Best Nursing Courses in Australia for International Students

Undoubtedly, nursing is a highly respected and regarded profession in the world and a dream of many students. Australia offers an advanced education system and the best healthcare facilities, which makes it a top destination for studying. 

 

So, if you are an international student who wants to study nursing in Australia but doesn’t know where to start, continue reading this blog. You’ll learn all about the best nursing courses, their entry requirements and the general application process in this blog post. 

 

Best Nursing Courses in Australia for International Students

Here is the list of most popular nursing courses in Australia for international students: 

 

• Diploma of Nursing
• Bachelor’s of Nursing
• Graduate Diploma in Nursing
• Master of Nursing

 

Let’s discuss each course, its entry requirements and career opportunities in detail for better understanding. 

 

Diploma of Nursing

 

A Diploma of Nursing usually takes 18-24 months to complete. The course is designed to prepare you for a career as an Enrolled Nurse (EN) in Australia. Throughout this course, you’ll learn basic nursing care, anatomy, physiology, and infection control.

 

You’ll learn fundamental nursing skills and knowledge you need for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Authority (AHPRA) and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

 

Moreover, you can continue your education to get a Bachelor of Nursing degree while working in a range of nursing settings with this course. 

 

Entry requirements for Diploma of Nursing

Each institution has its own set of requirements and conditions. Therefore, it is important to check the course information on the university’s website carefully before applying for it. 

 

Usually, all institutions ask you to meet the following basic requirements: 

 

• You must have literacy, numeracy, and language skills that correspond to Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).

OR

• You completed a formal English language exam or an Australian Year 12 and have numeracy skills that align with Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).

 

• You must demonstrate that you fulfil the English language proficiency registration requirements set forth by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

 

Bachelor of Nursing

 

The Bachelor of Nursing is a professional degree program that usually takes 3 to 4 years to complete. This course prepares you to become registered nurses in Australia.

 

You’ll learn the theoretical knowledge and skills required for a successful nursing career. Throughout the course, you’ll study subjects including clinical practice, mental health nursing, high dependency nursing, and community health. Moreover, you’ll also have the opportunity to work in healthcare placements.

 

Apart from this, the demand for highly qualified healthcare professionals is growing in Australia. You can pursue different career opportunities in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare settings with this course. Moreover, after completing this course, you can register yourself with the NMBA as Registered Nurses.

 

So, this is an amazing opportunity for you to apply for a Bachelor of Nursing. 

 

Entry requirements for Bachelor of Nursing

The specific entry requirements vary based on the institution. However, the general requirements to pursue a Bachelor of Nursing include the following:

 

• You must have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification to be eligible for this program.
• You must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. 
• You must satisfy the English language skills registration standard requirements set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

 

Graduate Diploma in Nursing

 

It is a postgraduate qualification that usually takes 1 to 2 years to complete. You’ll learn the basic knowledge and skills required for advanced practice in the clinical setting. Usually, registered nurses choose this course to specialize in a particular area of nursing. 

 

The specialisation courses include mental health, critical care, paediatric nursing, and more. This course enhances the skills and knowledge of nurses, preparing them for advanced practice roles.

 

Entry Requirements for Graduate Diploma in Nursing

You are required to meet the following basic requirements to apply for a Graduate Diploma in Nursing: 

 

• You must demonstrate that you fulfil the English language requirements. 
• You must have completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree or equivalent qualification. 
• You must have registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) with no conditions or restrictions. 

 

Master of Nursing

 

It is also a postgraduate qualification that takes 18 to 24 months to complete. You’ll learn about advanced training in nursing practice, leadership, and research in this course. 

 

Furthermore, you will be engaged in clinical placements to gain hands-on experience in various healthcare settings. A Master of Nursing is of three types, which are: 

 

• Master of Nursing Science: You’ll gain both theoretical and practical knowledge to become a registered nurse in this course.
• Master of Nursing Practice: This programme is designed for those who have completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing and want to get registered in this sector. 
• Specialized Programmes: Some universities offer specializations in areas such as gerontology, mental health, or clinical education.

 

Entry Requirements for Master of Nursing

You must meet the following entry requirements in order to get enrolled in Master of Nursing in Australia. 

 

• You must have completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing or an equivalent  qualification in a related field.
• You must demonstrate good grades in your previous nursing qualification. 
• Some institutions may require you to have relevant work experience or  a valid registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (AHPRA).
• You must be proficient in the English language to get enrolled in the Master of Nursing. 

 

Confused about which course to choose? Contact our educational counsellors at The Migration. 

 

How to Apply for Nursing Courses in Australia?

 

The application process for each programme is different depending upon your chosen university and course requirements. Here, I’ve outlined some of the basic steps to apply for the nursing courses in Australia.

 

• Step 1: Research universities and choose a course.

• Step 2: Check admission requirements

• Step 3: Prepare your documents.

• Step 4: Submit an application to your chosen university.

• Step 5: Receive an offer letter and CoE.

 

Below, you will find the detailed overview of each step. Read these instructions carefully and then apply for it. 

 

Step 1: Research Universities and Choose a Course

Start by researching nursing courses and universities in Australia. Make a list of top universities you are interested in. Search the nursing courses and check the course you want to apply for. Check the course content, its entry requirements, fee structure, scholarship options, university, and location.

 

Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements

Each university has its own set of conditions and eligibility requirements. Therefore, it is important to check whether you meet the set eligibility criteria or not. Carefully read the admission criteria and instructions on the university website and then consider applying for it. Lodging your application without knowing the eligibility criteria will result in application rejection. 

 

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

After selecting the university and verifying you meet its entry requirements, the next step is to start preparation for lodging your application. For this purpose, gather and organize all the required documents. These documents include the following: 

 

• Identity documents.
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
• Valid passport
• Statement of purpose (SOP)
• Letters of recommendation (LOR)
• Proof of financial support
• Health and character certificate.

 

Scan and translate all these documents into English before submitting.

 

Step 4: Submit an Application to Your Chosen University.

Visit the official website of your selected institution. Browse the admissions section and choose your course. After that, download the application form and fill it out completely. Make sure you provide accurate and complete information. Attach all the required documents and submit your application form. 

 

Step 5: Receive an Offer Letter and CoE

If the university approves your application, they will send you an offer letter. Accept the offer letter, pay the tuition fee and submit it. After that, the university will send you a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE). Once you receive your CoE, it’s your time to apply for the student visa. 

 

Here’s an important piece of information for you!

 

Make sure to meet all the requirements of the student visa set by the Department of Home Affairs. Moreover, be aware of application deadlines for both university admissions and visa applications. Because the university application deadlines are typically several months before the start of the academic year. Apart from this, the visa processing times can also vary, so it’s important to apply in advance.

 

What is the Tuition Fee for Nursing Courses in Australia?

Tuition fees for nursing courses in Australia vary depending on the university and program. However, the average cost for undergraduate courses is between AUD 20,000 and 35,000 per year. But the average cost for postgraduate courses ranges from AUD 25,000 to AUD 40,000 per year.

 

Moreover, if you are an international student, you may be required to have AUD 20,290 for living expenses, such as accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses.

 

Scholarship Opportunities for International Students

The Australian Government and universities offer various scholarship options to both domestic and international students. So, look for those opportunities to reduce the financial burden during your stay in Australia. Here are some of the scholarships offered by different universities in Australia. Have a look:

 

Scholarship Type	Approx. Value (in AUD)
Western Union Foundation Global Scholarship Program	2,500
Monash International Scholarship For Excellence	10,000
Hani Zeini Scholarship	1,000
VU Alumni Discount	3,820
Griffith Remarkable Scholarship	20,250

 

Disclaimer: The values provided above in this table are for information purposes. For more accurate and precise information, visit the official website of the university you are applying for. 

 

Job Opportunities After Studying Nursing in Australia

After graduating from an Australian institution with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, you can begin your career. In Australia, you can apply for a variety of nursing job types, with salaries roughly ranging from AUD 68,000 to AUD 100,000. Below is a list of some nursing career profiles:

 

• Nursing Manager
• Registered Nurses (Paediatrics)
• Clinical Manager
• Registered Nurses (Disability and Rehabilitation)
• Registered Nurses (Mental Health)
• Registered Nurses (Anaesthetic)
• Registered Nurse, Critical Care
• Registered Nurse, Operating Room
• Registered Nurse, Emergency Room

 

List of Top Universities Offering Nursing Courses in Australia

Here is a list of top universities offering nursing programmes to international students in Australia. 

• University of Sydney
• Monash University
• University of Melbourne
• Griffith University
• University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
• Deakin University
• Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
• Australian Catholic University
• La Trobe University
• University of Wollongong

 

Final Thoughts

If you are passionate about nursing and looking for a rewarding career, studying nursing in Australia could be the perfect choice for you. By now, you have learned about the basics of the best nursing courses, their entry requirements and the application process. 

 

However, if you are still confused, it is best to take professional help. Contact us at The Migration to get customized solution to all your problems.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which course is best for nursing in Australia?  

The most famous nursing courses offered by Australian universities are:

• Diploma of Nursing
• Bachelor’s of Nursing
• Graduate Diploma in Nursing
• Master of Nursing

Among these, the Bachelor of Nursing is highly regarded. With this course, you can become a registered nurse (RN) in Australia.

 

How much does a nursing course cost in Australia? 

The tuition fee for nursing courses in Australia varies and depends on the program that you are choosing. On average, courses such as the Diploma, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Science in Nursing typically cost between AUD 20,000 and AUD 35,000 a year.

 

What are the requirements for a nursing course in Australia? 

Each course has its own eligibility criteria and admission requirements. But generally, you are required to meet the following basic requirements to get enrolled in any nursing programme:

• You must have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification or equivalent senior secondary school qualification.
• You must show that you satisfy the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s (NMBA) English language skills registration standard. 
• Other requirements include academic transcripts, a valid passport, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, proof of financial support, and a student visa.

 

How many years does it take to become a nurse in Australia?

It typically takes 3 years to complete a Bachelor of Nursing in Australia.

 

What is the IELTS score for nurses in Australia? 

You must have a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 to apply for nursing courses in Australia.

 

How can I become a nurse after 12th in Australia? 

You can become a nurse in Australia after completing high school education by  enrolling in an accredited Bachelor of Nursing program.