Why Nursing?
Studying nursing in Australia can be advantageous for obtaining permanent residency. This is because the demand for nursing professionals continues to rise, given the increasing demand for healthcare-related occupations in Australia. The Australian migration policy grants permanent residency to individuals with specialised skill sets, and nurses play a significant role in this.
Furthermore, nurses are often employed with relatively high salaries in Australia. This is due to the highly advanced healthcare system and the growing demand for specialised medical services in the country. Therefore, working as a nurse in Australia and obtaining permanent residency can contribute to a stable and prosperous economic future.
However, migration and obtaining permanent residency involve various factors, so it is essential to gather practical information before making a careful decision. Australian migration policies are subject to change, so seeking advice from Australian migration authorities or professionals for the latest information is advisable.
EN and RN
In Australia, nursing is categorized into two types: EN (Enrolled Nurse) and RN (Registered Nurse). While these two professions may seem similar on the surface, they differ significantly in practice.
Enrolled Nurse
To become an EN, one must complete a 1.5 to 2-year nursing diploma program. ENs work under the supervision of a nurse and perform basic nursing duties such as administering medications and monitoring vital signs.
Registered Nurse
To become an RN, one must complete a 3-year Bachelor of Nursing degree or a 2-year Master of Nursing degree. Through these educational programs, students acquire comprehensive knowledge of nursing theory and clinical practice. RNs receive training for various tasks, including diagnosis, planning, and execution. Upon completion of education, obtaining an IELTS score of 7.0 and registration with the nursing board allows for certification.
Entry Requirements
To enroll in a Diploma of Nursing in Australia, international students must have completed Year 12 or an equivalent qualification. Due to the close link between nursing and human health, the English language requirements for nursing courses are often higher compared to other fields. Typically, international students need to achieve an IELTS score of 7.0 overall with no band score below 7.0 to be eligible for a nursing program. However, some schools encourage students with an IELTS score lower than 7.0 to apply. For instance, at Griffith College and QUT College, a 6.5 IELTS score is sufficient for the Diploma of Health Care/Diploma of Health Science program.
For Bachelor programs, international students usually need to achieve an IELTS score of 7.0 and have completed Year 12 or a Diploma of Nursing. If you already hold at least one bachelor's degree in any field and have achieved an IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent, you have two study options: either a Bachelor's (Graduate Entry Program) or a Master of Nursing (pre-registration).
Pathway to PR
One of the key advantages of working as a registered nurse (RN) in Australia is the possibility of acquiring permanent residency (PR). RN nursing is classified under the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which allows for a relatively easier pathway to permanent residency through the Independent Skilled (189) visa.
As a result, students who obtain a nursing degree and qualification in Australia have the opportunity to pursue permanent residency.
Conversely, enrolled nurses (EN) are categorised under the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), making it challenging to obtain permanent residency through the Independent Skilled (189) visa. However, there is an avenue to attain permanent residency through the 190 or 491 State Sponsored visa.
Employment Snapshot
