Why Should I Study Nursing in Australia?
You asked, we answered.
Nurses are some of the most important pillars of the global healthcare system. If you’re hoping to dedicate yourself to this profession, you’ve made a fantastic choice. Nursing is an incredibly rewarding career. Plus, it offers diverse employment opportunities and excellent earning potential.
By choosing to study in Australia, you will have access to some of the world’s best nursing schools and incredible career prospects. Are you wondering where to start on your journey as an international nursing student?
Lucky for you, we’ve got you covered with a simple guide to studying nursing in Australia.
Can international students study nursing in Australia?
Absolutely! Studying nursing in Australia as an international student is indeed possible. However, there are specific criteria you’ll need to meet if you want to go down this educational path. So, what exactly are the requirements for studying nursing in Australia?
Generally, the main prerequisites involve the successful completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification (or its equivalent international secondary school qualification) and demonstrating English language proficiency. If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to demonstrate that you meet the requirements on the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s (NMBA) English language registration standard.
This typically involves completing an English language test, with various organisations even specialise in English language testing for healthcare professionals. These tests usually mirror real-world tasks and assess relevant language skills.
Moreover, some institutions require applicants to have completed prerequisite subjects such as mathematics and specific sciences. Be sure to visit each institution’s website to check the prerequisites for their nursing programs.
Why should you study nursing in Australia?
Australia boasts some of the world’s most esteemed nursing programs. As per to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, an impressive 10 Australian universities ranked in the top 50 nursing schools in the world.
Healthcare and Social Assistance sector reigns as Australia’s biggest employing industry, expected to surpass 1.9 million employees by 2024, with projections reaching over 2 million by 2025. With an aging population, it’s anticipated that by 2040, 20% of Australians will be over 65, and 1.2 million will be over 85. This demographic shift ensures a sustained demand for nurses in Australia, promising abundant employment opportunities and job stability for those who choose to work in the country after their studies.
Furthermore, the skills acquired while studying nursing in Australia are highly transferable, allowing you to apply them anywhere in the world. In essence, pursuing nursing education in Australia could be the first step in kickstarting your global healthcare career.
Where can you study nursing in Australia?
Wondering where to study nursing in Australia? Prepare to be spoiled for choice. One of the most enticing parts of choosing Australia as your educational hub is the wide range of academic pathways available. Whether you aspire for a Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or even Doctorate in nursing, numerous institutions cater to your educational needs. You can get a diploma, bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate in nursing from a variety of institutions.
For those inclined towards vocational education and training (VET), you can do that with TAFE or other VET providers. Specialisations such as aged care, mental health, community health, or emergency nursing are often within reach.
Alternatively, universities offer a pathway to obtain Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degrees in nursing. As evidenced, these degrees are widely available across various esteemed Australian universities, renowned internationally for their exceptional nursing programs.
If the traditional university route isn’t your preference, consider exploring VET institutions. We partner with some of the most prestigious institutions with campuses in Brisbane and Sydney. Read here to see the benefits of studying a VET course.
How long does it take to study Nursing in Australia?
The timeframe for completing your nursing education depends entirely on the type of degree you pursue.
Choosing a diploma program through a TAFE institute or VET provider typically entails 18 months to two years of full-time study. If you’re opting for a Bachelor’s degree with a specialisation in nursing, generally requires a commitment of 4 years of full-time study. At the postgraduate level, Master’s programs in nursing typically span one to two years of full-time study to complete. Meanwhile, PhD programs typically demand 3-4 years of full-time study.
Can I study nursing online?
Under certain circumstances, online nursing study becomes an option. In fact, certain TAFE and VET nursing programs are specifically crafted for remote learning. Moreover, there are also numerous Master’s programs in nursing are entirely administered online. These programs are designed to both broaden your knowledge and enhance your critical thinking and decision-making skills. Rather than conducting labs in person, they incorporate cutting-edge online simulations replicating real-life medical scenarios.
However, it’s important to note that international students on a student visa are restricted from pursuing courses that are 100% online, as per visa requirements. Learn more about the student visa requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website.
What jobs are available for nursing graduates?
Given the thriving healthcare sector in Australia, nursing graduates enjoy abundant job opportunities and a wide range of specialisations to explore. These specialisations cover areas such as mental health, emergency and aged care.
In Australia, some of the most in-demand nursing positions are assistants in nursing (AIN), clinical nurses, enrolled nurses (EN) and mental health nurses. But the list doesn’t stop there; midwives, nurse educators, nurse managers, nurse practitioners and registered nurses (RN) are also consistently in demand in Australia.
Job opportunities and pay rates after completing nursing in Australia
Upon completing nursing education in Australia, a variety of rewarding career paths await. Here are some key nursing roles, along with their average pay rates:
These figures may vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the specific healthcare facility.
In Conclusion
Choosing to study nursing in Australia is more than just academic; it’s a commitment to excellence and care. Graduates from Australia’s esteemed institutions step into a world of boundless opportunities, where their expertise and dedication become the driving force behind a healthier tomorrow.
Australia not only provides education but also instils the core values of nursing, ensuring graduates become the unsung heroes in communities worldwide. Here’s to the promising journey of nursing and the impactful contributions each graduate will make in the ever-evolving realm of healthcare.
Want to become a nurse in Australia? Use the contact form below to contact us.
