Why Indian Nurses Are Choosing Australia in 2026: Better Pay, Better Life, and Easy PR

If you’re an Indian nurse thinking about working abroad, Australia should be at the top of your list. With a massive shortage of 70,000 nurses expected by 2035, Australia needs qualified nurses now more than ever. Plus, 8 out of 10 Indian nurses who applied got their visas approved in 2025!

1. Amazing Salaries That Change Lives

Australian nurses earn way more than in India (where average is ₹3-5 lakhs/year):

1. Starting salary: ₹33-36 lakhs per year
2. Average salary: ₹39-54 lakhs per year
3. Experienced nurses: ₹55-60 lakhs per year

Where pays the most:

1. Sydney: ₹47-50 lakhs
2. Perth: ₹47-52 lakhs
3. Brisbane: ₹44-50 lakhs
4. Melbourne: ₹41-47 lakhs

Extra benefits: Night/weekend shifts pay 50-100% extra, 5-6 weeks paid holidays, retirement savings (employer adds 11.5%), paid sick leave.

After paying for living expenses, you can still save ₹20-30 lakhs yearly to send home!

2. Work-Life Balance You’ll Love

Unlike India’s exhausting 12+ hour shifts, Australia offers:

1. Only 38 hours per week
2. No forced overtime
3. Safe patient-to-nurse ratios
4. Focus on your wellbeing

Best cities for Indian families:

1. Sydney: Beaches, big Indian community, but expensive
2. Melbourne: Great food, culture, affordable suburbs
3. Perth: Relaxed, beaches, easier for families
4. Brisbane: Warm weather like South India

Living costs: Single person needs ₹1.1-1.7 lakhs/month. Family of 4 needs ₹2.6-3.4 lakhs/month. But your salary easily covers this!

Indian community perks: Indian grocery stores, temples, free healthcare after PR, excellent schools for kids.

3. Getting PR is Straightforward

Australia uses a points system, and nurses get high priority. You need minimum 65 points, but 80-90 gives you better chances.

Three main visa options:

1. Subclass 189: Live anywhere, no job needed first
2. Subclass 190: State sponsors you, faster processing
3. Subclass 491: Work in regional areas 3 years, then get PR

How points work (example for 30-year-old nurse):

1. Age: 30 points
2. English test: 20 points
3. Experience: 10 points
4. Degree: 15 points
5. Skills assessment: 20 points
6. Total: 90+ points (guaranteed invite!)

Steps to follow:

1. Get skills assessed (₹30-36k, takes 10-12 weeks)
2. Pass English test (OET B or IELTS 7)
3. Register with AHPRA (nursing board)
4. Apply online
5. Get visa in 6-12 months
6. Bring family (spouse can work/study)

Why Australia Beats Canada

1. Warm weather (no freezing winters!)
2. Faster PR process
3. Higher salaries (₹10 lakhs more on average)
4. Huge nurse shortage means guaranteed jobs

Tips for Success

1. Start your application now
2. Consider regional areas (easier PR, lower costs)
3. Use professional help for applications

MCP Global Services has helped 200+ Indian nurses move to Australia. One Kerala nurse now earns ₹51 lakhs in Perth and got family PR in just 18 months!