Study Nursing in Australia Guide for Nigerian Students

You will agree with us that nursing is one of the most in-demand professions in Nigeria and around the world. So, why are so many Nigerian students choosing to study nursing in Australia? The answer is simple – the quality of their education and top universities.

Because the quality of their education is second to none, Australia is one of the top destinations for Nigerian students who aspire to study nursing abroad.

In addition, according to the Institute of Health and Nursing America (IHNA), Registered Nurses (RNs) may be the most sought-after healthcare position not only in Australia but also globally, as the demand for skilled and experienced RNs far outnumbers the supply.” This rising need for Registered Nurses (RNs) is being driven by a number of causes, including a rise in the aging population and a larger need for chronic care and acute care management. Therefore, if you want to study nursing in Australia, now is unquestionably the ideal moment.”

Likewise, international students, including Nigerians, are so welcome in Australia that the government provides more than $200 million in international scholarships each year. This guide will provide Nigerian students with information about what is involved in studying nursing in Australia, including details on requirements, different types of courses, and study options.

What are the benefits of Studying Nursing in Australia?

A quick look at the benefits of studying nursing in Australia as a Nigerian student;

First of all, you will be highly equipped to practice the nursing profession anywhere in the world. Universities in Australia and their certifications are recognized all over the world for their teaching of nursing courses.

In addition, Nurses in Australia are highly sought after, and as a result, they get a stable income and a rewarding profession. According to au.talent.com, the average salary of a registered nurse in Australia is $79,435 per year. Again, not talking of other advanced countries where nurses are well paid.

Another benefit of pursuing nursing study in Australia is that you can work easily in Australia itself and apply for permanent residency. This is a smart way to Japa from Nigeria.

After completing your degree in nursing, you can also join the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), the professional body for nursing in Australia. The benefits of joining such an organization are networking with other professionals and improving your skills for better job opportunities.

Finally, if you want to return to Nigeria and help save lives, you are welcome! Nigeria is in dire need of well-trained nurses. As the saying goes, “It’s not all about money; it’s also about saving lives.” What can be more satisfying than saving lives or bringing new life to the world?

What are the most popular nursing degrees in Australia?

Some of the most common nursing degrees in Australia for Nigerian students are listed below:

• Diploma of Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing Practice
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Postgraduate Diploma In Nursing
• Master of Clinical Nursing

What are the requirements to study nursing in Australia?

When deciding to study Nursing in Australia, you must ensure that you know what kind of Nursing certifications are offered. Different Institutions in Australia have different levels of nursing programs and entry requirements.

Below are the degree levels of Nursing courses in Australia and the entry requirements for Nigerian students.

Diploma of Nursing

A nursing or nursing diploma is an entry-level diploma offered to students with a secondary school leaving certificate (SSCE). Holders of diplomas typically work under the direct supervision of Registered Nurses. The program usually lasts about 2-3 years and teaches the fundamentals of nursing and healthcare. However, it must be followed by higher-level nursing courses in order to obtain a better wage package in the industry.

Entry requirements:

Basically, you must meet the following requirements as a Nigerian student;

• Secondary School Transcript.
• School leaving certificate.
• You must be eighteen years plus or older.
• Australian Study Visa.
• You must have IELTS score requirements of at least 7.0 bands.
• You will need to provide a declaration regarding the English language requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

Bachelor of Nursing

The Bachelor of Nursing degree, also known as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), is the entry-level degree required to practice as a nurse in Australia. After completing this study program, you will be a General Registered Nurse, which means you will be certified to provide healthcare services in any hospital.

In Australia, a bachelor’s degree nursing program takes three years of full-time study. You will learn about a number of significant subjects, such as biology, anatomy, chemistry, health assessment methods, research principles, and so on.

Entry requirements:

Generally, Nigerian students are required to have the following:

• Transcripts and Academic Certificates
• Statement of Purpose
• Resume
• You must be 18 years of age or older.
• Australian Study Visa.
• Language Proficiency Test Result
• A Valid Nigerian International Passport

Master of Nursing

The Master of Nursing in Australia is the program for you if you want to pursue postgraduate education there as a Nigerian student in a clinical or research setting.

A Master of Nursing program in Australia is normally completed in two years of full-time study. However, universities in Australia also provide a variety of part-time study programs tailored to fit the daily schedules of the majority of nurses enrolled in postgraduate courses because they are employed.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria to study master of nursing are as follows:

• A bachelor’s degree in nursing from a top Nigerian university.
• Prior professional experience.
• Transcripts and Academic Certificates.
• English Language Proficiency to the likes of IELTS (7.0 and above) and TOEFL (78 or more).
• Statement of Purpose.
• Letters of recommendation.
• A Valid Nigerian International Passport.
• Australian Student Visa.

How can I become a nurse in Australia from Nigeria?

After completing a nursing degree in Australia as a Nigerian student, you can register to practice your nursing career in Australia.

However, a 3-year Bachelor of Nursing program, offered at most Australian universities listed below, is required to become a Registered Nurse in Australia.

In addition, Nigerian students must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) in order to become registered nurses after finishing programs certified by the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).

What is the total cost of studying nursing in Australia?

Suppose you want to study Nursing in Australia as a Nigerian student; you should consider the cost of the program. The average cost to study in Australia depends on the course, level of study, and the university or college you choose.

Typically, an undergraduate nursing degree costs roughly AUD 32,928 (₦16,727,424) in tuition. At the same time, master’s degree programs can cost anywhere from AU$ 20,000 (₦8,128,000) to $37,000 (₦18,796,000).

What are the top nursing schools in Australia for Nigerian students?

If you are an ambitious student who wants to study at a top Australian nursing college/university, these options may be overwhelming.

To assist you, we have shed some light on all nursing schools in Australia, aiming to learn what types of degrees they provide, how many students enroll, the rate of student satisfaction with their courses, and the employability of graduates.

As a result, we have compiled a list of Australia’s top nursing schools:

• University of Victoria
• University of Notre Dame Australia
• The University of Sydney Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery
• School of Nursing and Midwifery Deakin University
• School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia
• School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Social Work – University of Queensland
• School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Australia
• Melbourne School of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide
• Nursing, Midwifery, and Paramedicine Curtin University

Summing Up

As promised, we have provided a complete guide for those aspiring to study nursing in Australia. And, as we always say, it is good to dot the i’s and cross the t’s. So ensure that you plan and research well before deciding to study in Australia.

But we can assure you that if you are looking for a career that will give you opportunities to be hands-on and get permanent residency in Australia, Australia is the best place, and you won’t regret it. So, why delay? Start your application now and achieve your study abroad dream.