Australia

Living & Working Abroad

Guernsey

Ireland

United Kingdom

G’day!

Australia is a vast and diverse country (and continent too!) surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans in the Southern Hemisphere. The first people of Australia are the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who have lived here for at least 65,000 years! Australia is well-known for being largely flat and dry, however, our stunning mountain ranges, tropical rainforests, coastal beaches, productive farmland, and snowy Alps in the winter, show Australia has a variety of different terrain to discover and explore. Australia is best known for natural landmarks such as the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru, exciting cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, and unique wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas.

Australia is divided into six states and two territories.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Home to Australians capital city, Canberra. ACT highlights include Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, and the National Gallery of Australia.

Northern Territory (NT)

Darwin is the major city but special mention to Alice Springs, which is in the very centre of Australia. NT highlights include Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), and Kakadu National Park.

New South Wales (NSW)

Sydney is the major city. NSW highlights include the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley Wine Region, and its idyllic beaches.

Queensland (QLD)

Brisbane is the major city. QLD highlights include the Great Barrier Reef, the subtropical rainforest, and Brisbane’s consistent sunshine.

Victoria (VIC)

Melbourne is the major city. VIC highlights include Melbourne’s coffee, graffiti laneways, and love for the footy!

South Australia (SA)

Adelaide is the major city. SA highlights include the Barossa wineries, the Flinders Ranges, and Kangaroo Island.

Western Australia (WA)

Perth is the major city. WA highlights include its pristine coastline, fresh seafood, and the pink-coloured Lake Hillier.

Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmania is the island at the bottom of the mainland. Hobart is the major city. TAS highlights include the walking trails, mountain views, and laid-back lifestyle.

CCM Opportunities in Australia

Permanent roles: Permanent positions on an ongoing contract and employed by the hospital or health service
Short-term contracts: 4-13-week contracts and employed by the health service
Agency work: 2-12-week block bookings and employed by CCM Recruitment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What qualification is required to be a nurse or midwife in Australia?

Registered nurses

Bachelor of Nursing
OR an overseas qualification comparable to an Australian bachelor’s degree at level 7

Enrolled nurses

Diploma of Nursing
OR an overseas qualification comparable to an Australian Diploma level 5.

Registered midwives

Bachelor of Midwifery
OR an overseas qualification comparable to an Australian bachelor’s degree at level 7
OR a postgraduate qualification in midwifery post Bachelor of Nursing.

*Qualifications obtained outside of Australia (excluding New Zealand) are assessed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) on behalf of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) when applying for Australian registration.

What is the nursing Australian registration and how do I obtain this?

To practice nursing in Australia, you need to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). An AHPRA registration is required for registered nurses, enrolled nurses, and registered midwives.

To apply for an AHPRA registration, you can visit the official AHPRA website (find the website in our useful links section). From there, you will need to create an account, complete the application form, upload required documents, and pay the registration fee (check the website for updated fee information).

Nurses and midwives practicing in Australia must renew their AHPRA registration by 31 May each year.

Can I work in Australia as an international nurse and what do I need to do this?

Yes, international nurses can work in Australia, however a working visa is required.

Common working visas in Australia are:

Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) – for people aged between 18-35 to holiday and work
Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) – temporary employer-sponsored
Employer Nominated Scheme (subclass 186) – permanent employer-sponsored residency
Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) – points tested for individuals not sponsored
Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) – nominated by a state or territory
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491/494) – live and work in designated regional areas of Australia

Other common requirements for an international nurse to work in Australia are:

AHPRA registration (required for all nurses and midwives)
ANMAC skills assessment – the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council assesses and validates the skills, qualifications, and experience of overseas qualified nurses/midwives (required for specific visas)
Proof of English language competence – demonstrated through a primary language pathway, English language test pathway, or an extended education pathway (check the AHPRA website to see which pathway is appropriate for you)

I am a New Zealand citizen; do I need a work visa for Australia?

No – New Zealand citizens who enter Australia with a valid New Zealand passport are automatically granted a Special Category Visa (SCV). This allows them to live, work and study in Australia indefinitely without needing a separate work visa. The SCV can be cancelled if the holder fails to meet character or legal requirements and they do not automatically receive all benefits of Australian permanent residents/citizens, such as social security payments or student loans.

The pathway to gaining AHPRA registration is also easier for New Zealanders thanks to the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement. This agreement allows NZ nurses with a current and valid NZ nursing registration to apply for their AHPRA without the need for further testing or examination.

Why should I register with CCM Recruitment?

We have a wonderful team of recruitment consultants, all who have a background in nursing. Our recruitment consultants have a deep and practical understanding of the healthcare sector, and they genuinely care about placing good nurses in safe and friendly hospitals and community settings. We also have our lovely processing team members who, once you are offered a position, support you through the processing and onboarding of your employment. You are supported from your very first enquiry until you are settled into your new role

We also:

Provide nursing opportunities across Australia and overseas
Specialise in matching nurses with suitable roles
Guide nurses in creating an effective and informative CV
Offer one-on-one interview preparation sessions
Guide nurses through the recruitment and onboarding process
Access to potential vacancies not currently advertised elsewhere
Offer advice for student nurses and new graduates

How do I register with CCM Recruitment and what are the next steps?

We have a registration button at the top of the page. You just need to click this, enter your details, and answer the questions. We advise you upload your up-to-date CV when prompted, to allow us the opportunity to review your experience straight away. There will also be a marketing consent section, select YES to get our email advertisements and weekly vacancy highlights.

After you have registered, you will be allocated to one of our recruitment consultants. They then aim to contact you within 72 hours via phone call. If they cannot reach you via phone, they will send a follow up email. The purpose of the first contact is to request your CV if not uploaded on registration and to have a chat about what you are looking for.

What paperwork is required if I am successful in gaining employment through CCM Recruitment?

The required paperwork varies from role to role, but we have a dedicated processing team who assists you with all onboarding requirements. If you are offered employment, you will be allocated a specific processor who will talk you through what is needed. Please note – for short-term contract and agency work, a list of documents is required from you before applying for a contract. Your allocated recruiter will talk you through what is needed.

Common documents required: