Nursing is a highly promising subject for international students. In addition to lucrative pay and benefits, nurses can pursue careers in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, clinics, teaching, home care for the elderly, and neonatal intensive care units. Nursing is also considered a very noble profession where people get the chance to help others. Nurses can directly impact the lives of other persons and improve their well beings. Hence, many international students seek to pursue nursing as a career choice to help others through their profession.
Australian universities are excellent choices for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the nursing field. High standards in nursing education have earned the country a global reputation as a leader in the field. All levels of study, from undergraduate to doctoral, are conducted in English. Employment opportunities in Australia are at an all-time high due to a severe shortage of qualified medical professionals. Nearly all people who are qualified to apply for permanent status in Australia actually do so. Employment in the area requires a bachelor's degree in nursing and registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
What Are The Requirements to Study Nursing in Australia?
International students must fulfill certain requirements before they can start studying nursing in Australia. You can note down the following requirements for nursing courses in Australia:
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First of all, you need a valid passport for the duration of your nursing course in Australia
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Minimum IELTS score of 7 bands with no subscore below 7 bands in each section; equivalent PTE or OET score of 65 or B.
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To qualify, you need to have worked or volunteered for at least one year during the last five years (depending on the university requirement)
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You need to show a bank statement that shows you have enough funds to study
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You need to
purchase overseas student health insurance
after confirmation of admission
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You need to have completed an education system at least equivalent to the Australian Qualifications Framework (Year 12). (AQF)
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Other required documentation under the Department of Home Affairs visa requirements.
Pursuing higher education gets easier when you know what’s required or seek assistance from a consultancy firm that provides top-class visa services. All we need is a bit of a helping hand in every step of our life, choosing the best migration agents can get you to achieve that dream of yours.
The Cost of Studying Nursing in Australia
Undergraduate nursing degrees in Australia cost international students an average of AU$30,000 to AU$40,000 per year. Nursing graduate school, on the other hand, is more affordable, costing between $10,000 and $20,000. Tuition for undergraduate programs will be higher because this is the most challenging level of study and most graduates find employment.
How Can I Start Studying Nursing in Australia?
Now that you know the basics about nursing courses in Australia, it’s time to figure out how you can start your studies. Even though it is not a highly complicated process, it requires a lot of sequential steps. Let’s try to find what you need as an international student step by step for studying nursing in Australia:
1. Gather Knowledge About Nursing Degrees in Australia
An understanding of the minimum requirements for entering the field is essential if you're thinking of becoming a nurse in Australia. Australia's nursing education system is well-equipped to meet the growing need for qualified professionals.
A bachelor's degree in nursing is an entry-level requirement, and it can be earned in as few as three years (full-time) or as many as four (part-time) years. This program is accessible at a wide variety of educational institutions, and students can choose from a variety of concentrations. A Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Technology Sydney, for instance, can be earned in three years full-time or six years part-time by completing 144 credit points.
A master's degree in nursing is an option for international students in Australia after they have completed a bachelor's degree in the field. Critical and emergency care, mental health, palliative care, community health nursing, psychiatric nursing, and many other subspecialties are all taught at universities and colleges. The University of Sydney is a good example of a school that grants master's degrees.
A Master of Nursing from an international institution takes two years and 96 credits to complete. Students can extend their education and advance their careers by pursuing graduate-level nursing programs. There are some universities in Australia where a doctorate can be earned in as little as three to four years of full-time study. Obtaining a doctorate degree typically necessitates prior research experience, a master's degree, and a high score on an English language test. A doctorate degree helps an international student to gather more professional skills in the sector and utilize knowledge to apply in the field.
You can begin the registration process to become a registered nurse in Australia after finishing any of the aforementioned degrees. Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) certification standards must be met in order to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
2. Figure Out The Best Nursing Courses Offered in Australia
It's crucial that you learn as much as possible about your prospective university before committing to it. As there are a number of Australian universities and colleges that provide nursing education, finding a nursing program should be easy. The university websites are straightforward and provide all the information you need because they are written in English. It’s easy to find the required information by browsing through different options. In order to enroll in a given nursing program, you must first meet the requirements set forth by that university. You can research the website and specific program to find out if you qualify to apply for that specific program or not.
Studying nursing in Australia requires careful consideration of the university’s location. It is possible to focus on other aspects of the school, such as its curriculum and reputation if its location is not crucial. However, you should also pay much attention to the location of your desired university as Australia is a huge place and there are some remote areas where human interactions are limited. If you are an outgoing person then you might feel out of your place. On the other hand, if you choose a city like Sydney, it can get quite expensive to find places for accommodation in Australia. Nevertheless, If you feel the institution is a good fit for you, you can begin gathering the necessary application materials.
3. Make Sure Eligibility for English Proficiency
The official language of Australia is English. That's why if you want to study nursing you need to be able to communicate effectively in English. In addition, English proficiency is typically required as a prerequisite or course requirement in all nursing programs. Proof of English competence is required if you are not a natural English speaker and your former school's curriculum was not taught in English.
The University of Sydney, for instance, calls for a statement of English competency and a passing score on an English language test. Any of the following are possible indicators: Scores of 7 on the IELTS and also 7 in each band, 68 on the Pearson Test of English Academic, and 96 on the TOEFL iBT. You can sit for both IELTS or PTE for studying in Australia.
4. Prepare Funds To Finance Your Studies
Creating the prerequisites for a course is the simple part. You can easily see the requirements on the university website and prepare the necessary documents accordingly. However, it is crucial that you have enough funds to finance your studies in Australia. Not all nursing schools have acceptance letters as a result of this. If you want to study nursing, you'll need to show proof of financial support in order to enroll in a university or college there and to qualify for a student visa. These institutions have a responsibility to guarantee your financial security throughout your time in the country. Whether the tuition at a certain university fits within your budget is a crucial consideration when selecting a school to apply to.
International students typically pay a greater per-semester average than Australian citizens or permanent residents for their education in Australia. It can be anywhere from $20,000 to $35,000 per year, with specifics like school kind and location making a big difference. For example, an international student has to pay around $42,000 per year for undergraduate, $43,500 for master's, and $50,000 for postgraduate research at The University of Sydney for nursing courses.
5. Start to Prepare for The Application
If you are unsure whether or not you meet the program's eligibility requirements, you should wait to begin your application. The curriculum of nursing schools tends to be consistent. However, their website is still the finest resource for up-to-date info. To study abroad, students often need a certificate in English language proficiency, a high school diploma with completion of the 12th year of schooling, proof of financial resources, a passport, and a personal statement of purpose. Also, make sure you are adhering to the deadline for applications. Many international students miss the deadline and cannot get enrolled at their desired intake as different university deadlines might differ in certain cases. Hence, don’t forget to check the websites and remain notified about the deadlines for applications for your desired courses.
Students from outside of Australia who wish to study nursing at the University of Sydney must provide proof of English language proficiency, as well as other Inherent Requirements. All the things a successful nurse does—talking to patients, observing them, moving around, using their quick decision-making abilities, and interacting with others—have these inherent requirements.
6. Start Applying to Nursing Courses in Australia
Submit your completed application to a nursing program in Australia once you have gathered all of the required documents. If you are accepted into the program, the school will send you an acceptance letter and an electronic Confirmation of Enrollment, both of which are required when applying for a student visa.
Here is an illustration of a University's application procedure to provide some context. A University will determine if your application is competitive after you have submitted it. They will also verify that your study in Australia is the primary reason for your entry (GTE) or genuine temporary entrant. Your university might ask for additional documents such as your personal identity or other documents. You can receive a full or conditional offer letter from the university. Then you can start processing your visa with the documents sent by your university and take the necessary steps to start studying your dream subject in Australia.
7. Get the Visa
You're almost there, and this is the final crucial step before you may enroll in a nursing program in Australia. You must be ready to successfully complete the student visa interview process. Visit the website of the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs for details on which visa and documents are required. But before you submit your application, you must first obtain an eCoE (electronic confirmation of enrollment) from the school. Upon submitting the required enrollment deposit, you will be issued the eCoE.
A valid passport, electronic confirmation of enrolment (eCoE), English language proficiency certificate, proof of financial documents, Overseas Student Health Cover, and a high school diploma or its equivalent are the minimum requirements for international students to enroll at an Australian university. Finally, you should be informed of the conditions needed to keep the student visa while studying in Australia, including studying full-time and not part-time, keeping a decent grade, working only part-time (maximum of 40 hours per week), and more. Your student visa could be revoked if you fail to comply with these terms. For ease of understanding a checklist for getting a study visa in Australia is presented:
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Applicants must successfully pass senior school qualifications that are equivalent to 12 Australian Study years
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A valid passport
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Offer letter from your desired institution
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Bank statement proving you have the necessary funds to pay for your tuition and living costs in Australia
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Registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) requires applicants to show proof of English language proficiency through standardized testing. Applications must demonstrate an IELTS score of overall 7 with 7 in each band or equivalent TOEFL iBT and PTE scores
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At the time of application and annually thereafter, prospective students are required to submit to a Fit-2-Work or Australian National Police Records check
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A Working with Children Check and Fitness for Practice Statement Form must also be completed by all applicants for getting a visa
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The applicant must be ready to submit all documents required by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection Australia.
What Are Some of The Benefits of Studying Nursing in Australia?
Among several benefits, you will enjoy the following as an international student if you decide to pursue Nursing in Australia:
Summary
Nursing is a rewarding and demanding profession because it allows one to improve people's health and quality of life. The field also provides several job prospects and room for professional growth. Along with a high wage and stable employment prospects, nursing is an attractive career choice. With proper education counseling, you could enroll in a nursing program, you can gain the knowledge and skills required to become a registered nurse, and begin working in this rewarding field. Furthermore, universities in Australia are providing excellent training and study opportunities for international students who seek to pursue careers in nursing. The nursing industry in Australia is gradually growing and the work opportunities are expanding, so international students can grasp this opportunity to move forward with their career objectives.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the top universities offering Bachelor of Nursing in Australia?
Answer: Swinburne University of Technology, La Trobe University, Australian Catholic University, Griffith University, RMIT University, University of Tasmania, University of Technology Sydney are some of the top universities in Australia offering a bachelor's in nursing.
What is the cheapest nursing school in Australia for international students?
Answer: Murdoch University – Bachelor of Nursing offers one of the cheapest courses in Australia for nursing.
Do I need IELTS for nursing courses in Australia?
Answer: Yes, you need an IELTS score of 7 with no bands less than 6.5 for getting enrolled in nursing courses in Australia.
Can I do part-time work while studying nursing in Australia?
Answer: Yes, you can do a part-time job while studying in Australia.
How much are Australian nurses paid?
Answer: The average registered nurse salary in Australia is $80,388 per year.
