student visa in australia for nurses
Finding for a travel visa to australia for a nursing job? Here are some tips for you guys. It is not like that the requirements of each state are the same , especially if you are from USA (travel visa from USA to Australia) .As you know, it is different requirements between states. If you get your visa by working in US then it is easier for you to work in anywhere in Australia. But if your visa is from UK or Ireland or European then it can be more difficult to get permit from other state.
Not all countries are welcoming to foreign nurses, mostly due to the onslaught of immigrants looking for a permanent residence in their country. This has made it difficult for nurses to travel to other countries. Still, there are some countries that do allow nurses to settle when they complete the course. One of these is Australia.
If you’re looking for a student visa in Australia, but don’t like the idea of working in Australia straight from your home country. Then there is always the option to work first and study later. If this sounds ideal for you, then here’s how you can get to study in Australia as part of a student exchange program.
If you’re a nurse and you’re looking for a nursing job in Australia, we’ve got some good news for you.
The Australian government has made it easier than ever to get a student visa in Australia for nurses. With the new streamlined process, it’s never been easier for nurses to immigrate to Australia and fill the country’s growing demand for health care professionals.
If you’ve been considering a move Down Under, now is the perfect time to make your move!
The Australian student visa is a temporary residence permit that allows students to study in Australia for up to five years. The Australian government has made it easier for international students to apply for this visa, which is why many people choose to study in Australia.
The student visa opens the door to an exciting and competitive career in Australia. It provides you with an opportunity to work and live in Australia while studying at your preferred institution. You can learn more about the requirements of this visa by reading our guide on how to get a student visa in Australia as a nurse.
You’ll be happy to know that the following occupations are in Australia’s skilled occupation list, and thus provides an avenue you could explore to gain permanent residency in Australia.
| Enrolled Nurse | Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) |
| Mothercraft Nurse | Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) ROL |
| Nurse Educator | Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) |
| Nurse Manager | Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) |
| Nurse Practitioner | Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) |
| Nurse Researcher | Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) |
| Registered Nurse (Aged Care) | Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) |
| Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health) | Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) |
| Registered Nurse (Community Health) | Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) |
| Registered Nurse (Critical care and Emergency) | Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) |
| Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability) | Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) |
| Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation) | Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) |
| Registered Nurse (Medical Practice) | Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) |
| Registered Nurse (Medical) | Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) |
| Registered Nurse (Mental Health) | Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) |
| Registered Nurse (Paediatrics) | Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) |
| Registered Nurse (Perioperative) | Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) |
| Registered Nurse (Surgical) | Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) |
| Veterinary Nurse | Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) |
The Government is encouraging skilled workers to move to regional areas to fill the skill shortage gap. It’s advantageous to study in a regional area, for a couple of reasons
- On the points-based system, you would benefit from an additional 5 points by studying in a regional area
- Regional visas have priority processing
- If you gain work in a specified DAMA regional area, you would be exempt from the minimum salary required ($53,900) on the new 494 and 491 visas
What is DAMA? It’s a formal agreement between the government and the regional authority to boost skilled workers in specified regional areas. The benefit of working in a DAMA region is that you don’t need to comply with the minimum annual salary of $53,900 (known as the TSMIT – Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold), which makes it slightly easier to apply for the pathway to permanent residency. Under DAMA, you need to be sponsored by the regional area.
If you have questions on studying nursing in Australia or in a regional area, contact your local IDP office to arrange a free appointment.
Why study nursing?
Contribute and make a difference
It’s a great feeling to make a difference to someone’s life. Nurses help people improve lives, give comfort and provide better disease outcomes.
Flexible
Nursing skills are transferable. You can move anywhere in the world and work in a variety of sectors. From the front lines in trauma care to working in public health or in a community health setting, you can choose from many specialty areas.
Nursing Job Working Hours
Nursing offers you flexible working arrangements. Days, evenings, nights, weekends, full-time or part-time, your hours are adaptable and can vary from 4 – 12 hours.
Stimulating work
There’s really no such thing as a typical day in the eventful life of a nurse. You’ll have numerous opportunities to learn something new every day, keeping you on your toes and motivated. Good news is you’ll not be sitting down all day, staring at a computer.
Nursing demand In Australia
Nurses will always be in demand. As the world’s population continues to grow, the shortage of skills in nursing are likely to increase even further over the next 10-15 years. The elderly population is also living longer than ever before which in turn increases the need for skilled nurses to improve patient satisfaction, enhance the quality of life and provide higher standards of care, especially in rural and remote areas.
Age is nothing but a number
It’s never too late to become a nurse. It can be a second career and many employers appreciate previous work experience in nurses who are new to the job. There are many fast track courses that allow you to accelerate your way into the workforce as an Enrolled Nurse.
Leadership and collaborative partnership opportunities in nursing
Nurses are offered many chances to team up and work with other healthcare professionals. They also get the opportunity to lead teams and organise patient’s care – planning, evaluating and implementing programs. It’s an ideal career option for those who prefer a job that provides a lot of independence, collaborative and leadership opportunities.
Countless specialties in nursing
Nurses can rotate through fields that interest them or specialise in one area. From paediatric to maternity, you’ll have a variety of specialties to choose from. If you’re seeking new experiences, you can also consider becoming a travel nurse, school nurse, camp nurse, military nurse, public health nurse and pursue unique job opportunities. If you’re not sure what area is a right fit for you, making a switch is simple once you get your nursing degree.
Why study nursing in Australia?
Australian universities are globally recognised for their courses in teaching nursing. Did you know that Australia has been identified as having 11 of the world’s top 50 institutions that teach nursing for 2019 by the QS World University Rankings.
Healthcare is one of Australia’s fastest growing employment sectors and the demand for healthcare services will continue to increase, given Australia’s aging population. It’s no surprise that nursing is highly sought after because it offers a stable and rewarding profession. Nurses experience a strong job satisfaction from the help they provide patients.
The fields of study in nursing are diverse with nurses helping patients through the more difficult times of their lives. Skills needed are compassion, good communication, as well as the theoretical and medical practical knowledge. The benefit of studying nursing is that you can work in Australia and other parts of the world easily.
Upon completing your degree in nursing, you can join the AHPRA, the professional body for nursing in Australia. The benefits of joining such an organisation are the opportunity to network with other professionals and job opportunities. Furthermore, you receive the recognition of the qualification in your field and can continuously develop your skills and knowledge.
Bachelors in Nursing in Australia provides diverse career opportunities to students interested in a healthcare profession. It is usually offered as a three-year degree full-time and six-year part-time degree. Pursuing nursing from top universities in Australia can cost you from 20,000 USD to 30,000 USD. For Indian students, it is equivalent to 14-22 lakhs INR.
Bachelor of nursing applicants are required to have a minimum score of 75% in senior secondary (Grade 12) or equivalent for studying in Australia. In Australia. Graduates are able to earn an average annual salary of about 35,000 USD (~25 lakhs INR). With over 30 colleges offering Bachelor of Nursing in Australia, you get to choose from some of the top-ranking institutions offer world-class education.
Top Universities for Bachelors in Nursing in Australia
According to QS Nursing Rankings 2022, nine nursing universities in Australia are among the top 50 in the world. The table below shows the top universities offering bachelors in nursing in this country:
| QS Rankings 2022 | University | Tuition Fees (USD per year) |
|---|---|---|
| #133 | University of Technology Sydney | 25,567 |
| #38 | University of Sydney | 28,860 |
| #58 | Monash University | 25,900 |
| #283 | Deakin University | 22,705 |
| #290 | Griffith University | 23,310 |
| #213 | Queensland University of Technology | 26,862 |
| #47 | University of Queensland | 25,705 |
| #134 | University of Newcastle | 22,302 |
| #108 | University of Adelaide | 26,270 |
| #801-1000 | Australian Catholic University | 21,520 |
Why Study Bachelors in Nursing in Australia?
On an average, a nurse works for 38 hours in Australia while a midwife spends 33 hours offering service to the healthcare sector. A Bachelors in Nursing (BSN) degree equips you with a broad skillset, scientific knowledge of bodily functions, and hands-on experience to open doors to a wide range of career opportunities in the healthcare sector. Following are some of the reasons for pursuing this degree from Australia:
- Australia is the 3rd most sought after study abroad destination after USA and Canada. Australia attracts almost 500,000 students from 160 countries around the globe.
- 12% of international students in Australia work in the healthcare industry.
- People in the nursing industry are subjected to a 9% increment in 19 months.
- Registered Nurses are the highest employed professionals in Australia with about 278,900 jobs available.
- Australia is the third-best country for nurses when it comes to the salary package.
Admissions in Bachelors in Nursing in Australia
To apply to universities in Australia, international students are required to fulfill certain specific requirements and eligibility criteria. Admission application to the universities can be made either online or through an authorized university agent in respective home countries.
Application Deadlines for Bachelors in Nursing in Australia
The application deadlines for Australian universities run on a trimester system. Deadlines are usually held in October, May, and September. The intake month for top universities offering Bachelors in Nursing in Australia are tabulated as follows:
| University | Intake Month |
|---|---|
| University of Technology Sydney | May and December |
| University of Sydney | January |
| Monash University | December |
| Deakin University | March and July |
| Griffith University | February and July |
| Queensland University of Technology | February and July |
| University of Queensland | April and November |
| University of Newcastle | February |
| University of Adelaide | December |
| Australian Catholic University | February |
International applicants must note that making early applications is always advisable as this will allow them to have the time required to obtain a student visa.
Eligibility for Bachelors in Nursing in Australia Admission
The eligibility criteria of the universities may vary from university to university, but the general requirement is having a internationally recognized certificate of class 12. Following table provides specific requirements for top 10 universities offering admission to Bachelor of Nursing in Australia:
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| University | Minimum Eligibility | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| University of Technology Sydney | Passing score in class 12 | No criminal record |
| University of Sydney | Passing score in class 12 | Complete inherent tasks such as communication, oberservation/sensory, physical, intellectual, etc. |
| Monash University | English and maths as compulsory subjects | Police check; Undergo immunization and vaccination check; Complete inherent tasks |
| Deakin University | English as compulsory subject | Complete inherent tasks; Valid Working with Children (WWC) check; Police record and immunization check |
| Grifith University | 65% in four subjects; English as compulsory subject | Complete inherent tasks; |
| Queensland University of Technology | State Board: 75%, CBSE and ISC: 60% (in 2 language and 3 academic subjects) | Complete inherent tasks |
| University of Queensland | English and Biology/Chemistry/Physics as compulsory subject | Complete inherent tasks |
| University of Newcastle | Passing score in class 12 | Understanding of English, maths, biology and/or chemistry; Computer skills like word processing, web searching, etc |
| University of Adelaide | ISC & CBSE: 65%; State Board: 75% | Criminal history clearance; Immunisation and infection screening |
| Australian Catholic University | English as pre-requisite subject | Complete inherent tasks |
English Proficiency Requirement for International Students
Given below are the minimum exam score requirements at top universities of Australia for English language proficiency tests:
| University Name | TOEFL-iBT Scores Required | IELTS Scores Required |
|---|---|---|
| University of Technology Sydney | 79 | 6.5 |
| University of Sydney | 73 | 6.5 |
| Monash University | 79 | 6.5 |
| Deakin University | 65 | 7.0 |
| Griffith university | 79 | 6.5 |
| Queensland University of Technology | 79 | 6.5 |
| University of Queensland | 87 | 6.5 |
| University of Newcastle | 78 | 6.5 |
| University of Adelaide | 79 | 6.5 |
| Australian Catholic University | 100 | 7.0 |
Documents Required for Bachelor of Nursing in Australia
- Academic transcripts from all educational institutions attended.
- Proof of English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE.
- Letter of recommendation.
- Statement of purpose.
- Certification of award or scholarship awarded by the home country.
- Financial stability evidence.
Student Visa to Australia
An important part of your applications and admissions process will include obtaining the Australian student visa. Mentioned below are certain factors you should be familiar with when applying for an Australian visa. The visa application fee is 345.97 USD.
Students are advised to start applying six months before the course starts in order to ensure acceptance. The following things should be kept in mind in order to obtain a visa.
- For some countries, students are required to present reports of financial stability.
- For example, students from India are obligated to show 36,143.70-42,167.65 USD in their bank account or he should have enough funds in his account to fund his travel cost and other living costs for 12 months.
- International students must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from an approved Australian health insurance provider.
- The Health cover starts from the date of arrival and not the date of the beginning of the course.
Cost of Studying Bachelors in Nursing in Australia
The costs of pursuing higher education in Australia can be broadly categorized as pre-arrival expenses, tuition fees, and the cost of living in the country. Details for the same have been provided in the sections below:
Pre-arrival Expenses
There are some one-time pre-arrival expenses incurred before starting your Bachelor’s in Nursing in Australia.
| Expenses | Fee (in USD) |
|---|---|
| Visa application | 345.97 |
| IELTS | 205 |
| TOEFL | 164 |
| PTE | 330 |
Tuition Fees for Bachelors in Nursing in Australia
The annual tuition fees have been discussed above. However, the total fees of the program for an international student are compared in the graph that has been given below:
The overall fees of pursuing bachelors in nursing in Australia is maximum at University of Sydney and lowest at University of Newcastle among the top universities offering the program. Applicants must note that planning ahead of your expenses will allow you to apply for general scholarships available for international students in Australia.
Cost of Living in Australia
The average 12-months cost incurred by a student living in Australia is 12,643 USD. It obviously depends on the city you’re living in and the standard of living. Following shows an average cost of accommodation in the country:
| Accommodation | Cost (in USD)/Week |
|---|---|
| Hostels and guesthouses | 54.18-90.30 |
| Shared rentals | 57.19-129.42 |
| On-campus | 66.22-168.55 |
| Homestay | 141.46-195.64 |
| Rental | 111.36-264.87 |
Apart from living in Australia, there are certain additional expenses that an international student has to bear. Some of these have been discussed below:
| Expenses | Cost/Week (USD) |
|---|---|
| Groceries and eating out | 90.23-168.43 USD |
| Gas and electricity | 6.02-12.03 USD |
| Phone and internet | 9.02-18.05 USD |
| Public transport | 18.05-36.09 USD |
| Car | 90.23-156.40 USD |
| Entertainment | 48.12-90.23 USD |
Overall students are expected to bring an additional 21,000 AUD as a yearly expense which can be used to live in Australia.
Bachelors in Nursing in Australia with Scholarships
Studying in Australia can make a big hole in the pocket. However, financial aids in the form of scholarships, grants and work-study options are available to the students. Scholarships for studying in Australia always provide international students with leverage to saving some cost. The scholarships mentioned below can be availed by all the students pursuing Bachelor’s in Nursing in Australia.
| Scholarships | Amount Details | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerFish International Student Scholarship | 1000 USD | 21st December 2020 |
| University of Adelaide Global Citizens Scholarship* | 15-30% of the tuition fee | 15th April 2020 |
| Go Clean Scholarship | 3500 USD | 31st December 2020 |
*This scholarship is available to the students of the University of Adelaide.
Students can also fund their living by working part-time. International students are eligible to work for 20 hours/week. They can earn 183.4 USD per week.
Bachelors in Nursing in Australia: Jobs & Future Scope
The nursing industry has also seen a gradual rise in the salary over the years. The salary trends also vary from city to city in Australia. The following table will give you an idea of how the salary in the field of nursing differs:
Students also consider going for a master’s degree in nursing as it helps them earn 77% more than a bachelor’s degree. It is difficult to get handsome salaries post a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Students are suggested to look for further study options in Australia or other countries.
Pursuing bachelors in nursing from Australia will open your doors to masters in nursing in USA, Canada, or other countries as well. However, if you still wish to pursue jobs some of the salaries offered at designations available to graduates are as follows:
The following table shows various job opportunities in Australia that can be taken up after completing a Bachelors in Nursing in Australia.
| Job Roles | Average Salary/week (USD) |
|---|---|
| Registered nurse (Critical care and emergency) | 60,372 |
| Nurse coordinator | 50,700 |
| Nurse midwife | 40,144 |
| Nurse practitioner | 38,792 |
Australian universities offering Bachelors in Nursing are among the top 50 universities according to the world global rankings. As per the annual statistical report, the country has 450,000 nurses. With the gradually growing nursing industry, it is undoubtedly a suitable choice to study Bachelors in Nursing in Australia.
Conclusion
Generally, international students must submit a valid passport, electronic confirmation of enrolment (eCoE), an English proficiency certificate, financial proof of documents, Overseas Student Health Cover, certificate of completion of year 12 or equivalent. Lastly, to maintain the student visa while studying in Australia, you should be fully aware of the conditions expected from you such as studying full-time and not part-time, maintaining a satisfactory grade, working only part-time (maximum of 40 hours), and more. Not adhering to these conditions may result in a cancellation of your student visa.