Do you love working with and helping people? Are you after a career that allows you to make a positive mark on someone’s life? Nursing could be a great fit for you. Here are some reasons why you should consider pursuing nursing and start your journey towards a successful career. You’ll be happy to know that the following occupations are in Australia’s skilled occupation list, and thus provides an avenue you could explore to gain permanent residency in Australia.
It’s a great feeling to make a difference to someone’s life. Nurse’s help people improve lives, give comfort and provide better disease outcomes. Nursing skills are transferable. You can move anywhere in the world and work in a variety of sectors. From the front lines in trauma care to working in public health or in a community health setting, you can choose from many specialty areas. Nursing offers you flexible working arrangements. Days, evenings, nights, and weekends, full-time or part-time, your hours are adaptable and can vary from 4 – 12 hours.
There’s really no such thing as a typical day in the eventful life of a nurse. You’ll have numerous opportunities to learn something new every day, keeping you on your toes and motivated. The good news is you’ll not be sitting down all day, staring at a computer.
Nurses will always be in demand. As the world’s population continues to grow, the shortage of skills in nursing is likely to increase even further over the next 10-15 years. The elderly population is also living longer than ever before which in turn increases the need for skilled nurses to improve patient satisfaction, enhance the quality of life and provide higher standards of care, especially in rural and remote areas. It’s never too late to become a nurse. It can be a second career and many employers appreciate previous work experience in nurses who are new to the job. There are many fast track courses that allow you to accelerate your way into the workforce as an Enrolled Nurse. Nurses are offered many chances to team up and work with other healthcare professionals. They also get the opportunity to lead teams and organize patient’s care – planning, evaluating and implementing programs. It’s an ideal career option for those who prefer a job that provides a lot of independence, collaboration and leadership opportunities.
Nurses can rotate through fields that interest them or specialize in one area. From pediatric to maternity, you’ll have a variety of specialties to choose from. If you’re seeking new experiences, you can also consider becoming a travel nurse; school nurse, camp nurse, military nurse, and public health nurse and pursue unique job opportunities. If you’re not sure what area is a right fit for you, making a switch is simple once you get your nursing degree.
Why study nursing in Australia?
Australian universities are globally recognized for their courses in teaching nursing. Did you know that Australia has been identified as having 11 of the world’s top 50 institutions that teach nursing for 2019 by the QS World University Rankings?
Healthcare is one of Australia’s fastest growing employment sectors and the demand for healthcare services will continue to increase, given Australia’s aging population. It’s no surprise that nursing is highly sought after because it offers a stable and rewarding profession. Nurses experience a strong job satisfaction from the help they provide patients.
The fields of study in nursing are diverse with nurses helping patients through the more difficult times of their lives. The skills needed are compassion, good communication, as well as the theoretical and medical practical knowledge. The benefit of studying nursing is that you can work in Australia and other parts of the world easily.
Upon completing your degree in nursing, you can join the AHPRA, the professional body for nursing in Australia. The benefits of joining such an organization are the opportunity to network with other professionals and job opportunities. Furthermore, you receive the recognition of the qualification in your field and can continuously develop your skills and knowledge.
Top Nursing Colleges in Australia
Nursing in Australia is one of the most in-demand professions; there are many career opportunities available for a student to choose Nursing as a career as well as a profession. Students can choose from these top nursing colleges in Australia:
| QS Global Ranking 2020 | University | Nursing Programs |
| 7 | University of Technology, Sydney | 4 undergraduates, 5 graduates, 4 graduate diplomas, 4 doctoral
Degrees. |
| 13 | The University of Sydney | 1 undergraduate, 1 graduate and 1 doctoral degree. |
| 14 | Monash University | 1 undergraduate, 1 graduate and 1 doctoral degree. |
| 26 | The University of Melbourne | 1 undergraduate, 2 graduate degrees. |
| 29 | Deakin University | 6 undergraduate, 2 postgraduate, 1 graduate diploma,
1 graduate certificates, 1 doctoral degree. |
| 33 | Griffith University | 2 undergraduates, 1 graduate, 1 doctoral |
| 36 | University of Queensland | 4 undergraduates, 6 graduates, 1 graduate certificate,
5 doctoral degrees. |
Nursing Colleges in Australia: Specialization
There are three-degree types and one certificate and one diploma degree course available in nursing colleges in Australia –
- Undergraduate Degree – Bachelor of Science (BSc.), Bachelor of Nursing (BSN).
- Graduate Degree – Masters of Science (MSc.), The Master of Nursing Science (MNSc).
- Doctoral Degree – Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).
- Graduate Certificate.
- Graduate Diploma.
- There are many specializations in nursing a student can choose from after completing their undergraduate course in nursing. The specializations include-
| Specialization | |
| Cancer Care | Midwifery |
| Critical and Emergency Care | Critical and Emergency Care |
| Mental Health Care | Mental Health Care |
| Acute and Complex Care | Acute and Complex Care |
| Correctional Facility Nursing | Correctional Facility Nursing |
| Psychiatric Nursing | Psychiatric Nursing |
| Diabetes Nursing | Diabetes Nursing |
| Dermatology Nursing | Dermatology Nursing |
Nursing Colleges in Australia: Degree Types
Following universities offer these nursing courses in Australia at different degree levels:
| Specialization | Masters Provided At |
| Cancer Care | University of Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Australian College of Nursing |
| Critical or Intensive Care | Flinders University, University of Sydney |
| Emergency Care | Deakin University |
| Mental Health Care | University of Sydney, Wollongong, Queensland, Newcastle, Melbourne,
New England, Swinburne University of Technology |
| Neonatal Care | Australia College of Nursing, University of Melbourne, Newcastle,
Victoria University |
| Pediatric Care | Victoria University, Australian College of Nursing, Flinders University,
University of Melbourne |
| Acute and Complex Care | Flinders University, Australian College of Nursing, Western Sydney University |
| Palliative Care | Flinders University, Australian College of Nursing, La Trobe University,
University of Technology, Sydney |
| Specialization | PhD Provided at |
| Nursing and Midwifery | Western Sydney University, Victoria University |
| Nursing | University of New England, Newcastle, Notre Dame Australia,
Sydney, Adelaide, La Trobe University |
| Nursing (Research) | Deakin University |
| Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences | Monash University |
What is Midwifery?
Midwifery is focused on the care of women during pregnancy, labor and up to six weeks postpartum, and on providing health counselling and education within the wider community. Midwives work in partnership with women and their families to provide support, care, and advice throughout that period.
Nursing Colleges in Australia: Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Nursing in Australia will ensure that a student has sound scientific knowledge and skills, as well as hands-on experience. They will participate in simulation learning using modern technology, practicing your skills in a safe environment before working with real patients. The duration of a Bachelor or Undergraduate Course in Nursing in Australia is 3-4 Years, depending on the University.
The students willing to make a career in the healthcare industry as nurses have to study nursing in their undergraduate courses. They can choose from the following universities to study Bachelor of Nursing in Australia:
| Program | University | Annual Tuition fees (in AUD) |
| Bachelor of Nursing | University of Technology, Sydney | 19030 |
| Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies) | University of Sydney | 32412 |
| Bachelor of Nursing Science | University of Melbourne | 29920 |
| Bachelor of Midwifery | University of Queensland | 34736 |
| Bachelor of Social Work (Honors) | University of Queensland | 32352 |
Nursing Colleges in Australia: Eligibility for Bachelors
The eligibility requirements for studying in nursing colleges in Australia are:
- Proof of English proficiency
- IELTS – 7.
- TOEFL – 98.
- PTE – 65.
- Students must maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 (Equivalency 50%) at the senior secondary school level
Nursing Colleges in Australia: Documents Required Bachelors
The documents required for admission in Australian universities for Nursing are:
- Proof of English Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
- Standard 10 and 12 Certificates.
- Proof of Financial Documents for Studying in Australia.
- Identity Proof like Passport, Birth Certificate.
- Statement of Purpose to study in Australia (Varies Depending on the university)
Obtaining a Registered Nurse (RN) License in Australia
- A Registered Nurse license is obtained by a student who has successfully completed their 3-year undergraduate course in Nursing.
- Students are then required to take a Registered Nurse course.
- After the completion of the Registered Nurse course, the students have to apply at AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) to practice as a Registered Nurse.
Nursing Colleges in Australia: Graduate Programs
Master of Nursing in Australia is a two-year master’s degree course that leads a student to be eligible for registration as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. The course consists of four semesters plus a summer term coursework program. The duration of a Masters or Graduate Course on Nursing in Australia is 2 Years, depending on the University.
Students who have completed their undergraduate degree in nursing are able to choose from the following universities to study Masters in Nursing in Australia:
| Program | University | Annual Tuition Fees (in AUD) |
| Master of Advanced Nursing | University of Technology, Sydney | 17640 |
| Masters of Nursing Practice | Monash University | 29052.85 |
| Master of Mental Health Nursing | University of Queensland | 33376 |
| Master of Midwifery | Flinders University | 30,800 |
| Masters of Pediatrics Care Nursing | Flinders University | 30,800 |
| Masters of Primary Health Care Nursing | The University of Sydney | 35,000 |
| Masters of Clinical Nursing | The University of Notre Dame, Australia |
Nursing Colleges in Australia: Eligibility for Masters
The eligibility requirements for studying Masters in Nursing, in Australia are:
- A completed 3-4 graduation degree.
- Proof of English proficiency
- IELTS – 7.
- TOEFL – 96.
- PTE – 68.
- A Registered Nurse (RN) License.
- The students must have a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 7.5. (Equivalency 60%)
Nursing Colleges in Australia: Documents Required for Masters
- Proof of English Proficiency, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE.
- Standard 10 and 12 Certificates.
- The Undergraduate Certificates of Nursing or in a related field.
- Proof of Financial Documents for Studying in Australia.
- Identity Proof like Passport, Birth Certificate.
- Registration of a Nurse.
- Students will need a temporary visa that allows them to study for 4 years in Australia.
- Statement of Purpose for MS in Australia (Varies Depending on the university).
- Letter of Recommendation.
Nursing Colleges in Australia: Graduate Diploma Courses
Following are the diploma programs offered at nursing colleges in Australia:
| Program | Annual Tuition Fees (in AUD) | |
| Graduate Diploma in Midwifery | Deakin University 24120 | 24120 |
| Graduate Certificate in Nursing | University of Queensland 16688 | 16688 |
| Graduate Certificate in Pediatrics Nursing | Griffith University 14750 | 14750 |
| Graduate Diploma in Palliative Care | University of Technology, Sydney 17640 | 1764 |
Nursing Colleges in Australia: Doctoral Programs
This course provides an opportunity for research training across a range of nursing research. The student will gain advanced research and critical thinking skills by studying this program. The duration of a Doctoral Course on Nursing in Australia is 3-4 Years, depending on the University.
The 3-4 year course will give the students the opportunity to attend a range of workshops and other research activities and regularly contribute through seminar presentations.
Students willing to further research about their subject to obtaining a doctoral degree can choose from these following universities to study Ph.D. in Nursing in Australia:
| Program | University | Annual Tuition Fees (in AUD) |
| Doctorate/Ph.D. in Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences | Monash University 46512 | 46512 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, Midwifery | Griffith University 30500 | 30500 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Community Nursing | University of Queensland 14672 | 14672 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing) | Deakin University 35000 | 35000 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing and Midwifery | Victoria University 15700 | 15700 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Health) | James Cook University 33000 | 33000 |
Nursing Colleges in Australia: Eligibility for PhD
The eligibility requirements for studying Ph.D. in Nursing in Australia are:
- A completed 3-4 graduation degree along with a 2 years master’s degree program.
- Proof of English proficiency:
- IELTS – 6.5
- TOEFL – 79
- PTE – 58-64
- A Registered Nurse (RN) License.
- The Students must have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3 (Equivalency 55%) at masters levelNursing Colleges in Australia: Documents Required for PhD
- Proof of English Proficiency, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE.
- Standard 10 and 12 Certificates.
- The Undergraduate and Postgraduate Certificates of Nursing or in a related field.
- Certificates of Diploma Courses in Nursing and Related Fields.
- Proof of Financial Documents for Studying in Australia.
- Identity Proof like Passport, Birth Certificate.
- Registration of a Nurse.
- Students will need a temporary visa that allows them to study for 4 years in Australia.
- Statement of Purpose (Varies Depending on the university).
- Letter of Recommendation.
Nursing Colleges in Australia: Scholarships Available
There are two broad types of scholarships available for international students in Australia –
- Australian Government Scholarships.
- Australian University Scholarships.
Australian Government Scholarships
| Scholarships | Provided by | Provided to | Benefits |
| Australia Awards Scholarships. Formally known as
Australian Development Scholarships (ADS). |
Department of Foreign Affairs
And Trade. |
Undergraduate
And Postgraduate students. |
Full Tuition fees, Return air travel, Establishment allowance, Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE), Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC). |
| International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) | Australian Government Higher Education Research
Policy. |
Postgraduate
And Doctoral Students. |
Tuition fees and Health Cover costs. |
Australian University Scholarships
| Scholarships | Provided By | Provided To | Benefits |
| University of Sydney International
Research Scholarship. |
University of Sydney. | Students Pursuing Postgraduate Research
Degree or Masters by Research Program. |
Tuition fees, Living allowance up to 3 years, with the possibility of one Semester extension for PhD students. |
| Macquarie University
International Scholarships. |
The Macquarie University. | Undergraduate
And Postgraduate students. |
Partial Tuition fees Scholarship. Scholarship amounts varied up to 10000 AUD. |
| University of Melbourne
Graduate Research Scholarships. |
University of Melbourne. | High achieving domestic
and international research And postgraduate students. |
Tuition fee waiver, Living allowance, relocation grant, and overseas student health care. |
| Adelaide Scholarships
International. |
University of Adelaide. | High quality international postgraduate students. | Tuition fees, annual living allowance, and health insurance. |
| Flinders International
Postgraduate Scholarships. |
Flinders University. | International students pursuing
up to 2 years of a Research Masters degree And up to 3 years for a Research Doctorate degree. |
Tuition fees, Living Allowance, establishment allowance, relocation costs, and airfares. |
| Charles Darwin University
Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarships. |
Charles Darwin University. | International Undergraduate
And Postgraduate students. |
Limited number of 25-50% tuition fee. |
Nursing Colleges in Australia: Visa Requirement for International Students
Students who are Visa holders and other international students are eligible to study in Australia. The Student Visa acceptance Rate is 90% – 95%. Visa Application is completed with the payment of a basic fee of $413 and writing a detailed SOP for Student Visa in Australia.
Types of Visa in Australia
To study Nursing in Australia students have the option to choose from three types of Visa. The Tourist Visa, The Work and Holiday Visa and the Student Visa.
- With a Tourist Visa a student can study for a maximum of 12 weeks that is 3 months, but the Visa does not allow the students to work while they study.
- With the Work and Holiday Visa a student can study for a maximum of 16 weeks that is 4 months. With this Visa, a student can work while they study.
- With the Student Visa a student can study unlimitedly and work while the Visa lasts. Student Visa allows a student to work in Australia 20 hours per week while studying a part-time course.
Nursing Colleges in Australia: Cost of Living in Australia
The cost of living of a student studying in Australia depends on the location of the university they get enrolled in. to reduce the travel costs students tend to choose to live in the city where the university is. The cost of living varies in Different Cities of Australia –
| City | Monthly Cost (in AUD) |
| Sydney | Cost 1900 |
| Adelaide | 1300 |
| Brisbane | 1400 |
| Melbourne | 1500 |
| Canberra | 1400 |
Accommodation and other necessary costs of a student living in Australia include –
| Necessities | Monthly Cost (in AUD) |
| Home stay 450-1200 | 450-1200 |
| Students Halls of Residence 440-1100 | 440-1100 |
| Rent an Apartment 750-1700 | 750-1700 |
| Share a rented Apartment/House 380-850 | 380-850 |
| Utilities 200 | 200 |
| Internet 70-120 | 70-120 |
| Groceries 500-1000 | 500-1000 |
| Public Transport 30-70 | 30-70 |
| Health Insurance 30 | 30 |
| Books and Study Materials 41-83 | 41-83 |
Nursing Colleges in Australia: Jobs and Salaries
A person working as a nurse in Australia earns around 75,700 AUD per year. A Nurse plays a key role in the health system providing care and treatment, the demand for their jobs is expected to increase by 7.6% approximately in the next five years.
A nurse according to their qualification, specialization and experience can work any of the following Jobs in Australia –
| Jobs | Average Annual Salary (in AUD) |
| Acute Care Nurse | 76,800 – 80,000 |
| Critical Care Nurse | 78,800 – 85,500 |
| Nursing Assistant | 68,900 – 75,500 |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | 82,100 – 88,900 |
| Nurse Midwife | 88,400 – 95,000 |
| Mental Health Nurse | 68,900 – 75,500 |
| Head Nurse | 78,300 – 85,500 |
| Nursing Supervisor | 87,600 – 95,000 |
| Psychiatric Nurse | 76,300 – 80,000 |
| Nursing Coordinator | 83,300- 88,900 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 76,400 – 80,000 |
