Nursing has always been a highly respected career, but appreciation for the field has been growing steadily since the pandemic.
Nursing will always be in high demand, and studying nursing in Australia will give you a strong foundation for a long career in the field. While studying nursing is a big commitment, the reward that comes from improving the lives of others is well worth it.
Thinking of studying nursing in Australia? We spoke to Aakriti Poudel, an international student currently studying a Bachelor of Nursing at Charles Sturt University, to find out more. Read on to learn how to become a nurse in Australia, course options, costs and career potential.
Aakriti Poudel
What are the different types of nurses?
It might surprise you to learn just how broad the nursing industry is. The three main types of nurses in Australia are enrolled nurses (ENs), registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs).
But the possibilities don’t end there.
“Nursing has a vast range of specialties,” explains Aakriti. She says these include aged care, mental health, palliative care, telehealth, forensic, community and school nursing. Even within hospitals, nurses can specialise in areas like intensive care, emergency, cardiac care and occupational therapy.
Graduates can even go on to become midwives, paramedics, healthcare centre managers, nursing administrators, or other healthcare professionals.
“With further studies, they can become nurse practitioners or clinical specialists,” Aakriti adds.
It’s also possible to specialise in care for particular groups such as Indigenous communities, young people or the elderly. Of course, the skills you gain from a nursing qualification are easily transferable if you decide to change specialisations.
Aakriti says she plans to work in mental or psychiatric health and also wants to do some critical care nursing in ICU or emergency.
How long does it take to become a nurse in Australia?
Before starting your studies, it’s very common to wonder, “How long is a nursing degree?” The answer to this question depends largely on the type of nurse you’d like to become and the type of degree you need to achieve that goal.
If you’re hoping to become an EN, you’ll need a Diploma of Nursing from a TAFE or VET provider. This type of degree typically takes between 18 months and two years of full-time study.
“In Australia, to become an RN, it’s three years,” says Aakriti. You will need to complete a Bachelor of Nursing. A bachelor’s degree usually takes three to four years of full-time study to complete.
If you’d like to become an NP, you must get a Master of Nursing or a master’s degree in another relevant field. These courses are usually one to two years of full-time study.
Other nursing specialisations may require additional training, which could prolong your journey even more. Be sure to check out the requirements for your desired career path to see how long it may take.
Is Australia a good place to study nursing?
With 10 universities ranked in the top 50 nursing schools in the world, Australia is one of the best places to study nursing. Wherever you are in the country, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to nursing courses.
In addition to theoretical instruction, nursing programs in Australia incorporate practical work placements. By gaining hands-on experience, you’ll feel more comfortable applying your knowledge in real-world scenarios. You’ll be supervised by top medical professionals and gain valuable insight into the industry. The skills you learn from studying in Australia can also be applied worldwide, should you decide to take your career global after graduation.
Aakriti says there were many reasons she chose to study in Australia, including its many scholarship options, great education system and inclusive, multicultural society.
“We have a large Nepalese community who are doing nursing and are well settled,” she says.
“It’s always been amazing studying with Charles Sturt. Charles Sturt has been very supportive towards the international students, and you feel included.”
For international students, the main prerequisite for studying nursing in Australia is the completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification or equivalent. If you’re not a native English speaker, you’ll also need to complete a test to ensure you meet the requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s (NMBA) English language registration standard. Depending on the university you choose, other prerequisites may also include certain vaccinations or the completion of subjects such as maths and science.
How much does it cost to study nursing in Australia?
Just as course duration and structure vary across institutions, so do course fees. Generally speaking, international students can expect to pay between AU$27,000 and $38,000 in tuition fees per year for undergraduate courses. At the postgraduate level, international students will pay between AU$35,000 and $45,000 in tuition fees each year.
If you plan to move to Australia to study on campus, you may also need to factor in costs such as accommodation and the general cost of living. There are some financial aid services available to help fund your studies, including general scholarship programs and scholarships offered through your education provider. You may also be eligible for education loans in Australia or your home country.
When it comes to managing the cost of studying abroad, Aakriti definitely recommends applying for scholarships through your university. She also says it’s a good idea to look for a part-time job, especially in areas like hospitality and aged care, where student workers are in demand. Finally, she says learning to cook for yourself can be a great way to save during your time in Australia.
What will you learn as a student nurse in Australia?
While every nursing degree will be structured differently, for the most part, you’ll usually find they cover much of the same content.
You’ll complete a variety of subjects to learn critical areas of nursing, such as pathology, patient care and treatments.
Aakriti says her favourite parts of her degree are the lab sessions, where they practice new skills on a human-like mannequin.
“The lab sessions are interactive. You learn a new thing, and you get to practice those skills,” she explains. “The practical component is always fun.
You’ll also likely get the chance to build hands-on experience through work-integrated learning (WIL) placements. This is when you complete a set number of hours in a real medical setting, where you can put your skills to the test under the guidance of professionals. You’ll usually complete a few different placements in different areas of health, which can be a great way to explore settings and find what’s right for you.
“I got to work in different areas such as a medical ward, rehabilitation ward, urgent care and respiratory ward,” says Aakriti. “All those areas are unique, and I learned new things that are important for my future career as an RN.
How much do nurses earn in Australia?
Aakriti says another benefit to studying in Australia is the high demand for nursing professionals, which could make it easier to land a job after graduation.
Your annual salary will depend on your level of experience, nursing qualifications, specialisation and the setting of your work. For example, a nurse with five years of experience will likely earn more than a nurse with two years of experience. Similarly, a nurse working in a private hospital setting will typically earn more than those working in public hospitals.
In general, graduate nurses earn between AU$60,000 and $65,000 per year. Where you fall in that range is sometimes even influenced by where you studied. For example, Charles Sturt nursing graduates fall on the higher side, with a median salary of $64,700. Whatever specialisation you choose, wages typically increase annually in line with your career advancement.
Is nursing hard?
Nursing can be physically and mentally challenging. Nurses must be caring, analytical, highly organised and adaptable to unpredictable scenarios. Nurses also often work long hours and sometimes care for patients suffering from severe or terminal illnesses. These scenarios require extreme resilience and emotional strength.
While it may present its challenges, there are many rewards that come with a career in nursing.
“In nursing, I love that I can make a difference in people’s lives, caring for vulnerable and sick people, helping them navigate their health journey and seeing them get better,” explains Aakriti.
Becoming a nurse is an opportunity to make tangible, positive impacts on your local community wherever you are in the world.
Advice for other students
Aakriti says studying nursing in Australia is a great adventure, but you should be prepared for some new challenges too.
“Coming abroad to study is fun and exciting, but at the same time, it can be difficult navigating work, placements and study,” she explains.
“Having a positive mentality, good friends and family support is very important.”
Finally, she says, international students should remember there’s lots of support on hand should they need it, whether they’re struggling with financial management, mental health, their studies or anything else.
“Never be scared to ask for help when you need,” she says.
Start your nursing journey today
Charles Sturt University’s School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences specialises in preparing students for a career in nursing, including completion of workplace learning as an essential and exciting part of all their courses. With 97% of nursing graduates gaining full-time employment within four months of completing their studies*, Charles Sturt University is the perfect place to set yourself up for success.
Ready to take the first step in your nursing career? Learn more about Charles Sturt University’s nursing courses to get started.
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Charles Sturt University is an Australian University, TEQSA Provider Identification: PRV12018. Charles Sturt University CRICOS Provider Number: 00005F. Bachelor of Nursing CRICOS: 010599C.
