Victoria University

Graduate Certificate in Nursing Online

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 8 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Certificate

Build on your nursing experience with skills in leadership, research and coordinated care. Strengthen your contribution to healthcare improvement and open a pathway into VU’s Master of Nursing.

Ready to take the next step?

Download your course guide and connect with a study advisor to explore:

  • Course structure
  • Learning outcomes
  • Fees
  • Entry requirements

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Course overview

Take a more active role in improving how care is delivered. Victoria University’s online Graduate Certificate in Nursing supports registered nurses to build postgraduate knowledge in leadership, research and service improvement while continuing their professional practice.

Study four connected areas: cultural competence and community health, care coordination, improvement and innovation, and evidence and research for practice. Explore how these capabilities work together to support safer, more responsive healthcare.

Develop your ability to evaluate research, identify quality and safety concerns and formulate approaches to improvement. Strengthen your understanding of collaborative care planning, client advocacy and culturally safe practice, considering the needs of individuals and communities across healthcare settings.

Complete four units online over eight months part-time, focusing on one subject during each seven-week study period. Access personalised academic and student support as you prepare for greater responsibility in your workplace. On completion, progress into VU’s Master of Nursing with credit for the four units.

CSP Subsidised Fees Available

This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
8 months (Part time)
Commitment
15 - 20 hours/week
Price Per Unit
From $2,950
More Information
The estimated per-unit fee is calculated using the annual average first-year fee. It is based on a part-time study load of four units per year.

$592 (CSP)
More Information
You may be eligible for CSP where the government pays part of your fees. The estimated per unit fees are calculated using the annual CSP rate. It is based on a full-time study load of four units per year.
Intake
11th January, 2027
8th March, 2027
10th May, 2027
5th July, 2027
30th August, 2027
25th October, 2027
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
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Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
FEE-HELP, CSP

What you will study

To attain the Graduate Certificate in Nursing, students must complete the following four units:

Core units

  • Promoting Cultural Competence and Community Health
  • Care Coordination in Practice
  • Leading Improvement and Innovation
  • Evidence and Research for Practice

Entry requirements

To apply for the online Graduate Certificate of Nursing, you are required to have:

  • Completed an AQF Level 7 Bachelor's of Nursing, or equivalent qualification; AND
  • Current Registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA); OR
  • Applicants without an AQF 7 Bachelor's Degree of Nursing or equivalent qualification but who hold a current Registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) with the Australian Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA) will be considered for the Graduate Certificate in Nursing.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

Australia requires registered nurses with advanced knowledge, skills and competencies to help drive the transformation of its healthcare system.

This qualification may enable you to move up to the next level of your nursing career—you may become the next Nurse Unit Manager.

Australian Registered Nurses (RNS) will be eligible for the postgraduate qualification allowance after completing this course.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Total cost for four units in 2026: $11,800 (domestic full-fee paying place)

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of four units per year.

Student annual fees may vary in accordance with:

  • The number of units studied per term.
  • The choice of major or specialisation.
  • Choice of units.
  • 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.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.