What ATAR Do I Need for Nursing in Australia?
Every university cut-off, the Diploma pathway explained, a full subject scaling guide, and exactly what to do if your ATAR isn’t where you need it.
To get into a Bachelor of Nursing at a Group of Eight university, you generally need an ATAR between 75.00 and 88.00. Mid-tier universities typically require 60.00 to 78.00, while regional universities accept ATARs from the low 50s to mid-60s. However, nursing admissions are increasingly based on multiple criteria — not just ATAR alone. Personal statements, interviews, and the Diploma of Nursing pathway mean a low ATAR is far less of a barrier to nursing than it is for most other degrees.
The Nursing ATAR Landscape: Why It’s Different
Nursing sits in a unique position in Australian tertiary admissions. Unlike law, medicine, or engineering — where ATAR is the dominant selection criterion — nursing programs increasingly use holistic admissions that consider personal attributes, communication skills, and motivation alongside academic results.
This isn’t just about being “inclusive.” It reflects the reality of the profession: nursing demands empathy, resilience, teamwork, and communication — qualities that no ATAR can measure. Universities have learned that students with perfect ATARs but poor interpersonal skills often struggle in clinical placements, while students with modest ATARs and strong people skills can become exceptional nurses.
The result is a wider and more forgiving ATAR range than almost any other health profession. Where medicine sits in a narrow 99+ band, nursing spans from the low 50s to the high 80s — a 38-point range that accommodates an enormous diversity of students. And critically, many universities that publish a low ATAR cut-off still require supplementary applications, meaning the “real” threshold is often higher than the number suggests.
A university might publish an ATAR cut-off of 55.00, but that could represent a small number of offers made through a specific adjustment scheme or in a late round. The majority of students may have been admitted with Selection Ranks of 65–75 after supplementary criteria were assessed. Always check whether the university uses ATAR-only admissions or a multi-criteria process.
Group of Eight ATAR Cut-Offs for Nursing (2025–2026)
Only five of the eight Go8 universities offer an undergraduate Bachelor of Nursing. UNSW, ANU, and UWA do not have undergraduate nursing programs — UNSW focuses on health sciences and public health, ANU has no clinical nursing program, and UWA’s nursing offerings are postgraduate only.
| University | Degree | ATAR Range | Selection Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Sydney | Bachelor of Nursing | ~85.00–88.00 | ATAR + Shortlist Q’s |
| Monash University | Bachelor of Nursing | ~82.00–86.00 | ATAR + Interview |
| University of Melbourne | Bachelor of Nursing | ~80.00–85.00 | ATAR + Personal Statement |
| University of Queensland (UQ) | Bachelor of Nursing | ~78.00–82.00 | ATAR-driven |
| University of Adelaide | Bachelor of Nursing | ~70.00–75.00 | ATAR-driven |
| UNSW Sydney | No undergraduate nursing | N/A | Not offered |
| ANU | No undergraduate nursing | N/A | Not offered |
| UWA | No undergraduate nursing | N/A | Postgrad only |
The University of Sydney requires applicants to complete shortlisting questions about their motivation and understanding of nursing. Monash conducts a brief interview. A high ATAR alone will not guarantee an offer at these institutions — you must also demonstrate the personal qualities the faculty is looking for. Prepare your written responses and interview answers as carefully as you prepare for exams.
Why Adelaide is the Go8 “backdoor”: The University of Adelaide consistently has the lowest Go8 nursing ATAR — and unlike Sydney and Monash, it is primarily ATAR-driven without supplementary hurdles. If a Go8 nursing degree is important to you and your ATAR sits in the low-to-mid-70s, Adelaide deserves a hard look. It is a fully accredited, well-regarded program with strong clinical placement networks in South Australia’s public hospital system.
Mid-Tier & Regional University Cut-Offs
This is where the vast majority of Australia’s nursing students are educated. Mid-tier and regional universities produce the bulk of the nursing workforce, and their programs are every bit as clinically rigorous as Go8 degrees. The difference lies in campus facilities, research intensity, and the academic profile of your cohort — not in the qualification you receive or your eligibility for registration.
| University | Approx ATAR Cut-off | Selection Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deakin University | ~60.00–68.00 | Multi-criteria; personal statement required |
| UTS (University of Technology Sydney) | ~72.00–78.00 | ATAR + personal statement; competitive for a non-Go8 |
| RMIT University | ~65.00–72.00 | Selection interview; ATAR is one component |
| QUT (Queensland University of Technology) | ~68.00–74.00 | ATAR-driven with some adjustment factors |
| University of Wollongong | ~65.00–72.00 | Multi-criteria including written application |
| Flinders University | ~62.00–70.00 | Strong regional focus; some non-ATAR pathways |
| Griffith University | ~60.00–68.00 | Multiple campuses; some non-ATAR entry options |
| Western Sydney University | ~63.00–70.00 | Multi-criteria; strong industry placement network |
| University of Newcastle | ~62.00–70.00 | Multi-criteria; special consideration schemes available |
| Swinburne University of Technology | ~58.00–65.00 | Personal statement; accessible entry |
| La Trobe University | ~55.00–65.00 | Multiple pathways; regional campus options |
| University of New England (UNE) | ~55.00–62.00 | Flexible online + on-campus; generous adjustments |
| UniSC (Sunshine Coast) | ~55.00–62.00 | Personal statement; growing program reputation |
| Charles Sturt University | ~55.00–62.00 | Multiple campuses; distance education option |
| CQUniversity | ~52.00–60.00 | Among the lowest ATAR cut-offs; flexible delivery |
| Southern Cross University | ~50.00–58.00 | Very accessible; strong rural health focus |
| University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) | ~50.00–58.00 | Lowest published cut-offs; online + on-campus |
| Federation University | ~50.00–55.00 | Among the lowest in the country; regional focus |
Every accredited Bachelor of Nursing program in Australia — whether at the University of Sydney or Federation University — qualifies you to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). The registration is identical. Hospitals and employers care about your registration status, your clinical placement experience, and your skills — not the name on your degree certificate.
Why ATAR Alone Won’t Get You In (at Many Universities)
This is the single most important thing to understand about nursing admissions that most Year 12 students and parents get wrong. A significant and growing number of nursing programs do not use ATAR as the primary or sole selection criterion.
Instead, they use a multi-criteria selection process that typically includes some or all of the following:
| Criterion | Used By | What They’re Looking For |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Statement / Written Application | Sydney, Deakin, Wollongong, Swinburne, La Trobe, UNE, SCU, UniSC | Your motivation for nursing, understanding of the role, relevant experience (volunteering, work), and communication quality |
| Interview (in-person or online) | Monash, RMIT, some others | Interpersonal skills, empathy, problem-solving, maturity, and ability to articulate ideas under pressure |
| CASPer Test | Some universities (varies by year) | Online situational judgement test measuring personal attributes like ethics, empathy, communication, and collaboration |
| Shortlisting Questionnaire | University of Sydney | Brief written responses about your understanding of nursing and motivation to study |
| Relevant Work or Volunteer Experience | Many regional universities | Aged care work, hospital volunteering, first aid qualifications — can compensate for lower ATAR |
Every year, students with ATARs of 85+ miss out on nursing offers at Sydney and Monash because they failed to submit a personal statement or prepare for the interview. Check supplementary requirements the moment you add a nursing preference to your application. Deadlines are often earlier than you expect — sometimes months before main-round offers.
The flip side is empowering: if your ATAR is lower than you hoped, a strong personal statement, relevant volunteer experience, or a compelling interview performance can genuinely compensate. A student with an ATAR of 62 and a thoughtful, well-written personal statement about their experience caring for a family member can receive an offer over a student with an ATAR of 75 who submitted a generic application.
Subject Scaling Guide for Nursing
Scaling matters for nursing — but differently than it does for engineering or law. Nursing does not reward high-level mathematics or physics. Instead, English and biological sciences are the subjects that provide the most favourable scaling for nursing applicants.
Here is the approximate scaling impact of key subjects relevant to nursing. Remember: scaling adjusts your raw score based on the competitiveness of the subject’s cohort. Higher bars mean the subject scales up (your scaled score exceeds your raw score).
Key Takeaways on Scaling for Nursing
1. English is your biggest scaling asset. English Advanced and English Extension are the highest-scaling subjects relevant to nursing. Since English is also the most common prerequisite, this is a double benefit. If you can handle English Advanced over Standard, the scaling alone is worth 2–5 ATAR points.
2. Biology and Chemistry scale moderately well and provide the foundational knowledge you will need for anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology in first year. They are not strictly required at most universities, but they serve a dual purpose: scaling benefit plus academic preparation.
3. There is no scaling benefit from high-level mathematics. Unlike engineering, nursing does not require or reward Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics. If you are choosing between Biology and Specialist Maths, and nursing is your goal, Biology is the clear choice — it scales acceptably and directly prepares you for your degree.
4. Health and PDHPE scale roughly neutrally. They are relevant to nursing and may help with your personal statement by demonstrating interest in health — but they won’t boost your ATAR through scaling. Choose them for genuine interest, not for strategic ATAR reasons.
English Advanced (scaling + prerequisite), Biology (scaling + preparation), Chemistry (scaling + preparation), plus two subjects you perform well in. This combination maximises both your ATAR through scaling and your readiness for first-year nursing science units.
Prerequisites vs Assumed Knowledge for Nursing
Nursing prerequisites are notably simpler than those for engineering or science. In most cases, English is the only formal prerequisite — and even that is sometimes flexible. Here is the breakdown:
| University | Prerequisite | Assumed Knowledge |
|---|---|---|
| University of Sydney | English Advanced (minimum 70) or equivalent | Biology, Chemistry |
| Monash University | English (any) — minimum of 30 in VCE EAL or 25 in other English | Biology, Health & Human Development |
| University of Melbourne | English (any) — minimum of 25 in VCE | Biology, Chemistry |
| UQ | English (4, SA) or equivalent | Biology, Chemistry |
| University of Adelaide | English (minimum C grade in SACE Stage 2) | Biology |
| Deakin University | English (any) — minimum of 25 in VCE Units 3&4 | Biology, Health & Human Development |
| QUT | English (4, SA) or equivalent | Biology, Chemistry |
| UTS | English Advanced (minimum 70) or equivalent | Any two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, PDHPE |
| RMIT | English (any) — minimum of 25 in VCE Units 3&4 | Biology |
| Griffith University | English (4, SA) or equivalent | Biology |
| Charles Sturt / UniSC / SCU / CQUni | English (Standard) or equivalent | Biology (recommended) |
There is not a single Bachelor of Nursing program in Australia that requires Mathematics as a prerequisite. Some list basic numeracy as assumed knowledge, but the level required is well within the capability of any student who passed General Mathematics or equivalent. If you struggle with maths, nursing is one of the few health professions where this will not block your entry.
What happens if you don’t meet the English prerequisite? Most universities accept equivalent qualifications such as a satisfactory result in a STAT test, an adult English preparation course, or an approved bridging program. However, it is far simpler to ensure you meet the English requirement during Year 12 than to deal with it after graduation.
The Diploma of Nursing Pathway (EN to RN)
This is the single most important alternative pathway for nursing — and it deserves detailed attention because it is used by thousands of students every year. The Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) is an 18-month TAFE/VET qualification that allows you to work as an Enrolled Nurse (EN) and then upgrade to a Registered Nurse (RN) by completing a Bachelor of Nursing with advanced standing.
Delivered through TAFE or private providers (e.g., TAFE NSW, South Metropolitan TAFE, Australian Health & Management). Includes 400+ hours of clinical placement. No ATAR required — entry is typically based on an interview, LLN test, and sometimes a First Aid certificate. Cost: approximately $5,000–$15,000 (some government-subsidised places available).
Apply to AHPRA for EN registration. You can begin working immediately in aged care, hospitals, clinics, and community health — earning an income while you study further. Current EN salary: approximately $55,000–$70,000 per year depending on shift penalties and setting.
Most universities grant 6–12 months of credit for a Diploma of Nursing, reducing the Bachelor of Nursing from 3 years to approximately 2–2.5 years. Many universities offer flexible, part-time, or online study options so you can continue working as an EN while completing your degree.
Apply to AHPRA for RN registration. You now hold the same qualification as someone who entered the Bachelor of Nursing directly from Year 12 — but with 18 months of paid clinical experience that direct-entry students do not have.
Direct Entry (Year 12 → BN)
- 3 years full-time study
- Requires meeting ATAR cut-off (or multi-criteria selection)
- No income during study (unless part-time work)
- Clinical placements are unpaid
- Graduate as RN with no prior work experience
- Total time: 3 years
Diploma Pathway (DipNurs → BN)
- 18 months diploma + 2–2.5 years degree = ~3.5–4 years total
- No ATAR required for diploma entry
- Earn income as EN during degree studies
- Already have clinical skills and workplace confidence
- Graduate as RN with 18+ months of nursing experience
- Total time: 3.5–4 years (but with income throughout)
Many nurse unit managers and graduate program coordinators prefer graduates who came through the Diploma pathway because they arrive with real clinical experience, workplace communication skills, and an understanding of healthcare systems. The 6–12 extra months of total study time is often repaid in faster career progression and stronger graduate job applications.
All Alternative Pathways Into Nursing
Beyond the Diploma pathway, several other routes exist. Here is a comprehensive overview of every realistic option.
The most popular alternative pathway. 18-month TAFE diploma, register as EN, then upgrade to BN with 6–12 months credit. Covered in detail above.
Universities like UTS, Newcastle, UniSC, and Charles Sturt offer foundation programs (6–12 months) that prepare you for university-level study. Successful completion guarantees entry into the Bachelor of Nursing. No ATAR required for the foundation course.
A Year 12-equivalent qualification offered by TAFE. Completing a TPC can generate an ATAR-equivalent score (often 65–75+) that you can use to apply for nursing. Ideal for mature-age students who left school early.
Enrol in a Bachelor of Nursing at a regional university with an accessible cut-off, achieve strong grades in first year, and apply to transfer to your preferred institution. Credit transfer is generally good within nursing because the core curriculum is highly standardised around NMBA accreditation requirements.
If you are 21+ and have been out of school for 2+ years, most universities have special entry schemes that consider work experience, life experience, and sometimes a written statement or interview instead of an ATAR. This is a well-established and heavily used pathway.
Most universities offer dedicated entry pathways for Indigenous students, including the ICAP (Indigenous Commonwealth Accommodation Program) and faculty-specific support programs. These pathways consider cultural background, community involvement, and personal circumstances alongside academic readiness.
ATAR by Nursing Stream and Degree Type
While the core Bachelor of Nursing is the standard entry-to-practice degree, some universities offer specialised or accelerated variants with different ATAR requirements.
| Degree Type | Duration | Typical ATAR Range | Who Is It For? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Nursing (standard) | 3 years | 50–88 | Standard entry-to-practice; the most common pathway |
| Bachelor of Nursing (Graduate Entry) | 2 years | N/A (GPA-based) | Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in any field |
| Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced / Honours) | 4 years | 80–90 | Students interested in research, leadership, or postgraduate study |
| Bachelor of Nursing / Bachelor of Midwifery (dual) | 4 years | 75–85 | Students wanting dual registration as RN and midwife |
| Bachelor of Nursing / Bachelor of Arts | 4 years | 70–80 | Students wanting broader education alongside nursing |
| Bachelor of Nursing / Bachelor of Public Health | 4 years | 70–80 | Students interested in population health and health promotion |
| Bachelor of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse pathway) | 2–2.5 years | N/A (Diploma + experience) | Current ENs upgrading to RN registration |
If you already have a degree in anything — arts, science, business, music — you can apply for a 2-year graduate-entry Bachelor of Nursing. No ATAR is required; entry is based on your existing degree GPA (typically 5.0+ on a 7.0 scale). This is the fastest route to RN registration for people who already hold a degree and later decide to pursue nursing.
State-by-State Quick Reference
| State | Admissions Centre | Highest Nursing ATAR | Lowest Nursing ATAR | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW / ACT | UAC | ~88 (Sydney) | ~50 (SCU, some private) | Sydney requires shortlisting questions; UTS requires personal statement |
| Victoria | VTAC | ~86 (Monash) | ~50 (Federation) | Monash requires interview; many universities use personal statements |
| Queensland | QTAC | ~82 (UQ) | ~52 (CQUni) | QUT and UQ are primarily ATAR-driven; regional unis more flexible |
| Western Australia | TISC | ~75 (ECU, Notre Dame) | ~55 (regional options) | No Go8 undergraduate nursing in WA; ECU and Notre Dame are the main providers |
| South Australia / NT | SATAC | ~75 (Adelaide) | ~55 (UniSA regional) | Adelaide is ATAR-driven; Flinders uses multi-criteria for some applicants |
| Tasmania | UTAS direct | ~65 (UTAS) | ~60 (with adjustments) | UTAS is the sole provider; generous adjustment factors for regional students |
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- Go8 nursing requires an ATAR between 75.00 and 88.00 — with Sydney at the top and Adelaide as the most accessible Go8 option.
- Mid-tier and regional universities offer accredited nursing degrees from ATARs in the 50s and 60s — Southern Cross, UniSQ, and Federation sit at the lowest end.
- ATAR is not the whole story. Many nursing programs use personal statements, interviews, and supplementary applications. A strong personal statement can compensate for a modest ATAR.
- English is the key subject. It is the most common prerequisite, and English Advanced/Extension provide the best scaling for nursing applicants. No maths prerequisite exists at any Australian nursing program.
- The Diploma of Nursing pathway is the most important alternative route: 18 months at TAFE, no ATAR required, qualifies you as an Enrolled Nurse, and provides up to 12 months of credit towards a Bachelor of Nursing.
- Graduate-entry nursing is a 2-year fast track for those who already hold any bachelor’s degree — no ATAR involved.
- All accredited Bachelor of Nursing degrees lead to the same NMBA registration as a Registered Nurse, regardless of institution or entry pathway.
- Nursing has the lowest ATAR barriers of any health profession — making it the most accessible entry point into healthcare, with excellent employment prospects and career security.
Disclaimer: ATAR cut-offs change every year based on applicant demand, cohort performance, and university policy. The figures in this article are based on published 2025–2026 data and should be used as a guide only. Scaling data is approximate and varies by state, year, and individual score level. Supplementary application requirements (personal statements, interviews) change frequently — always verify current requirements directly with universities and your state’s tertiary admissions centre (UAC, VTAC, QTAC, SATAC, TISC, or UTAS) before making enrolment decisions.