Can I study nursing in Australia as an international student?

Yes, nursing is one of the most popular and career-relevant fields for international students in Australia. Here is what you need to know:

Qualification levels:
- Bachelor of Nursing (3 years): Entry to practice as a Registered Nurse
- Associate Degree in Nursing / Diploma of Nursing (2 years): Leads to Enrolled Nurse registration
- Master of Nursing (1.5–2 years): For students with related health backgrounds

Registration requirements:
After graduating, you must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) / Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). International graduates must meet English language requirements (typically IELTS 7.0 in all four bands for registration).

Costs:
- Tuition: AUD 25,000–40,000 per year depending on institution
- Clinical placement costs may be additional

Top institutions:
Deakin, La Trobe, ACU, Griffith, QUT, and UTS offer strong nursing programmes with good clinical placement networks.

Visa and work considerations:
- Clinical placements are considered part of your registered course — they do not count toward your work hour limit
- Nursing appears on the skilled occupation list, making it a strong pathway to PR via the 485 visa and then skilled migration

Important: Nursing students must complete mandatory clinical placements. Ensure you organise OSHC and understand placement requirements before starting your course.

The demand for nurses in Australia is extremely high. Nursing graduates with Australian registration and experience are well-positioned for permanent residency.