The Northern Territory’s main university nursing school specialises in something few others can offer: remote and Aboriginal health. This guide reviews Charles Darwin University’s nursing degree.
Imagine doing a placement in a remote community clinic hours from the nearest hospital, where you are the first person a patient sees. That kind of experience is part of nursing education in the Territory.
How nursing degrees work in the Northern Territory
Charles Darwin University is the Northern Territory’s main provider of nursing degrees, so instead of a ranking, this guide reviews what it offers. It does not appear in the QS 2026 nursing rankings.
Where to study nursing in the Northern Territory (2026)
| School | Location | Nursing degree options | QS Nursing 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Darwin University | Darwin and online | Bachelor of Nursing | Not ranked |
The Charles Darwin University nursing school reviewed
Charles Darwin University
Charles Darwin University trains nurses for the Northern Territory’s urban, rural and remote services, with a strong focus on Aboriginal health and flexible study options.
- Degree options: Bachelor of Nursing
- World ranking: not in the QS nursing table
- Best for: students interested in remote, rural and Aboriginal health
What does nursing school cost in the Northern Territory?
Domestic students in a Commonwealth supported place pay a student contribution of about A$4,738 a year for nursing in 2026, which can be deferred through a HECS-HELP loan. Since July 2025, eligible nursing students can also receive the Commonwealth Prac Payment, about A$330 a week, during mandatory clinical placements (it is means-tested). International students pay full fees, often more than A$35,000 a year, so check each university’s fee page.
But is one school enough choice?
Having one local school makes the decision simpler, but before you apply, also check:
- Approval: make sure the degree is an NMBA-approved programme accredited by ANMAC, so you can register with the NMBA through Ahpra when you graduate.
- Registration: Australian graduates of approved programmes don’t sit a separate national licensing exam, but they must meet the NMBA’s registration standards, including English language skills.
- Clinical placements: where students train, and whether you may be placed in rural areas.
- Campus and study mode: some universities offer regional campuses, online study or accelerated entry for graduates.
- Admission: entry scores (ATAR) and pathways vary by campus, so apply to more than one.
Your next step: Shortlist the schools that suit you, then check each one’s entry requirements, campus options and application deadlines on its website.
Related: Work as a nurse in Australia and New Zealand · Nurse salaries by country
Sources: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 (Nursing), Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council, Australian Government Department of Education (student contribution amounts and Commonwealth Prac Payment), university websites. Programmes and fees change; always confirm with the university.
Leave a Reply