Nursing is one of Australia’s most popular, and most rewarding, career choices, and the good news is that you do not need a sky-high ATAR to get in. This guide covers what ATAR do you need for nursing in 2026, the prerequisites you will need, and what to do if your ATAR falls short.
What ATAR Do You Need for Nursing? The Short Answer
Most Bachelor of Nursing degrees in Australia have indicative ATAR cut-offs between 65 and 85. Prestigious metropolitan universities typically sit at the higher end (around 80–85), other city universities in the middle (around 70–80), and regional universities at the more accessible end (around 65–75). With adjustment factors, many students get in with selection ranks a few points above their raw ATAR.
Indicative Nursing Cut-Offs by University Type (2026)
Cut-offs move every year with demand, so always confirm with the official UAC, VTAC or QTAC course guides. These bands reflect recent indicative levels:
| University type | Indicative ATAR band | Examples of where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Major metro (Group of Eight) | 80 – 85 | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane flagships |
| Other metropolitan universities | 70 – 80 | Most city-based nursing schools |
| Regional universities | 65 – 75 | Often the most accessible entry |
| Private / non-university providers | 60 – 70 | Smaller cohorts, flexible entry |
Remember: published cut-offs are the ATAR of the lowest-ranked student who received an offer last year — not a fixed entry bar. They shift annually.
Prerequisites for Nursing
ATAR is only part of the story. Most nursing degrees also require:
- English: a pass in Year 12 English (any level) is standard nearly everywhere.
- No maths or science prerequisite at most universities, unlike engineering or medicine, nursing rarely demands specific science subjects. (A few programs recommend biology or maths; check the course handbook.)
- Literacy and numeracy standards: some states require you to meet benchmarks before graduation rather than at entry.
- Immunisations and checks: hepatitis B vaccination, Working With Children Check and police check are typically required before clinical placements — not for admission, but plan ahead.
What If Your ATAR Is Too Low for Nursing?
Nursing has some of the best alternative pathways of any degree:
- Diploma of Nursing → Bachelor of Nursing. Complete a diploma (often 18 months at TAFE) and enter the bachelor’s second year with credit. This is the most popular backup route in the country.
- Enrolled nursing first. Qualify as an enrolled nurse, work, then upgrade to registered nurse via a degree later.
- Start at a regional university and transfer. Lower cut-offs at regional campuses, then transfer to your preferred city university after first year.
- Adjustment factors. Nursing applicants commonly pick up bonus points through regional, disadvantaged-school, or subject-bonus schemes — check SEAS/EAS eligibility.
- STAT or alternative entry. Mature-age and alternative entry pathways exist at most institutions.
Why Nursing Is Worth It
Australia faces a long-term nursing shortfall, which means strong job security, diverse specialisations (emergency, mental health, midwifery, aged care, rural health), and genuine geographic flexibility — nurses are needed in every postcode. Graduate starting salaries are competitive, and postgraduate specialisation opens significant pay growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do nursing with a 60 ATAR?
Yes, several regional universities and private providers admit nursing students around 60–65, and the Diploma of Nursing pathway has no ATAR requirement at all. If you are wondering what ATAR do you need for nursing at a major city university, aim for the low 80s to be safe.
Do I need biology or chemistry for nursing?
Not usually. Most programs require only Year 12 English. Biology is helpful background but rarely a formal prerequisite.
Is nursing hard to get into?
It is competitive but very achievable, cut-offs of 65–85 put it in reach for the majority of Year 12 students, and the diploma pathway removes ATAR from the equation entirely.
How long is a nursing degree?
A Bachelor of Nursing is typically 3 years full-time (some accelerated 2-year programs exist for graduates).
What ATAR will I get?
Estimate your ATAR with our free calculator: enter your expected subject scores for an instant estimate based on your state’s latest scaling data, then compare it against the bands above.