Nursing Course in Australia

In Australia, Nurses are one of the essential pillars of the healthcare system. Students can join Bachelor's and Masters's programs in nursing.

Demands for nurses in Australia

Nursing is the most demanding skill in Australia. As per alarming statistics, Australia is facing a shortage of nurses. For this, Australia has provided incentives to local and International students to study nursing and work as Registered Nurses after completing their studies.

Why study nursing in Australia?

There are many good reasons why studying nursing in Australia is a popular choice for international students.

  • Australia is safe and offers first-class education and study opportunities.
  • Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in Australia.
  • Nursing is one of the most popular degrees in Australia, and their qualification is recognized globally.
  • Australian universities provide students with comprehensive knowledge to enable them to deliver excellent healthcare services.
  • The majority of Australian graduates in nursing can secure a full-time job after completing their qualifications.

Demand for Nurses in Australia 2023

Nursing is the most demanding skill in Australia. Public expectations and technology have changed nursing, putting pressure on healthcare organizations to execute competently. For this, the Australian Government raised nurses' salaries to attract more people and encouraged international students to study nursing and, after completing their studies, work as Registered nurses in Australia.

Benefits of Study Nursing Degrees in Australia

  • Australian universities are famous worldwide for their nursing programs.
  • Nursing courses in Australia are in high demand because it is a stable and rewarding profession.
  • The benefit of pursuing a nursing degree in Australia is that you can quickly get work in Australia and worldwide.
  • After completing your degree, you are eligible for AHPRA nursing registration, Australia's professional body for nursing. The advantage of joining such a corporation is the chance to communicate with different professionals and enhance your abilities for good opportunities.

Bachelors of Nursing

A bachelor of Nursing degree offers you the knowledge, skills, and understanding of the nursing field. This program makes you a skilled and practical registered nurse in the Australian healthcare sector. They will train according to ethical principles in nursing to provide high-quality nursing care in multiple situations.


They provide an excellent opportunity to grow your skills in clinical decision-making, professional communication, research, and cultural and diversity awareness using modern technology. If you plan to focus on a specific area in nursing, you may require further studies, work, and training in Australia, even after finishing an undergraduate nursing degree.

Entry requirements

Bachelors of nursing requirements are:

  • Completion of a Year 12 qualification (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification)
  • English language skills
  • Students must maintain a Grade Point Average of 5.5 (50%) at the senior secondary school level.
  • Prove that you meet the requirements of the Nursing Board of Australia's (NMBA) English language skills registration standard.

Universities have different entry requirements, so carefully read the course information on their website.

You can also contact us if you need any advice or assistance.

Duration

3-years full time, 6-years part-time.

Expected Fee

A$20,000 – A$45,000

Master in Nursing

Master in Nursing degrees in Australia will provide advanced education in theory and practice. During this program, you are supposed to focus on a particular area and gain top expertise. It takes two years of full-time study to complete a master of Nursing in Australia.


Universities in Australia also offer part-time programs. So, it takes up to two years to complete a part-time course. These part-time programs are an excellent choice for students who are working. You can specialize in courses like Master in Nursing, Research, Clinical Nurse, etc.

Entry requirements

Master's degree requirements to study in Australia:

  • Students must have completed three years of Graduation.
  • Must have an RN (Registered Nurse) License.
  • Students must have a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 7.5 (60%).
  • Must have taken an English language proficiency test.

Universities have different entry requirements, so carefully read the course information on their website. You can also contact us if you need any advice or assistance.

Duration

3-years full time, 6-years part time.

Expected Fee

30,000 – 40,000 AUD / Year.

Doctor of Nursing

A professional research degree is designed for registered nurses who wish to grow their professional development, especially in research skills and aptitudes. A professional doctorate requires the student to make a significant and original contribution to knowledge through research.


The Doctor of Nursing requires three years of research for a full-time candidate or the equivalent in a half-time candidature. Candidates complete three research projects connected with their subject matter in this program.

Entry requirements

PhD degree requirements to study in Australia:

  • Students must have completed a 3 to 4-year graduation degree and a 2-year Master's program.
  • A Registered Nurse (RN) License.
  • Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3 (55%) at the master's level.
  • Must have taken an English language proficiency test. The preferred test scores are TOEFL – 79, IELTS – 6.5, and PTE – 58-64.

Universities have different entry requirements, so carefully read the course information on their website. You can also contact us if you need any advice or assistance.

Duration

3-4 years full-time equivalent and 6-8 years part-time equivalent. But the maximum duration of the PhD program is 4 years full-time.

Expected Fee

43,000 – 65,000 AUD/year.

Location of Universities

There are forty-three universities in Australia, one in each state and territory. Most universities have more than one campus located across multiple states and territories. You can choose where you want to study in Australia.

Nursing programs are available in these Australian locations:

  • Perth
  • Bentley
  • Hobart
  • Launceston
  • Burnie
  • Melbourne
  • Adelaide
  • Darwin
  • Sydney
  • Armidale

If you want to check the location of the specific university, click here.

Top Nursing Universities

Victoria (VIC)

South Australia (SA)

Western Australia (WA)

Queensland (QLD)

New South Wales (NSW)

  • Australian Catholic University
  • University of Newcastle
  • University of Sydney

Tasmania (TAS)

  • University of Tasmania

How to apply for nursing

International students can directly apply for nursing courses through the University's website using the online application system or can apply through us.

If you have any questions regarding your application, you can:

  • Call us
  • Send an email
  • Make an online query

Nursing Scholarships

Top Nursing Scholarships in Australia are:

Adelaide Scholarships International

Flinders International Postgraduate Scholarships

International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS)

Australia Awards Scholarships

The University of South Australia scholarships

Nursing Career Pathways Australia

After completion of a nursing degree, you become a registered nurse. This way, you can enter nursing career pathways, which take about 3.5 to 4 years.


Feel free to contact us if you need clarification on which program is best for you. Our agents will assist you in finding the best nursing courses in Australia according to your needs and demands.

Nursing Occupation in Demand

Studying Nursing allows you to select the occupations of nurses for Australian General Skilled Migration. The nurse's career is on the Medium to Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).

Pathway to Temporary and Permanent Visas

An applicant who nominates an occupation on the MLTSSL list can apply for a:

An applicant who nominates an occupation on the STSOL list can apply for a:

  • Temporary Skills Shortage Subclass 482 Visa
  • Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Subclass 494 Visa
  • Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 Visa
  • Skilled Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 Visa
  • Permanent Residence (Permanent Regional) Subclass 191 Visa

Career Pathways

Nurses have good opportunities to take advantage of the moment and advance their careers. Because of the increasing nursing demand in Australia, nurses who want to expand their knowledge and certifications will have more options. According to the Australian Government, some of the good opportunities in the nursing field are:

nurse practitioner 254411 ANMAC
registered nurse (aged care) 254412 ANMAC
registered nurse (child and family health) 254413 ANMAC
registered nurse (community health) 254414 ANMAC
registered nurse (critical care and emergency) 254415 ANMAC
registered nurse (mental health) 254422 ANMAC
registered nurse (perioperative) 254423 ANMAC
registered nurse (surgical) 254424 ANMAC
registered nurse (paediatrics) 254425 ANMAC

Nurse Practitioner

A nurse practitioner is a senior clinical registered nurse with extensive experience who has completed a master's degree in nursing approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and meets all other requirements for approval as a nurse practitioner.


Nurse practitioners have more power and are responsible for similar tasks as doctors as registered nurses. They can act as primary care or specialized care providers and often target a particular population with their care, such as families, kids, or older people. As clinicians, they concentrate on patients' disease prevention and health promotion.

Registered Nurse Aged Care

The senior population of Australia, who are no longer capable of taking care of themselves, is under the supervision of an aged care nurse. Aged care nurses typically work in nursing homes, hospitals, and private homes.

This challenging yet exciting career involves many different duties and responsibilities. Aged care nursing is becoming more in demand due to the expanding population, making it a safe career choice for energetic nurses.

Registered Nurse Child and Family Health

Registered Nurse Child and Family Health offer nursing care to kids and families, focusing on controlling, detecting, and mediating physical, emotional, and social issues affecting kids and families as early as possible.

Registered Nurse (Community Health)

Community Health Registered Nurse offers nursing care, health counseling, protecting, and education to individuals, families, and groups in the larger community, highlighting patient independence and health promotion.

Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency)

Critical Care and Emergency Registered Nurses give nursing treatment to critically ill patients and patients with unstable health after an accident, surgery, or during the crucial phase of diseases, implementing recent technology equipment into care in settings such as high-dependency units, intensive care units, emergency departments, or rescue services.

Registered Mental Health Nurse

Registered Mental Health Nurses are highly qualified nurses who perform independently and collectively in the advanced examination and treatment of mental health issues. Along with diagnosing illnesses, ordering, and understanding diagnostic tests, starting referrals to medical specialists, prescribing the proper medications, and offering counseling and psychotherapy, they also have the skill and power to do these things.

Registered Nurse Pediatrics

Registered Nurse Pediatrics offers the specialized skills and technical knowledge to treat newborns, babies, and children in various clinical settings, such as intensive care units and exceptional care nurseries. They also manage interventions, treatments, and therapies, such as drugs, and track how patients react to those treatments and care plans.

Nursing Skills Assessment Authority

Different Skills assessments are issued by relevant skills assessing authorities. It is an organization that checks that your skills meet the standards they set to work in a suitable occupation.

As a government-approved assessing authority, ANMAC is responsible for conducting evaluations. They ensure an immigrant’s skills satisfy the requirements set by the industry for employment in a related occupation. The results of these assessments are used to guide the Department of Home Affairs in granting skilled migration visas.

Professional Registration Authority

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is responsible for implementing the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme across Australia. After completing your nursing degree, you can apply for AHPRA nursing registration, Australia's professional body for nursing.

Global Nursing Industry

Despite the economic slowdown experienced by many nations as a result of the pandemic outbreak, the global market for nursing care is predicted to increase from $1010.1 billion in 2019 to $1058.6 billion in 2020 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9%.


It is primarily due to the massive demand for nursing care professionals, such as emergency medical service workers, nurses, nursing assistants, doctors, trainees, and contractual staff, who are on the front lines fighting the COVID-19 virus and providing care for coronavirus patients worldwide.


There is an increased demand for home healthcare personnel, including nurses, therapists, and personal care assistants, for the vulnerable population. In the following years, the market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 7%, reaching $1374.9 billion in 2023.

Nursing jobs in Australia

As the healthcare industry is highly in demand, many job opportunities are available for nursing graduates in Australia. There are also many options when it comes to specializations, and Specializations include mental health, emergency, and aged care.


Some most in-demand nursing positions in Australia are clinical nurses, registered nurses, and mental health nurses. But more is needed; nurse educators, nurse managers, and nurse practitioners are also highly in demand in Australia.

Nurses' Salary in Australia

Starting salaries for graduates and professional salaries differ. But here are the average salaries in different continents of Australia:

Nurse practitioner

  • The average wage in NSW is $130,724
  • The average wage in VIC is $129,550
  • The average wage in QLD is $118,993
  • The average wage in SA is $118,263
  • The average wage in WA is $130,215
  • The average wage in NT is $109,921
  • The average wage in TAS is $102,080
  • The average wage in ACT is $131,034

H3- Director of Nursing

  • The average salary in NSW is $114,988
  • The average salary in VIC is $126,880
  • The average salary in QLD is $139,878
  • The average salary in SA is $126,720
  • The average salary in WA is $130,215
  • The average salary in NT is $133,064
  • The average salary in TAS is $108,967
  • The average salary in ACT is $122,360

H3- Clinical Nurse

  • The average salary in NSW is $95,659
  • The average wage in VIC is $96,356
  • The average salary in QLD is $96,909
  • The average wage in SA is $76,891
  • The average salary in NT is $109,921
  • The average wage in ACT is $108,237

H3- Registered Nurse/Midwife

  • The average wage in NSW is $65,468
  • The average salary in VIC is $65,572
  • The average salary in QLD is $70,963
  • The average salary in SA is $65,822
  • The average salary in NT is $53,754
  • The average salary in ACT is $67,984
  • The average salary in WA is $69,697
  • The average salary in TAS is $67,983

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enroll in Nursing degrees in Australia?

Every University has different requirements for enrolling in their universities and sets different standards. But the common conditions are proof of English language proficiency, valid student visa, passport, academic transcripts and qualifications from the home country, work experience certificates, different references, etc. Furthermore, you can get the course information from the University's websites.

How much cost is required to study Nursing online in Australia?

The required cost to study nursing in Australia depends on your study level and the University you will attend. The cost of study in Australia for international students to pursue a nursing degree ranges from AU$ 27,000 to $40,000 per year.


The average annual suggestive fee for a Bachelor of Nursing is between AU$ 27,000 and $38,000 annually. At the master's level, the yearly fee for a nursing degree is between AU$ 35,000 and $45,000 per year. But if you want to study nursing online in your home country, this way, you can save some money because you will not need to buy flights or pay for any other expenses abroad (i.e., rent, utility bills, public transport).

Is it hard study nursing in Australia?

Nursing is a professional and rewarding career in Australia. As I told you, nurses are in great demand worldwide, so modern technology advancements make nursing one of the most challenging and rewarding professions.

How to study Nursing in Australia for free?

Australia offers various scholarships to study free nursing courses in Australia. You need to apply for a scholarship. To get more information about how to apply for different scholarships, you can contact us.

Do I need IELTS to study nursing in Australia?

If you want to study in Australia, you must fulfil all the requirements. It would be best if you had an IELTS score of 7 Band.

Do nurses get PR in Australia?

Getting PR in Australia for nurses is comparatively more accessible than in other professions.

What are the requirements to work as a nurse in Australia?

  • An appropriate visa with work rights.
  • Academic IELTS with a score of 7 plus bands.
  • Recognition of qualifications.
  • 3 years of work experience abroad.
  • Registration with APHRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).
  • Medical examinations requested such as chest x-ray and blood tests.

What is the age limit for nurses in Australia?

While there is no age limit to work as a nurse in Australia or apply for AHPRA nursing registration, different Australian visas have additional age limit requirements. Some countries can apply for a working holiday visa up to thirty-five!

Is Australia safe place to live?

In general, Australia is a very safe and friendly country to live and study, routinely rated as one of the safest nations in the world.

So, now you know why studying nursing in Australia is a good option, let us start planning. Contact us directly for free advice. We are there for you through every step and will help you to fulfill your dreams!

Disclaimer: ‘Atlantis International Pty Ltd’ and its associates are independent consulting entities which are not associated in anyway with the Australian ‘Department of Home Affairs’ (DOHA). Information on this website does not constitute personal migration advice. For a customized migration advice based on your personal circumstances, please call and talk to one of our Immigration Consultants or register your interest with our Associates.

Contact us for Consultation

Find out how we can help you to study, visit, live, work, invest and/or do business in Australia.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

www.atlantisvisas.com.au

Email: visas@atlantisvisas.com.au

Australia