Australia is one of the best destinations for international students who want to pursue a career in nursing. The country offers high-quality education, globally recognized nursing degrees, excellent job opportunities, and a strong healthcare system.
If you are planning to study nursing in Australia, this guide will provide you with detailed information about nursing courses, admission requirements, fees, scholarships, visa process, and career prospects.
Why Study Nursing in Australia?
✔ Globally Recognized Nursing Degrees: Nursing qualifications from Australia are accepted worldwide.
✔ High Demand for Nurses: Australia has a shortage of healthcare professionals, making it easier for international students to secure jobs.
✔ Work While Studying: Nursing students can work 20 hours per week during studies and full-time during vacations.
✔ Permanent Residency (PR) Pathway: Nursing is listed in Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL), allowing graduates to apply for PR.
✔ Top-Ranked Universities: Australian nursing programs are ranked among the best in the world.
💡 Pro Tip: Completing a nursing degree in Australia significantly increases your chances of getting a job and PR in the country.
Types of Nursing Courses in Australia
Australia offers different levels of nursing programs, ranging from diploma courses to advanced nursing degrees.
1. Diploma in Nursing (Enrolled Nurse - EN)
✔ Best for: Students who want to become Enrolled Nurses (EN).
✔ Duration: 1.5 - 2 years
✔ Career Scope: Work as an Enrolled Nurse (EN) in hospitals and aged care centers.
📌 Top Institutes Offering Diploma in Nursing:
✔ TAFE NSW – Diploma of Nursing
✔ Victoria University – Diploma of Nursing
✔ TAFE Queensland – Diploma of Nursing
💡 After completing this diploma, you can register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) as an Enrolled Nurse (EN).
2. Bachelor of Nursing (Registered Nurse - RN)
✔ Best for: Students who want to become Registered Nurses (RN).
✔ Duration: 3 years full-time
✔ Career Scope: Work as a Registered Nurse (RN) in hospitals, clinics, and community healthcare.
📌 Top Universities Offering Bachelor of Nursing in Australia:
| University | QS World Ranking for Nursing | Location |
|---|---|---|
| University of Sydney | #12 | Sydney |
| Monash University | #15 | Melbourne |
| University of Melbourne | #18 | Melbourne |
| University of Queensland (UQ) | #22 | Brisbane |
| University of Technology Sydney (UTS) | #29 | Sydney |
💡 After completing the Bachelor of Nursing, graduates must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN).
3. Master of Nursing (Specialized Nursing Programs)
✔ Best for: Registered Nurses (RN) who want to specialize in critical care, mental health, pediatric nursing, or midwifery.
✔ Duration: 1.5 - 2 years
✔ Career Scope: Work as a specialized nurse or nursing educator.
📌 Popular Specializations in Nursing:
✔ Midwifery & Childcare Nursing
✔ Critical Care & Emergency Nursing
✔ Mental Health Nursing
✔ Geriatric & Aged Care Nursing
💡 Master’s degree nurses are in high demand and earn higher salaries than Registered Nurses.
Admission Requirements for Nursing Courses in Australia
📌 General Eligibility Criteria for Nursing Programs:
✔ For Diploma in Nursing:
- 12th pass with at least 60% marks
- IELTS score of 7.0 (no band less than 7.0)
✔ For Bachelor of Nursing:
- 12th pass with Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology recommended)
- Minimum IELTS score of 7.0 (or equivalent TOEFL/PTE score)
- Some universities require a police check and health checkup
✔ For Master of Nursing:
- Bachelor of Nursing (or equivalent healthcare qualification)
- Minimum IELTS score of 7.0
- Work experience may be required for specialized courses
💡 English language proficiency is a crucial requirement for all nursing courses in Australia.
Cost of Studying Nursing in Australia
📌 Tuition Fees for Nursing Courses in Australia:
| Program | Annual Tuition Fees (AUD) | Annual Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Nursing | $15,000 - $30,000 | ₹8-15 Lakhs |
| Bachelor of Nursing | $25,000 - $45,000 | ₹15-25 Lakhs |
| Master of Nursing | $30,000 - $50,000 | ₹18-30 Lakhs |
📌 Living Expenses in Australia:
| Expense | Monthly Cost (AUD) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $800 - $1,500 | ₹50,000 - ₹90,000 |
| Food & Groceries | $300 - $500 | ₹15,000 - ₹30,000 |
| Transport | $50 - $150 | ₹3,000 - ₹10,000 |
💡 Total Cost (Including Tuition & Living): ₹20-40 Lakhs per year.
Scholarships for Nursing Students in Australia
📌 Top Scholarships for International Nursing Students:
✔ Australian Awards Scholarships – Fully funded government scholarships.
✔ University-Specific Nursing Scholarships (University of Sydney, Monash, Melbourne).
✔ Destination Australia Scholarship – Covers tuition and living costs.
💡 Apply for scholarships early to reduce education costs!
Work & Job Opportunities for Nurses in Australia
✔ Part-Time Jobs: Nursing students can work 20 hours per week during studies and full-time during vacations.
✔ Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV): Allows nursing graduates to work in Australia for 2-4 years after completing their degree.
✔ High Demand for Nurses: Australia has a huge demand for healthcare professionals, ensuring job security and high salaries.
📌 Average Salaries for Nurses in Australia:
| Job Role | Salary (AUD/Year) | Salary (INR/Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Enrolled Nurse (EN) | $55,000 - $70,000 | ₹30-40 LPA |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $75,000 - $95,000 | ₹40-55 LPA |
| Specialized Nurse (Critical Care, Midwifery) | $90,000 - $120,000 | ₹50-70 LPA |
💡 With experience, nurses can earn up to ₹1 Crore annually in Australia!
FAQs About Studying Nursing in Australia
1. Can I study nursing in Australia without IELTS?
No, most universities require IELTS 7.0 or equivalent PTE/TOEFL score.2. Is nursing in Australia worth it?
Yes! High salaries, job security, and PR pathways make it a great career choice.3. Can I get PR after studying nursing in Australia?
Yes! Nursing is listed in Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL), allowing PR applications.Conclusion
Studying nursing in Australia offers excellent career opportunities, global recognition, and high salaries. With a shortage of healthcare workers, international students have a bright future in Australia’s nursing sector.
