Studying Nursing in Australia

Introduction to nursing courses in Australia

A nursing degree in the 21st century represents a vital link in the healthcare chain, ensuring the well-being of individuals across their healthcare journey. Nurses play an irreplaceable role in safeguarding public health, from precise diagnoses to public health education.

Nursing responsibilities are diverse, encompassing acute decision-making, school vaccinations, and long-term patient monitoring. Key roles include conducting physical exams, providing health counselling, administering medications, and coordinating care with other healthcare professionals.

If you’re driven by helping others and seek a rewarding healthcare career, a nursing degree can open doors to a profession dedicated to the holistic well-being of individuals and communities.

Types of Nursing Courses in Australia

Bachelor of Nursing

The bachelor of nursing in Australia offers a dynamic educational journey that starts with hands-on clinical experience from day one. Under the guidance of registered nurses, students engage with multidisciplinary healthcare teams in diverse areas such as acute/sub-acute care, medical and surgical care, aged care, pediatrics, rehabilitation, community nursing, and mental health nursing.

This program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, incorporating modern technology and simulation learning to ensure a strong foundation. The course structure encompasses key subjects like anatomy, physiology, foundational nursing, Indigenous health, primary healthcare, and specialised nursing. With professional experience placements throughout, the bachelor of nursing prepares students for a rewarding career in healthcare.

• Course Duration: 3-4 years
• Course Fees: $25,000 – $55,000
• Entry Requirements: Entry to this degree requires various qualifications, including an ATAR of 78.7 or equivalent rankings such as OP, NCEA Level 3, A levels, or the IB Diploma. The lowest selection rank for admission is 91.

Master’s of Nursing

The master of nursing program in Australia is a graduate entry coursework degree designed to prepare students for professional practice as registered nurses, accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council. This comprehensive program emphasizes delivering high-quality person-centered care, equipping students for local, national, and international healthcare roles.

With a focus on healthcare systems, nursing practice, and care across the lifespan, students also gain expertise in specialised areas like mental health nursing, community health nursing, and acute care nursing. Throughout the program, students accumulate several hours of professional experience in various healthcare settings, including private and public hospitals, mental health services, community health centres, and schools.

• Course Duration: 1-2 years
• Course Fees: $35,000 – $80,000
• Entry Requirements: An undergraduate degree in a related discipline, or equivalent, completed not more than ten years before the application date.

PhD in Nursing

A PhD in nursing in Australia is a research-oriented program tailored to professionals aiming for academic excellence and advancing knowledge within their field. This program integrates professional experience with scholarly inquiry, emphasising research-based approaches to address industry-relevant questions.

The curriculum comprises coursework and substantial research components culminating in a thesis. It includes compulsory research training courses as prerequisites for individual research projects.

Students can opt for full-time or part-time enrollment, with a standard duration of three years for full-time and six years for part-time students (excluding approved leaves of absence). Coursework assessment involves written assignments, while three external reviewers evaluate the research component through thesis examination.

• Course Duration: 3-5 years
• Course Fees: $25,000 – $75,000
• Entry Requirements: A master’s degree in a related field, with a significant research component amounting to at least 25% of a full year of full-time study and a minimum weighted average score of 75%.

Scholarships

Australia offers several scholarships to support nursing students in their pursuit of higher education:

Resthaven Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship at the University of Adelaide

This scholarship financially supports undergraduate nursing students pursuing a bachelor of nursing degree at the University of Adelaide. Recipients receive $5,000 annually for two years, helping them focus on their nursing studies without financial stress.

Victorian Government Mental Health and Wellbeing Workforce Scholarship programme

The Victorian Government’s programme offers a range of scholarship opportunities for professionals in mental health and wellbeing fields, such as Mental Health Nurses, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, and Alcohol and Other Drug Practitioners. Scholarships include Victorian Psychiatric State Enrolled Nursing Grants and Victorian Postgraduate Mental Health Nurse Scholarships, providing financial aid to those dedicated to improving mental health services.

The Johnson Nursing Scholarship at the University of Sydney

This scholarship supports both undergraduate and postgraduate coursework nursing students at the University of Sydney’s Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery. Valued at $5,000, it assists students facing financial hardship. Eligibility criteria include full-time enrollment or an unconditional offer of admission, and recipients must have yet to receive this scholarship. This financial aid helps nursing students pursue their passion for healthcare without the burden of financial worries.

Jobs and Careers

Nursing offers a diverse range of career opportunities with different education requirements. For those aiming for high-paying roles, here are some top options:

• Registered Nurse (RN): RNs work in various healthcare settings, providing care to individuals of all ages. They record medical histories, conduct tests, administer medications, and offer emotional support. With a 6% job growth projection, RNs are in high demand.
• Nurse Practitioner (NP): NPs are advanced practice nurses qualified to treat many medical conditions without direct physician supervision. They diagnose, manage other nurses, conduct research, and prescribe medication. Job opportunities for NPs are expected to increase by 40%.
• Nursing Manager: Nursing managers hold leadership roles in healthcare facilities, overseeing staffing, budgets, and more. This occupation is projected to grow by 28%.
• Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (LPN/LVN): These nurses provide basic care and support to patients in various healthcare settings. They typically work under RN supervision.
• Medical Assistant (MA): In healthcare facilities, MAs handle scheduling, patient prep, and administrative tasks. They are crucial in making patients feel comfortable and collecting medical information for physicians.
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): CNAs offer basic care under nurse supervision, assisting with activities like bathing, feeding, and dressing.
• Home Health and Personal Care Aide: These aides assist clients with chronic illnesses or disabilities in their daily activities, providing crucial care and support.
• Health Technologist and Technician: These professionals work in clinical labs, collecting and analysing patient samples for diagnostic testing.

Each role offers valuable experience and income potential, helping you prepare for a nursing career in Australia.

Salary

The average graduate nurse salary in Australia is about $80,000 annually, equivalent to $41.00 per hour. Entry-level positions typically cost around $69,600 annually, while highly experienced nurses earn up to $101,490 annually. Nursing offers a competitive income trajectory, rewarding both newcomers and seasoned professionals in the field.

Top Universities for Nursing in Australia

To learn more about the nursing universities in Australia, find details on the top ranking Nursing programs in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 below:

Nursing Degrees in Australia FAQ

What is the eligibility to study for a Bachelor of Nursing in Australia?

To study a bachelor of nursing in Australia, you typically need a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification with certain prerequisites, such as subjects like biology and chemistry. Additionally, international students must demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.

What are the high-paying jobs after completing nursing in Australia?

After completing nursing in Australia, some high-paying jobs to consider include nurse practitioner, nurse manager, and clinical nurse specialist. These roles often require additional education and experience but offer competitive salaries due to their advanced responsibilities and expertise.

Which nursing course is the best in Australia?

The Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies) at the University of Sydney Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery is ranked the best in Australia, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.