Nursing Immigration Pathways to Australia
Nursing Immigration Pathways to Australia Overview
Nursing is one of the most highly sought-after professions for immigration to Australia, often referred to as one of the “golden three” professions (alongside social workers and early childhood educators). Despite the reduced state nomination quotas in recent years, nursing remains a stable and highly valuable occupation for those seeking to migrate. Here’s a breakdown of how you can plan your pathway to Australian immigration through nursing studies.
In Australia, the two main nursing professions are Registered Nurse (RN) and Enrolled Nurse (EN). These two roles differ in terms of course structure, scope of responsibilities, and salary levels.
Course Differences
- Registered Nurse (RN): Requires completion of a full-time undergraduate or master’s degree in nursing, typically lasting 2-3 years. The tuition fees for RN programs are higher, with a minimum cost of around AU $43,000 per year.
- Enrolled Nurse (EN): Requires completion of a 1.5 to 2-year nursing diploma course at a certified TAFE or vocational institution. The tuition fees are relatively lower, with a 1.5-year program costing around AU $30,000.
Salary and Job Opportunities
- Registered Nurse (RN): While the initial investment is higher, the starting salary is also relatively high. Full-time RN salaries range from AU $67,000 to AU $100,000 per year.
- Enrolled Nurse (EN): Full-time EN salaries range from AU $60,000 to AU $70,000 per year.
Immigration Pathways
- Registered Nurse (RN): Listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), RN can apply for the 189 Skilled Independent Visa, 190 State Nominated Visa, 491 Regional Skilled Visa, or 186 Employer-Sponsored Direct Entry Visa.
- Enrolled Nurse (EN): Listed on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), EN can apply for the 190 State Nominated Visa and 491 Regional Skilled Visa, or transition from the 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa to the 186 Employer-Sponsored TRT (Temporary Residence Transition) Permanent Visa.
The main difference is that EN cannot apply for the 189 Skilled Independent Visa. However, both RN and EN are in demand or are priority occupations in many states, making the immigration prospects for both fields relatively optimistic.
How to Choose a Course?
Registered Nurse (RN)：
Suitable for students who have already completed their undergraduate studies in their home country, you can choose to study a Master of Nursing in Australia to immigrate through the RN pathway. These courses typically last 2 years, and upon graduation, there are many job opportunities, making the immigration application process smoother. Recommended Australian universities include the University of Queensland (Master of Nursing Studies), Queensland University of Technology (Master of Nursing – Entry to Practice), and Southern Cross University (Master of Nursing – Graduate Entry).
- The Master of Nursing at the University of Queensland is globally ranked among the top, offering over 880 hours of clinical practice. The course duration is 2 years, with relatively relaxed entry requirements. The English language requirement is an IELTS score of four 7s or an equivalent level.
- The Master of Nursing at Queensland University of Technology also offers a high standard of education, suitable for undergraduate students without a nursing background. The duration of the course is also 2 years.
- Southern Cross University, located on the Gold Coast, offers affordable tuition fees and provides scholarships. Graduates also receive migration points for working in regional areas.
Specialization Choices:
If you want to increase your competitiveness for migration, you can choose more specific nursing fields, such as aged care, disability rehabilitation nursing, critical care and emergency nursing, mental health nursing, etc. These areas are often easier to get an invitation for compared to RN nec (general registered nurses who do not require additional work experience) and may require lower migration points.