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Entry requirements and pathways
International students
Academic entry requirement
Prerequisites
The minimum academic requirement for entry to a Doctor of Nursing degree at La Trobe is a four-year Bachelor's degree or a Master's degree in the same, or a cognate, professional domain as the Doctor of Nursing, with a weighted average mark of 70 or above completed within the last ten years; and eligibility for registration as a registered nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency or approved international equivalent; and at least two years professional practice.
Note that being registered as a nurse with an approved international registration body does not guarantee that an applicant will be entitled to practise as a nurse in Australia, even after successful completion of the Doctor of Nursing. Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency will still be required for those seeking to practise as a nurse in Australia.
Where an applicant does not meet the normal academic entry requirements, an application may be made for admission on equity or alternative entry grounds where the applicant can demonstrate, through discipline-appropriate forms of evidence:
- That they have attained the prior research and/or learning outcomes that normally pertain to the minimum academic entry requirements for the degree, and
- That they have the capacity to successfully undertake a higher degree by research.
The following conditions must be met in order to gain admission into a Doctor of Nursing degree:
- you must meet the entry requirements for the degree
- the school in which you seek enrolment must be able to provide appropriate facilities, resources and supervision for your chosen area of research.
Note: Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
English language requirement
6.5 IELTS (Academic) with no individual band less than 6.0.
Please refer to our English Language Requirements page for details of other accepted English Proficiency tests and additional recognised English Language Proficiency Measures, such as English as the language of instruction.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
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What you'll study
Work-Based Learning
A range of work based learning opportunities are available, including internships, mentoring, and industry-linked projects.
Internships: candidates who have successfully confirmed their candidature and who are making satisfactory progress may apply to participate in an internship at least one month before they submit their thesis. Refer to the Graduate Research Candidature Policy and associated information.
Candidates will apply separately to participate in an internship through a process detailed on the Graduate Research School website.
For more information visit https://www.latrobe.edu.au/researchers/grs/industry-community
See La Trobe University Handbook for more details
The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.
View course information for Shepparton
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Doctor of Nursing course and career outcomes
However you choose to structure your study, La Trobe recognises your hard work. Here are the pathways you could follow as you move through your course.
Course intended learning outcomes
- Mastery of a substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of research or learning, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution of direct relevance to the profession
- Ability to provide a critical appraisal of relevant literature and available research, to appreciate and understand the relationship of the investigations undertaken by the candidate to the wider field of knowledge in which these investigations are located, and to draw out the contribution to knowledge made by these investigations
- Knowledge and understanding of the methodological techniques relevant to the field of research as well as identify and allow for any shortcomings associated with these techniques
- A satisfactory level of literary presentation reflecting an ability to communicate in a clear, concise and authoritative manner appropriate to the field of research and to the professional area to which it is addressed
Doctor of Nursing career opportunities
This degree will equip you with valuable leadership and research skills, allowing you to advance as a nursing manager, nursing educator, or researcher.
RED Team
Effective professional development for graduate researchers and early career researchers.
Mentoring
We pair a highly motivated PhD student with an industry leader with similar interests.
Industry internships
We offer internships to Master by Research and PhD students in various disciplines.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated course fees for international students
Estimated fees per year (2026):
Indicative based on 2025 fees
A$42 600 per EFTSL.
Scholarships:
The International estimated fees are indicative only. The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. In some cases, your course fees may be higher than the indicated fees because of the subjects you choose.
International scholarships
This course is not eligible for international scholarships.
Questions about fees and scholarships?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
How to apply
Apply now or ask us a question if you need more help. You can also call us on +61 3 9627 4805.
CRICOS code: 024379M
Ready to apply?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
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Overview
Key facts
| Award | Doctor of Nursing |
|---|---|
| CRICOS code | 024379M |
| Start dates |
Anytime (2026), preferably aligned with Semester intake |
| Duration | 4 years full-time |
| Available locations | Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Annual tuition fee |
Indicative based on 2025 fees A$42 600 per EFTSL. |
About the Doctor of Nursing (Professional Doctorate)
If you are an experienced practitioner in nursing, this degree provides you with an opportunity to enrich and extend your professional practice and to undertake research in professional or community settings.
The degree offers an integrated program of research with supporting coursework in the first year. Through a combination of core and elective subjects, you will gain knowledge and skills in designing and conducting research, literature review techniques, critical analysis and writing for publication, as well as opportunities to apply these skills in clinical or professional projects of relevance to nursing. You will pursue an independent and sustained investigation into a research problem that will culminate in the submission of a thesis for examination of 60,000 words.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 10 – Professional Doctorate.
Have questions?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Other courses you may like
COURSE
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4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Doctor of Education (Professional Doctorate)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Laws
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Doctor of Letters
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
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Doctor of Midwifery (Professional Doctorate)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, City, Mildura, Shepparton
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Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
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