Study Nursing in NSW and Start a Career That Will Change Your Future
Written for IDP International Education Specialists. Published here.
Photo credit: Patient Care Technician/Flickr/Creative Commons (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)
How to become a registered Nurse in NSW, Australia
In Australia, in order to practice nursing, you must be qualified with a minimum of a Bachelor of Nursing, and registered with the local nurse governing body, AHPRA, the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency. In order to remain qualified, this registration must be renewed annually.
To register, start the process four to six weeks before completion of your bachelors degree. Go to the AHPRA website and create your account. You’ll need to provide a range of documentation, including:
Police check and criminal history
English language test results
Photograph ID copies, certified
Outline of any health limitations or impairments
Professional development history
Indemnity insurance information
If this is your first application, your education institution will provide AHPRA with your qualification information
If you are renewing the registration, you’ll also be required to present your CV with a range of information. This includes:
Clinical skills
Qualifications
Work practice history
Registration history
Explanation of any work history gaps
References and publications
You will also need to pay the fee (AU$90 as of 2020). Submit your application and AHPRA will advise of the outcome.
Eligibility criteria to study nursing in NSW
To be able to enrol for your Bachelor of Nursing or other nursing qualification, there are certain requirements in NSW.
You will have successfully completed secondary school, up to year 12 Australian equivalent.
Each university has different minimum English language requirements. You must meet these, passing the IELTS test. For nursing, an average score of 7.0 is the usual requirement but this can differ across learning institutions.
Some institutions will require a bridging course or an interim diploma from a TAFE or VET.
Nursing qualifications available in NSW
Diploma of Nursing: This course is for two years, and provides the qualification required in order to become an enrolled nurse in NSW. The diploma gives you basic knowledge you need to work as a nurse in NSW. Topics covered include infection, medication, biology, physiology, IV injections, and the general carer/ nursing skills required to be an effective nurse.
Bachelor of Nursing: This three year degree goes in depth to provide the skills and knowledge needed to become a registered nurse in NSW. It includes clinical placements which give you the on-job experience needed for confidence in the workplace.
Postgraduate studies: From post-grad diplomas to master degrees, there are a range of options to study in NSW. Choose what interests you, or which area of study will best help your career.
Advanced nursing practice
Intensive care nursing
Cancer and haematology nursing
Primary health care nursing
Emergency nursing
Mental health nursing
Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)
The difference between an enrolled nurse and a registered nurse
An enrolled nurse, while possessing some nursing skills, has more of a carer role. This means they can wash and care for elderly, infirm, or injured people.
A registered nurse is required to carry out more tasks such as administering medicines and manage the care of their patients.
Employment opportunities for nurses in NSW
Nursing is in demand across Australia, with a shortage of 120,000 predicted by 2057. Areas like aged care and mental health care are expected to need a large proportion of these nurses. There are a wide variety of workplaces that nurses can work in, from hospitals, to aged care facilities, specialised mental health units, prisons, and community centres.
The regions outside of Sydney have great employment opportunities, with more vacancies and higher demand in rural areas. Working out of the main centres can also help with future visa or permanent residency applications.
Where can you get nursing qualifications in NSW, Australia?
Ranked 40th in the world, the University of Sydney offers Bachelors and Masters of nursing, as well as a range of speciality postgrad courses and postgrad research options. The University of Sydney is extremely well regarded both locally and internationally. Modern nursing courses are taught by leaders in their fields, inspiring a passion for nursing.
Undergraduate courses
Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies)
Bachelor of Nursing (Honours)
Bachelor of Arts/Master of Nursing
Bachelor of Science (Health)/Master of Nursing
Bachelor of Science/Master of Nursing
Bachelor of Nursing (Post-registration) - in partnership with SIM-GE RN’s working in Singapore
Postgraduate courses
Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry)
Advanced nursing practice
Cancer and haematology nursing
Emergency nursing
Intensive care nursing
Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)
Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine and Health)
Master of Philosophy (Medicine and Health)
UNSW The University of New South Wales
Ranked 44th in the world, UNSW has an award winning medical studies course. UNSW medical degrees are sought after, giving theoretical and practical knowledge that are valued in the workplace. Their post graduate degrees are ideal once you’ve completed your Bachelor degree elsewhere.
Master of Forensic Mental Health
Graduate Diploma Forensic Mental Health
Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health
Using a primary healthcare framework for teaching, Western’s Bachelor of Nursing uses evidence based practice and inquiry-based learning. Their degrees teach you how to care for individuals, as well as families, different cultures, and do it all within a healthcare setting.
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelor of Child and Family
Bachelor of Mental Health
Graduate Diploma of Nursing
Graduate Certificate of Nursing
Graduate Diploma of Child and Family
Graduate Certificate of Child and Family
Graduate Diploma of Mental Health
Graduate Certificate of Mental Health
Graduate Diploma of Midwifery
Graduate Diploma of Primary Healthcare
Graduate Certificate of Primary Healthcare
Graduate Certificate in Acute and Critical Care Nursing
Master of Child and Family
Master of Nursing
Master of Mental Health
Master of Primary Healthcare
UTS offers the number one course for nursing and midwifery in Australia, with the course being ranked 11th in the world. With highly experienced and qualified teaching staff, all content is evidenced based, with the latest in research – much originating from UTS itself. Get the best degree, from the best teaching staff.
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelor of Midwifery
Masters, Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care
Graduate Diploma in Midwifery
Torrens University
The nursing courses at Torrens University utilise next generation technology, with labs that prepare you for the future. Small classes and an immersive learning environment gives you opportunities to collaborate with peers and academics alike.
Diploma of Nursing
Bachelor of Nursing
Contact IDP for help choosing your NSW nursing course
We help to match you with the perfect institution for your needs. With years of experience within Australia, and great understanding of the visa process, we can help you along every step of the way. Contact us today to find out more.