Australia continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for international students seeking both education and work opportunities. In 2025, the demand for skilled healthcare professionals remains at an all-time high, and nursing stands out as one of the most lucrative sectors.
The country’s aging population, combined with its world-class healthcare infrastructure, has created a pressing need for qualified nurses.
For international students studying in Australia, this presents a golden opportunity to gain real-world experience, earn competitive salaries, and potentially transition to permanent residency through various visa options.
Recent government reports indicate that Australia will need more than 85,000 additional nurses by 2025 to meet healthcare demands across hospitals, aged care facilities, and community health centers.
For international students, this surge in demand translates into thousands of job openings with salaries ranging between AUD 45,000 and AUD 50,000 annually for entry-level positions.
Experienced nurses in specialized fields can earn significantly more, often crossing the AUD 80,000 mark, especially in high-demand regions like New South Wales and Victoria.
Another advantage for international students is that many nursing jobs come with visa sponsorship opportunities. Employers in regional areas, for instance, are actively seeking skilled healthcare workers and are willing to provide visa pathways that lead to permanent residency.
This means students can start with part-time or full-time nursing roles while studying, then transition into long-term positions after graduation with the right visa sponsorship support.
Given the competitive salaries, flexible working hours, and the possibility of long-term settlement, nursing in Australia has become more than just a career choice, it is a life-changing opportunity for thousands of international students each year.
With healthcare expenditure projected to increase by 15% in the next two years, the Australian government and private sector employers are investing heavily in skilled migration and student employment programs, ensuring that international students can access high-paying jobs with structured career growth.
In the sections that follow, we will explore why nursing remains a top career choice, the types of nursing jobs available with visa sponsorship, the skills required, and the regions offering the highest salaries in 2025.
Each section provides practical insights with real figures to help international students make informed decisions as they plan their careers in Australia.
Why Work in the Nursing Industry?
Nursing is one of the most rewarding professions in the world, both emotionally and financially. In Australia, the industry offers competitive salaries, job stability, and opportunities for career advancement that few other professions can match.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the median salary for nurses increased by 12% between 2023 and 2024, with projections showing further growth by 2025 due to rising healthcare demands.
For international students, the benefits go beyond just salary. Nursing jobs often come with visa sponsorship options, allowing students to work legally while completing their studies and transition into full-time roles after graduation.
The average starting salary for nursing assistants and enrolled nurses ranges from AUD 25 to AUD 30 per hour, translating to approximately AUD 50,000 annually for full-time roles.
Registered nurses with specialized skills can earn upwards of AUD 40 per hour, which equals about AUD 75,000 to AUD 80,000 annually depending on location and experience.
Emotional and Professional Fulfillment
Unlike many other industries, nursing offers a unique blend of financial security and personal satisfaction. International students often find the profession rewarding because they get to make a real difference in people’s lives while earning a stable income.
From working in busy metropolitan hospitals to small community clinics, nurses are at the forefront of patient care, playing a vital role in public health and wellness.
Job Security and Visa Opportunities
Healthcare is one of the few industries in Australia with near-zero unemployment rates. The demand for nurses is expected to grow by 10% annually, making it a recession-proof profession.
Moreover, many employers are listed on the Australian Government’s approved sponsor list, meaning international students can access visa sponsorship opportunities with relative ease.
Popular visa types such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) visa are commonly used by employers to retain international talent.
Career Growth and Advanced Opportunities
Another major reason to work in nursing is the clear pathway to career growth. International students can start with entry-level positions such as nursing assistants while studying, then pursue advanced qualifications to become registered nurses, midwives, or even nurse practitioners. Higher qualifications often lead to salaries exceeding AUD 100,000 annually, especially in metropolitan cities where demand is highest.
Types of Nursing Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in Australia
International students in Australia have access to a wide range of nursing roles depending on their education, skills, and experience levels. Many hospitals, aged care centers, and private clinics actively hire students for part-time positions with the possibility of full-time employment and visa sponsorship after graduation.
Registered Nurses (RNs)
Registered nurses are among the highest-paid professionals in the healthcare industry. In 2025, RNs in Australia can expect salaries starting at AUD 70,000 annually, with specialized roles in critical care or emergency departments paying over AUD 90,000.
Many hospitals offer sponsorship under the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa for international students who transition into full-time RN roles after completing their studies.
Enrolled Nurses (ENs)
Enrolled nurses provide basic patient care under the supervision of registered nurses. Salaries for ENs typically range from AUD 55,000 to AUD 65,000 annually. Many regional healthcare facilities prefer hiring international students as ENs, providing visa sponsorship and on-the-job training opportunities to encourage retention.
Aged Care Nurses
With Australia’s aging population, aged care facilities are experiencing massive staffing shortages. International students can earn between AUD 60,000 and AUD 75,000 annually in this sector, with many employers offering permanent residency pathways after two years of full-time work.
Mental Health Nurses
Mental health nursing is a rapidly growing field, with salaries averaging AUD 80,000 annually. Employers in this sector actively seek international students with psychology or mental health training backgrounds and often provide visa sponsorship options for long-term employment.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
While nursing in Australia offers excellent salaries and career opportunities, employers expect certain minimum skills and qualifications, even for entry-level positions. International students need to meet both academic and professional criteria to secure jobs with visa sponsorship in 2025.
Educational Requirements
Most entry-level nursing roles require at least a diploma in nursing or a related healthcare field. Students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in nursing have an added advantage, as many employers prefer hiring graduates for registered nurse positions. Completion of clinical placements during studies is often mandatory, providing practical experience before entering the workforce.
Technical and Soft Skills
Employers expect strong technical skills such as patient care, medication administration, and infection control practices. Soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork are equally important, as nurses interact with patients, families, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams daily.
Work Experience and Internships
Many hospitals and aged care centers offer internship programs for international students, allowing them to gain local experience before applying for full-time roles. Even six months of part-time work experience can significantly improve job prospects, especially in regions with critical nursing shortages.
Language and Licensing Requirements
Proficiency in English is essential, with most employers requiring students to meet the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 7. Additionally, nurses must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) before practicing professionally.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
One of the most important factors international students consider when looking for nursing jobs in Australia is location. Salaries for nurses vary significantly across states and territories, often influenced by demand, cost of living, and the availability of healthcare professionals in those regions.
In 2025, government data shows a clear trend: regional and rural areas are offering higher pay packages and additional benefits compared to major metropolitan centers, primarily because of the ongoing healthcare worker shortages in those locations.
New South Wales (NSW)
New South Wales consistently ranks as one of the highest-paying states for nurses. International students working in Sydney or regional NSW hospitals can earn between AUD 70,000 and AUD 95,000 annually depending on their role and experience.
Critical care nurses and mental health nurses in Sydney metropolitan hospitals often exceed the AUD 100,000 annual mark, especially when working night shifts or taking on additional responsibilities such as clinical supervision.
Victoria
Victoria, particularly Melbourne, offers competitive salaries for registered nurses ranging from AUD 65,000 to AUD 85,000 annually. However, international students willing to work in rural Victorian healthcare facilities can earn even higher packages, as some regional employers provide relocation assistance, accommodation benefits, and visa sponsorship to attract skilled workers.
Queensland
In Queensland, salaries for registered nurses average around AUD 70,000 annually, with higher pay scales in rural areas like Cairns and Townsville. Aged care facilities in Queensland are particularly known for hiring international students on student visas and later offering employer-sponsored visas for full-time roles after graduation.
Western Australia
Western Australia offers some of the highest salaries for nurses in 2025, with pay rates often exceeding AUD 80,000 annually for registered nurses in Perth and surrounding regions. Mining towns and remote communities pay even more, sometimes exceeding AUD 100,000 annually, due to the difficulty in attracting skilled healthcare workers to these locations.
South Australia and Tasmania
While salaries in South Australia and Tasmania are slightly lower compared to states like NSW and Western Australia, averaging around AUD 65,000 to AUD 75,000 annually, these regions provide excellent visa sponsorship opportunities.
Many hospitals here are on the lookout for international talent and frequently offer permanent residency pathways for nurses willing to work in rural and remote areas.
Overall, international students willing to explore regional areas often enjoy not only higher salaries but also priority processing for skilled migration visas, making these locations ideal for long-term career growth.
Salary Expectations for International Students
When it comes to salary expectations, international students in Australia can rest assured that nursing offers one of the most competitive pay structures across all industries. The actual salary, however, depends on several factors, including education level, experience, location, and the type of nursing role undertaken.
Entry-level Positions
Students working as nursing assistants or personal care workers while pursuing their studies typically earn between AUD 25 and AUD 30 per hour. If working 20 hours per week (the limit allowed on student visas during academic sessions), this translates to approximately AUD 26,000 to AUD 30,000 annually.
During semester breaks when students can work full-time, annual earnings can easily reach AUD 45,000 to AUD 50,000.
Registered Nurses (RNs)
Upon graduation and obtaining AHPRA registration, international students stepping into registered nurse roles can expect starting salaries of around AUD 65,000 annually. With two to three years of experience, this figure often rises to AUD 75,000 or more.
Specializations such as emergency nursing, intensive care, and mental health nursing attract even higher salaries, often exceeding AUD 90,000 annually in high-demand regions.
Advanced Roles and Overtime Pay
Nurses who pursue postgraduate qualifications or specialize in areas like nurse practitioner roles often earn upwards of AUD 100,000 annually. Moreover, Australia’s healthcare system compensates generously for night shifts, weekends, and public holiday work. Overtime rates can increase hourly wages by 25% to 50%, significantly boosting overall annual income.
In summary, while entry-level nursing roles provide decent earnings for international students, career progression in nursing comes with exponential salary growth, especially for those willing to upskill or work in regional and rural areas.
Visa Types and Options for International Students
Securing the right visa is a crucial step for international students planning to work as nurses in Australia. Fortunately, the Australian government offers multiple visa options structured to skilled workers in the healthcare sector, many of which provide clear pathways to permanent residency.
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
While studying, international students typically work under the Student Visa Subclass 500, which allows 20 hours of work per week during academic sessions and unlimited hours during semester breaks.
Many students start their nursing careers with part-time roles under this visa before transitioning to employer-sponsored visas after graduation.
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa Subclass 482
The TSS visa is one of the most popular options for international nursing graduates. Employers experiencing skill shortages can sponsor qualified international nurses, allowing them to work full-time in Australia. This visa often serves as a stepping stone toward permanent residency under the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS).
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) Visa Subclass 494
For students willing to work in regional areas, the SESR visa offers a direct pathway to permanent residency after three years of employment. Many regional hospitals prefer sponsoring international graduates under this scheme to address rural healthcare staffing shortages.
Permanent Residency Pathways
After gaining sufficient work experience, international students can apply for permanent residency through visas like the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 or the Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190.
Nursing remains on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), ensuring multiple migration opportunities for qualified professionals.
With the right visa strategy, international students can seamlessly transition from part-time roles during their studies to full-time, high-paying nursing positions with long-term settlement options in Australia.
How to Find Nursing Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in Australia
Finding the right nursing job in Australia as an international student requires strategic planning, networking, and the use of both online and offline resources. With thousands of job openings available across the country, students who actively seek opportunities and meet eligibility criteria often secure roles with competitive salaries and visa sponsorship benefits.
Online Job Portals
Websites like Seek, Indeed, and the Australian Government’s Jobactive platform regularly advertise nursing vacancies with visa sponsorship options. Many listings clearly state whether the employer is an approved sponsor, making it easier for international students to target suitable opportunities.
University Career Centers
Most Australian universities maintain strong partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare facilities. International students can access internship programs, part-time job listings, and career fairs through university career centers, gaining early exposure to potential employers offering sponsorship.
Recruitment Agencies
Healthcare recruitment agencies such as HealthStaff Recruitment and Nursing Jobs Australia specialize in connecting international students and graduates with employers seeking skilled nurses. Many of these agencies also assist with visa documentation and relocation processes.
Direct Applications and Networking
Students who proactively contact hospitals, aged care centers, and private clinics often find opportunities before they are publicly advertised. Networking with professors, clinical supervisors, and healthcare professionals during internships can also open doors to full-time positions with sponsorship benefits.
Ultimately, a combination of online research, university resources, recruitment agencies, and personal networking gives international students the best chance of securing high-paying nursing jobs with visa sponsorship in Australia.