Study Nursing in Australia
"Nurses are the heart of healthcare."
(Donna Wilk Cardillo)
The nursing profession is dedicated to promoting the optimal health and quality of life of individuals, families, and communities through care, education, assessment, and support. Nurses are instrumental in providing personalized and effective treatment to patients. With a wide range of career options available, nursing is an excellent choice for those seeking to make a positive impact in healthcare. In Australia, one can pursue a career as an enrolled nurse and gain valuable experience, or opt for a bachelor’s or master’s degree program to become a registered nurse or advanced practitioner.
![](https://starworldservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/black-nurse-their-workspace-scaled.jpg)
Given the vastness of the nursing field, a general nursing degree may not align with your specific career goals. However, pursuing a nursing specialty could be a viable option. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:
- Nursing Midwifery
- Nursing Care for Adults
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Nursing for Children & Adolescents
- Nursing in Mental Health
There are few fields where talented individuals can find employment opportunities and apply for state-designated PR pathways that can lead to citizenship. If you require further information, Global Select is always willing to assist you in finding the ideal college or university to study your chosen course at a time and place that suits you.
In Australia, there are three levels of nursing degrees offered, with the following entry requirements:
Diploma of Nursing
- Education:
12th grade or equivalent education
- English language Proficiency:
IELTS-at least 7.0, or PTE-65
Bachelor of Nursing
- Education:
12th grade or equivalent education
- English language Proficiency:
IELTS-at least 7.0, or PTE-65
Master of Nursing
- Education:
An undergraduate degree
- English language Proficiency:
7.0 overall score, may differ as per university
There are several pathways a degree in Nursing could lead up to, such as:
![](https://starworldservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/old-woman-nursing-home-walking-with-crutches-with-help-from-female-nurse-scaled.jpg)
- Nursing Consultant
- Research Nurse
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Administrator
- Advanced Nurse Practitioner
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Medical Administrator
- Registered Nurse*
*under a specific sub-field like community health, aged care, mental health, or disability rehabilitation to name just a few
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you considering studying nursing in Australia? Typically, the cost of undergraduate nursing programs ranges from AUD 35,000 to AUD 45,000. Postgraduate nursing programs usually cost between AUD 36,000 to AUD 50,000. However, it's important to note that the cost of both undergraduate and postgraduate courses may vary depending on the tuition fees of different institutes and other associated fees.
In order to qualify for a Bachelor's degree in Nursing in Australia, students must have completed their senior secondary school (Grade 12) or an equivalent education. International students are also required to submit proof of English proficiency, with a minimum score of 7 in each module and an overall score of 7. It is advisable to seek guidance from a Qualified Education Counsellor and a Registered Migration Agent to determine your eligibility requirements for pursuing a nursing career in Australia.
Aged care nurses and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurses are highly sought after in Australia and can find employment in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, rehabilitation homes, and private homes.
There are three potential pathways for nurses to obtain permanent residency in Australia, provided they meet the requirements of each visa. The 189 Visa has a processing time of 82 days to 3 months, the 190 Visa takes 87 days to 36 months to process, and the 491 Visa processing time is between 17 and 30 months. The 189 and 190 Visas offer direct permanent residency, while the 491 Visa allows for permanent residency (191 Visa) to be applied for after 3 years from the visa grant date, subject to meeting visa conditions. The processing time for the 191 PR Visa is not specified on the Department of Home Affairs website. For current processing times, refer to the Department of Home Affairs website.
Nurses in Australia typically work 38 hours per week, with shifts ranging from 8 to 12 hours per day for three consecutive days when starting their careers. This adds up to around 36 hours per week, including overtime.
In present times, Australian nurses enjoy excellent job prospects, a diverse range of roles, and attractive salary packages. There are numerous job openings and work opportunities available for nurses, and foreign nationals can obtain permanent residency easily by becoming registered nurses in Australia.