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Are you a UK-registered nurse considering a move to Australia? With its high quality of life, competitive salaries, and growing healthcare demand, Australia remains a top destination for UK-trained nurses. But before packing your bags, it’s important to know which nursing specialties are most in demand so that you can position yourself for success, faster registration, and stronger job prospects.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top nursing specialties currently sought after in Australia, why these roles are in high demand, and how UK nurses can take advantage of these opportunities.
Why Australia Needs More Nurses (Especially from the UK)
Australia is facing a nationwide nursing shortage, driven by an ageing population, increasing chronic diseases, and expanding healthcare services. According to Health Workforce Australia, the country could face a shortfall of over 100,000 nurses by 2030 if the gap is not addressed.
UK nurses, particularly those trained under the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) system, are highly regarded in Australia due to the similar healthcare standards and language compatibility. The AHPRA registration process is often more streamlined for UK-trained professionals, especially if you meet the qualification and English language criteria.
Top In-Demand Nursing Specialties in Australia (2025)
Let’s look at the specialties that are currently on Australia’s priority and skilled occupation lists—and where job demand is the highest.
1. Aged Care Nurses
With over 15% of Australia’s population aged 65 or older, the demand for aged care nurses has skyrocketed.
Why it’s in demand:
- Growing elderly population.
- Need for residential and home-based aged care.
- The government focuses on aged care sector reforms.
Average Salary: AUD $70,000–$85,000 per year.
Recommended Experience: Elderly care, dementia support, palliative care.
Source: https://www.tunstallhealthcare.com.au/blog/australia-healthcare-worker-shortage
2. Mental Health Nurses
Mental health issues are on the rise, and Australia urgently needs skilled nurses in psychiatric and mental health care.
Why it’s in demand:
- Increasing focus on community mental health services.
- High demand in rural and regional areas.
- National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan (2021–2025).
Average Salary: AUD $75,000–$95,000 per year.
Recommended Experience: Psychiatric wards, crisis response, addiction support.
3. Critical Care / ICU Nurses
Critical care nurses are needed across Australia, especially in ICU, CCU, and emergency departments.
Why it’s in demand:
- Shortage of ICU-trained nurses post-COVID-19.
- Complex care needs in both public and private hospitals.
- Staffing gaps in rural hospitals.
Average Salary: AUD $80,000–$100,000 per year.
Recommended Experience: ICU, CCU, emergency, trauma units.
4. Theatre / Perioperative Nurses
Surgical procedures are rising, creating demand for perioperative nurses in both urban and regional hospitals.
Why it’s in demand:
- Expanding elective surgeries.
- High need in regional surgical centres.
- Growth in private surgical clinics.
Average Salary: AUD $75,000–$95,000 per year.
Recommended Experience: Scrub/scout nursing, anaesthetic support, recovery room care.
5. Midwives
Qualified midwives and nurse-midwives are in strong demand, especially in rural and remote areas of Australia.
Why it’s in demand:
- Shortage of maternity care professionals.
- Focus on maternal health services.
- Incentives for rural practice.
Average Salary: AUD $80,000–$105,000 per year.
Recommended Experience: Labour and delivery, prenatal and postnatal care.
6. Emergency Nurses
Emergency departments (EDs) across Australia are facing staffing challenges, making ED-trained nurses highly sought after.
Why it’s in demand:
- Shortage of acute care professionals.
- Overcrowded EDs in major cities.
- Increasing emergency presentations.
Average Salary: AUD $78,000–$100,000 per year.
Recommended Experience: Accident & emergency, triage, trauma care.
7. Community Health Nurses
Australia is expanding its community-based health services, increasing demand for nurses who can deliver preventive and primary care outside hospitals.
Why it’s in demand:
- Growing focus on public health and chronic disease management.
- Shift toward home visits and outpatient care.
- Need for culturally safe services in Aboriginal communities.
Average Salary: AUD $70,000–$90,000 per year.
Recommended Experience: Health promotion, school nursing, chronic care management.
How UK Nurses Can Work in These Specialties
To work in Australia, UK nurses must:
- Apply for AHPRA Registration – Ensure your qualifications, clinical hours, and English proficiency meet their requirements.
- Choose the Right Visa – Most nurses apply under the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or Employer Sponsored Visa (subclass 482).
- Get Job-Ready – Tailor your CV to Australian standards and highlight your specialty experience.
- Explore Regional Opportunities – Many specialties are in higher demand in rural and remote areas, which may also offer PR (Permanent Residency) pathways.
Tip: Some UK nurses may be eligible to register with AHPRA without needing to sit the NCLEX or OSCE, depending on their education and clinical experience. Check the most recent AHPRA guidelines or consult with us to know more.
Final Thoughts
Australia is actively welcoming skilled nurses from the UK—and specialising in a high-demand area like ICU, aged care, or mental health can boost your chances of landing a well-paying, meaningful role.
If you’re considering the move, start by aligning your current experience with the top in-demand specialties, prepare your documents for AHPRA, and begin exploring job openings in priority sectors.
Need Help with Registration or NCLEX Prep?
At Edulogix, we support UK nurses in every step of their journey—from AHPRA registration guidance to NCLEX coaching and visa advice.
Contact us today!