Requirements and how to apply
The same starting point for all twelve specialties. Where a detail has not been approved yet, we say so plainly.
Important: standalone micro-credential enrolment is a proposal subject to IHM approval. Requirements below labelled “parent course” are the published admission requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing, shown for reference. Standalone admission rules are subject to confirmation.
Who can enrol
Micro-credentials are proposed for domestic students and eligible non-student visa holders only.
They are not CRICOS registered courses and cannot be used to apply for or support a student visa.
Qualifications and registration
To be admitted to the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing, IHM publishes that an applicant must:
- Have completed a Bachelor of Nursing or an equivalent qualification, or a three-year Diploma of Nursing leading to registered nurse status in their home country with one year of work experience; and
- Hold valid registration as a nurse with Ahpra, or with the nurses’ board or council in their country of origin or residence.
Standalone micro-credential admission requirements are To be confirmed.
English language proficiency
| Test | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Overall 6.5, no band below 6 |
| PTE Academic | Overall 59, no band below 52 |
| OET (nursing) | Minimum C+ in each component |
| English for Academic Purposes | Minimum 70% |
An English waiver may apply. See IHM English language entry requirements (opens official IHM site in a new tab). Standalone requirements are subject to confirmation.
Clinical access
Clinical access expectations differ between specialties and have not been confirmed for standalone enrolment. Before applying, please ask IHM admissions to confirm any clinical access or workplace requirements relevant to your chosen specialty.
Technology
The parent Graduate Certificate is delivered online. You can expect to need a reliable internet connection and a computer suitable for online study. Specific technical requirements for micro-credentials are To be confirmed.
Fees and payment
The unit-based fee for a micro-credential is $3,000 ($250 per credit point for a 12-credit-point unit), under the IHM Fees, Charges and Refunds Policy. The enrolment and fee deadline is the Wednesday before the block starts, and the census date is Friday of Week 2. Fees published for the full Graduate Certificate do not apply to an individual micro-credential.
Under the proposal, non-award enrolments are not expected to be eligible for FEE-HELP; IHM will confirm. Government postgraduate nursing scholarships generally fund award courses rather than single units, so ask IHM about the full award if you hold a scholarship.
Credit and pathways
Each micro-credential is proposed to be the same unit taught in the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing. If you are later admitted to the award, credit is expected to be assessed under the IHM Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy. Full credit into the Graduate Certificate applies if you enrol in the award within 24 months.
Micro-credentials are not AQF qualifications. Credit toward other IHM courses, other institutions or ASU programs is not guaranteed, and no automatic professional certificate stacking applies.
Certification
The form of certification, including whether a verifiable digital credential will be issued, is still to be confirmed. Completing a micro-credential does not confer registration, endorsement or a specialist title.
Assessment and academic integrity
Each seven-week block has two assessment points: Assessment 1 is due on Friday of Week 4 and the final assessment on Friday of Week 7. Under the proposal, micro-credential learners would complete the same assessment as award students and be subject to the same academic integrity, support and grievance policies.
How to apply, in five steps
- 1
Choose your specialty
Explore the twelve specialty pages and pick the one closest to your practice.
- 2
Check the requirements
Review this page, including parent-course reference criteria and residency rules.
- 3
Talk to IHM
Contact IHM to confirm availability, dates, fees and clinical access for your specialty.
- 4
Prepare your documents
Typically qualifications, registration and identity evidence. IHM will confirm what is required.
- 5
Apply when confirmed
Only after IHM confirms the micro-credential is open, follow their guidance to the official portal.
Micro-credential availability must be confirmed with IHM before you apply. This prototype does not collect or submit applications.
FAQs
