Working as a Nurse in Australia: FAQ for International Nurses

Australia is a top destination for nurses seeking better work-life balance, competitive salaries, and professional growth. If you're considering migration to Australia as a nurse, this detailed FAQ answers the most common questions to help you plan your journey. If you have more questions, feel free to add them as a reply to this topic.

1. Can I work as a nurse in Australia with my overseas qualification?
Yes, but you must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), which is part of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Your qualifications must meet the AQF (Australian Qualifications Framework) standard, and your education and experience will be assessed through the Self-check and IQNM (Internationally Qualified Nurses and Midwives) process.

2. What are the types of nursing roles available in Australia?

• Registered Nurse (RN): Holds a bachelor's degree or equivalent.
  
  
• Enrolled Nurse (EN): Holds a diploma or certificate-level qualification, works under RN supervision.
  
  
• Midwife: Specialized in pregnancy and childbirth.
  
  
• Nurse Practitioner (NP): Advanced practice nurses with extended authority, often holding a master’s degree.
  
  
• Mental Health Nurse, Aged Care Nurse, Community Nurse, etc.

3. How do I register as a nurse in Australia?
The process for internationally qualified nurses includes:

1. Self-check: Conducted on the AHPRA website to determine your assessment pathway.
   
   
2. Orientation: All candidates must complete an online orientation program.
   
   
3. Portfolio Submission: For those in Stream B (most non-equivalent qualifications), submission of qualifications, work history, and English language proficiency.
   
   
4. Outcome-based Assessment (OBA): Includes a multiple-choice exam (NCLEX-RN for RNs) and a practical exam (OSCE).
   
   
5. Registration: After passing assessments and providing police clearance and health checks, you can apply for registration with NMBA.

More details: www.ahpra.gov.au

4. What is the Outcome-Based Assessment (OBA)?
The OBA has two stages:

• Part 1: NCLEX-RN or equivalent MCQ test – A computer-based exam similar to the US model.
  
  
• Part 2: OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) – A practical assessment that tests real-world nursing scenarios in a clinical setting.

It is conducted at approved test centers in Australia.

5. Do I need to take an English language test?
Yes, unless you were educated and practiced in countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, or New Zealand.

Accepted tests include:

• IELTS Academic: 7.0 in each band
  
  
• OET: B in each sub-test
  
  
• PTE Academic: 65 in each component
  
  
• TOEFL iBT: Writing - 24, Speaking - 23, Reading - 24, Listening - 24

6. Can I work while waiting for my registration?
You can apply for roles like Assistant in Nursing (AIN) or Support Worker while you wait, but you cannot practice as a nurse until registered. These roles can help you gain experience and income in the interim.

7. How do I find a nursing job in Australia?
Popular job portals include:

• Seek.com.au
  
  
• Indeed.com.au
  
  
• HealthcareLink.com.au
  
  
• Public health services like NSW Health and QLD Health

You may also apply through nursing recruitment agencies such as:

• Healthcare Australia (HCA)
  
  
• Healthcare Professionals Group
  
  
• IHR Group

8. Do I need a visa to work as a nurse in Australia?
Yes. You’ll typically apply for one of the following visas:

• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
  
  
• Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
  
  
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
  
  
• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482)
  
  
• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

Nursing is on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making migration easier.

For latest updates, visit: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

9. Is experience required to work in Australia as a nurse?
While new graduates can apply, most employers prefer at least 1–2 years of post-registration experience. Certain roles, such as aged care or mental health nursing, may require more.

10. How much do nurses earn in Australia?
Average monthly salary (before tax):

• Enrolled Nurse (EN): AUD 4,000–5,500
  
  
• Registered Nurse (RN): AUD 5,500–7,500
  
  
• Nurse Practitioner: AUD 9,000–11,000

Pay varies by state, public vs private sector, shift loadings (weekend/night shifts), and seniority.

11. What’s the cost of living in Australia for a nurse?
On average, a single nurse may spend around AUD 2,000–3,500/month, including:

• Rent: AUD 800–1,500
  
  
• Food: AUD 400–600
  
  
• Transport: AUD 150–300
  
  
• Utilities & Internet: AUD 150–250
  
  
• Health & Insurance: AUD 100–200

Costs are higher in cities like Sydney or Melbourne and lower in Adelaide, Perth, or regional towns.

12. What are the work conditions for nurses in Australia?

• Standard shifts: 8 to 12 hours
  
  
• Weekly hours: 38 hours/week full-time
  
  
• Penalty rates: Paid extra for night/weekend/holiday shifts
  
  
• Leave: 4 weeks paid annual leave, sick leave, and maternity leave
  
  
• Union support: Many nurses are members of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF)

13. Can I bring my family with me?
Yes, most skilled migration visas allow you to include dependents (spouse and children). They can also access schooling and may be eligible for work rights, depending on the visa.

14. Are nurses in demand in Australia?
Yes. There's a strong demand in:

• Aged care and disability support
  
  
• Rural and remote areas
  
  
• Emergency and ICU
  
  
• Mental health services
  
  
• Midwifery

Some states even offer relocation support, signing bonuses, or PR pathways for nurses willing to work in regional areas.

15. Do I need to study more in Australia to work as a nurse?
Not necessarily. If your qualifications meet NMBA standards and you pass the OBA, further study isn’t needed. However, some nurses choose to take a Graduate Certificate or Bridging Program (now mostly phased out) to enhance employment prospects or meet requirements.

16. Is nursing in Australia different from my country?
Yes, in terms of:

• Autonomy: Nurses have more decision-making responsibility.
  
  
• Documentation: Emphasis on electronic record-keeping and medico-legal standards.
  
  
• Patient rights: Strong focus on consent, respect, and ethics.
  
  
• Interdisciplinary teamwork is essential, with collaboration across GPs, physios, pharmacists, etc.

17. What’s the difference between state health systems?
Each state/territory (e.g., NSW, Victoria, Queensland) manages its own public health services, with differences in pay, policies, and recruitment. However, all follow federal standards under AHPRA.

18. Can I specialize in nursing after registration?
Yes. After working for some time, you can specialize in areas such as:

• Critical Care
  
  
• Midwifery
  
  
• Community Health
  
  
• Pediatrics
  
  
• Perioperative Nursing
  
  
• Oncology
  
  
• Nurse Practitioner (requires a Master’s degree)

19. Can I switch from Enrolled Nurse to Registered Nurse in Australia?
Yes. Enrolled Nurses can study a Bachelor of Nursing (RN) through recognized universities. Some RNs may get credit for prior EN studies, reducing the time to qualify.

20. How do I stay up to date and meet professional requirements?
You must:

• Renew AHPRA registration yearly
  
  
• Complete at least 20 hours of CPD (Continuing Professional Development) annually
  
  
• Maintain professional indemnity insurance
  
  
• Abide by the Code of Conduct and Ethics for nurses

21. Can I migrate permanently to Australia as a nurse?
Yes. Many nurses qualify for Permanent Residency (PR) via:

• Skilled Independent (189)
  
  
• State Nominated (190)
  
  
• Employer Nomination Scheme (186)

After PR, you can apply for citizenship after living in Australia for at least 4 years, with 1 year as a permanent resident.

22. Is Australia a good place to live as a nurse?
Most international nurses report:

High quality of life
Respect and autonomy at work
Multicultural, welcoming environment
Access to universal healthcare
Opportunities for career growth and family settlement

However, you may face:

Initial culture shock
Registration delays
High cost of living in big cities

Final Thoughts
Australia is one of the most attractive destinations for nurses worldwide. The journey to registration and migration can be complex, but the professional rewards and lifestyle benefits are substantial. If you're organized, patient, and passionate about nursing, your dream of working in Australia is well within reach.

Helpful Resources

• AHPRA Registration: https://www.ahpra.gov.au
  
  
• NMBA Standards: https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au
  
  
• Australian Immigration: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
  
  
• ANMF (Nurses Union): https://www.anmf.org.au
  
  
• OBA Preparation: https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Accreditation/Outcome-based-assessment