The Ultimate Guide to Pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing in Australia

Nursing is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding careers out there. Not only that but Nursing is a highly in-demand career choice and with a Bachelor of Nursing you will never be short of opportunities. If you’ve decided to pursue nursing and are looking for the perfect the study abroad destination, Australia is an excellent recommendation

Australia offers a top-notch healthcare system, well-known universities, and a diverse and enriching educational experience. In this detailed guide, you’ll find information about studying for your nursing degree in Australia, insights into future career opportunities, and the potential for permanent residency. Let’s get started on this exciting journey.

Why Study Nursing in Australia?

Let’s first discuss why we recommend Australia to our students. Australia is home to some of the top universities that offer nursing programs that provide both theoretical and practical education. There are 10 Australian universities that are ranked in the top 50 QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 for nursing courses. They are also considered affordable in the sense that there is a range of scholarships and discounts available for international students. 

Aside from this, Australia is facing a skills shortage in the nursing area and it is predicted that the demand for registered nurses will grow by 13.9% in the next three years, indicating that the employment prospects are healthy. Also, the estimated average salary of a registered nurse is AU$80,146.

It is also considered a PR pathway course,  which means you may be eligible to apply for PR in Australia after graduating as occupations in nursing regularly feature on the Skilled Occupation List in both MLTSSL and STSOL categories.

Choosing Your Path: Bachelor of Nursing Program and University Options in Australia

When it comes to studying nursing in Australia, you have several top-notch universities that offer Bachelor of Nursing programs.

Nursing Program Essentials: Admission Requirements and Prerequisites

To become a registered nurse in Australia, you’ll need to earn a Bachelor of Nursing degree from an accredited university.

Program requirements

• Completed an Australian Year 12 or equivalent senior secondary school qualification successful 
• Meet English language requirements. Minimum IELTS scores are typically around 7.0 overall with no band less than 6.5.
• Meeting additional selection criteria if applicable for your chosen university and program
• Personal Statement
• Letter of Recommendation
• Financial Stability Evidence
• Valid Passport

With the right dedication, you can earn your Bachelors of Nursing in Australia and start your career as a Registered Nurse, opening up paths to specialise in areas like critical care, midwifery or paediatrics. 

Finding Work as a Nurse in Australia with a Bachelor’s Degree

There is a huge demand for registered nurses in Australia, especially in aged care which is predicted to reach over 110,000 within the next decade and will reach 400,000 by 2050 according to a report by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA). Also, the demand for registered nurses is expected to grow by 13.9% in the next three years, thus nursing employment prospects are healthy and students who are planning to study nursing in Australia will have various opportunities to grow professionally. 

Once you have your bachelor’s degree in nursing, you’ll be ready to start your career as a registered nurse in Australia. There are many opportunities for nurses across Australia’s healthcare system. The key is to get registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) which allows you to practise as an Registered Nurse. You’ll need to meet their requirements, which typically include having an accredited degree and passing an exam.

With registration in hand, you can work in the following nursing fields (according to your specialisation)

Nurses can pursue career opportunities in a range of work setting which includes:

• Universities
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Hospices
• Government agencies and private industries
• Clinics
• Community health centres
• Aged care setting

Permanent Residency for Bachelor of Nursing Graduates

If you are interested in obtaining permanent residency after the completion of your undergraduate degree in nursing, you need to fulfil certain requirements such as:

• Your chosen profession should be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) 
• Meet English language proficiency requirement (IELTS: 7.0)
• Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
• Academic requirement
• Age requirement
• Work experience 
• Skill assessment by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)

Once your skill assessment is positive you can submit an EOI (Expression of Interest). If you receive an invitation to apply then you can submit the required documentation for your desired visa type.

Available PR Visa Option for Bachelor of Nursing Graduates (Registered Nurses)

• Subclass 189: Skilled Independent Visa
• Subclass 190: Skilled Nomination Visa
• Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional
• Subclass 186, 482, 494: Employer Sponsored Visas
• Subclass 485: Temporary Graduate Visa

Application Process Demystified: How to Enrol in a Nursing Program

As an international student, the application process to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Australia will differ slightly from domestic students. To apply, you will first need to meet the minimum entrance requirements, which typically include:

• Completing Year 12 or equivalent with the required subjects
• Achieving a satisfactory English language test score (e.g. IELTS 7.0)
• Meeting additional selection criteria if applicable for your chosen university and program

Once you have confirmed you meet the requirements, you can start the application process. This involves:

1. Researching and selecting the universities and programs you wish to apply for. Consider things like cost of living, scholarships, specialisation, opportunities for work experience, etc.
2. Checking the application dates and deadlines, which are usually 6-8 months before the intake semester. Late applications may still be accepted but at a higher application fee.
3. Gathering the necessary documents like academic transcripts, English test results, passport, proof of financial stability, health insurance etc. These will need to be officially translated into English.
4. Completing the university application forms – typically online. The application fee also needs to be paid, typically AUD $50-100. Most of the universities in Australia require you to apply through education agents. So get in touch with one so that they can complete the application process.
5. After the submission, you will either receive a conditional or unconditional offer. If it is an unconditional letter then read it carefully and accept the offer. Pay the tuition deposit to secure your place in the program. And if you receive a conditional offer letter, then it means that the university has decided to accept you under certain conditions and you must take further action to qualify for enrollment.  
6. Applying for your Australian student visa once you have received confirmation of enrolment from the university. The visa application process can take up to 1 month to complete so start early!

With advance preparation and by diligently following each step, you’ll maximise your chances of being accepted into your dream nursing program in Australia. 

Conclusion

So, there you have it, everything you need to know to pursue a Bachelor of Nursing in Australia. Now it’s up to you to take that first step. Don’t overthink it or make excuses – just dive in and start researching schools. Once you find something that sparks your interest, reach out and ask any questions you have. Edvise Hub is a dynamic educational consultancy that is always ready to help students turn their study abroad dreams into reality.