Is a budget of twenty to thirty lakhs sufficient for studying nursing in Australia or New Zealand?
Twenty to thirty lakhs is tight but workable if you choose a Diploma of Nursing, which costs roughly fifteen to twenty two lakhs and qualifies you as an Enrolled Nurse. A full Bachelor of Nursing runs fifty lakhs to over a crore, so it is not feasible on this budget.
Your twenty to thirty lakh budget will not stretch to cover a full Bachelor of Nursing in Australia or New Zealand, but it can work comfortably if you pick the Diploma of Nursing route instead. You will still need to plan for living costs and part time work once you land, so let us break down your real options.
Cost Comparison: Bachelor vs Diploma Nursing
| Pathway | Duration | Estimated Total Cost (INR) | Fits Your Budget? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Nursing | 3 to 4 years | Rs. 50 lakhs to Rs. 1.2 crore | No, exceeds budget significantly |
| Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse) | 1.5 to 2 years | Rs. 15 lakhs to Rs. 22 lakhs | Yes, fits with a buffer |
| Living expenses | Per year | Rs. 12 lakhs to Rs. 16 lakhs | Needs part time earnings to cover |
Covering Living Costs While You Study
- Visa authorities require you to show proof of funds of roughly AUD 24,500 to AUD 29,700 per year in Australia, or NZD 20,000 or more per year in New Zealand.
- You can legally work up to 48 hours a fortnight in Australia, or up to 25 hours a week in New Zealand during study periods, with unlimited hours during breaks.
- Nursing includes mandatory clinical placements with long shift hours, so build in buffer time and funds since your working hours may be limited during placement blocks.
My Advice
Start with the Diploma of Nursing as your Enrolled Nurse pathway since it fits your current budget, and use your first year to build a strong part time work rhythm around your clinical placements before you decide whether to bridge up to a Bachelor or Registered Nurse qualification later. Talk to a counsellor about which specific colleges keep total costs closest to your twenty lakh floor.
Got a budget of 40 to 50 lakhs? See what Australia costs.
Full tuition and living breakdown, plus universities that fit your number.
More Cost & living questions
- What is the lowest undergraduate tuition fee I can expect to pay at a Canadian university for the 2026 academic year?
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- How much monthly rent should I expect to pay for accommodation in Austria as an international student?
- If I get an education loan, can I proceed with the application after the loan amount is clear?
- Is it better to spend 12 lakhs in India or go abroad for higher studies in Germany for a Master's?
- Does the agency provide end-to-end services including visa, loan guidance, and accommodation?
- Do I need to show living expenses in my bank account for visa purposes, and can I withdraw it after reaching Ireland?
- How do I get an education loan for an MBA abroad as an Indian student?
More Australia questions
- Is it possible to study computer science with specialization in artificial intelligence in UK/New Zealand for a Master's?
- How long will it take me to complete the MS program at Queensland University of Technology?
- Can you add preferences for good digital marketing and performance marketing courses in New Zealand for a Master's?
- Is it possible for my son, who is currently in twelfth grade, to study in New Zealand next year for a Diploma?
- What are the options for pursuing a master's in psychology or clinical psychology given my bachelor's background in biology in Australia/Canada?
- How long would it take me to complete the PG Certificate program at the University of Queensland?
- Can I apply for a master's program in Australia immediately after completing my bachelor's at age 25?
- Which countries have less strict or different financial requirements compared to New Zealand, especially regarding funding duration?