Australia is one of the most popular study destinations for international students. The country offers a world-class education system and an abundance of opportunities. If you are interested in studying nursing in Australia, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. We will discuss the different nursing courses available in Australia, the admission requirements, and the cost of tuition. So, let’s get started!
Nursing Career in Australia
The nursing profession is in high demand in the job market. According to a recent study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Health Workforce Australia (HWA) expects a shortage of over 100,000 nurses by 2025 and more than 123,000 by 2030. This means a big gap in the nursing workforce.
With no signs of the demand for nurses decreasing, the need for them will remain steady in Australia. This growth is mainly due to the aging population and the increasing incidence of chronic diseases.
Due to COVID-19, the demand for professionals in the medical field is at an all-time high. Medical professionals have been stretched thin because of the pandemic, with many doctors and nurses claiming fatigue due to the high pressure in these trying times. The Australian government is working with key stakeholders to tackle these challenges and maintain its world-class healthcare system.
They are working hard to replenish their health and aged care workforce, ensuring they are identifying, training, and recruiting doctors and nurses for Australia. They are focusing on-
- Supporting our health and aged care workforce
- Expanding Australian capacity
- Heightening overseas support measures.
Nurses are in high demand in both the public and private sectors. Hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes are always looking for qualified nurses. In addition, many companies now offer health insurance plans with nurse case management. Nurse case managers are vital in coordinating care for patients with chronic illnesses.
The average salary of registered nurses in Australia is AU$73000 per Year, and the salary of graduates with a Masters in Nursing could be as high as AU$120,000. This figure may vary depending on your experience and qualifications. However, the nursing profession is gratifying, and the salary is well worth the investment.
On the other hand, the average cost of studying Nursing (Bachelor of Nursing) as an International student is AU$ 20,000 – 35,000 per year. Postgraduate nursing programs, like a Master’s in Nursing, usually cost between AU$25,000 and AU$40,000 per year. The exact cost depends on the university and whether the program is specialized or research-focused. The nursing career is on the list of skilled workers for Permanent residency.
So, what are you waiting for? If you want to embark on a rewarding career in nursing, Australia is the place to be.
Eligibility Requirements for Studying Nursing in Australia
The minimum requirement for studying Nursing in Australia as an international student is a high school diploma. You can complete your nursing degree in Australia with any qualification, such as a Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. However, the admission requirements may vary from one institution to another.
Some institutions may ask for a nursing qualification, such as an associate degree or diploma. However, for a Bachelor of Nursing or higher, previous nursing qualifications are not a standard requirement. It is essential to check with the institution you are interested in to determine their specific requirements.
Best Nursing Schools in Australia
There are many excellent nursing schools in Australia. Some of the best include:
- University of Sydney: The university offers Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing programs.
- Australian Catholic University: The ACU offers a Bachelor of Nursing degree program. It is well-regarded, particularly for its student satisfaction.
- Monash University: Monash University offers Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing degree programs.
- Flinders University: The university offers a Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing degree program.
- University of Melbourne: The university offers a Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing degree program. The University of Melbourne is different from other schools because students must first complete a bachelor’s degree in Biomedicine or Science, before they can study for a Master of Nursing Science.
- University of Queensland: The university offers a Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Nursing, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree program.
- University of Technology Sydney: The university offers a Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing degree program.
- Curtin University: The university offers a Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing degree program.
- La Trobe University: The university offers a Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Nursing, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree program.
- University of New South Wales: The university offers a Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Nursing, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree program.
- Griffith University: The university offers a Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing degree program.
- Bond University: The university offers a Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing degree program.
- James Cook University: The university offers a Bachelor of Nursing degree program.
- University of Western Australia: The university offers a Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing degree
- Western Sydney University: The university offers a Bachelor of Nursing degree program.
These universities offer high-quality nursing programs accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). They also have a proven track record of producing qualified nurses in high demand in the job market.
Nursing Tuition Fees in Australia
As an international student, you can expect to pay tuition fees of around AU$21000 per year for a nursing degree in Australia. However, the cost of tuition can vary depending on the institution you choose to study at and your level of qualification.
For a Bachelor of Nursing degree, the average tuition fee is AU$ 20,000 – 40,000 per year. For a Master of Nursing degree, the average tuition fee is AU$ 30,000 – 50,000 per year.
Living Expenses in Australia
In addition to your tuition fees, you will also need to budget for living expenses while studying in Australia. The average cost of living in Australia is about AU$21,000 per year. However, it is on the lower end, particularly for major cities like Sydney or Melbourne.
The average cost of living in Australia may include accommodation costs, food costs, transport costs, and other related expenses.
You can expect to pay around AU$18,000 per year (roughly AU$350 per week) for a shared apartment in most major cities in Australia, such as Melbourne and Sydney. On the other hand, you will pay around AU$24,000 per year for single accommodation in these cities.
The cost of food can vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. However, you can expect to pay between $140 to $280 per week. Dining out would be an additional cost, potentially increasing food expenses. Transport costs will also vary depending on the city you live in and the mode of transport you choose.
You can expect to pay around AU$18,000 per year for a shared apartment in most major cities in Australia, such as Melbourne and Sydney. On the other hand, you will pay around AU$24,000 per year for single accommodation in these cities.
The cost of food can vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. However, you can expect to pay between $140 to $280 per month for food costs. Transport costs will also vary depending on the city you live in and the mode of transport you choose.
You can expect to pay around $25 per week for a student train pass in Sydney and Melbourne. You may need to budget between $30 and $69 per week for public transport costs for other cities.
To determine how much money you will need as an international nursing student in Australia, ensure that your bank statements, visa documentation, and academic transcripts are up-to-date. You should also budget for health insurance and any other associated costs. More details on living costs in Australia according to the Australian Government.
Cheapest Nursing Courses in Australia for International Students
If you are looking for the cheapest nursing courses in Australia, you will be pleased to know that many affordable options are available to international students.
The nursing courses available in Australia are incredibly diverse. You can study various subjects, including clinical nursing and mental health nursing.
Many different institutions offer nursing courses in Australia, so you will be sure to find one that suits your needs and budget.
Study Nursing in Australia Checklist
Here is a checklist for studying in Australia.
- Research Australian universities that offer the nursing course you want to study.
- Apply for a study visa.
- Attend an Australian nursing school.
- Complete an accredited nursing degree program.
- Pass the Australian Nursing Council (ANC) registration exam.
- Apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
Once you have completed these steps, you will be a registered nurse in Australia.
Best Way to Study Nursing in Australia
Applying to universities can be confusing, especially if it’s your first time.
Not sure where to start? Are you worried about making the wrong choice? We understand. That’s why we’re here to help.
Immigration and Education Services (IES) Portal is a one-stop service provider for all your university application needs. We’ll guide you through every step of the process, from choosing the right university to getting scholarships. We’re here to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.
Related: 6 Scholarships for Asian Students in Australia
FAQ
To become a registered nurse in Australia, you must complete an accredited nursing degree program. Once you have completed your degree, you must pass the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) registration exam.
The (NMBA) registration exam is a national exam that assesses the competencies of nurses working in Australia. It is recognized internationally and is the benchmark for nursing practice in Australia.
To guide you in your pursuit of studying nursing in Australia, here are the steps you need to take.
1. The first step is deciding what nursing qualification you want to study in Australia. There are many different nursing courses available in Australia, so you will be sure to find one that suits your needs and budget.
2. Once you have decided on the nursing course that you want to study, the next step is to research Australian universities that offer this course. Many universities in Australia provide nursing courses, so you will be sure to find one that suits your needs and budget.
3. The third step is to apply for a study visa. You will need to provide evidence of your academic qualifications and English language proficiency when applying for your study visa. You can apply for your study visa online.
4. The fourth step is to attend a nursing school in Australia. You will be required to complete an Australian nursing degree program before registering as a nurse in Australia.
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Conclusion
If you are looking for the cheapest nursing courses in Australia, you will be pleased to know that many affordable options are available to international students. In addition, the nursing courses available in Australia are highly diverse. You can study various subjects, including clinical nursing and mental health nursing.
Many different institutions offer nursing courses in Australia, so you will be sure to find one that suits your needs and budget.
If this article has given insight into what it takes to become an internationally educated nurse, feel free to contact the IES Portal with your questions or concerns! We’re always happy to help guide prospective nurses through their studies abroad.
DISCLAIMER: Please note that the information provided on the IES Portal website is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content, but immigration laws and regulations may change. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the complete reliability or accuracy of the information presented. The content on our website is not legal or immigration advice and should be used at your own risk. We strongly advise consulting with licensed professionals before making any decisions based on the information found here. Additionally, we do not endorse any third-party organisations, services, or products mentioned on this site unless explicitly stated otherwise. By using our website, you agree to our disclaimer and its terms.
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