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Last Updated 01 October 2026
Why Become a Nurse in Australia?
- Registered Nurses in Australia earn a starting salary of AUD 70,235 per year, with experienced and specialist nurses earning AUD 108,000 or more.
- 12% employer superannuation contributions on top of base salary — a mandatory retirement savings benefit
With a projected shortfall of tens of thousands of nurses in the years ahead, internationally qualified nurses — especially those trained in India — are among the most actively sought for Australia.
Australia is home to a vibrant and rapidly growing Indian community, with established cultural networks, places of worship, and familiar cuisine across major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide.
Benefits of Working as a Nurse in Australia
- Competitive salary with penalty rates for night shifts, weekends, and public holidays — significantly boosting total take-home pay
- Multiple visa pathways to permanent residency, including points-tested and employer-sponsored routes
- NCLEX-RN exam available in India at Pearson VUE centres
- Legislated nurse-to-patient ratios in most states — one of the strongest workplace protections for nurses globally
- 5–6 weeks of paid annual leave plus sick leave, shift allowances, and other entitlements under the Nurses Award 2020
Eligibility for Australian Nursing Registration
The eligibility requirements for nursing registration in Australia through AHPRA are given below. You must:
- Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing)
- Hold a valid, active nursing registration from your home country
- Meet AHPRA's English language requirement — IELTS Academic/OET/PTE
- Pass the AHPRA Outcome-Based Assessment (OBA) — Part 1: NCLEX-RN and Part 2: OSCE
Popular Nursing Specialities in Australia
| Specialty | Indicative Annual Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse — Graduate / Entry Level | AUD 70,235 – 76,000 |
| Registered Nurse — Experienced (3–5 years) | AUD 83,000 – 95,000 |
| Specialty | Indicative Annual Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Clinical Nurse / Senior RN | AUD 96,000 – 116,000 |
| ICU / Critical Care Nurse | AUD 85,000 – 115,000 |
| Emergency Department Nurse | AUD 80,000 – 105,000 |
| Mental Health Nurse | AUD 83,000 – 100,000+ |
| Aged Care Nurse | AUD 86,500 – 100,000 |
| Perioperative / Theatre Nurse | AUD 80,000 – 105,000 |
| Neonatal / Paediatric Nurse | AUD 80,000 – 105,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner | AUD 115,000 – 143,500+ |
How to Become a Nurse in Australia?
The step-by-step procedure for becoming a registered nurse in Australia is given below.
Step 1: Create an AHPRA online account and complete the Self-Check on the AHPRA portal.
Step 2: Submit your English language evidence – IELTS A/OET/PTE
Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) — Part 1 of the OBA pathway, available at Pearson VUE test centres in India.
Step 4: Complete the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) — Part 2 of the OBA pathway.
Step 5: After passing the OSCE, you receive your final AHPRA registration number.
Australian Nursing Registration Fees for Indian Nurses
| Component | Approx. Fee |
|---|---|
| AHPRA IQNM Application Fee (initial registration) | AUD 503 |
| AHPRA Annual Registration Renewal | AUD 193 |
| NCLEX-RN Examination (Pearson VUE) | Approx. USD 350 (~AUD 540) |
| OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) | AUD 4,000 |
How Can Y-Axis Help You?
Y - Axis offers end-to-end assistance to Indian nurses migrating to Australia. Our services include:
- Profile assessment to determine your eligibility for AHPRA registration and your most suitable Australian visa pathway.
- IELTS / OET / PTE coaching to help you meet AHPRA and visa English language requirements.
- Documentation guidance, including INC verification coordination, attestation, and application submission support.
- Resume Marketing Services to connect you with Australian hospitals, healthcare networks.
- Visa application assistance and guidance through the Australian Department of Home Affairs portals.
- AHPRA registration support at every stage of the OBA pathway.
With Y-Axis by your side, you can navigate the Australian nursing registration process with greater confidence and take the next step towards building your future in Australia.
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