A Guide to the Top Nursing Schools in Queensland (QLD)

Discover the best nursing programs in Queensland for a rewarding healthcare career

Why Study Nursing in Queensland?

Queensland is one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions for healthcare careers, making it an ideal place to study nursing. With a wide range of accredited nursing schools, Queensland offers flexible study options, strong industry connections, and hands-on clinical training from day one. Whether you’re interested in becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), progressing into advanced nursing roles, or specialising in midwifery, aged care, or mental health, QLD has a nursing pathway for you.

Key Reasons to Study Nursing in Queensland:

Nationally accredited Bachelor and Diploma programs
High demand for nurses in both urban and regional healthcare settings
Comprehensive clinical placements in hospitals, aged care, and community settings
Flexible learning options including online and part-time study
Scholarships and government funding available for eligible students

Top Nursing Schools in Queensland

Below are some of the leading nursing schools in QLD offering programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Each includes direct links to courses, admissions, and scholarships.

The University of Queensland (UQ) – School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work

Location: Brisbane, QLD
Program: Bachelor of Nursing (BN)
Duration: 3 years full-time
Highlights: Research-driven curriculum, advanced simulation labs, major teaching hospitals
Scholarships: UQ Nursing Scholarships

UQ ranks among Australia’s top nursing schools and offers world-class teaching and research in nursing and midwifery.

Griffith University – School of Nursing and Midwifery

Locations: Gold Coast, Logan, Nathan
Program: Bachelor of Nursing
Duration: 3 years full-time
Highlights: Ranked among the top 100 globally, strong clinical partnerships, honours and postgraduate pathways
Scholarships: Griffith Nursing Scholarships

Griffith’s nursing graduates are highly employable and benefit from early and diverse clinical experiences.

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) – School of Nursing

Location: Brisbane, QLD
Program: Bachelor of Nursing
Duration: 3 years full-time
Highlights: High-tech simulation facilities, dedicated mental health and Indigenous health components
Scholarships: QUT Scholarships

QUT’s School of Nursing is one of Australia’s largest and focuses on preparing practice-ready nurses with cutting-edge skills.

James Cook University (JCU) – College of Healthcare Sciences

Locations: Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, Mount Isa
Program: Bachelor of Nursing Science
Duration: 3 years full-time
Highlights: Focus on tropical, rural, remote, and Indigenous healthcare
Scholarships: JCU Nursing Scholarships

JCU offers robust clinical experiences in diverse communities and is especially known for rural and remote nursing training.

University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) – School of Nursing and Midwifery

Locations: Toowoomba, Ipswich, Springfield, and Online
Program: Bachelor of Nursing
Duration: 3 years full-time or flexible options
Highlights: Online study flexibility, regional placements, strong student support
Scholarships: UniSQ Scholarships

UniSQ’s nursing program suits both school leavers and mature-age students, especially those living in regional QLD.

Central Queensland University (CQU) – School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences

Locations: Rockhampton, Mackay, Bundaberg, Townsville, Brisbane + Online
Program: Bachelor of Nursing
Duration: 3 years full-time
Highlights: Practical focus, strong industry partnerships, flexible delivery
Scholarships: CQU Scholarships

CQU is well-suited for students seeking blended learning options and strong regional hospital connections.

Bond University – Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine

Location: Gold Coast, QLD
Program: Bachelor of Nursing
Duration: 2 years accelerated (trimesters)
Highlights: Small classes, fast-track graduation, modern facilities
Scholarships: Bond Scholarships

Bond’s accelerated program enables students to become qualified nurses in less time, ideal for motivated school leavers and career changers.

Entry Requirements and Pathways

Standard Requirements:

Completion of Year 12 or equivalent
English language proficiency (IELTS for international students)
Some programs may require interviews or health screenings

Alternate Pathways:

Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse) to RN conversion
Recognition of prior learning for healthcare workers
Graduate Entry Nursing for degree holders in other fields

Clinical Placements and Career Opportunities

Queensland nursing schools maintain strong relationships with:

Queensland Health hospitals
Aged care facilities
Community and mental health services
Indigenous and rural healthcare centres

Graduates can register as Registered Nurses (RNs) via the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and pursue careers in acute care, paediatrics, critical care, aged care, and more.

Choosing the Right Nursing School in QLD

From urban-based universities to rural-focused colleges, Queensland offers exceptional nursing education for every career goal. When choosing a nursing school, consider the mode of delivery, campus location, clinical experience offerings, and scholarship opportunities. With the rising demand for qualified nurses in Australia, now is a great time to begin your journey in nursing.

Explore the schools above and find the perfect fit for your nursing career in Queensland.

Colleges and Universities – QLD, Australia

If you know of a college or university in QLD that should be listed here then tell us about it so that we can add it to our growing directory!

Graduating?

Ready to start your career?

Are you a new graduate looking for work?

How a New Grad Should Approach Recruiters to Start Their Job Search in Queensland

Graduating is an exciting milestone, but entering the job market can feel overwhelming. One of the best ways to kickstart your job search is by working with recruiters. Recruiters have insider knowledge, access to hidden job opportunities, and connections with top employers. Here’s how you should approach them effectively:

1. Identify the Right Recruiters

Not all recruiters specialize in the same industries. Research and connect with recruiters who focus on your field. Websites like HeadhuntersDirectory.com can help you find the right professionals.

2. Craft a Strong Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Before reaching out, ensure your resume and LinkedIn profile highlight your education, internships, skills, and accomplishments. Recruiters need to see what makes you a strong candidate.

3. Reach Out with a Professional Message

When contacting recruiters via LinkedIn or email, be direct and professional. Here’s a sample message:

Hi [Recruiter’s Name],
I’m a recent [Your Degree] graduate from [Your University] with a strong interest in [Your Industry]. I’d love to connect and explore any opportunities that align with my skills. Looking forward to hearing your insights!

4. Be Clear About Your Goals

Recruiters work best when they understand what you’re looking for. Be specific about your preferred roles, industries, locations, and salary expectations.

5. Follow Up and Stay Engaged

If a recruiter doesn’t respond immediately, follow up after a week. Once you establish a connection, maintain regular communication without being overly persistent.

6. Be Open to Feedback and Opportunities

Recruiters may suggest jobs slightly outside your expectations. Stay open-minded and consider roles that can help build your experience.

7. Treat It Like a Professional Relationship

Even if a recruiter doesn’t place you in a job immediately, stay in touch. They might have the perfect opportunity in the future.

Final Thoughts

Working with recruiters can accelerate your job search, but your approach matters. Be proactive, professional, and open to opportunities.

Connect with local recruiters and headhunters to explore current job opportunities!

Are you a new graduate looking for work? Headhunters Directory is an online directory of headhunters, recruiters, and employment agencies.

Connect with the top Australian recruiters and headhunters when you are in active job search mode.

Contact the top headhunters and recruiters in QLD to connect with current job opportunities!