What is Bachelors of Nursing?
Bachelor of Nursing is an academic undergraduate degree designed to train students in patient care, medical knowledge, and clinical skills, giving them the foundation to work as a Registered Nurse.
According to the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care (2021), Australia is expected to face a shortfall of over 70,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) nurse positions by 2035. This rising gap between supply and demand makes Australia one of the strongest destinations for students choosing nursing as a career.
In Nepal, when it comes to studying abroad, nursing is one of the most talked-about topics. However, many students remain confused about the process. So, it is important to know the procedure, eligibility criteria, future prospects, and opportunities that await them. On this blog we will discuss about salary after nursing in Australia, PR pathways, employment after nursing and much more.
Qualifications Required to Study Nursing in Australia:
- Completed 10+2 from a recognized Board in the Science stream.
- Minimum academic score of 2.4 GPA or equivalent qualification.
- Passed the Common Entrance Examination (CEE) and placed on the merit list.
- Proof of English proficiency: IELTS, PTE, with each band requirement depending on the university.
- Candidates with a Health Science Proficiency Certificate/Diploma (e.g., staff nurse) must have secured a minimum of 50% aggregate and be registered with the Nepal Nursing Council (NNC).
Note: The Government of Nepal has made passing the CEE compulsory for students pursuing nursing studies both inside Nepal and abroad.
Why Nepali Students Are Opting for Nursing in Australia:
1) World-Class Universities and Facilities:
Australia is globally recognized as a leader in nursing and healthcare. It hosts 7 universities in the global top 50 for nursing (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). Students also benefit from advanced laboratories, simulation centers, and modern medical equipment.
2) Paid Clinical Placements
Clinical placements are compulsory for accredited nursing degrees in Australia.
They are required by ANMAC (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council) and NMBA (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia) for professional registration.
Students typically complete 800 hours over the duration of the course, often across hospitals, aged care homes, and community healthcare settings.
3) High Employability and PR Potential
Nursing is consistently ranked as one of the most employable degrees in Australia.
Because nursing remains on Australia’s skilled occupation lists, graduates enjoy clear work visa and PR pathways, provided they meet registration and experience requirements.
Estimated Cost of the Course
While tuition fees vary depending on the university, the average annual cost for international students ranges between AUD 25,000–45,000.
This means a total estimated cost of:
AUD 75,000–135,000 for a 3-year degree.
Cost data is based on Study Australia (Australian Trade and Investment Commission), International Student Costs 2025.
Life After Graduation: What Nursing Students Can Expect
1) Income Opportunities
A graduate nurse in Australia typically starts with a salary of around AUD 65,000 per year, with rapid growth based on specialization, shift loadings, and experience.
(According to Australian Government – Job Outlook (Labor Market Insights): Registered Nurses)
2) Where Nurses Can Work:
Working as a nurse in Australia opens doors to a wide range of career directions:
- Acute care and emergency wards
- Aged care and disability support
- Mental health services
- Maternal and child health
- Operating theatres and surgical units
- Community health and outreach programs
With experience, students naturally discover their preferred specialization.
Returning to Nepal:
A nursing degree from Australia holds strong recognition in Nepal.
Nepal faces a projected shortage of nurses in the coming years, and hospitals, especially private ones that are already offering competitive salaries to retain skilled graduates. Government bodies also acknowledge the need for investment and reform in the nursing sector.
References
Australian Government – Labor Market Insights. Registered Nurses Job Outlook.
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (2021). Aged care registered nurse workforce report: A supplement to the 2020 Aged Care Workforce Census report.
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). Registered Nurse Accreditation Standards.
Medical Education Commission (Nepal). Common Entrance Examination Guidelines.
Nepal Nursing Council. Annual Report.
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Registration Standards for Registered Nurses.
QS World University Rankings by Subject. (2025). Nursing.
Study Australia (Australian Trade and Investment Commission). (2025). International Student Costs. World Health Organization (WHO). Nepal Health Workforce Status Report
