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How Studying Nursing in Australia Can Lead to Permanent Residency (PR)
Introduction – Why Nursing in Australia Offers a PR Pathway
For many international students, especially those from Nepal, nursing in Australia is a good choice. This is because Australia needs more nurses, and nursing is on the Skilled Occupation List. If you study nursing in Australia, like for a Bachelor of Nursing or a Master of Nursing, you might have a better chance of getting Permanent Residency (PR).
Australia has great schools, hospitals, and job opportunities for people who want to work there. International students can learn real skills that employers want by taking courses like the Masters of Nursing in Australia.
You can also get extra points for PR if you study nursing in a rural area. That makes it easier to stay in Australia and work for a long time.
If you want to help people and have a clear path to permanent residency, nursing in Australia is a great choice.
Overview of Nursing in Australia
One of the best places in the world to learn how to be a nurse is Australia. No matter if you're new to medicine or have some experience, there's a course for you. Depending on how much school you've already finished, you can get a Bachelor of Nursing or a Master of Nursing.
Types of Nursing Courses in Australia:
- Bachelor of Nursing in Australia
- Time: 3 years
- For students who have already graduated from high school
- Teaches nursing skills from the most basic to the most advanced.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has recognized it.
- Master of Nursing in Australia
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 years
- For students who have worked as nurses
- Helps you become a better leader, clinician, and researcher. Great for career growth and public relations points.
What You’ll Learn:
- Taking care of patients and keeping them safe
- Talking to patients and doctors
- Theory about medicine and hands-on training in a hospital Mental health and community care
- Using modern technology and medical equipment
Where You Study:
Top universities like:
- University of Sydney
- Monash University
- Deakin University
- University of Queensland
- University of Technology Sydney
These schools in Australia offer nursing classes that are both useful and well-respected around the world. They also offer internships or placements in hospitals, which give you real-world experience.
If you're an international student who wants a stable job and a way to get Permanent Residency, nursing in Australia is a great option.
High Demand & Career Prospects for Nursing in Australia
Australia always needs nurses. Nursing is one of the most in-demand jobs in the country, in fact. Hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and community health centers all need nurses who are qualified. By 2025 and beyond, this demand is expected to grow even more.
Why Nurses Are in High Demand:
- The population of Australia is getting older and bigger. Because older people need more medical care, there needs to be more nurses.
- A lot of nurses in the area are retiring, and there aren't enough new nurses to take their place.
- Australia learned how important it is to have strong healthcare workers, especially nurses, after COVID-19.
Career Opportunities After Studying Nursing:
If you get a Bachelor of Nursing or Master of Nursing degree in Australia, you can work in jobs like:
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Mental Health Nurse
- Aged Care Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse (children’s nurse)
- Community Health Nurse
- Surgical/ICU Nurse
Salary Expectations:
Nursing jobs in Australia also pay well. On average:
- A registered nurse earns between AUD 65,000 to AUD 95,000 per year.
- Salaries can go over AUD 100,000 a year with more experience or higher qualifications.
International Student Advantage:
This is a great time to study nursing if you are an international student. The job is in high demand, so it gives you:
- More likely to get a job quickly
- More points when you apply for Permanent Residency (PR)
- A job that is safe and respected
If you want to live in Australia for a long time and have a career with a lot of potential, nursing in Australia is a smart and strong choice.
Clear PR Pathways for Graduates of Nursing in Australia
One of the main reasons international students choose to study nursing in Australia is because it can help them get Permanent Residency (PR). Nursing is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) because the Australian government needs more nurses. This means that migration is a top priority.
Main PR Pathways for Nursing Students:
Here are the most common ways international nursing graduates can get PR in Australia:
1. Graduate Temporary Visa (Subclass 485)
- You can apply for this visa after you get your Bachelor or Master of Nursing degree in Australia.
- You can stay in Australia for 18 to 24 months and work full-time with it.
- During this time, you can get ready for PR and gain work experience.
2. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- This visa is based on points and doesn't require a job offer.
- You need to get enough points based on your age, English skills, qualifications, and work history.
- Nursing is on the MLTSSL, so nurses can get this visa.
3. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- You need to be nominated by a state or territory in Australia to get this visa, which also uses the points system.
- A lot of states need nurses, so they hire nursing graduates first.
4. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
- This visa is a great choice if you're okay with living and working in the country.
- After three years, it gives you a way to get PR.
5. Employer-Sponsored Visa
- Your employer (hospital, nursing home, or clinic) can sponsor you after you have worked there for a while.
- This leads to a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) or Permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).
Tip:
Studying nursing at a regional university can help you get more points for PR and make it more likely that you will be nominated for visa subclass 491 or 190.
Summary:
There are many clear ways for nursing graduates in Australia to apply for PR. Nursing is a high-priority job, so the process is easier whether you apply through skilled migration, state nomination, or employer sponsorship.
Specialisations, Regional Bonuses & PR Scoring Tips
Choosing the right path can help you get Permanent Residency (PR) if you want to study nursing in Australia. You can get extra points and a better chance of getting PR faster if you study in certain places or specialize in certain areas.
Popular Nursing Specialisations That Help with PR
If you choose a nursing specialty that is in high demand, you may have a better chance of getting a job and a visa. A few of these are:
- Aged Care Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Disability Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
- Child & Family Health Nursing
- Critical Care or ICU Nursing
- Emergency Nursing
Many of these jobs are needed all over Australia, and the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) supports skilled migration for them.
Regional Bonuses (More Points for Studying Outside Big Cities)
If you study and work in regional areas of Australia, you may get extra points when you apply for PR. These places include cities like:
- Adelaide
- Gold Coast
- Hobart
- Darwin
- Launceston
- Wollongong
Benefits of studying in regional areas:
- +5 to +15 more PR points
- Visa subclass 491 or 190 makes it easier to get a state nomination.
- Less competition for jobs and a lower cost of living
PR Scoring Tips for Nursing Students
To increase your points for PR, focus on the following:
- Get High English Test Scores (IELTS/PTE)
- Aim for a superior level (IELTS 8 or PTE 79+) to get the full 20 points.
- Study in a Regional Area
- Adds 5–15 extra points for regional study or residence.
- Gain Australian Work Experience
- Work as a registered nurse after graduation using the 485 Graduate Visa to build experience.
- Be Under 33 Years Old
- Age is a key factor in points; younger applicants get more.
- Apply for Skills Assessment
- You need to have your skills checked by ANMAC (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council) in order to get a skilled visa.
- State Nomination
- Look for states that invite nurses under subclass 190 or 491 and apply accordingly.
Summary
You can make your path to permanent residency in Australia smoother and faster by choosing nursing specializations that are in high demand, studying in regional areas, and improving your PR score through English and work experience.
How GECC Helps You Navigate the Nursing in Australia to PR Journey
If you're a Nepali student who wants to study nursing in Australia, the whole thing can seem big and hard to understand. There are a lot of steps, like picking the right course, getting a visa, studying, and then applying for Permanent Residency (PR).
This is where GECC (Global Education Counselling Centre) helps you along the way.
What GECC Can Do for You:
1. Course & University Selection
GECC can help you pick the right nursing program in Australia, whether it's a Bachelor of Nursing or a Master of Nursing. We help you based on what you want, how much you can spend, and what you want to do with your PR in the future.
2. Help With Regional Study Options
Want more public relations points? GECC shows you the best nursing schools in different parts of Australia. If you study in these cities, your chances of getting PR may go up.
3. Visa Guidance
GECC helps you get your papers ready and checks them so that your visa won't be denied. We help with everything that matters, like GTE letters, financial papers, and health checks.
4. Pathway to PR Advice
After your studies, GECC also gives advice on how to:
- Apply for Temporary Graduate Visa (485)
- Meet the ANMAC skills assessment rules
- Choose the best state nomination or PR visa options (like 190 or 491)
5. Support in English Test & Documentation
Need help with IELTS or PTE? GECC offers training support so you can get higher scores and boost your PR points.
Why GECC is Trusted by Nepali Students
- More than 20 years of helping students study in other countries
- Counselors who are nice and help you personally
- Free career advice, counseling, and checking of documents
Final Thought
Nepali students who want a bright future and permanent residency should think about studying nursing in Australia. You don't have to walk alone as you have the help of Global Education Counseling Center (GECC). We will help you every step of the way, from documentation gudelines to the end.
