Leslie Massey
Nursing is a highly respected and rewarding career option for students in Australia, offering excellent benefits, job stability, and transferable career skills. Australia is one of the most popular study destinations for international students, with over 1,000 institutions and modern infrastructure. The country's nursing learning system is evolving, with new technologies being introduced, providing a creative atmosphere for students to build the latest care models and understand the dynamic changes in nursing practice. To study nursing in Australia, students must meet academic and English language proficiency requirements, with some institutions requiring IELTS or PTE scores. Graduates can register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia to become registered nurses in Australia and many overseas countries. International students can also work part-time for up to 40 hours every two weeks during the academic semester and full-time during holidays. Additionally, scholarships are available for international nursing students through universities, government bodies, and private organizations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| English language proficiency | English language skills are required to practice safely in Australia. English proficiency tests such as IELTS or PTE are needed, with specific scores depending on the level of the nursing course. |
| Academic qualifications | For a Bachelor of Nursing, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. For a Diploma of Nursing, relevant qualifications may vary by institution. |
| Registration | Graduates can register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia to become registered nurses in Australia and many overseas countries. |
| Scholarships | Scholarships are available for international nursing students in Australia through universities, government bodies, and private organizations. Scholarship options are usually limited for international students, but they are occasionally granted to high achievers. |
| Work opportunities | International students enrolled in nursing courses in Australia are permitted to work part-time for up to 40 hours every two weeks during the academic semester and full-time during holidays. |
| Visa options | International nursing students can apply for the Skilled Independent Subclass Visa 189 or a temporary visa if their employer accepts them and pays a minimum of $53,900 per year. A Bridging visa may also be required between a student visa and a working visa. |
| Pathways for permanent residency | There are pathways for permanent residency (PR) for nursing graduates, which require additional qualifications and registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. |
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Entry requirements
To study nursing in Australia, you must meet academic and English language proficiency requirements. A Bachelor of Nursing requires a high school diploma or equivalent. For a Diploma of Nursing, relevant qualifications may vary by institution. English proficiency tests such as IELTS or PTE are needed, with specific scores depending on the level of the nursing course. The IELTS requirement for a nursing diploma in Australia in 2023 stands at a minimum score of 7.0.
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) requires nursing applicants to confirm they have completed at least 6 years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed in English in one of the recognized countries (including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America), including at least 2 years between Grades 7 and 12; or that you have successfully completed an English Language test.
In preparation for registration, and required by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, all new applicants studying the Diploma of Nursing are to demonstrate English language, literacy, and numeracy skills prior to enrolment. Graduates can register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia to become registered nurses in Australia and many overseas countries.
International students can work up to 40 hours per fortnight while their course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. This applies to students holding a valid student visa. International students enrolled in nursing courses in Australia are permitted to work part-time for up to 40 hours every two weeks during the academic semester and full-time during holidays. If you are an eligible international nursing student, you can apply for the Skilled Independent Subclass Visa 189. If your employer accepts you and pays a minimum of $53,900 per year, you can get a four-year temporary visa in Australia. Nurses may be eligible for citizenship in Australia after 4-6 years as permanent residents.
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English language proficiency
To study nursing in Australia, you must meet the English language requirements. This is because, to practice safely in Australia, health practitioners, including nurses, must have strong English language skills. This includes being able to communicate effectively with patients and their relatives, collaborate with other healthcare professionals, and keep clear and accurate health records.
The English language skills registration standard is one of the five core standards required under National Law. In preparation for registration, and as required by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, all new applicants studying the Diploma of Nursing must demonstrate English language proficiency, as well as literacy and numeracy skills, prior to enrolment.
If English is your first language, you need to have citizenship or permanent long-term residency (minimum of ten years) and have completed secondary or higher education (tertiary) studies in an English-speaking country recognised by the University. Recognised English-speaking countries include:
- Australia
- The United States of America
- The United Kingdom
- Canada
- New Zealand
- South Africa
If your qualification was not conducted entirely in English, you may still be eligible if you have completed a specific subject (usually English or humanities) in a recognised qualification. There is a 10-year time limit for the qualification to the date you commence a study abroad or exchange program.
You can also demonstrate English proficiency through a record of satisfactory achievement in:
- A completed and recognised secondary education (high school) qualification undertaken in English, such as the Cambridge GCE Advanced Levels and International Baccalaureate diploma
- A completed and recognised foundation/preparation program with the required grades in relevant English subjects
- At least one year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) in a recognised bachelor's degree or other approved higher education qualification
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Scholarships
Australian College of Nursing Scholarships:
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) administers a range of Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care scholarships. These scholarships are for undergraduate and postgraduate students in aged care, nursing, and midwifery. ACN also offers scholarships specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying entry-level health courses, including nursing and midwifery.
University Scholarships:
Many universities in Australia offer scholarships for nursing students. For example, La Trobe University has the Early Bird Acceptance Grant for international students, while the University of Notre Dame Australia offers an International Welcome Scholarship for Nursing, which provides a 20% fee waiver. Deakin University also offers the Warrnambool Campus International Bursary, which is a fee waiver scholarship for undergraduate nursing students.
Government Scholarships:
The Australian Government offers various scholarships for nursing students, including the Roberta Sykes Scholarships, which are open to Indigenous students of Australia pursuing any subject at university.
Additionally, the Department of Health offered 10,000 scholarships for domestic nursing and midwifery students who commenced their studies in 2023 and 2024. These scholarships aim to provide financial support for the duration of their studies to become registered nurses or midwives, with eligible students receiving up to $16,500 in funding.
Other Scholarships:
There are also other scholarships offered by organisations supporting nursing education. For instance, the Heart Foundation offers a PostDoc Fellowship for students pursuing cardiovascular health, while the Momeni Foundation provides financial assistance for students of Iranian descent.
Be sure to regularly check scholarship websites and university websites for updated information and application deadlines.
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Visas
If you are an international student intending to study nursing in Australia, you will need to apply for a student visa. This will allow you to work part-time for up to 40 hours every two weeks during term time and full-time during the holidays. You can apply for a Skilled Independent Subclass Visa 189 if you are an eligible international nursing student. If your employer accepts you and pays a minimum of $53,900 per year, you can get a four-year temporary visa in Australia. Nurses may be eligible for citizenship after 4-6 years as permanent residents.
You will need to apply for a visa to work in Australia after you graduate. This will be issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs (Australian Immigration Department). You will likely need to apply for a Bridging visa in between your student visa and the working visa, which will allow you to remain in Australia until your application for a new substantive visa is decided.
If you plan to take your partner or family with you to Australia, you should add them as secondary applicants or dependents to your student visa application. This can be complex, expensive, and time-consuming to do after you have received your visa.
There are also scholarships available for international nursing students in Australia through universities, government bodies, and private organizations. These are usually limited for international students and tend to be reserved for those undertaking postgraduate research degrees. However, they are occasionally granted to high achievers.
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Course content
Nursing courses in Australia are designed to meet international standards, so graduates can take their qualifications anywhere in the world. Australian universities emphasise hands-on exposure to clinical practice, so students learn real-life skills with a mix of innovative teaching methods.
The course content of nursing programs in Australia can vary, but generally, they aim to develop professional health workers who have the necessary skills and knowledge to make safe and ethical decisions and communicate effectively with patients and medical professionals.
A Diploma of Nursing is a two-year undergraduate course that teaches students how to work with patients of all ages in a range of different environments. It builds skills such as administering intravenous medication, wound management, basic anatomy, and caring for patients with chronic conditions. Some institutions, like RMIT University, provide simulation laboratories and a web-based simulation, as well as 400 hours of work placement, so students can graduate with the confidence to operate in a real-world setting.
A Bachelor of Nursing is a three- or four-year undergraduate course that prepares students for a nursing career with critical theoretical and practical skills. The course emphasises nursing practice and theory to assist graduates to operate as part of a professional healthcare team. Students will develop skills through clinical placements across the health sector in numerous different departments, and be exposed to a range of clinical placements including aged care, acute and sub-acute, community, mental health, paediatric, and high-dependency nursing.
Postgraduate courses are also available for those wanting to further their careers in the healthcare sector. A Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing is a one-year course that covers issues specific to the discipline, honing mental health nursing skills with the exploration of topics such as moral and legal accountability, the impact of new technologies, different healthcare systems, and applying diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in clinical practice. A Master of Nursing is a two-year course that prepares students for senior leadership roles or research opportunities, furthering their professional development with a written thesis on a chosen topic.
English Language Proficiency
English language proficiency is crucial for nursing courses in Australia, with a minimum IELTS score of 7 in each band usually required. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) requires nursing applicants to confirm they have completed at least 6 years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed in English in one of the recognised countries (including Australia, Canada, and the United States of America), or that they have successfully completed an English language test.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for international nursing students in Australia through universities, government bodies, and private organisations. It is advisable for students to start their scholarship search early and to apply for multiple opportunities.
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Frequently asked questions
To study nursing in Australia, you must meet academic and English language proficiency requirements. A Bachelor of Nursing requires a high school diploma or equivalent, while a Diploma of Nursing may have different requirements depending on the institution. English proficiency tests such as IELTS or PTE are required, with specific scores depending on the level of the course.
Nursing is a highly respected field of study in Australia, offering excellent benefits and transferable career skills. It is also regarded as one of the highest-paying jobs in the country. Australia is home to some of the world's top-ranked universities, providing modern infrastructure and a dynamic learning environment.
Yes, scholarships are available for international nursing students in Australia, although they are usually limited and primarily reserved for postgraduate research degrees. Scholarships are occasionally granted to high-achieving students with very high marks. International students can also work up to 40 hours per fortnight while studying, helping to offset living expenses.
