Australia has a growing aging population, which increases the demand for skilled healthcare workers, especially nurses. This leads to more job opportunities and job security.
Nurses and healthcare professionals in Australia enjoy attractive salaries, overtime pay, and benefits such as superannuation (retirement fund), paid leaves, and health insurance options.
Australia is known for its world-class healthcare system, both public and private. Working in such an environment allows professionals to access modern technology and continuous training.
Many healthcare roles are on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL), making it easier for qualified professionals to migrate and eventually apply for permanent residency.
Australia emphasizes a healthy work-life balance, with regulated working hours, generous leave policies, and a high quality of life overall.
Australia is multicultural and inclusive, making it easier for international healthcare professionals to integrate into teams and communities.
Ongoing professional development is encouraged through certifications, specializations, and advanced degree programs. There's room to grow into leadership or specialist roles.
Australia offers a safe, clean, and scenic environment with access to nature, modern cities, and a relaxed lifestyle, making it attractive not just for work but also for life.
Australia actively welcomes skilled healthcare and nursing professionals from around the world. With a strong need for qualified staff, international candidates are viewed as valuable contributors to the healthcare workforce.
Australian healthcare institutions offer internationally aligned training and practice standards. This allows overseas professionals to apply their skills in a system that values evidence-based care and professional excellence.
Whether through skilled migration, student visas, or sponsorship by healthcare employers, there are several pathways for international nurses and healthcare workers to enter and build a career in Australia.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) provides a clear process for overseas-trained nurses and healthcare professionals to gain recognition and practice legally and safely.
With its multicultural society and support services for newcomers, Australia makes it easier for international candidates to settle in and feel at home both professionally and personally.
Healthcare roles in Australia come with attractive salaries, safe working environments, and generous employment conditions, helping professionals achieve financial stability and career satisfaction.
Australian healthcare systems emphasize lifelong learning. International candidates are encouraged to pursue specializations, attend workshops, and enhance their qualifications while working.
Whether in metropolitan hospitals or regional health centers, international professionals can enjoy Australia's high standard of living, modern amenities, and access to nature and vibrant communities.
Registered Nurses provide general care, administer medications, and coordinate patient treatment plans in hospitals, clinics, and aged care settings.
Enrolled Nurses work under the supervision of Registered Nurses and assist with basic medical care, patient monitoring, and daily activities.
Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice nurses who can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and manage patient care independently in many clinical settings.
CNS professionals focus on a specific area such as mental health, emergency care, or pediatrics, offering expert advice and support to both patients and nursing teams.
These nurses specialize in caring for elderly patients in residential facilities or in-home care settings, managing chronic conditions and promoting quality of life.
Mental Health Nurses work in psychiatric hospitals, community health centers, or private clinics, supporting individuals with emotional and psychological conditions.
Midwives assist with pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and postnatal care, providing support to mothers and newborns in hospitals or private practices.
These nurses assist during surgical procedures, ensuring the operating environment is sterile and supporting both surgeons and patients.
Community Health Nurses work outside hospital settings to deliver care in homes, schools, and community centers, focusing on public health education and preventive care.
These nurses provide comprehensive healthcare services in Australia's remote and underserved regions, often working autonomously across various medical areas.
ICU Nurses care for critically ill patients, managing life-support systems and responding to complex, high-pressure medical situations.
Pediatric Nurses specialize in the care of infants, children, and adolescents, often working in hospitals, clinics, or specialized pediatric units.
Job Title |
Average Salary (AUD) |
Average Salary (USD) |
Average Salary (INR) |
---|---|---|---|
Registered Nurse (RN) |
AUD 80,000 |
USD 53,600 |
INR 44,00,000 |
Enrolled Nurse (EN) |
AUD 65,000 |
USD 43,550 |
INR 35,75,000 |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) |
AUD 120,000 |
USD 80,400 |
INR 66,00,000 |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) |
AUD 105,000 |
USD 70,350 |
INR 57,75,000 |
Aged Care Nurse |
AUD 75,000 |
USD 50,250 |
INR 41,25,000 |
Mental Health Nurse |
AUD 90,000 |
USD 60,300 |
INR 49,50,000 |
Midwife |
AUD 85,000 |
USD 56,950 |
INR 46,75,000 |
Theatre Nurse |
AUD 83,000 |
USD 55,610 |
INR 45,65,000 |
Community Health Nurse |
AUD 78,000 |
USD 52,260 |
INR 42,90,000 |
Remote and Rural Nurse |
AUD 95,000 |
USD 63,650 |
INR 52,25,000 |
ICU Nurse |
AUD 92,000 |
USD 61,640 |
INR 50,60,000 |
Pediatric Nurse |
AUD 80,000 |
USD 53,600 |
INR 44,00,000 |
Nursing Unit Manager |
AUD 115,000 |
USD 77,050 |
INR 63,25,000 |
Director of Nursing |
AUD 140,000 |
USD 93,800 |
INR 77,00,000 |
Nurse Educator |
AUD 95,000 |
USD 63,650 |
INR 52,25,000 |
Rehabilitation Nurse |
AUD 82,000 |
USD 55,000 |
INR 45,10,000 |
Oncology Nurse |
AUD 88,000 |
USD 58,960 |
INR 48,40,000 |
Infection Control Nurse |
AUD 87,000 |
USD 58,290 |
INR 47,85,000 |
Emergency Room Nurse |
AUD 90,000 |
USD 60,300 |
INR 49,50,000 |
Palliative Care Nurse |
AUD 85,000 |
USD 56,950 |
INR 46,75,000 |
You must have a recognized nursing or healthcare qualification equivalent to Australian standards. This includes:
A Bachelor's degree or Diploma in Nursing or a healthcare-related field.
Course content and clinical hours should match those required by Australian regulatory bodies.
You must prove your proficiency in English through one of the following tests:
IELTS: Minimum score of 7.0 in each band
OET: Minimum B grade in each component
PTE Academic: Minimum score of 65 in each section
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 94 overall, with specified section scores
Note: Test results must be no older than 2 years at the time of application.
You must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Key steps include:
Submitting identity, qualification, and work experience documents.
Demonstrating English proficiency.
Paying the registration fee.
Undergoing a qualification assessment or bridging program if required.
For visa and migration purposes, you must get a skills assessment from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). It includes:
Reviewing your qualifications and work experience.
Verifying English proficiency.
This is required if applying for skilled migration visas (e.g., subclass 189, 190, 491).
To legally work in Australia, you need an appropriate visa, such as:
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)
Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
Student Visa (for those pursuing further nursing education)
You must provide police clearance certificates from every country you've lived in for 6 months or more in the last 10 years.
A medical examination may be required to prove you're fit to work in healthcare settings.
Most employers prefer candidates with 1–2 years of clinical experience, though newly qualified nurses can still find pathways through graduate programs or bridging courses.
Job Title |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
---|---|
1. Registered Nurse (RN) |
Assess patient needs, administer medications, coordinate care plans, and monitor patient progress. |
2. Enrolled Nurse (EN) |
Assist RNs, provide basic patient care, document health status, and support daily activities. |
3. Nurse Practitioner (NP) |
Diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and manage patient treatment independently. |
4. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) |
Provide expert clinical advice, mentor staff, and specialize in a particular field of care. |
5. Aged Care Nurse |
Deliver care to elderly patients, manage chronic conditions, and provide emotional support. |
6. Mental Health Nurse |
Support patients with mental illness, provide counseling, and assist in treatment plans. |
7. Midwife |
Support mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care, and educate about infant care. |
8. Theatre (OR) Nurse |
Prepare patients for surgery, assist during procedures, and manage post-operative recovery. |
9. Community Health Nurse |
Provide education, prevention services, and home-based care in community settings. |
10. Remote and Rural Nurse |
Offer comprehensive care in isolated areas, often handling emergencies and general practice duties. |
11. ICU Nurse |
Care for critically ill patients, monitor life-support systems, and respond to emergencies. |
12. Pediatric Nurse |
Care for infants and children, administer vaccinations, and support families. |
13. Nursing Unit Manager |
Supervise nursing staff, manage budgets, ensure compliance, and coordinate daily operations. |
14. Director of Nursing |
Oversee clinical operations, implement policies, and lead the nursing workforce in healthcare settings. |
15. Nurse Educator |
Train and mentor nursing students and staff, develop curriculum, and evaluate clinical competencies. |
16. Rehabilitation Nurse |
Assist patients in recovering from surgery or illness, manage pain, and support long-term healing. |
17. Oncology Nurse |
Administer chemotherapy, monitor cancer patients, and offer emotional support. |
18. Infection Control Nurse |
Develop and enforce protocols to prevent infection and educate staff on hygiene practices. |
19. Emergency Room Nurse |
Triage and stabilize patients, respond to urgent care needs, and assist doctors in emergencies. |
20. Palliative Care Nurse |
Provide end-of-life care, manage pain, and offer emotional and spiritual support to patients and families. |
Job Title |
Required Qualification |
Registration Needed |
Experience Preferred |
Additional Requirements |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. Registered Nurse (RN) |
Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent |
AHPRA + ANMAC Assessment |
1–2 years |
English test (IELTS/OET), police clearance |
2. Enrolled Nurse (EN) |
Diploma of Nursing |
AHPRA |
6–12 months |
Must be supervised by RN; English proficiency |
3. Nurse Practitioner (NP) |
Master of Nursing (NP Stream) |
AHPRA + NP Endorsement |
5+ years as RN |
Must be endorsed by AHPRA as NP |
4. Clinical Nurse Specialist |
Bachelor's + Specialization |
AHPRA |
3+ years in relevant field |
Demonstrated advanced clinical expertise |
5. Aged Care Nurse |
Bachelor's or Diploma in Nursing |
AHPRA |
1+ year in aged care |
Knowledge of dementia & elder care, compassionate approach |
6. Mental Health Nurse |
Mental Health Nursing Certification |
AHPRA |
1–2 years |
Specialized training in psychiatric care |
7. Midwife |
Bachelor of Midwifery or RN + Midwifery |
AHPRA |
1+ year |
Must be registered as midwife; English language test |
8. Theatre Nurse |
RN + Perioperative Training |
AHPRA |
1+ year in surgical ward |
Experience in operating room protocols |
9. Community Health Nurse |
RN or Equivalent |
AHPRA |
1+ year in public health |
Health promotion and home care experience |
10. Remote & Rural Nurse |
RN or Equivalent |
AHPRA |
2+ years preferred |
Ability to work independently, multi-skilled |
11. ICU Nurse |
RN + ICU Specialization |
AHPRA |
2+ years in ICU |
ACLS/BLS certification, critical care training |
12. Pediatric Nurse |
RN + Pediatric Specialization |
AHPRA |
1–2 years in pediatrics |
Child health training |
13. Nursing Unit Manager |
RN + Management Training |
AHPRA |
5+ years |
Leadership and administrative skills |
14. Director of Nursing |
Master's or Advanced Management Degree |
AHPRA |
8–10 years in leadership |
Extensive healthcare leadership experience |
15. Nurse Educator |
RN + Teaching Qualification |
AHPRA |
3–5 years as RN |
Education/Training certificate preferred |
16. Rehabilitation Nurse |
RN + Rehab Course (optional) |
AHPRA |
1+ year in rehab unit |
Patient mobility and recovery planning skills |
17. Oncology Nurse |
RN + Oncology Nursing Certification |
AHPRA |
1–2 years in oncology |
Chemotherapy administration competency |
18. Infection Control Nurse |
RN + Infection Control Training |
AHPRA |
1–2 years |
Infection prevention expertise, hospital protocols |
19. Emergency Room Nurse |
RN + Emergency or Trauma Training |
AHPRA |
1–2 years in ER |
High-pressure decision-making, triage skills |
20. Palliative Care Nurse |
RN + Palliative Care Training |
AHPRA |
1–2 years in palliative |
End-of-life care sensitivity, pain management expertise |
Category |
Minimum Experience Required |
Details |
---|---|---|
Registered Nurse (RN) |
1–2 years (preferred but not mandatory) |
Fresh graduates can apply, but clinical experience improves job prospects and visa options. |
Enrolled Nurse (EN) |
6–12 months (preferred) |
Practical training during diploma often counts as initial experience. |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) |
Minimum 5 years as an RN |
Plus completion of a Master's in Nursing (NP stream). |
Clinical Nurse Specialist |
3+ years in a specific clinical area |
Required to demonstrate specialist knowledge. |
Aged Care Nurse |
1+ year in elderly care |
Experience in dementia, palliative care, or residential nursing highly valued. |
Mental Health Nurse |
1–2 years in psychiatric or behavioral health |
Must be skilled in therapeutic communication and crisis management. |
Midwife |
1+ year in maternity care |
Required to practice independently or in hospital settings. |
Theatre/OR Nurse |
1+ year in surgical/operating room |
Exposure to perioperative care is crucial. |
ICU Nurse |
2+ years in critical care |
Experience with ventilators, monitors, and emergency procedures is essential. |
Emergency Room Nurse |
1–2 years in emergency/trauma care |
Must handle fast-paced, high-pressure situations. |
Community Health Nurse |
1+ year in community or outreach programs |
Public health education and home visit experience preferred. |
Remote and Rural Nurse |
2+ years across various nursing functions |
Generalist experience is needed due to limited on-site support. |
Pediatric Nurse |
1–2 years with infants or children |
Specialized knowledge in child development and care needed. |
Oncology Nurse |
1–2 years in cancer care |
Must understand chemotherapy, side effects, and emotional support needs. |
Rehabilitation Nurse |
1+ year in rehab or post-operative settings |
Skilled in mobility aid, therapy support, and chronic care. |
Infection Control Nurse |
1–2 years in hospital or clinical settings |
Additional training in infection prevention is often required. |
Palliative Care Nurse |
1–2 years in hospice or palliative units |
Experience in pain management and emotional care is crucial. |
Nurse Educator |
3–5 years clinical + education experience |
Required to teach or mentor nursing students or staff. |
Nursing Unit Manager |
5+ years including leadership roles |
Must show team management and administrative ability. |
Director of Nursing |
8–10 years with senior leadership experience |
Advanced degree in management often required. |
Company / Organisation |
Sector |
Why They Hire International Candidates |
---|---|---|
Ramsay Health Care |
Private Hospitals |
One of the largest private hospital networks; offers visa sponsorship and relocation. |
Healthscope |
Private Hospitals |
Recruits internationally for nursing and allied health roles across its hospital network. |
Bupa Aged Care |
Aged Care |
Hires international nurses for elderly care facilities; supports visa sponsorship. |
Estia Health |
Aged Care |
Offers positions for enrolled and registered nurses; welcomes overseas applicants. |
Bolton Clarke |
Community & Aged Care |
National provider hiring for home care and residential care roles. |
Sonic Healthcare |
Pathology & Diagnostics |
Employs healthcare professionals including laboratory staff and clinical assistants. |
NSW Health |
Public Healthcare (State) |
Offers jobs for RNs, midwives, mental health and rural nurses across NSW. |
Queensland Health |
Public Healthcare (State) |
Frequently recruits international nurses for regional hospitals and health services. |
Victoria Health (VIC Gov) |
Public Healthcare (State) |
Major employer in Victoria’s public hospitals; supports skilled migration programs. |
Western Australia Health (WA Health) |
Public Healthcare (State) |
Runs international recruitment campaigns for nurses, midwives, and allied health staff. |
Australian Unity |
Aged Care & Health Services |
Recruits for community nurses and aged care services with training and support programs. |
UnitingCare Health |
Not-for-Profit Hospitals |
Operates hospitals and aged care homes across Queensland and beyond. |
Southern Cross Care |
Aged Care & Home Support |
Recruits enrolled and registered nurses, often with sponsorship support. |
Calvary Health Care |
Hospitals & Aged Care |
Offers jobs across hospital, home, and aged care settings for overseas professionals. |
St John of God Health Care |
Private Hospitals |
Actively recruits for nursing, midwifery, and support roles; offers visa sponsorship. |
Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) |
Remote Healthcare |
Recruits nurses for rural and remote healthcare, particularly in emergency care. |
Genea |
Reproductive Health |
Hires international nurses and medical professionals with fertility clinic experience. |
Silver Chain Group |
Community Health & Palliative Care |
Recruits RNs for home care and palliative services across Australia. |
Opal HealthCare |
Aged Care |
Offers sponsorship and international programs to support skilled migration. |
Japara (now part of Calvary) |
Aged Care |
Provides job openings for international RNs and care workers with support programs. |
Job Profile |
Avg Salary (AUD) |
Key Requirements |
Roles & Responsibilities |
Top Hiring Companies |
---|---|---|---|---|
Registered Nurse (RN) |
AUD 80,000 |
Bachelor's in Nursing, AHPRA Registration, English Test |
Patient care, administer meds, monitor vitals, collaborate with doctors |
NSW Health, Ramsay Health, Bupa Aged Care |
Enrolled Nurse (EN) |
AUD 65,000 |
Diploma in Nursing, AHPRA, Supervised Practice |
Basic patient care, assist RNs, record vitals, support patients |
Healthscope, Estia Health, Calvary Health Care |
Nurse Practitioner |
AUD 120,000 |
RN + Master’s, 5+ yrs exp, AHPRA Endorsement |
Diagnose, prescribe, manage treatment independently |
St John of God, QLD Health, Calvary Health Care |
Clinical Nurse Specialist |
AUD 105,000 |
RN + Specialization, 3+ yrs experience |
Expert in a clinical area, mentor staff, lead care improvements |
VIC Health, Ramsay Health, WA Health |
Aged Care Nurse |
AUD 75,000 |
RN or EN, AHPRA, Elderly care experience |
Assist elderly with daily living, manage medications, emotional support |
Opal HealthCare, Bupa Aged Care, Southern Cross Care |
Mental Health Nurse |
AUD 90,000 |
RN + Mental Health Training, AHPRA |
Support mental health patients, assist in treatment, crisis intervention |
NSW Health, Silver Chain, Mind Australia |
Midwife |
AUD 85,000 |
Bachelor in Midwifery or RN + Midwifery, AHPRA |
Prenatal, birth, and postnatal care, patient education |
Genea, St John of God, NSW Health |
Theatre Nurse |
AUD 83,000 |
RN + Perioperative Training |
Prepare OR, assist in surgery, post-op care |
Ramsay Health, Calvary, Healthscope |
ICU Nurse |
AUD 92,000 |
RN + ICU Experience, ACLS, AHPRA |
Critical care, manage ventilators, respond to emergencies |
QLD Health, NSW Health, Western Health |
Emergency Nurse |
AUD 90,000 |
RN + Emergency or Trauma Training |
Triage, stabilize patients, respond quickly to critical conditions |
Royal Flying Doctor Service, WA Health, QLD Health |
Community Health Nurse |
AUD 78,000 |
RN, AHPRA, Public Health Experience |
Health education, home visits, chronic care management |
Silver Chain, Australian Unity, Bolton Clarke |
Pediatric Nurse |
AUD 80,000 |
RN + Pediatric Experience, AHPRA |
Care for children and infants, family education, child-specific care |
The Royal Children’s Hospital, NSW Health |
Remote Area Nurse |
AUD 95,000 |
RN, 2+ yrs exp, rural readiness |
All-round care in isolated areas, independent decision-making |
Royal Flying Doctor Service, WA Health, NT Health |
Oncology Nurse |
AUD 88,000 |
RN + Oncology Certification, Chemo Training |
Support cancer patients, administer treatments, symptom management |
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Healthscope |
Rehabilitation Nurse |
AUD 82,000 |
RN, Rehab Unit Experience |
Support recovery post-surgery or illness, manage pain and mobility |
Austin Health, Ramsay, Calvary |
Palliative Care Nurse |
AUD 85,000 |
RN, Palliative Training, 1–2 yrs experience |
End-of-life care, pain management, emotional support |
Silver Chain, Estia Health, Southern Cross Care |
Infection Control Nurse |
AUD 87,000 |
RN, Infection Control Training |
Develop infection prevention strategies, monitor compliance |
NSW Health, QLD Health, Sonic Healthcare |
Nursing Unit Manager |
AUD 115,000 |
RN, 5+ yrs experience, Leadership skills |
Supervise nurses, manage budgets, ensure clinical standards |
Ramsay, St John of God, WA Health |
Director of Nursing |
AUD 140,000 |
RN, Master's in Leadership, 10+ yrs experience |
Oversee hospital nursing operations, staff development, policy implementation |
Healthscope, Calvary, NSW Health |
Nurse Educator |
AUD 95,000 |
RN, Education Qualification, Clinical Experience |
Train and assess nursing staff, develop curricula, lead workshops |
Universities, Health Services, TAFE institutions |
Visa Type |
Subclass |
Key Features |
Who It's For |
---|---|---|---|
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa |
482 |
Employer-sponsored, valid up to 4 years, allows full-time work |
Nurses and healthcare professionals with a job offer from an approved sponsor |
Skilled Independent Visa |
189 |
Permanent residency, points-tested, no sponsorship required |
Highly skilled nurses meeting the required points threshold |
Skilled Nominated Visa |
190 |
State-sponsored permanent visa, requires nomination by an Australian state |
Nurses willing to live and work in specific Australian states |
Skilled Work Regional Visa |
491 |
5-year visa, requires regional state nomination or family sponsorship |
Nurses open to working in regional or remote areas |
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) |
186 |
Permanent residency, requires employer nomination and at least 3 years’ experience |
Experienced nurses with long-term job offers |
Training Visa |
407 |
Short-term visa for professional development or bridging programs |
Nurses undergoing supervised practice or training in Australia |
Working Holiday Visa |
417/462 |
Short-term visa (up to 1 year), allows temporary work |
Young healthcare workers (18–30/35) from eligible countries |
Student Visa |
500 |
For those studying nursing or health programs in Australia |
International students pursuing a nursing degree |
Temporary Graduate Visa |
485 |
For international students who completed their studies in Australia |
Nursing graduates from Australian institutions looking to stay and work |
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme |
494 |
Employer-sponsored, for regional jobs, leads to PR after 3 years |
Nurses hired in regional/remote areas with long-term employment |