In Australia, I’m comparing Nursing, Engineering, and Business degrees for my Bachelor’s. Do healthcare-related courses usually cost more than other programs?
Yes, healthcare-related degrees like Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, and Physiotherapy typically cost more in Australia compared to Engineering or Business programs. Here’s why and what to expect:
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Tuition fees: Bachelor of Nursing programs for international students usually range from AUD 32,000–45,000 per year, while Engineering might be AUD 30,000–42,000, and Business is often slightly lower at AUD 28,000–40,000. Medicine and Dentistry are at the very top end, sometimes exceeding AUD 70,000 per year.
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Extra costs: Healthcare courses often include clinical placements, mandatory uniforms, first aid certifications, and compliance checks (like police or working-with-children checks), which can add up to AUD 500–2,000 annually. These aren’t usually part of your tuition fee.
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Length of study: Nursing is typically a 3-year degree, but if you choose specializations or an honours year, that can extend your study time and costs.
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Scholarships: Some Australian universities and state health departments offer specific scholarships for Nursing or rural/critical-care placements, which can offset costs.
If your long-term goal is healthcare, the higher upfront investment often pays off because Nursing graduates are in high demand in Australia, with strong job prospects and pathways to permanent residency.
