Seventh-day Adventists opened Avondale in 1897 on bushland at Cooranbong, near Lake Macquarie in New South Wales. It became Avondale University in 2021. Teaching, nursing, theology and business are the main areas. Nursing is taught at a second campus in Wahroonga, on Sydney's upper north shore, beside the Sydney Adventist Hospital.
Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
Official website: avondale.edu.au
1897
Private Adventist university
Lake Macquarie and Sydney (Wahroonga)
2021
A$26,000 – A$32,000
International students, undergraduate degrees
A$21,000 – A$26,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on avondale.edu.au before you apply.
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Feb
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0
Bachelor of Education (Primary)
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Feb
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.5
Bachelor of Business
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Feb, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0
Bachelor of Ministry and Theology
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Feb, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5
Teacher education with a long record in NSW schools.
Nursing taught next to the Sydney Adventist Hospital.
A bush campus a short drive from Lake Macquarie.
Nursing graduates work in NSW hospitals, including the Sydney Adventist Hospital.
Education graduates teach in public, Adventist and other Christian schools.
Eligible graduates may apply for a Temporary Graduate visa.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Limited programmes
Postgrad
Limited programmes
The Lake Macquarie campus is surrounded by bush, with walking trails and wildlife on the grounds. Newcastle's beaches and city centre are about 40 minutes by car.
Cooranbong is quiet and cheaper than Sydney. The Sydney campus in Wahroonga is near the train line, roughly 45 minutes from the city centre.
CoE from Avondale University
Proof of funds for fees and living
Overseas Student Health Cover
English test at required level
Genuine Student statement
Valid passport and health check
International students can apply directly to Avondale. Apply at least three months before the start to leave time for the offer, CoE and student visa.
Courses start in February, and some also take a July intake.
You'll apply for a subclass 500 Student visa using the CoE from Avondale University. Have your OSHC policy, financial evidence and Genuine Student answers ready before you start the online form.
Nursing, education, business and theology are popular. Entry needs completed secondary school; nursing asks for IELTS 7.0 and teaching for higher English scores, in line with registration rules.
Avondale offers some scholarships and bursaries. Check the scholarships page to see which are open to international students.
