Victoria University (VU) is offering post-graduate university courses for just over $2000 in the critical fields of nursing, mental health, child and adolescent health, and public health to students who enroll before October 25.

The Commonwealth Supportive Places, funded by the federal government, will effectively slash the cost of the degrees by more than 80 per cent.

The courses are delivered completely online through Victoria University’s award-winning block model and focus on addressing skills shortages in critical health fields across the country.

“We know that a collaborative approach is key to solving the challenges that our communities face, which is why we design each of our courses in collaboration with industry,” said Professor Chris Walsh, Dean and Chief Academic Officer of VU Online.

According to the latest Australia's Future Health Workforce report, Australia will experience a national undersupply of 18,500 mental health nurses by 2030.

Similar shortages in the face of a growing population and increasing demands are predicted across other sections of the mental health workforce, Professor Walsh said, describing the CSP initiative as a “lifesaver” for postgraduate students looking to upskill.

“Particularly in health-related fields working hard to solve a skills shortage epidemic,” he said.

“Given the healthcare sector is the biggest growing sector in Australia in terms of workforce, more CSP places are essential to addressing workforce demand and ensuing future VU graduates are work-ready.”

Professor Walsh said VU Online students gained access to industry speakers and case studies while building real-world knowledge and skills with coursework informed or co-designed by industry leaders.

The CPS places were announced in February, when the secretary of the Australian Government Department of Education and Training, Dr Michele Bruniges, revealed 42 education providers across Australia would receive a $587 million funding allocation to deliver 20,038 subsidised places.

Of those, 890 places would go to Victoria University as the second largest recipient of CSP in Victoria.

With more than 25 years’ experience in delivering postgraduate degrees, Victoria University has a strong industry standing and a reputation for developing graduate’s jobs skills.

VU Online offers flexible postgraduate study through their innovative online postgraduate block model - winner of the 2022 LearnX Platinum Awards for Best Online Learning Model, Best Talent Partnership, and Best eLearning Design.

Students receive one-on-one support, seven days a week and in the evenings, from our specially designed support network which includes engaged academics and their dedicated Student Success Advisor.

The heavily subsidised courses include:

• Graduate Certificate in Nursing - $2064 = 82% saving
• Graduate Certificate in Public Health - $4152 = 66% saving
• Graduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health - $3108 = 72% saving
• Graduate Certificate in Mental Health - $2064 = 81% saving
• Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing - $2064 = 82% saving