Studying healthcare in Australia is becoming the top choice for many young Vietnamese people thanks to its international standard training quality, open job opportunities and attractive settlement policies. This is a sustainable profession, in high demand in Australia with a stable income, especially suitable for those who love caring for and supporting the community.
I. Why should you choose to study nursing/health care in Australia?
Nursing and health care in Australia is considered one of the fields sustainable, stable and has the highest demand for human resources.This is also the reason why more and more international students, including Vietnamese students, choose Australia to start their career in the medical field. Some of the outstanding advantages include:
1. High demand for human resources and wide open job opportunities
According to the Australian Government's forecast, the number of nurses and health care workers will continue to increase sharply over the next 10 years due to the rapidly ageing population. This means that Nursing graduates in Australia always have many opportunities to find stable jobs. Immediately after graduation, both in public hospitals, private hospitals, nursing homes and community health care centers.
2. Industries on the Priority Settlement List (MLTSSL)
Nursing and health care (Aged Care, Disability Support) are bothList of priority occupations for long-term settlement – MLTSSL. Thanks to that, international students after graduation have many advantages when applying for jobs.Post-Study Work Visa(stay in Australia to work for 2–4 years) and even apply for permanent residency (PR)by skilled occupation. Some states such as Victoria, Queensland, South Australia also have priority sponsorship policies for the nursing profession.
3. High and stable income
The average salary of a nurse in Australia ranges fromAUD 65,000 - 85,000/year(equivalent to about 40-55 million VND/month). With higher positions such asRegistered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist hoặc Nurse Practitioner, income can exceedAUD 100,000/yearIn addition, nursing professions often enjoy many social benefits and flexible working regimes.
4. World-class training quality
Australia is renowned for its advanced, internationally recognised education and healthcare systems. Nursing and healthcare training programs in Australia focus on clinical practice, helping students gain practical experience while still in school. Nursing degrees in Australia are also recognized in many countries, opening up job opportunities in countries such as the UK, Canada, New Zealand, etc.
5. Flexible learning path, suitable for many subjects
Students can start fromCertificate III & IV to quickly enter the labor market, then continue studyingDiplomathen connect upBachelor. For those who already have a foundation, it is completely possible to register directly.Bachelor hoặc PostgraduateThis helps optimize costs, study time and is suitable for many different goals - from starting work early to improving expertise for long-term development.
II. Healthcare training program & study path in Australia
Nursing and healthcare in Australia is designed to be diverse with many levels of study, suitable for both beginners and experienced students. The path is usually divided into:
- Certificate III & IV in Health Services Assistance / Aged Care / Individual Support
This is a basic level of study, focusing on skills in caring for the elderly, patients or providing medical support in hospitals. The study period is from 6-12 months. After graduation, students can work immediately in health care centers or continue to study for a Diploma.
- Diploma of Nursing
The course lasts 18–24 months and combines theory and clinical practice. Upon graduation, students can register with AHPRA to practice asEnrolled Nursestable income job and many job opportunities in Australia.
- Bachelor of Nursing
This is the most popular program with international students, the study period is usually 3 years. Students will be trained comprehensively from public health, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatric care to emergency medicine. After completion, they can register to becomeRegistered NurseThe position is in high demand and is on the Long Term Skilled Migration List (MLTSSL).
- Graduate Diploma, Master of Nursing, Nurse Practitioner
Suitable for those who already have a Bachelor's degree and wish to improve their expertise. Graduate Diploma usually lasts 1 year, Master's from 1.5-2 years, while Nurse Practitioner is the highest level, allowing nurses to practice independently and has a very high salary.
With this flexible path, students can start from a low level, study and work to gain experience, or choose to study straight to a Bachelor's degree for more open career and settlement opportunities.
III. Entry requirements & admission to study nursing in Australia
To study nursing and healthcare in Australia, international students need to meet certain requirements regarding education, language, age, and application documents. Below are details of each condition:
1. Education level
- Bậc Certificate III & IV (Health Services Assistance, Aged Care, Individual Support)
This is the most basic level of education, requiring a high school diploma (grade 12) or equivalent. Some schools may accept students with good grades in grade 11. The program focuses on basic care skills such as assisting the elderly, patients in daily activities, or working in hospitals. After graduation, students can immediately work as a medical assistant or continue to study for a Diploma of Nursing.
- Diploma of Nursing
To study for a Diploma, students need to complete high school with a good grade, preferably with Biology or Chemistry to master basic medical knowledge. The course lasts 18-24 months, combining theory and clinical practice. Upon completion, students can register with AHPRA to become an Enrolled Nurse and can immediately work in the Australian health system.
- Bachelor of Nursing
Requires high school graduation with good academic performance, especially in the natural sciences. Students can transfer from Diploma/Advanced Diploma to shorten the time. The program usually lasts 3 years, providing comprehensive training from childcare, elderly care, maternity care to emergency care. After graduation, students are eligible to apply for a Registered Nurse position with a high salary and open settlement opportunities.
- Graduate Diploma, Master of Nursing, Nurse Practitioner
Requires a Bachelor of Nursing or related degree, with practical experience. Graduate Diploma (1 year) provides specialized training in areas such as pediatrics, community, health management. Master of Nursing (1.5-2 years) develops nursing research, management and training skills. Nurse Practitioner is the highest level, allowing nurses to practice independently, diagnose and prescribe within the scope of their expertise.
2. English requirement (IELTS/PTE)
English is the most important factor when studying nursing in Australia. Unlike some other professions, nursing is strictly regulated by AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency), so English requirements are quite high, especially at Diploma and Bachelor levels.
- Certificate III & IV in Health Services Assistance / Aged Care
- IELTS: 5.5 (no skill below 5.0)
- PTE Academic: 42 (no skill below 36)
- This is a basic level requirement, suitable for beginner students.
- Diploma of Nursing
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 (no skill below 6.0)
- PTE Academic: 58 (no skill below 50)
- This is a mandatory requirement under AHPRA for students to undertake clinical placement and register as an Enrolled Nurse upon graduation.
- Bachelor of Nursing
- IELTS Academic: 7.0 (no skill below 6.5)
- PTE Academic: 65 (no skill below 58)
- International students must have a good level of English to communicate in a hospital environment, read professional literature and complete a mandatory internship.
- Postgraduate (Graduate Diploma, Master of Nursing, Nurse Practitioner)
- IELTS Academic: 7.0 - 7.5 (no skill below 7.0, depending on the school)
- PTE Academic: 65 - 73 (no skill below 65)
- This requirement is higher because students need to participate in research, teaching, or work in highly specialized environments.
|
Level of education |
IELTS |
PTE Academic |
|
Certificate III & IV |
5.5 (≥5.0 each skill) |
42 (≥36 each skill) |
|
Diploma of Nursing |
6.5 (≥6.0 each skill) |
58 (≥50 each skill) |
|
Bachelor of Nursing |
7.0 (≥6.5 each skill) |
65 (≥58 each skill) |
|
Postgraduate (Master, Nurse Practitioner) |
7.0–7.5 (≥7.0 each skill) |
65–73 (≥65 each skill) |
3. Required documents
When applying to study nursing in Australia, you need to prepare the following documents:
- High school transcript, diploma or related qualifications.
- International English Certificate (IELTS, PTE Academic).
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Application letter (Statement of Purpose) states the reason for choosing nursing, study plans and career goals.
- Medical Examination.
- Police Check is required because nursing is directly involved in caring for patients, children, and the elderly.
IV. Cost of studying and living when studying health care in Australia
1. Tuition fees
|
Degree / Program |
Training time |
Average tuition fee/year |
Note |
|
Certificate III & IV |
6 – 12 months |
AUD 10,000 – 15,000 |
Foundation program, suitable for beginners, lowest tuition fee. |
|
Diploma of Nursing |
1.5 – 2 years |
AUD 18,000 – 25,000 |
Accredited by AHPRA, graduates can work as Enrolled Nurse. |
|
Bachelor of Nursing |
3 years |
AUD 28,000 – 35,000 |
High English requirement, specialized training, graduates can apply to become Registered Nurse. |
|
Postgraduate |
1 – 2 years |
AUD 30,000 – 40,000 |
For people with a Bachelor's degree and practical experience. |
2. Cost of living
|
Expenses |
Estimated cost/year |
Note |
|
Food, supermarket |
AUD 5,000 – 7,000 |
Cooking for yourself is cheaper than eating out. |
|
Accommodation (dormitory, homestay, private rental) |
AUD 10,000 – 18,000 |
Cost depends on the city: Sydney/Melbourne is higher than Adelaide, Brisbane. |
|
Travel (train, bus, gas cards) |
AUD 1,500 – 2,000 |
Students get discounted public transportation fares in many states. |
|
Electricity, water, internet |
AUD 1,500 – 2,500 |
If you rent a house together, you will save money. |
|
Books, learning materials |
AUD 500 – 1,000 |
Some courses require purchase of medical uniform/practicum. |
|
Compulsory health insurance (OSHC) |
AUD 500 – 700 |
Fees are required for the entire duration of the course. |
|
Entertainment, shopping, personal spending |
AUD 2,000 – 3,000 |
Depending on the student's spending habits. |
V. Job and settlement opportunities after graduation
Nursing and healthcare in Australia is considered one of the most stable, high-paying and in-demand professions. After completing the program, international students can expand their career opportunities in many fields:
1. Jobs after graduation
After completing the nursing study abroad program in Australia, international students have many job options depending on the level of education they have graduated. WithDiploma of Nursing, you can work in the role ofEnrolled Nursein hospitals, nursing homes or community health care centers.
If you continue to studyBachelor of Nursing,You will be eligible to register with AHPRA to become aRegistered Nurse, work in public or private hospitals or specialist clinics. At the postgraduate level, students also have the opportunity to becomeNurse Practitioner, Head Nurse or Healthcare Manager, expanding the path of long-term career advancement.
2. Average salary
One of the reasons why nursing in Australia is an attractive choice is the competitive salary. According to statistics,Enrolled Nurse get average fromAUD 55,000 - 70,000/year, equivalent to about 28 - 35 AUD/hour. WithRegistered Nurse, income increased by aboutAUD 70,000 - 95,000/year, equivalent to 35 - 45 AUD/hour, depending on experience and workplace.
Higher positions such asNurse Practitioner or Nursing Managercan reach salaries fromAUD 110,000 - 130,000/yearThis income level not only ensures the quality of life in Australia but also helps students quickly recover their investment after graduation.
3. Settlement opportunities
Besides stable jobs and high salaries, studying nursing in Australia also opens up permanent residency opportunities. Nursing is inLong-term Priority Occupation List (MLTSSL), allowing international students to easily apply for a post-graduation work visa (Post-Study Work Visa - 485) to stay in Australia for 2 - 4 years.
After gaining practical experience, you can apply forPermanent Residency (PR)Skilled Migration. In addition, many states such asVictoria, Queensland, South AustraliaThere is also a state priority sponsorship policy for nurses, increasing the chances of success when applying for immigration.
VI. Factors to consider when choosing to study nursing in Australia
- English ability
This is a profession that requires high communication skills with patients, doctors and colleagues. Therefore, you need to prepare a good foundation of academic English (IELTS/PTE) to both meet the entry requirements and be confident when studying and practicing clinically. In addition, fluent English also helps you quickly integrate into the international medical environment and expand your career advancement opportunities.
- Passion and patience
Nursing is not only a professional job but also requires dedication, responsibility and the ability to withstand high pressure. If you truly love health care and helping the community, this will be a suitable long-term choice. Besides, passion is also the motivation for you to overcome long shifts and work pressure in the hospital.
- Study location & living costs
The cost of living in Sydney and Melbourne is generally higher than in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. If your goal is to save money, you may want to consider studying in states outside the CBD. Choosing the right location to study will help you balance the quality of education, cost and employment opportunities after graduation.
- Career & Settlement Planning
If you want to settle down permanently, you need to research the settlement policies of each state and choose the appropriate study path (Diploma → Bachelor → Postgraduate) to increase your chances of being approved for a settlement visa. Planning early from the start will help you stay on track and save time and money in the future.
- Interoperability & Career Development
Starting from Certificate or Diploma level, you can completely transfer to Bachelor or Master to expand career opportunities, increase income and increase competitive advantage in settlement applications. This route also helps you build a sustainable career and have the opportunity to become an expert in the field of health care.
Conclusion
It can be seen that studying healthcare in Australia not only brings quality learning opportunities but also opens up a solid career and settlement future. If you are interested in this industry, learn carefully about the entry requirements, English requirements, tuition fees and living expenses to make the right choice.
