Last Updated on August 29, 2024
Nursing in Australia now makes it possible for numerous Indian students to pursue child nursing, adult nursing, disability nursing, mental health nursing or more senior roles like head nursing jobs. Nursing is a very needed job in Australia and worldwide. It’s rated highly by students as being a fulfilling and worthwhile career choice. In Australia, the standard for nurses is a work week of 38 hours. The usual total for most midwives and nurses is around 33 hours each week. A nurse in their career might have shifts lasting up to 12 hours and occur three days consecutively.
Nursing includes knowledge about the laws, health evaluations, care strategies, communication and safety. Australia is a favourite choice for studying among students because it’s in the top three in the best places to study abroad.
- International students in Australia can expect to spend approximately 20,290 AUD annually on living expenses, excluding tuition and travel costs.
- For international undergraduate students pursuing a full-time nursing program, yearly tuition fees typically range from 20,000 AUD to 35,000 AUD.
- Students from non-English speaking countries must demonstrate their English language proficiency if they haven’t completed at least five years of education in an English-speaking nation. Accepted language tests include IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE.
Top Nursing Colleges in Australia
| QS Global Ranking 2022 | University | Nursing Programs |
| 37 | The University of Melbourne | 1 undergraduate, 2 graduate degrees. |
| 38 | The University of Sydney | 1 undergraduate, 1 graduate and 1 doctoral degree. |
| 47 | University of Queensland | 4 undergraduate, 6 graduates, 1 graduate certificate, 5 doctoral degrees. |
| 58 | Monash University | 1 undergraduate, 1 graduate and 1 doctoral degree. |
| 133 | University of Technology Sydney | 4 undergraduate, 5 graduates, 4 graduate diplomas, 4 doctoral degrees. |
| 283 | Deakin University | 6 undergraduate, 2 postgraduate, 1 graduate diploma, 1 graduate certificate, 1 doctoral degree. |
| 290 | Griffith University | 2 undergraduate, 1 graduate, 1 doctoral |
Specialisations in Nursing
When it comes to specialising in Nursing, students should be aware that there are three types of degrees and one diploma degree course available. These are:
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
- Undergraduate Degree- Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of NursingÂ
- Graduate Degree – Master of Science and Master of Nursing ScienceÂ
- Doctoral Degree – Doctor of PhilosophyÂ
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 | Aged Care Nursing |
| Mental Health Care | Neonatal and Paediatric Care |
| Acute and Complex Care | Palliative Care |
| Correctional Facility Nursing | Forensic Nursing |
| Psychiatric Nursing | Ambulatory Care Nursing |
| Diabetes Nursing | Clinical Nurse Specialist |
| Dermatology Nursing | Community Health Nursing |
Nursing in Australia: Types of Degrees
The following universities offer these nursing courses in Australia at different degree levels:
| Specialization | Masters Provided |
| 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 |
| Paediatric 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 |
| 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 |
Nursing Colleges in Australia: Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Nursing in Australia will make sure that a student gets strong scientific knowledge and abilities, plus practical experience. The students will take part in simulation learning with latest technology, allowing them to practice their skills safely before they start working with actual patients. The length of a Bachelor or Undergraduate Course in Nursing in Australia is around 3 to 4 years, depending on the University.
Students who want to build a career in healthcare as nurses need to study nursing during their undergraduate courses. They can pick from these universities for studying Bachelor of Nursing in Australia:
| Program | University | Annual Tuition fees (in AUD) |
| Bachelor of Nursing | University of Technology, Sydney | 19,030 |
| Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies) | University of Sydney | 32,412 |
| Bachelor of Nursing Science | University of Melbourne | 29,920 |
| Bachelor of Midwifery | University of Queensland | 34,736 |
| Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) | University of Queensland | 32,352 |
Nursing in Australia: Eligibility Criteria for Undergraduate Programs
In order to qualify for bachelors in Nursing, students must adhere to the following rules:
| Requirement | Details |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 7.0 |
| TOEFL: 98 | |
| PTE: 65 | |
| Academic Performance | GPA: 5.5 (Equivalency 50%) at senior secondary school level |
Nursing Colleges in Australia: Documents Required for Bachelors
| Document Type | Details |
| English Proficiency | IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores |
| Academic Certificates | Standard 10 and 12 Certificates |
| Financial Documents | Proof of financial capacity to study in Australia |
| Identity Proof | Passport, birth certificate |
| Statement of Purpose (SOP) | Varies depending on the university |
Obtaining a Registered Nurse (RN) License in Australia
To become a licensed Registered Nurse in Australia, candidates must follow these steps:
1. Complete a 3-year undergraduate nursing program.
2. Enroll in and finish a Registered Nurse course.
3. Submit an application to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for authorization to practice as a Registered Nurse.
This process ensures that nursing graduates meet the necessary qualifications and standards to work as Registered Nurses in Australia’s healthcare system.
Nursing Colleges in Australia: Graduate Programs
Master of Nursing in Australia is two years master’s degree course. It helps students to be eligible for registration as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. The course has four semesters plus one summer term coursework program. The length of a Master’s or Graduate Course in Nursing in Australia is 2 years, but it can vary depending on the university.
Students who finished their undergraduate degree in nursing can select from these universities to study Masters in Nursing in Australia:
| Program | University | Annual Tuition Fees (in AUD) |
| Master of Advanced Nursing | University of Technology, Sydney | 17,640 |
| Masters of Nursing Practice | Monash University | 29,052.85 |
| Master of Mental Health Nursing | University of Queensland | 33,376 |
| Master of Midwifery | Flinders University | 30,800 |
| Masters of Paediatric 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 | 35,526.67 |
Nursing in Australia: Eligibility for MastersÂ
This table summarizes the eligibility requirements for pursuing a Master’s degree in Nursing in Australia:
| Requirement | Details |
| Academic Qualification | Completed 3-4 year graduation degree |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 7.0 |
| TOEFL: 96 | |
| PTE: 68 | |
| Professional License | Registered Nurse (RN) License |
| Academic Performance | CGPA: At least 7.5 (Equivalency 60%) |
Nursing in Australia: Documents Required for MastersÂ
- A valid passportÂ
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter of RecommendationÂ
- Registration of a Nurse
- Academic TranscriptsÂ
- Proof of FinancesÂ
- Visa ApplicationÂ
- Successful Letter of AcceptanceÂ
Nursing Colleges in Australia: Graduate Diploma Courses
Following are the diploma programs offered at nursing colleges in Australia:
| Program | University | Annual Tuition Fees (in AUD) |
| Graduate Diploma in Midwifery | Deakin University | 24120 |
| Graduate Certificate in Nursing | University of Queensland | 16688 |
| Graduate Certificate in Paediatric Nursing | Griffith University | 14750 |
| Graduate Diploma in Palliative Care | University of Technology, Sydney | 17640 |
Nursing Colleges in Australia: Doctoral Programs
This course gives a chance for research training in many areas of nursing study. The student will get advanced skills in research and critical thinking by learning from this program. The time to finish a PhD course in Nursing in Australia is 3-4 years, this changes based on the University.
The 3-4 year course will let students join different workshops and other research events, plus they can often share their work in seminar presentations.
Students who want to do more research in their field and get a Ph.D. in Nursing can pick from these universities in Australia:
| Program | University | Annual Tuition Fees (in AUD) |
| Doctorate/Ph.D. in Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences | Monash University | 46512 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, Midwifery | Griffith University | 30500 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Community Nursing | University of Queensland | 14672 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing) | Deakin University | 35000 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing and Midwifery | Victoria University | 15700 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Health) | James Cook University | 33000 |
Nursing Colleges in Australia: Eligibility for PhDÂ
| Requirement | Details |
| Academic Qualification | • 3-4 year graduation degree• 2 year master’s degree program |
| English Proficiency | • IELTS: 6.5• TOEFL: 79• PTE: 58-64 |
| Professional License | Registered Nurse (RN) License |
| Academic Performance | GPA: At least 3.0 (Equivalency 55%) at master’s level |
Nursing Colleges in Australia: Documents Required for PhD
For a successful PhD application in Nursing, candidates must keep the following documents ready:
| Document/Requirement | Details |
| English Proficiency | IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores |
| Academic Certificates | • Standard 10 and 12 Certificates• Undergraduate and Postgraduate Certificates in Nursing or related field• Certificates of Diploma Courses in Nursing and Related Fields |
| Financial Documents | Proof of financial capacity to study in Australia |
| Identity Proof | Passport, Birth Certificate |
| Professional Registration | Registration as a Nurse |
| Visa | Temporary visa allowing 4 years of study in Australia |
| Statement of Purpose (SOP) | Varies depending on the university |
| Recommendation | Letter of Recommendation |
Scholarships for Nursing in Australia
International students pursuing education in Australia can access two main categories of scholarships:
1. Scholarships offered by the Australian Government
2. Scholarships provided by individual Australian universities
These two types of financial aid opportunities cater to international students seeking support for their studies in Australia.
Australian Government Scholarships
| Scholarships | Provided to | Benefits |
| Australia Awards Scholarships. Formally known as Australian Development Scholarships (ADS). | 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) | Postgraduate and Doctoral Students. | Tuition fees and Health Cover costs. |
Australian University ScholarshipsÂ
| 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. | Partial Tuition Fees Scholarship. Scholarship amounts varied up to 10000 AUD. |
| Macquarie University International Scholarships. | The Macquarie University. | Undergraduate and Postgraduate students. | High-achieving domestic and international research and postgraduate students. |
| University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships. | University of Melbourne. | High-quality international postgraduate students. | Tuition fee waiver, Living allowance, relocation grant, and overseas student health care. |
| Adelaide Scholarships International. | University of Adelaide. | International students pursuing up to 2 years of a Research Masters’s degree and up to 3 years for a Research Doctorate degree. | 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 in Australia: Cost of Living in Australia
Students who want to pursue nursing in Australia may wonder what is the cost of living there. While the living cost in Australia is high, it offers a fantastic return on investment that makes pursuing nursing in Australia a lucrative option.
| Factors | Monthly Cost in INR | Monthly Cost in A$ |
| Rent | INR 1.1-1.3 Lakh | A$ 2000 |
| Food & Groceries | INR 22,000 | A$ 400 |
| Transportation | INR 9,000-9,400 | A$ 170 |
| Phone and Internet Services | INR 7,300 | A$132 |
| Other Basic Utilities | INR 18,000 | A$ 335 |
Check out the annual tuition fee in Australia:
| Course | Annual Tuition Fee in INR | Annual Tuition Fee in A$ |
| Bachelor’s Degree | INR 11- 24 Lakh | A$20,000 – A$45,000 |
| Master’s Degree | INR 12 – INR 27 Lakh | A$22,000 – A$50,000 |
| Doctoral Degree | INR 11 – INR 23 Lakh | A$20,000 – A$42,000 |
Cost of Living in Australia for Indian Students
Here is a calculated number for the cost of living in each city so that students can make an informed decision:
| City | Monthly Cost in INR | Monthly Cost in A$ |
| Sydney | INR 2.0 – 2.1 Lakh | A$ 2,623 |
| Melbourne | INR 1.97 – 2.0 Lakh | A$ 2,367 |
| Brisbane | INR 1.97 – 2.0 Lakh | A$ 2,363 |
| Perth | INR 1.93 – 2.0 Lakh | A$ 2,324 |
| Canberra | INR 1.93 – 2.0 Lakh | A$ 2,321 |
Nursing in Australia: Jobs and Salaries
Nursing in Australia offers competitive salaries and promising career opportunities. On average, nurses in Australia earn approximately 75,700 AUD per year. The healthcare sector highly values nurses for their crucial role in providing care and treatment, leading to a positive job outlook. Over the next five years, the demand for nursing professionals is projected to grow by about 7.6%.
The nursing field in Australia offers diverse career paths, with job opportunities varying based on qualifications, specialisations, and experience. Nurses can pursue various roles within the Australian healthcare system, each potentially offering different salary ranges and career advancement possibilities.
| Jobs | Average Annual Salary (in AUD) |
| Acute Care Nurse | 81,300 |
| Critical Care Nurse | 82,000 |
| Nursing Assistant | 68,900 |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | 109,000 |
| Nurse Midwife | 88,400 |
| Mental Health Nurse | 76,500 |
| Head Nurse | 83,000 |
| Nursing Supervisor | 111,000 |
| Psychiatric Nurse | 74,100 |
| Nursing Coordinator | 91,100 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 93,100 |
Conclusion
Do you enjoy working with people and helping them? Are you looking for a career where you can make good impact on someone’s life? Nursing could be a great fit for you. There are many reasons why international students should think about studying nursing courses in Australia. Studying nursing in Australia gives students a chance to learn important skills and knowledge within a multicultural and diverse setting. To pursue your academic journey abroad hassle-free, contact Admissify today!Â
FAQs
Is it possible to work in Australia as a nurse?Â
Yes, it is possible for Indians to become nurses in Australia.Â
Is it possible to work part-time in Australia?Â
Yes. Students are allowed to work 20 hours per week on a valid student visa.
How to become a registered nurse in Australia from India?Â
Indian nurses should first get their educational qualifications checked by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). After ANMAC confirms their education is equivalent, these nurses must show they are good at English. They can do this by passing exams like IELTS or Occupational English Test (OET).
What is the cost of pursuing nursing in Australia?Â
The average cost of pursuing nursing in Australia is AUD 22,000-35,000 per year for Indian students.
Manan is a graduate of the esteemed University of Delhi where he cultivated a taste for writing and research. His degree in Bachelor of Management Studies helps him guide students in their academic endeavours. Manan strives to spread excellent study abroad tips that can prove to be helpful.
