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Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing

Become a leader in health. Develop specialised knowledge. Expand your critical thinking skills.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

Applicants can apply directly to UOW. You may be required to have scans or electronic copies of the following documents ready to attach to your application:

  • Academic qualifications relevant to your application
  • English proficiency evidence (if required)
  • Evidence of your citizenship, passport, or permanent residency status

Before you apply, please check the UOW course entry requirements, intake dates, and closing dates for your chosen degree.

International students are encouraged to apply with the support of an approved UOW agent. An agent can help navigate the application process and ensure that you submit all necessary documentation. For your nearest agent, please see our agent list.

Alternatively, if you would like to apply directly (without an agent), you can start the process through our Apply Online portal. Please note, some applicants will not be eligible to apply directly and will be prompted to apply via an agent.

Before starting your application, review the entry requirements, intake dates, and deadlines for your chosen degree at UOW. International students should also be aware of both UOW's general English language requirements and the English proficiency standards required for a student visa.

Need help?

Contact the UOW Future Students Team:

For more details about this course

Australia: 1300 367 869. International: +61 2 4221 3218

Student ?
Domestic
Campus
Wollongong
Delivery ?
Flexible
Duration
1 year part-time
Starts
  • Autumn 2025
  • Spring 2025
Code
UOW: 1124

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing is led by a team of renowned experts, all who have gained a PhD or higher in this field. The teaching focuses on evidence-based practice and reflects developments in mental health service delivery locally, nationally and internationally. 

Ideal for Registered and Enrolled Nurses and health professionals working in various health-related roles, this course equips you with practical mental health nursing skills and expert knowledge, allowing you to remain competitive, progressing your career in a range of senior clinical roles. 

Throughout the graduate certificate, you will study specialist mental health subjects including (but not limited to): 

  • Suicidality – a new subject which explores current trends in suicide prevention, mitigation and research  
  • Psychoactive substances and mental health – exploring effective communication and therapeutic relationship techniques with individuals experiencing psychoactive substance-use disorders 

In addition, the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing addresses the priorities established in the National Mental Health Plan while developing universal skills alongside specialist knowledge including critical analysis, writing and presentation skills – all of which have practical impact on every role in the medical field.  

Graduate diploma and masters in mental health nursing is coming in 2026, which means that you can progress into additional study to advance your career further. 

See the course handbook for more information.

Fee subsidised places available 

UOW is offering Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) for all of our postgraduate coursework degrees in 2025. This means the Australian government will subsidise your tuition fees by up to 75%. To be eligible for this fee subsidy, you must meet the following criteria: Be a domestic student, i.e. an Australian or New Zealand citizen, a permanent resident of Australia or a permanent Australian Humanitarian visa holder.

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Admissions information

A range of admission options are available for students of all ages and academic backgrounds. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures, and the UOW College Admissions Policy.

For specific advice or to ask any questions regarding an application, please contact the UOW Future Students Team.

 

A Bachelor degree in Nursing of at least three years' duration from a recognised tertiary institution, or a qualification to practise as a Registered Nurse or equivalent. Students must have at least 2 years' experience or be currently employed in a mental health setting. 

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

    UOW's Woolyungah Indigenous Centre's Indigenous Admissions Program (IAP) offers an alternative pathway for Indigenous Australians aged 17 and over who are seeking entry into an undergraduate course at UOW. Upon completing the IAP, applicants will be considered for admission based on an interview and assessment of both academic and non-academic qualities. For further details, including the application process, please contact Woolyungah Indigenous Centre.

  • Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications

    If you have completed or partially completed studies at an approved university or tertiary institution, you may be eligible for entry to UOW. You'll need to provide academic records, and your course must be at least one-sixth complete. Non-English documents must include an official English translation. For more information, contact the UOW Future Students Team.

  • English language proficiency

    All UOW courses are taught in English and require varying levels of proficiency. If English is not your first language, you must meet the University’s English Language Requirements, which differ by course.

    Accepted international test results include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, and OET for specific health-related courses.

    Alternatively, you can fulfill the requirement by completing an English course at UOW College.

  • Workload

    Full-Time Study Load

    As a full-time student, you can expect to commit around 48 hours of study per week. This includes class time and independent study. You may need to factor more time for examination study and practical work & placements.

    Part-Time Study Load

    For part-time students, study hours will vary based on the number of units taken, with similar expectations for class and independent study.

    For more details on course workloads, please refer to the UOW Handbook.

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    If you have completed prior studies or relevant professional experience, you can request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

    Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous study or work experience related to your chosen subjects.

    UOW values lifelong learning and recognizes various types of prior learning, regardless of how or where it was obtained. For more information, refer to UOW's Credit for Prior Learning page.

More detail

Course fees table
Campus Delivery method Session fee* Course fee*
WollongongFlexible$14832 (2025)$14832 (2025)

* Session fees are for one session for the year shown. Total course tuition fees shown are indicative, and are based on normal course length and progression. These fees are subject to change from year to year. However, if you receive an offer to study at UOW, your fees will be fully confirmed at the time of your offer.

  • Autumn, 2025 at Wollongong, UOW Online Wollongong

    Orientation: Check your campus details
    Session: 03 March - 27 June 2025

    Applications close

    • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 31 December 2024*
    • International Applicants: 9 December 2024*

    *Applications must be complete with all required documentation.

    Late applications may be assessed for future sessions if an outcome for the requested session is not available.

  • Spring, 2025 at Wollongong, UOW Online Wollongong

    Orientation: Check your campus details
    Session: 28 July - 20 November 2025

    Applications close

    • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 31 May 2025*
    • International Applicants: 5 May 2025*

    *Applications must be complete with all required documentation.

    Late applications may be assessed for future sessions if an outcome for the requested session is not available.

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