Nursing in Australia

Presently there is a high demand for nurses in Australia. There are temporary and permanent visas to assist overseas nurses work in the healthcare industry in Australia. To work as a nurse in Australia you will need to be assessed by either the Australian Nursing Council or the nurse regulatory body in the state or territory in which you wish to work.

The assessment is valid for 2 years. The overseas nurses are assessed by the council based on the evidence submitted by the applicant related to her work experience and educational qualification. It is also required that the nurses must possess and demonstrate competence with the National Nursing Competency standards. For this they may even   have to complete a Migrant Bridging Programme or ONCAP (Overseas Nurses Competency Assessment Program)

Nurses with an IELTS score of 6.5 can go to Australia under the nurses' conversion programme. This is a 1 year programme which will give the candidate an idea of the Australian Culture and nursing in Australia.

In case where the IELTS score is less than 6.5, the candidate can apply but will have to undergo a course in English (ELICOS - a three month course focusing on English Language training only).