Nursing in Australia for International Students

April 22, 2022

International students have historically favoured nursing as a career path. Aside from the excellent pay and benefits, pursuing a career in nursing opens many avenues in various nursing professions, including hospital nursing, teaching, neonatal care specialist, community health nursing, senior care, and much more.

If you want to study nursing in Australia, you've come to the right place. The country is known worldwide for its nursing specialization and high-quality education. Undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate degrees are all available, and they are all taught in English.

Due to a shortage of healthcare workers, there are many job chances in Australia for those who wish to work there. Most people take advantage of this option to obtain permanent residency in Australia. To work in Australia, you must have a bachelor's degree in nursing and be registered with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Board.

How Much Does Nursing School in Australia Cost?

The typical cost of nursing in Australia for overseas students is from AUD 30,000 to AUD 40,000 for undergraduate nursing programs. However, if you wish to pursue postgraduate nursing studies, your tuition will be between AUD 10,000 and AUD 20,000. 

Because most students who finish with a bachelor's degree find work, your undergraduate tuition fees will be more significant because this is the most challenging part.

What Steps Do International Students Need to Take to Become Nurses in Australia?

International applicants who wish to work as nurses in Australia must apply to nurse schools in Australia and complete a bachelor's degree in nursing, which takes three to four years.

1. Know What Is Needed To Be a Nursing in Australia

If you want to work as a nurse in Australia, you should know the general qualification requirements. Several courses are offered in Australia to equip students for the growing demand for nurses. A bachelor's degree in nursing is the first qualification level and takes three to four years to finish, depending on the university and whether it is studied full-time or part-time. This curriculum is available at most universities and colleges, with many specialized courses available. 

Students can earn a Bachelor of Nursing degree at the University of Technology Sydney in three years full-time or six years part-time for 144 credit points. International students can pursue a Master's degree in nursing in Australia after finishing a bachelor's degree in nursing. Critical and Emergency Care, Mental Health Care, Palliative Care, Community Health Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, and many other specialized courses are available at most universities and colleges. The University of Sydney is an example of a university that offers a master's degree.

International students can complete a 96-credit-point Master of Nursing degree in two years if they work full-time. Students might pursue postgraduate nursing degrees for further education and job success. For example, a PhD degree can be completed in three to four years full-time at the University of Queensland. After finishing one of the degrees listed above, you can begin becoming a registered nurse in Australia. The registration process is handled by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), which includes the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), where you must meet certification requirements.

2. Investigate the Best Nursing Schools in Australia

It is critical to conduct preliminary research on the school of your choosing. Various universities and colleges in Australia offer this degree, so finding a nursing school will not be difficult. Because the school's websites are in English, they are simple to navigate and contain all necessary information. Each nursing school has its own set of requirements to be met to be accepted into its program.

When studying nursing in Australia, you should also think about the school's location. If the school's location is not essential to you, you can learn more about the curriculum and reputation of the school. If you believe the school is a good fit for you, you can begin preparing your application by gathering the necessary documentation.

3. Completion of English Requirements

Australia is a predominantly English-speaking nation. As a result, having sufficient English skills is required to live and study nursing in Australia. Furthermore, as part of the course requirements, most nursing schools require a certain level of English proficiency. You will need to show proof of English competence if you come from a country where English is not your first language, and your primary school's curriculum was not English-medium.

For example, the University of Sydney demands an English language declaration form and a passing result on an English language competence test. The following tests can be used: TOEFL iBT overall score of 96; IELTS overall score of 7; PTE Academic overall score of 68.

4. Make Sure You Have Enough Money To Study Nursing in Australia

The simple part is preparing the course prerequisites. However, this does not guarantee a letter of acceptance from nursing schools. It is vital to demonstrate sufficient financial resources in order to be accepted into an Australian university or college and to receive a visa to study nursing in Australia. These schools must ensure that you are self-sufficient for the duration of your stay in the nation. Preparing for the expense of tuition is equally vital when picking which school to apply to, regardless of whether it fits your budget.

In Australia, the cost of tuition for international students is usually higher than for local students. Depending on the institution and location, it might cost anywhere from $20,000 to $35,000 per academic year. For example, at the University of Technology Sydney, the cost per credit point is $833, or $119, 952 for 144 credit points.

5. Begin Submitting Your Application

You must first determine whether you are eligible to apply for the program before beginning your application. The course requirements for most nursing programs are comparable. However, it is still recommended that you visit their website for further information. The most usual prerequisites are an English certificate, a high school diploma with year 12, proof of financial documentation, a passport, and a motivational letter.

International students must submit a secondary education level or a higher education diploma, an English language proficiency certificate, and additional Inherent Requirements appropriate for a nurse at the University of Sydney. Communication duties, observation/sensory tasks, physical tasks, intellectual tasks, and interpersonal and social interactions are all inherent requirements of a practical nurse.

6. Fill Out an Application for Nursing Schools in Australia

To study nursing in Australia, all you have to do is compile the relevant entry criteria and submit them to the nursing school. If the school thinks you'll be a good fit for their program, you'll get an acceptance letter and an electronic Confirmation of Enrollment, which you'll need to apply for a student visa.

Here's an example of the application procedure from Monash University for a quick summary. Monash University will assess your application after you've submitted it to see if it meets its requirements. They'll also look to see if you're a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE), which means your only reason for coming to Australia is to study.

Additional requirements may be requested by the institution in order to assist you to receive a full or conditional offer. If you are accepted, the institution will send you a letter of acceptance and will assist you with your student visa application. To perform a self-assessment and credit eligibility, use Monash University's study credit and admissions eligibility search.

7. Now You Can Apply for a Student Visa

This is the most crucial stage in your quest to study nursing in Australia. You must meet the requirements for a student visa and pass the interview. Visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website to discover which visas and documents are required. However, you must first get an electronic confirmation of enrolment (eCoE) from the institution before you may apply. Once you've paid the first installment of tuition, you'll receive an eCoE.

International students must typically provide a valid passport, electronic confirmation of enrollment (eCoE), an English proficiency certificate, financial proof of papers, Overseas Student Health Cover, and a certificate of completion of year 12 or similar. 

Finally, to keep your student visa while studying in Australia, you must understand the requirements, including studying full-time rather than part-time, maintaining a decent grade, working only part-time (maximum of 40 hours), and more. If you do not follow these guidelines, your student visa may be revoked.

Do you still have concerns or questions about studying in studying abroad? Prasana International Educational Consultancy can assist you in your endeavour.