Australia has become one of the leading destinations of international student enrollments in healthcare-related bachelor’s degrees and particularly in nursing and midwifery. Australia is one of the few countries with a well-developed healthcare system, a handful of globally ranked universities, and a high employment rate of nurses, making it an outstanding country to consider as a future healthcare provider.
Now, what you are reading is a complete guide to studying nursing or midwifery as an international student, where you will find all the information about the best universities and courses, admission requirements, fees, scholarships, and employment prospects.
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Why Study Nursing and Midwifery in Australia?
1. Globally Recognised Qualifications
Australian nursing and midwifery qualifications are recognised by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), and are accredited and recognised in every country in the world. Upon satisfactory local registration, graduates can work in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States.
2. High Demand for Nurses and Midwives
Australia has a growing demand for healthcare professionals, especially registered nurses and midwives. According to Job Outlook Australia, the employment growth rate for nurses is very strong, and international graduates are eligible to apply for work visas under skilled occupation categories.
3. Pathway to Permanent Residency
The nursing and midwifery profession is listed under the medium and long-term strategic skills list (MLTSSL), which provides eligible international nurses with a chance of getting a permanent residence in Australia.
4. Hands-On Training and Clinical Placements
Conducting nursing and midwifery studies in Australia entails a lot of clinical placements, mirrored in hospitals and community practices that offer clinical practice with supervision. The practical exposure plays an imperative role in equipping the skills necessary for professional practice
Top Nursing and Midwifery Courses in Australia
Australian universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in nursing and midwifery. Here are the most popular options:
Undergraduate Programs
- Bachelor of Nursing (BN)
- Bachelor of Midwifery (BM)
- Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies)
- Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Paramedicine (dual degree)
Postgraduate Programs
- Master of Nursing
- Master of Midwifery Practice
- Graduate Diploma in Nursing
- Master of Advanced Nursing Practice
- Master of Clinical Nursing
- Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)
Top Universities for Nursing and Midwifery in Australia
Here are some of the best universities offering nursing and midwifery programs to international students:
1. University of Sydney
- Ranked among the top 20 globally for nursing
- Offers Bachelor’s and Master’s of Nursing, as well as research programs
- Strong industry links and clinical placement partnerships
2. Monash University
- Offers cutting-edge simulation-based training
- Master of Advanced Nursing and Master of Nursing Practice are popular postgraduate programs
3. University of Melbourne
- Offers Master of Nursing Science and clinical placements at top Melbourne hospitals
- Highly competitive and research-intensive
4. Deakin University
- Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Clinical Nursing are well recognised
- Offers flexible study options and excellent employability rates
5. University of Queensland (UQ)
- Ranked among the top nursing schools globally
- Offers Bachelor of Nursing and dual degrees
6. Griffith University
- Known for its practical-oriented nursing curriculum
- Offers midwifery-specific programs with extensive hands-on training
7. University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Offers Bachelor’s and Master’s of Nursing and midwifery programs
Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Nursing Programs
- Academic Requirement: Completion of 12th grade or equivalent with biology, chemistry, and mathematics
- English Language Requirement:
- IELTS: Minimum overall score of 7.0 (with no band less than 7.0)
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum overall score of 94
- Additional Requirements: Health checks, immunisation records, criminal record check, working with children clearance
Postgraduate Nursing Programs
- Academic Requirement: A recognised Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or a relevant health discipline
- English Language Requirement: Similar to undergraduate programs
- Professional Registration: Some master’s programs may require the applicant to be a registered nurse in their home country
Duration and Intakes
- Bachelor of Nursing: 3 years (full-time)
- Bachelor of Midwifery: 3 years (full-time)
- Master of Nursing: 1.5 to 2 years
- Intakes: Most universities offer February and July intakes. Some also have a November intake.
Cost of Studying Nursing and Midwifery in Australia
| Program Level | Average Tuition Fee (per year) |
| Undergraduate | AUD 30,000 – AUD 45,000 |
| Postgraduate | AUD 32,000 – AUD 50,000 |
| Living Expenses | AUD 20,000 – AUD 25,000 |
International students must also arrange for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for the duration of their stay.
Scholarships for International Students
Many Australian universities and government bodies offer scholarships to international students pursuing nursing or midwifery. Some notable scholarships include:
1. Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
Covers tuition and living expenses for postgraduate research students
2. Destination Australia Scholarship
Offers up to AUD 15,000 per year for students studying in regional campuses
3. University-Specific Scholarships
- University of Sydney International Scholarship
- Monash International Merit Scholarship
- Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship
- UQ International High Achievers Scholarship
Students are encouraged to apply early and meet academic merit requirements for maximum chances of receiving financial aid.
Clinical Placements and Practical Experience
One of the major highlights of nursing and midwifery education in Australia is clinical placement. Students gain supervised experience in:
- Public and private hospitals
- Aged care facilities
- Community health centres
- Midwifery-led care settings
These placements are an essential part of the curriculum and help students build the skills and confidence needed in real-life healthcare environments.
Job Prospects for Nursing and Midwifery Graduates
After completing their studies, international graduates can explore various career options:
Popular Career Roles
- Registered Nurse
- Midwife
- Mental Health Nurse
- Community Health Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Aged Care Nurse
- Neonatal Nurse
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
Salary Expectations
- Entry-Level Nurse: AUD 65,000 – AUD 75,000 per year
- Experienced Nurse: AUD 80,000 – AUD 120,000+ per year
- Midwives: AUD 70,000 – AUD 100,000+ per year depending on experience and location
Post-Study Work Visa and PR Pathways
After completing a minimum 2-year nursing or midwifery course in Australia, international students are eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which allows them to work full-time in Australia for 2 to 4 years, depending on the qualification and region.
From there, they can apply for skilled migration visas such as:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
With nursing and midwifery on the skilled occupation list, these graduates have a high chance of receiving invitations to apply for permanent residency.
Tips for International Students
- Start with Research: Compare nursing programs, university locations, tuition fees, and available scholarships.
- Prepare for English Proficiency Tests: Aim for a higher score in IELTS or TOEFL, as nursing has strict English requirements.
- Apply Early: Some courses have limited seats and early deadlines.
- Be Ready for Practical Work: Clinical placements can be challenging, but are critical for your success.
- Stay Updated on Immigration Rules: Always check the latest updates from the Department of Home Affairs.
Conclusion
The international students who need to study nursing and midwifery in Australia and do it in Australia have an opportunity to change their lives. Boasting a global-quality education, real-life experience, and excellent employment opportunities, Australia is the location to start a major healthcare career. A degree in nursing or midwifery in an Australian institution will provide you with the foundation, whether you intend to work in Australia after your graduation or you aim to export your skills to other parts of the world.
When you are prepared to take the step forward, contact a competent study abroad consultant or university representative today. This is where you begin your career in health care internationally!
