Acute Nursing, students must complete 24 units for one of the following options:

Either:

• 24 units for all discipline courses
• 24 units from electives

Unless otherwise indicated, each course is worth six units.

Entry requirements

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

• A completed bachelor's degree (AQF level 7) or higher from a recognised higher education institution.
• Hold or be eligible to hold registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

Recognition of Prior Learning

You may be able to get credit for your course based on prior formal, non-formal or informal learning. To apply, you will need to provide supporting documentation outlined by the university. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Specialising in Acute Nursing at Adelaide University are well prepared for a wide range of roles in fast-paced clinical settings. This qualification equips you with advanced knowledge and practical skills that support critically ill patients during their most vulnerable moments.

You could work in a hospital emergency department, responding to patients with life-threatening injuries or illnesses. Or perhaps you’ll take a role in an intensive care unit, monitoring patients and providing complex care with precision and confidence. You might also find yourself in a high-dependency ward, where your expertise ensures patients receive the close observation and treatment they need.

This specialisation can also open doors to leadership and advanced clinical practice roles, where you could help guide teams and improve outcomes for patients requiring urgent care. Wherever you work, your ability to act decisively in critical situations will make a profound difference in patient care.

Fees and CSP

Estimated annual fee in 2026: From $2,369 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 24 units (normally four courses) per year.

Student annual fees may vary in accordance with:

• The number of courses studied per term.
• The choice of major or specialisation.
• Choice of courses.
• Credit from previous study or work experience.
• Eligibility for government-funded loans.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate programs.

Your student contribution amount is:

• Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
• Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
• Reviewed and adjusted each year.

HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.