Study Nursing In Australia

Why study nursing in Australia?

Australian universities are globally recognized for their excellent nursing programs, with 11 institutions ranked among the world’s top 50 nursing schools for 2022 by QS World University Rankings. With healthcare being one of Australia’s fastest-growing sectors due to an aging population, nursing is a stable and rewarding career with high job satisfaction.

Studying nursing in Australia opens diverse career opportunities and equips you with essential skills like compassion, communication, and medical knowledge. Plus, it allows you to work not only in Australia but also around the world. Lab Infitech can help you make this dream a reality by offering expert advice on choosing the right program, assisting with visa applications, and providing support throughout your studies. After graduation, we can also guide you through joining AHPRA, Australia’s professional nursing body, for valuable networking, job opportunities, and professional recognition. Contact us today to start your nursing journey!

Nursing Courses in Australia

Diploma of Nursing
The Diploma of Nursing can prepare you for a career as an Enrolled Nurse across Australia. The course typically takes 18 months to complete and provides the foundational knowledge and skills required for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. With this qualification, you’ll be equipped to work in various nursing settings and can continue your studies towards a Bachelor of Nursing.

Bachelor of Nursing
The Bachelor of Nursing program provides comprehensive training to become a registered nurse in Australia. You’ll develop skills in assessment, clinical decision-making, professional communication, cultural awareness, and modern technology. This degree prepares you to offer high-quality care in various healthcare settings and to think critically and ethically.

Master of Nursing
The Master of Nursing is designed for those looking to advance their careers in clinical or research settings. This course is ideal for those wishing to specialize in various areas of healthcare.

Institutions have different entry requirements, so be sure to review the specific course details on their websites. Contact us at Lab Infitech if you need advice or assistance with your application process.

Major Universities and Institutions offering Nursing Programs

Here is the list of major universities and institutions offering nursing programs:

Queensland

1. Griffith University
   • Programs: Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Nursing, Master of Advanced Clinical Practice
   • Highlights: Known for its diverse clinical placements and focus on research and leadership in nursing.
2. Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
   • Programs: Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Nursing
   • Highlights: Provides practical, hands-on learning experiences with a strong emphasis on industry connections and innovative practices.
3. Bond University
   • Programs: Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Nursing
   • Highlights: Offers a personalized learning experience with a focus on clinical skills and leadership.
4. University of Southern Queensland (USQ)
   • Programs: Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Nursing
   • Highlights: Provides flexible learning options with a focus on practical experience and student support.
5. University of the Sunshine Coast (USC)
   • Programs: Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Nursing
   • Highlights: Known for its supportive learning environment and strong community connections.
6. Southern Cross University
   
   Programs: Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Nursing
   Highlights: Offers a strong focus on clinical skills and practical experience, with a commitment to personalized education and student support.
   
7. TAFE Queensland
   • Programs: Diploma of Nursing, Certificate IV in Nursing
   • Highlights: Offers vocational education with practical, hands-on training, providing pathways to become an Enrolled Nurse. TAFE Queensland focuses on industry-relevant skills and can be a cost-effective option for gaining entry-level qualifications.

These institutions provide a range of nursing programs and opportunities across Queensland, catering to different levels of study and career aspirations.

Listing all nursing courses across all Australian universities is a broad task, but here is an overview of nursing programs offered by major universities in Australia:

New South Wales

1. University of Sydney
   • Bachelor of Nursing
   • Master of Nursing
   • Master of Advanced Nursing
2. University of New South Wales (UNSW)
   • Bachelor of Nursing
   • Master of Nursing
   • Master of Nursing Science
3. University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
   • Bachelor of Nursing
   • Master of Nursing
   • Master of Advanced Nursing
4. Macquarie University
   • Bachelor of Nursing
   • Master of Nursing
   • Master of Advanced Clinical Practice
5. Western Sydney University
   • Bachelor of Nursing
   • Master of Nursing
   • Master of Clinical Leadership

Victoria

1. University of Melbourne
   • Bachelor of Nursing
   • Master of Nursing Science
   • Master of Advanced Nursing
2. Monash University
   • Bachelor of Nursing
   • Master of Nursing
   • Master of Advanced Clinical Practice
3. Deakin University
   • Bachelor of Nursing
   • Master of Nursing
   • Master of Advanced Practice (Nursing)
4. RMIT University
   • Bachelor of Nursing
   • Master of Nursing

South Australia

1. University of South Australia
   • Bachelor of Nursing
   • Master of Nursing
2. Flinders University
   • Bachelor of Nursing
   • Master of Nursing
   • Master of Clinical Leadership

Western Australia

1. Curtin University
   • Bachelor of Nursing
   • Master of Nursing
   • Master of Advanced Practice
2. Edith Cowan University (ECU)
   • Bachelor of Nursing
   • Master of Nursing
   • Master of Advanced Clinical Practice

Tasmania

1. University of Tasmania
   • Bachelor of Nursing
   • Master of Nursing

Northern Territory

1. Charles Darwin University (CDU)
   • Bachelor of Nursing
   • Master of Nursing

Australian Capital Territory

1. Australian National University (ANU)
   • Master of Nursing (Note: ANU focuses more on research-oriented programs)
2. University of Canberra
   • Bachelor of Nursing
   • Master of Nursing

This list includes a range of undergraduate and postgraduate nursing programs available across Australian universities. Each program varies in its focus, such as clinical practice, research, or advanced clinical skills, so it’s important to research specific courses and institutions to find the best fit for your career goals.

Pathways to Permanent Residency

For nursing graduates, Australia offers several pathways to permanent residency. Here are key options:

1. Skilled Migration Visa (Subclass 189)
   This visa is for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member. You need to pass a points-based assessment, which considers factors such as age, education, and work experience. Nurses are in high demand in Australia, which can enhance your chances of meeting the points threshold.
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
   This visa requires a nomination by an Australian state or territory. It also uses a points-based system, and state or territory governments may have specific criteria for nurses. Being nominated can improve your chances of obtaining permanent residency.
3. Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
   This visa allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia. You need to be nominated by a regional area or have a sponsor. It provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Skilled Regional Permanent Visa (Subclass 191) after three years of holding the 491 visa and meeting specific work and income requirements.
4. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
   This visa allows skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer to work and live permanently in Australia. It includes three streams: the Temporary Residence Transition stream (for those who have worked with their employer on a temporary visa), the Direct Entry stream (for those who haven’t worked with the employer before), and the Labour Agreement stream.
5. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)
   Similar to the Subclass 186 visa but specifically for regional areas, this visa requires employer sponsorship and offers a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers in regional Australia.

Steps to Take:

1. Skills Assessment: Ensure you have a valid skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority, such as the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for nurses.
2. English Proficiency: Demonstrate your English language skills through tests like IELTS or PTE, as required by the visa categories.
3. Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through SkillSelect for skilled migration visas.
4. Health and Character Checks: Undergo medical examinations and background checks as part of the visa application process.

Lab Infitech can assist you in navigating the application process, including skills assessments, visa applications, and finding relevant information about state or regional nominations. Contact us for personalised advice and support to help you achieve your goal of permanent residency in Australia.

Tuition fees for International Students

Tuition fees for international students studying nursing in Australia vary depending on the institution, course level, and location. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect:

1. Diploma of Nursing/Certificate IV in Nursing
   • Tuition Fees: Approximately AUD 15,000 to AUD 25,000 per year.
2. Bachelor of Nursing
   • Tuition Fees: Typically range from AUD 30,000 to AUD 45,000 per year. Some universities may charge higher fees, especially for specialized programs.
3. Master of Nursing
   • Tuition Fees: Generally, between AUD 30,000 and AUD 50,000 per year. The cost may vary based on the specific program and whether it is a research or coursework-based degree.
4. Master of Nursing Science
   • Tuition Fees: Usually between AUD 30,000 and AUD 50,000 per year, depending on the institution and program specifics.
5. Master of Nursing Practice
   • Tuition Fees: Similar to other master’s programs, ranging from AUD 30,000 to AUD 50,000 per year.

Additional Costs to Consider:

• Application Fees: Often between AUD 100 and AUD 300.
• Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF): Typically ranges from AUD 100 to AUD 300 per year.
• Textbooks and Materials: Around AUD 500 to AUD 1,000 per year.
• Health Insurance: International students are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which can cost between AUD 500 and AUD 1,000 per year, depending on the provider and coverage level.

Note: Fees can vary significantly between universities and are subject to change. It’s essential to check the specific costs with the institution you’re interested in and consider any additional expenses related to living in Australia.

Lab Infitech can help you find detailed information on tuition fees and assist with the application process, ensuring you have all the necessary information for budgeting and planning your studies in Australia.

Nursing Career Opportunities

For graduate nurses in Australia, there are numerous career opportunities across various healthcare settings. Here’s an overview of potential career paths:

1. Clinical Nurse
   • Acute Care: Work in hospitals providing care for patients with serious, urgent health conditions.
   • Chronic Care: Manage long-term conditions and provide ongoing care to patients in both hospital and community settings.
2. Specialist Nurse
   • Mental Health Nurse: Focus on patients with mental health conditions, providing therapy, counselling, and treatment.
   • Paediatric Nurse: Specialize in caring for children from newborns to adolescents.
   • Gerontological Nurse: Work with elderly patients, addressing their unique health needs and improving their quality of life.
3. Midwife
   • Registered Midwife: Provide care and support to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
4. Emergency Nurse
   • Work in emergency departments, managing acute and critical conditions, and making quick decisions in high-pressure situations.
5. Surgical Nurse
   • Assist in operating rooms, prepare patients for surgery, and provide post-operative care.
6. Anaesthetic Nurse
   • Administer anaesthesia, monitor patients during surgery, and manage post-anaesthesia care.
7. Community Health Nurse
   • Work in community settings, providing care and health education to individuals and families, often focusing on preventive care and public health.
8. School Nurse
   • Provide healthcare in educational settings, manage student health issues, and promote health education in schools.
9. Clinical Research Nurse
   • Participate in or conduct research studies, collect and analyse data, and contribute to advancing medical knowledge and practices.
10. Nurse Educator
    • Teach and mentor nursing students or staff, develop educational materials, and contribute to the training and professional development of nurses.
11. Nurse Manager/Administrator
    • Oversee nursing departments or healthcare facilities, manage staff, budgets, and resources, and ensure compliance with regulations.
12. Occupational Health Nurse
    • Focus on health and safety in the workplace, providing care, education, and support to employees.
13. Public Health Nurse
    • Work on health promotion and disease prevention programs, often collaborating with public health agencies and community organizations.
14. Primary Health Care Nurse
    • Provide holistic care in primary care settings, focusing on comprehensive, patient-centred care and managing overall health and well-being.
15. Remote and Rural Nurse
    • Provide healthcare in remote or rural areas, often working independently and managing a broad range of health conditions.

These roles can be found in hospitals, clinics, community health centres, schools, private practices, and various other healthcare settings across Australia. Each offers unique challenges and opportunities for professional grow