Information for international students
The information in this section is for students from overseas who are studying a Bachelor of Nursing (or similar nomenclature) or Bachelor of Midwifery in Australia.
Nursing in Australia
In order to work as a registered nurse/midwife in Australia you need to satisfy the normal pre-requisites for registered nurse/midwife employment and hold a visa that allows you to do so.
Applying for a Graduate Nurse / Midwife position in NSW
International students who are undertaking the final year of the Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Midwifery degree in Australia can apply for Graduate positions in NSW in the next calendar year through the NSW Health centralised application process. However, prior to commencing employment as a graduate nurse/midwife, you must have:
- successfully completed the Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Midwifery
- registered with the Nurses and Midwives Board of NSW (NMB)
- lodged an application for permanent residency or temporary residency with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
Applications for Residency in Australia
Permanent Residency
One of the pre-requisites for permanent residency is that applicants have completed two years study at a single Australian University. Students cannot lodge an application for permanent residency until their Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Midwifery degree has been completed.
If remaining on-shore (in Australia) an application for a Graduate Skilled Temporary visa may be required.
With this application, if an individual applies whilst in Australia (on-shore), they will automatically be entitled to remain in Australia during the processing of the permanent residence application, whereas an off-shore applicant (i.e. one who is not in Australia at the time) will not.
Useful Links
Department of Immigration and Citizenship - for information about:
- Extending your stay
- Working in Australia as a Nurse
-
Skilled independent visa (subclass 885) for nurses not requiring a sponsor
Gradlink - for information about International Students - Working in Australia.
Nurses and Midwives Board, New South Wales for details about How to Register as a nurse.