South Australia’s two main university nursing schools are tied in the world’s top 50. This guide compares and reviews them.
Imagine choosing between two universities in the same city that QS ranks exactly level for nursing. When the rankings can’t separate them, campus, course structure and placements decide.
How we ranked these schools
Australia has no single official ranking of nursing schools, so we combined two things. First, schools in South Australia that appear in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for nursing are placed at the top, in QS order. Second, we ranked the other programmes approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and accredited by ANMAC on the range of entry routes they offer, the strength of the wider institution and the clinical training they can provide. Every programme on this list leads to registration as a nurse.
South Australia nursing schools ranked (2026)
| Rank | School | Location | Nursing degree options | QS Nursing 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adelaide University | Adelaide | Bachelor of Nursing | =50th |
| 2 | Flinders University | Adelaide and regional South Australia | Bachelor of Nursing | =50th |
South Australia nursing schools reviewed
1. Adelaide University
Adelaide University opened in 2026, bringing together the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia. It is ranked joint 50th in the world for nursing and is now the state’s largest university.
- Degree options: Bachelor of Nursing
- World ranking: =50th in the world for nursing (QS 2026)
- Best for: students who want a large university with a wide choice of degrees
2. Flinders University
Flinders is also ranked joint 50th in the world for nursing. It is known for its strong links with Flinders Medical Centre and for rural and remote health education.
- Degree options: Bachelor of Nursing
- World ranking: =50th in the world for nursing (QS 2026)
- Best for: students interested in rural health, or who want to study next to a major teaching hospital
What does nursing school cost in South Australia?
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 a ranking enough to choose a school?
No ranking can tell you everything. 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.
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