Key facts
Duration
1/2 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
With job growth of 12.2% projected for registered nurses by 2028,* there is strong demand for nurses to take on senior roles in this vital sector. Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Advanced Nursing will help you meet this demand, preparing you to lead the way in driving positive patient outcomes across a variety of roles.
Study at one of Australia’s largest and most established nursing schools, ranked #14 in the world for nursing courses.^ You’ll learn from the best, with course subject matter informed by the School’s cutting-edge research, which is recognised as well above world standard.# Our strong industry connections, mean you will be guided by experts in nursing as you explore the current and emerging trends, concepts, knowledge and evidence that provides the policy and practice framework in which the care of patients takes place.
Are you ready to take on a senior role in the growing nursing sector?
Study the Graduate Certificate of Advanced Nursing to build on your existing clinical skills and to prepare yourself for a senior role in the nursing sector. This course has been flexibly designed to reflect current trends and allows you to gain a varied understanding of advanced nursing practice, without narrowing your focus to a singular specialty area. In addition to one core unit, you can select three elective units based around your interests and career goals.
During your core unit, you will critically examine clinical frameworks which govern patient safety and risk management, allowing you to better implement safe health care standards in your workplace. You can then tailor your electives to suit your goals, with units available which will prepare you for roles in management, education and research.
You will be challenged to become a leader in evidence-based practice, and a change agent to improve the quality of nursing care and patient outcomes.
Designed for postgraduate nursing students, our innovative online program delivers a rich, interactive and empowering learning experience that will encourage critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork skills. Australia’s top-rated tech support and access to our expert teaching staff allow you to study flexibly around your work and other commitments, without compromising quality or support.
Graduates are prepared to handle the contemporary challenges nurses may face with a course that responds to industry trends and demands. Plus, you will learn how to drive positive change in the nursing sector.
* Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections.
^ 2025 ShanghaiRankings Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
# Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 close 21 June 2026
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Advanced Nursing
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- H575
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Leader in online study
Join more than 78,000 online Deakin students who have successfully graduated from the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Discover why we’re a leader in online university courses.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Advanced Nursing, you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 1 credit point of core units
- 2 credit points of course elective units
- 1 credit point of open elective units
Most units are equal to one credit point.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note: Students are encouraged to select units based on interest and/or relevance to their clinical practice.
Core Units:
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online Campus
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online campus
ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Workload
As an online student in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 11-13 hours every week studying, interacting online and completing assessment tasks for each unit in your course. Refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Applications for this course may close prior to the published closing date if all places are filled.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) with no conditions or restrictions
- Registration as a registered nurse in the country of practice or equivalent and Bachelor of Nursing degree or equivalent.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Students holding an approved specialist certificate from the former Nurses Board of Victoria may apply for up to four credit points of Recognition of prior learning towards the Masters.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$14,700 - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
Estimated tuition fee - (CSP) ?Enrolling in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees directly to Deakin, and you pay a 'student contribution'.
$2,431 - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Learn more about fees.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Tuition fees are determined by your enrolment:
- If you are offered a full fee paying place, your tuition fees are calculated based on your course.
- If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are calculated depending on the units you choose.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of study. Four credit points is used as it represents a typical enrolment load for a Graduate Certificate. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of a typical combination of units for your course. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook. Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Higher Education Loan Program
Take the next step towards your ultimate degree with a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan to help pay your tuition fees. You may be eligible for a HELP loan – including FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP – depending on your course, type of fee place, and your citizenship or residency status. Check your eligibility and learn more about Government HELP loans.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Need more information on how to apply?
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Pathways
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Advanced Nursing, students have the option to further their studies by articulating into the below courses:
Career outcomes
With job growth of 12.2% projected for registered nurses and 12.1% for nurse managers by 2028* there is an industry demand for nurses who can take on senior roles within healthcare settings. Depending on the units you have completed, your expertise will allow you to pursue a range of roles including:
- clinical nurse educator
- associate or unit manager
- research roles
* Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections
Professional recognition
Nurses employed under the Victorian public hospital award receive a higher duties allowance.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Demonstrate advanced nursing practice commensurate with nursing theoretical knowledge, evidence-based and person-centred care. |
| Communication | Demonstrate advanced communication skills to ensure the delivery of quality, safe nursing care. |
| Digital literacy | Evaluate information using digital technologies to effectively disseminate relevant healthcare information to individuals, groups and/or the multidisciplinary team. |
| Critical thinking | Identify and evaluate complex data from multiple sources to inform evidence-based decision making. |
| Problem solving | Apply advanced nursing knowledge and skills to routine and complex problems to optimise health outcomes. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, reflection and personal autonomy. |
| Teamwork | Establish and maintain inclusive, collaborative professional relationships. |
| Global Citizenship | Display accountability for, and sound professional judgement in behaviours that uphold ethical principles of practice within diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
^2021 Employment Outlook - for the five years to November 2026, Australian Government National Skills Commission
Some courses have limited places, apply early to avoid missing out.
