Dhiraj Kandel
Managing DirectorSchedule a free consultation with our expert counselors to discuss your study
Nursing and Midwifery
Imagine working in a profession where your skills are always in demand, your job is secure, and your work changes lives. That’s Nursing and Midwifery in Australia.
There is a country-wide shortage of highly qualified nurses and midwives in Australia, and there are opportunities for Nepali students.
No matter what you aspire to do in a hospital, in a community clinic, or specialise in maternity care, an Australian qualification can open doors to the world.
This blog will walk you through why Nursing and Midwifery should be considered by Nepali students, the level of the course, the fees that this course entails, and how you can get started.
At Goreto Educational Consultancy – the best educational consultancy in Nepal, we have assisted hundreds of Nepali students to join respected Australian nursing programs, once advised by our experts, made initial application, visa counselling, and pre-departure training.
In case you are prepared to take your Nursing and Midwifery dream to reality, here is where you can begin: Study in Australia from Nepal or connect with us on WhatsApp for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Why Study Nursing and Midwifery in Australia?
The purpose of studying nursing and midwifery in Australia is not only due to its high level of academic competence but also because of the successful potential of its career security and migration opportunities. Such courses have emerged as the most preferred programs among Nepali students who aspire to have a stable, reputable, and well-paid healthcare career.
- Strong Demand and Job Security: The country is going through an Australian nurse shortage, with tens of thousands of new midwives and nurses required annually. There is a demand in the public hospitals, private clinics, aged care to the community health services, and therefore, the job market is also guaranteed after graduation.
- Friendly Career Path: Both Registered Nurse and Midwife belong in the MLTSSL of Australia. This qualifies graduates to be eligible for skilled migration visas such as Subclass 189, 190 and 491.
- World-Class Training & Facilities: There are practical clinical placements in hospitals and other healthcare centres. Skills earned in Australia are accepted all over the world; hence, you may work in such countries as the UK, Canada, and New Zealand.
- High Earning Potential: The mean registered nurse pay in Australia is approximately AUD 80,000/yr (~NPR 7.16M), but there is elevated remuneration and salaries given to older nurses and specialty assignments.
- Supportive Nepali Community: Large cosmopolitan centers such as Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth all have Nepali communities of students and professionals, where they can help with networking and social support.
Course Levels & Highlights
Australia offers multiple study levels in Nursing and Midwifery to suit your academic background, career goals, and migration plans.
Choosing the right course is important, as it affects your AHPRA registration, job eligibility, and PR options.
| Level | Duration | What You’ll Learn | Ideal For | Top Institutions |
| Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse Pathway) | 1.5–2 years | Foundations of nursing care, basic anatomy, infection control, and patient support skills | +2 graduates (Science preferred) who want to start working sooner or a pathway to the Bachelor of Nursing | TAFE NSW, Holmesglen Institute, Box Hill Institute |
| Bachelor of Nursing | 3 years | Comprehensive nursing theory, pharmacology, clinical practice, community and acute care, mental health | +2 Science graduates who want to become Registered Nurses (RNs) in Australia | University of Sydney, Monash University, Deakin University, Griffith University |
| Bachelor of Midwifery | 3 years | Antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care, maternal health, newborn care, and women’s health | +2 Science graduates interested in maternity and women’s healthcare | University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Charles Darwin University, University of Queensland |
| Graduate Diploma / Master of Nursing / Midwifery | 1.5–2 years | Advanced clinical practice, leadership, specialised care (ICU, aged care, pediatrics, maternal health) | Bachelor graduates (nursing or related fields) seeking career progression or specialisation | University of Melbourne, Flinders University, University of South Australia |
Important Notes for Nepali Students
- In Australia, a person pursuing a Registered Nurse(RN) or Registered Midwife needs to have undertaken an approved AHPRA Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program.
- Nursing diablo grads end up as Enrolled Nurses (ENs), which still qualifies as a PR eligible job, but at lower pay and reduced scope as an RN.
- Lots of students enter with a diploma, work as ENs, and then move to a bachelor’s degree during the work tenure-cost of studies goes down.
Eligibility & Entry Requirements
To study nursing or midwifery in Australia, you must meet academic, English language, and health/character requirements.
For Nepali students, the entry criteria can differ slightly depending on whether you are aiming for a Diploma, Bachelor’s, or Master’s program.
Academic Requirements
| Program Level | Academic Qualification |
| Diploma of Nursing | Completion of +2 (NEB or equivalent), preferably in the Science stream, with a minimum of 50–55%. Some institutions accept other streams if you have strong grades in English and Science subjects. |
| Bachelor of Nursing / Bachelor of Midwifery | Completion of +2 (NEB or equivalent) in Science stream with a minimum of 60%. Must have studied English and at least one science subject (Biology or Chemistry). |
| Graduate Diploma / Master of Nursing / Midwifery | Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Midwifery, or a related health field. Must hold (or be eligible for) AHPRA registration as a nurse/midwife in Australia or your home country. |
English Language Requirements
AHPRA Requirement for Registration (must be met before you can work as an RN or Midwife):
- IELTS Academic: Overall 7.0 (no band less than 7.0)
- PTE Academic: Overall 65 (no communicative skill less than 65)
- OET: Minimum B in each band
Study Entry Requirements
| Program Level | IELTS Academic | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT |
| Diploma | Overall 6.5 (no band <6.0) | Overall 58 | Overall 79 |
| Bachelor | Overall 7.0 (no band <6.5) | Overall 65 | Overall 94 |
| Master’s | Overall 7.0 (no band <7.0) | Overall 65 | Overall 94 |
Other Requirements
- Health Clearance: They should have vaccinations and health checks before clinical placements.
- Character Clearance: Nepal police check and Australian police check (after you get in).
- AHPRA Registration: It is mandatory before practising as a Registered Nurse or Midwife.
Documents Required for Application
- Academic transcripts and certificates (SLC/SEE, +2, Bachelor’s if applicable)
- Valid passport
- English test results (IELTS/PTE/OET/TOEFL)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Updated CV (for Master’s applicants)
- Letters of recommendation (if required)
- Proof of funds (bank statements, income source)
- Vaccination records (for clinical placements)
Costs Breakdown
The process of deciding on studying overseas, as is the case with most Nepali students, is not limited only to the decision on the course but also the amount of money one needs to invest.
Tuition fees and the cost of living in Australia will depend on your level of study, the city in which you are going to study, and whether you reside in a regional or metropolitan location.
Such as, learning in Sydney or Melbourne would often cost more in living costs than in Adelaide, Perth, or Hobart, yet there might be more opportunities in a metro city to get part-time jobs.
| Expense | Diploma of Nursing (AUD/NPR) | Bachelor of Nursing / Midwifery (AUD/NPR) | Master of Nursing / Midwifery (AUD/NPR) |
| Tuition (per year) | 15,000–25,000 NPR 1.34M–2.24M | 30,000–45,000 NPR 2.69M–4.03M | 32,000–48,000 NPR 2.86M–4.29M |
| Living Expenses (per year) | 24,505 NPR 2.19M | 24,505 NPR 2.19M | 24,505 NPR 2.19M |
| OSHC (Health Insurance) | 600–800 NPR 53K–71K | 600–800 NPR 53K–71K | 600–800 NPR 53K–71K |
| Visa Fee | 710 NPR 63K | 710 NPR 63K | 710 NPR 63K |
Exchange rate used: 1 AUD = NPR 89.54 (fluctuates, check current rate before applying)
Understandably, those who are coming out of Kathmandu, Pokhara, or any other city or urban centre in Nepal can feel the pinch with the cost of living in Australia, and it may feel difficult.
Nevertheless, Nepali students afford the costs by supplying part-time, cooking at home, and sharing rented houses.
As an example, a nursing student in Adelaide may have to spend AUD 150-180/ week (NPR 13,400-16,100) on rent, and that of Sydney may cost AUD 250-300/ week (NPR 22,400-26,800).
Your choice of location will not only have a direct effect on your costs but also on your lifestyle, PR opportunities, and duration of post-study work visa.
Application & Visa Roadmap
Applying for nursing or midwifery in Australia can be straightforward if you follow a clear step-by-step process.
The main trick is to have as much preparation time as possible and know about the tight English and health check requirements, as it is the requirement not only to be allowed in but also to attain later registration with AHPRA.
Step-by-Step Guide for Nepali Students
- Choose Your Course & Location
Depending on your budget, academic background, and PR plans, choose whether to begin with a Diploma of Nursing or to jump right to a Bachelor’s/Master’s.
And be sure to consider cities other than the major capitals, such as Adelaide, Hobart, or Cairns, as they have lower living costs, and that will earn you additional points under PR applications.
- Check Entry Requirements
Academic qualification (addition of between +2 to most bachelor/midwifery courses) and English Marks.
There are usually stronger language demands in nursing programs (IELTS 7.0, no band 7 or less to be registered with AHPRA).
- Prepare Your Application Documents
- Academic transcripts & certificates
- English proficiency test results (IELTS/PTE/OET)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your nursing/midwifery career goals
- Updated CV (for master’s applicants)
- Valid passport
- Letters of recommendation (if required)
- Vaccination records for clinical placements
- Apply to the Institution
Submit applications online or through Goreto Educational Consultancy – the best educational consultancy in Nepal.
The earlier you apply, the higher your chances of getting a seat with nursing and midwifery being programs with short supply of intake positions.
- Receive and Accept Offer Letter
The offers can be mandatory (e.g. are subject to a certain test grade) and free.
Make the tuition deposit to secure.
- Get Your CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment)
This step is required for your student visa application (Subclass 500).
- Apply for Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Include your CoE, Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement, proof of funds, and other supporting documents.
Visa fee: AUD 710 (~NPR 63,000).
- Complete Medicals & Biometrics
Undergo medical exams that have been authorised by the panel. These are requirements by nursing students because of healthcare placement demands.
- Receive Visa Grant & Arrange Travel
- Book your flight and prepare for arrival in Australia.
Pre-Departure Preparation
Goreto provides pre-departure counselling, covering accommodation arrangements, local Nepali community contacts, and part-time work tips.
Metro cities like Sydney and Melbourne offer more part-time jobs and larger hospitals for placements, while regional cities provide lower living costs, longer post-study work visas, extra PR points, and smaller class sizes for a more personal learning experience.
Post-Study Work & PR Pathways
Two of the most PR friendly career choices in Australia are nursing and midwifery.
They are both featured on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which implies that the graduates can obtain several skilled migration avenues once they have finished their education.
To the Nepali students, this presents the courses as a prime option in terms of long-term career and residency stability.
Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485)
After graduating, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Visa – Post-Study Work Stream, which allows you to live and work in Australia for a set period based on your qualification and location of study:
| Qualification | Stay in Metro Areas | Stay in Regional Areas |
| Bachelor / Bachelor (Hons) | 2 years | Up to 4 years |
| Master’s | 3 years | Up to 5 years |
| PhD | 4 years | Up to 6 years |
The graduates in the Diploma of Nursing do not qualify under the Post-Study Work Stream but can apply to the Graduate Work Stream provided their occupation is listed in the MLTSSL.
Why Healthcare Graduates Have PR Advantages?
- High Demand: Registered Nurse and Midwife are some of the critical shortage roles in the Australian health care system.
- Excel PR Points: Get your education in a regional location: This adds to your migration total points.
- Employer-sponsored: Hospitals, aged care, and clinics are all known to sponsor work visas of nurses and midwives, leading to PR.
PR Pathways for Nepali Nursing & Midwifery Graduates
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
A points-tested visa that does not require state or employer sponsorship, allowing you to live and work anywhere in Australia.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Requires state or territory nomination, which gives additional migration points and may increase your chances of approval.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
Requires nomination from a regional area and allows you to live and work there before transitioning to permanent residency.
- Employer Sponsored Visas (Subclass 482 → 186)
Work for an approved employer in an eligible healthcare occupation, with a pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme.
Career Outcomes & Salaries
A degree in Nursing or further on to Midwifery in Australia leads to a multiplicity of occupations in the sphere of healthcare, which is required in many regards.
Not only do Nepali students study these careers in order to secure steady job opportunities and a high salary, but also to have a bright future, which entails easy migration to permanent resident status.
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary (AUD) | Approx. Annual Salary (NPR) |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | 80,000 | 7.16M |
| Midwife | 83,000 | 7.43M |
| Enrolled Nurse (EN) | 65,000 | 5.82M |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | 95,000 | 8.50M |
| Nurse Unit Manager | 110,000 | 9.84M |
| Aged Care Nurse | 78,000 | 6.97M |
| Community Health Nurse | 82,000 | 7.34M |
Exchange rate used: 1 AUD ≈ NPR 89.54 (subject to change)
Why These Careers Are Attractive for Nepali Students?
- High Demand: The healthcare market of Australia is one of the safest and fastest-developing spheres.
- PR Pathways: The majority of nursing and midwifery occupations are listed on the MLTSSL, and skilled migration is offered in a variety of ways
- Global Recognition: Indeed, this has led to global recognition of the Australian qualifications in nursing, through countries such as the UK, New Zealand, and Canada.
- Earning While Studying: A lot of nursing school students claim part-time jobs in aged care, or an assistant position, at the time of finishing their nursing degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most Bachelor programs, yes, +2 Science with Biology or Chemistry is preferred. However, some Diploma programs may accept students from other streams if they meet English and academic requirements.
AHPRA requires IELTS 7.0 (no band <7.0) or equivalent for registration. Some institutions accept slightly lower scores for admission, but you’ll still need to meet AHPRA standards before you can work as a Registered Nurse or Midwife.
Yes. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study terms and full-time during breaks. Many nursing students work in aged care, hospitals, or support roles.
Bachelor graduates can stay for 2–4 years, and Master’s graduates for 3–5 years, depending on the location of study. Regional areas offer longer stays.
Yes. Nursing and midwifery are on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making them among the fastest pathways to PR in Australia.
Tuition ranges from AUD 15,000–48,000 per year, depending on the level, plus around AUD 24,505 per year for living expenses.
Yes. Many students start with a diploma, work as Enrolled Nurses, and then transition to a bachelor’s degree, often with credit transfers.
At Goreto Educational Consultancy – the best educational consultancy in Nepal, we specialise in the placement of Nepalese students in Australia in nursing and midwifery professions. We assist in:
- Selection of the courses and universities (metro or regional)
- Preparation of applications and reviewing documents
- SOP and coaching on interviews
- Support in applying visa
- Pre-departure counselling to prepare you for life in Australia
