How to Study Nursing in Australia for International Students

Nursing is one of the most rewarding careers in all aspects, from the financial to the social side of things. However, it requires a lot of versatility since you’ll be required to take part in several different tasks throughout the day. As such, to become the best in the field, you will need quality training. Australian universities are equipped to offer top-notch nursing programs. There are many disciplines in the world of nursing, from which you can choose your favorite option. Remember, the decision you make at this point will determine the employment opportunities available to you in the future.

Why study nursing in Australia? Well, there are many reasons, and one of them is the quality of education. The country prides itself on many globally recognized institutions. As such, you will have all it takes to compete with other medical practitioners in a different country. The multicultural culture ranging from sports to food is also enough to attract any foreigner to Australia. If this is your selected study destination, here are some of the things you should keep in mind.

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What Degrees are there for Nursing in Australia?

Like most countries, you can either work as a Registered Nurse or under an RN. The latter requires you to complete a Diploma of Nursing program, which runs for 12 to 18 months. To become a registered nurse, however, you will need a Bachelor of Nursing degree. In schools like Monash University, this program should take you three years of full-time studies.

The country’s education system also offers opportunities to those looking to advance their studies. For example, Victoria University has master’s degrees in research and Doctor of Philosophy programs related to nursing.

See Also: Best Universities in Australia for International Students

Cost of Studying Nursing

One of the most important things you should always check when looking to study nursing in Australia is the expected cost. Australia has some of the most affordable tuition fees compared to other big countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. One thing to note is that the Australian universities tuition fees are based on the number of units. On average, international students spend about A$20,000 per year on tuition fees. Again, this will largely depend on the degree level you choose to take.

Like most countries, international students are expected to show evidence that they can afford the overall costs before they are allowed to study in the country. Depending on the situation, you must have at least A$19,000 in your bank account to cater for the annual expenses. International students in Australia average monthly expenses of between A$1,400 and A$2,500. This value may change depending on your lifestyle and other personal costs. Fortunately, the Australian government allows international students to work for up to 40 hours per fortnight while studying. However, you’ll need to apply for a work permit before you can start making money during your free time.

Learn More: How to Study in Australia for Free

Requirements to Study Nursing

Nursing in Australia is available either as a diploma or undergraduate and graduate degrees. For those looking to join a diploma, Bachelor of Nursing (BN), or Bachelor of Science (BSc) programs, your high school results will be required – with emphasis on sciences and mathematics by nursing schools in Australia.

When it comes to the language tests, the likes of Victoria University need an overall score of 7.0 on IELTS, 50 0n Pearson Test of English, and 67 on TOEFL Internet-Based test for a Bachelor’s degree program. You can also submit an equivalent English test depending on the instructions provided by your institution of choice. As part of the requirements, some institutions, such as Monash University, demand that you undergo a compulsory medical test before you are admitted to your selected course.

In What Languages Do You Study Nursing in Australia?

All Australian nursing schools teach their courses in English. For instance, the University of Adelaide requires all applicants to submit their English test scores during the application process. As an international student, the language will not only come in handy during lectures but also when interacting with other people outside the class.

See Also: How to Study in Australia as an International Student

Best Nursing Schools in Australia

1. Monash University

Monash University ranks among the best institutions in Australia and across the globe. It was founded in 1958 and named after Sir John Monash, a World War 1 general. The Melbourne-based university has several campuses located in various countries across the world. Four of them are in Victoria, while the rest are in South Africa, Malaysia, Italy, and India. Monash University offers programs in design and architecture, business, law, IT, and healthcare industries, among others. It currently has at least 86,000 students enrolled in all the available courses. Monash University is considered the best nursing school in Australia.

The Bachelor of Nursing program at Monash University is geared towards training you to become a reputable registered nurse. The course takes three years to complete, with students expected to attend classes on a full-time basis. For you to be admitted into the program, you’ll need to meet various requirements, among them a satisfactory compilation of two mathematics units in high school. You also must score at least 30 in English (EAL) or an equivalent performance depending on your country of origin. The university also offers graduate courses for those who have completed the necessary undergraduate programs in their respective nursing disciplines.

See Also: Monash University Scholarships for International Students

2. Victoria University

Victoria University is another world-class university based in Melbourne, Australia. It provides both higher education (degrees) and technical (TAFE) programs, which is why it’s referred to as a dual-sector tertiary institution. It was founded in 1916 but gained its university status in 1990. Apart from its campuses in Australia – particularly the Melbourne region – Victoria University also offers courses with partner institutions across Asia. Two of the largest partner institutes include Liaoning University and Sunway University College in China and Malaysia, respectively.

If you are looking for a good Australian university to study nursing, then Victoria University might be your ideal option. The Bachelor of Nursing program at VU is designed to prepare you both theoretically and practically for the tasks ahead in the healthcare industry. This nursing school in Australia will equip you with a broad set of skills and the necessary knowledge that you can apply when serving different types of patients at the hospital. The fact that you get a chance to work with professional nurses during your training is what motivates many students to join the Victoria University community. Remember to check the requirements on the admission page of the school’s website.

See Also: Victoria University Scholarships for International Students

3. Curtin University

Next on our list of top nursing schools in Australia is Curtin University, which has grown to become a world-class university since its inception in 1966. It is the largest institution of higher education in Western Australia and was named after Australia’s former Prime Minister, John Curtin. Although it is famous for its role in the technology sector, the university also prides itself on the impact it has made in the healthcare industry. It offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing.

Are you planning to advance your nursing knowledge and skills at Curtin University? Well, if you study nursing in Australia at this school, the courses are designed to solve the current societal problems and help you meet the demands of the ever-changing healthcare industry. You are guaranteed of at least 840 hours of clinical placements in various hospitals, rural health settings, and private practice. Therefore, at the end of the course, you will have enough practical skills to serve in the field. Of course, the Curtin University offers these courses to both domestic and international students, but it’s essential to confirm the details on the school’s website.

Check Also: Curtin University Scholarships for International Students

4. Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University, famously known as ACU, was founded in 1991 and has since grown to seven campuses in Australia and one in Rome. This nursing school in Australia is made of four faculties offering both undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields.

The Bachelor of Nursing program at ACU is available for both domestic and international students. You can either enroll in full-time or part-time classes equivalent to three full academic years. The university demands that one must reach 240 credit points before they are allowed to graduate.

5. The University of Canberra

The final candidate in our list of top nursing schools in Australia is the University of Canberra. All nursing programs that you’ll get at the University of Canberra (UC) are recognized in over 160 countries across the globe. As such, you’ll have a stable platform from which you can launch your nursing career. UC embraces technology, and it uses the current relevant innovations to teach. Apart from theoretical studies, you also get a chance to work with professional medical practitioners during your clinical placements.

If you want to study nursing in Australia at the University of Canberra, the Bachelor of Nursing program is the most common nursing course. Like in most Australian universities, the program runs for three years for those who opt for full-time studies. There is also an option for part-time learning depending on your schedule.

Studying Nursing in Australia can be a power move for your career. After all, highly competent nurses will always be in demand anywhere in the world. Additionally, it makes sense to choose a study-abroad destination that fits your budget. So, make sure to check out the most affordable universities in Australia and get ready to send your application.

 

I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Australia Scholarships Page.