Requirements to Study Nursing in Australia for International Students

Are you planning to study nursing in Australia as an international student? If so, you must have well-thought the entire plan. While there are several things you might already be aware of, we believe you should know everything about the requirements for studying nursing in Australia before you start applying to universities.

Australia is a popular study-abroad destination among students from across the globe, especially for nursing. The world-class universities here offer outstanding nursing programs that allow students to gain knowledge and valuable skills in a diverse and multicultural environment.

Study Nursing in Australia - Documents Required

In order to study in Australia as an international student, you will be required to submit the following documents. This will allow you to obtain a student visa.

• Proof of International Student Health Insurance
• Proof of access to sufficient money for sustaining
• IELTS score of a minimum of 7, with each component score of a minimum of 6.5
• Acceptance letter from the university or institution
• Passport with a validity of at least the duration of your course in Australia

Overview: Courses of Nursing in Australia

Given below is an overview of the different levels of courses in nursing offered by Australian universities and institutions.

Degree in Nursing   |  Course Duration   |  Academic Requirement   |    IELTS Score Requirement

Nursing in Australia: Various Courses and Requirements

You can study nursing in Australia at three levels, namely diploma, bachelor, and master. These courses are explained below with entry requirements for each.

Diploma of Nursing

Also known as Certificate IV of Nursing in Australia, the Diploma of Nursing allows qualified students to get into the workforce where they can work as enrolled nurses anywhere in the country. The duration of the diploma varies from 18 to 24 months (full-time).

Entry Requirement: The requirement for pursuing diploma of nursing in Australia varies from one institution to another. However, the applicants are typically required to demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s (NMBA) English language skills registration standards. Additionally, they should portray:

• Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 or a formal English language proficiency test and numeracy skills that are equivalent to Level 3 of the ACSF (Australian Core Skills Framework).
• OR
• Numeracy, literacy, and language skills are equivalent to Level 3 of the ACSF.

Bachelor of Nursing

If a Bachelor of Nursing is what you decide to study in Australia, you will come out as someone with the right understanding, skills, and knowledge required for being an effective and skilled nurse in the Australian healthcare system. The course trains individuals to offer high-end nursing care and become creative, critical, and ethical thinkers.

The full-time duration of the course is 3 years while the part-time duration is 6 years Entry Requirement: Usually, applicants must possess:

• That they meet the requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s (NMBA) English language skills registration standards.
• English language proficiency
• Successful completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent overseas senior secondary school qualification

Master of Nursing

In case you are prepared for pursuing a postgraduate program in Australia and wish to work in a clinical setting, the Master of Nursing is the right course for you. You can choose from a variety of specializations when you apply to study in Australia. In fact, you have a choice of a broad range of healthcare environments as well.

Entry Requirement: All universities require the applicants to have a bachelor of nursing from an accredited institution. However, some universities may also require the following:

• A minimum of a year’s experience as a registered nurse (eg - The University of Melbourne)
• A minimum of 2 year’s experience as a registered nurse (eg - The University of Adelaide)

Additionally, some universities accept a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. For instance, if you wish to study nursing in Australia at The University of Queensland, you must have a bachelor’s degree in physics, chemistry, or biological science.

Specializations/Subjects you can choose from you can study master of nursing in Australia with the following specializations or subjects.

• Contemporary Nursing
• Mental Health & Recovery
• Clinical Inquiry & Nursing Research
• Neonatal Care
• Cancer Nursing
• Critical Care
• Nursing Assessment & Care
• Nursing Science
• Indigenous Health & Nursing

What Level of Nursing Do You Want to Study in Australia?

In this blog, we shared everything about the various levels of courses available as well as the entry requirements for each. Additionally, we also shared the general requirements for studying nursing in Australia. So now that you know everything about these, what are your plans?

Remember to carefully look at the entry requirements of the universities or institutes you plan to apply since they tend to vary from one university to another.