Australia’s Nursing Workforce: What the Latest Government Data Means for Future Students

The coming ten years are crucial for nurses in Australia, as important decisions and developments made now will have a deep impact on the healthcare and nursing professions. Based on official predictions by Australia's Department of Health and Aged Care, the supply of nurses will continue to be significantly short of the demand for nurses until 2035. Unless action is taken to enhance nursing training and schooling, retain existing nurses in practice, and recruit nurses by migration, Australia will have a shortage of several tens of thousands of nurses.

What the Government’s Study Shows

In 2024, the Department of Health and Aged Care released the nursing and demand study (2023-2035), which will predict a comprehensive national model that draws on a strong data (including the National Health Workforce data). It indicates that there will be a lack of availability of nurses by 2035 in emergency care, primary health care, age care and mental health.

Why this matters:

• The study is official evidence that is used to inform Commonwealth policy and the plan.
• This emphasizes that educational institutions, employers and authorities should focus on retention initiatives, and internationally qualified nurse pathways keep up with the population's health needs.

National Strategies Responding to the Gap

National Nursing Workforce Strategy

The Government’s National Nursing Workforce Strategy sets priorities to tackle workforce challenges—better planning, stronger retention, improved career pathways, and a more diverse and well-distributed workforce across urban, rural and remote Australia. It is the policy roadmap designed to translate the modelling into action.

Nurse Practitioner Workforce Plan

To increase access and relive systems bottle neck, the revised Nurse Practitioner Workforce Plan facilitates nurse practitioners (NPs) to practice to their full potential. It strengthens the normal nurse workforce by introducing registered/enrolled nurses who can provide higher-level care where there are shortages or special demands.

Streamlined Registration for Internationally Qualified Registered Nurses (IQRNs)

From 23 April 2025, the NMBA (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia) implemented a new registration standard for IQRNs, making assessment and registration easier for eligible nurses from similar jurisdictions. This is aimed at speeding up entry to the workforce for experienced international nurses, creating less administrative friction while ensuring public safety. (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia).

What This Means for Prospective Students?

If you’re considering a nursing pathway, the government’s own evidence points to sustained demand:

• Consistent job opportunities: The national model forecasts a significant nurse shortfall to 2035 under baseline settings—creating ongoing demand across multiple care settings.
• Multiple care settings to choose from: Acute, primary, aged care and mental health all feature in the official modelling, offering varied career paths and the ability to specialize over time.
• Increased advanced roles: Policy emphasis on nurse practitioners creates further senior clinical avenues, particularly in community and primary care.
• More defined channels for experienced international nurses: The IQRN standard (commencing April 2025) provides a more certain and faster route to registration for qualifying overseas-trained RNs through streamlined pathway.

How MWT guide you?

MWT Education Consultancy is associated with the educational institutions in Australia to provide you the best study abroad options and will also guide you how to migrate to the dream destination.

• Entry-to-practice (Diploma/EN pathways): Develop foundational competencies and initiate clinical practice in correspondence to needs indicated in areas of the national model.
• Advanced postgraduate development (e.g., advanced clinical practice, leadership, research): Set yourself up for greater responsibility as Australia develops extended advanced nursing roles through the Nurse Practitioner Workforce Plan and wider workforce changes.
• Support for internationally qualified nurses: We assist eligible IQRNs to get registration as per the NMBA's new standard of registration. So you can transit smoothly and safely into the workforce. (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia)

Practical Tips Before You Apply

• Map your pathway: Decide whether you’re entering as an Enrolled Nurse (Diploma) or aiming for Registered Nurse pathways (Bachelor/postgrad). Use official guidance and program accreditation details when comparing options.
• Plan for clinical placements: Australia’s modelling underscores demand across multiple settings—consider programs with strong placement networks in acute, primary and aged care.
• Overseas -trained RN: Check NMBA's IQRN registration standard to ensure eligibility, English language proficiency, and documentation long before hand. (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia)
• Plan ahead: The Nurse Practitioner Workforce Plan indicates continued expansion of advanced practice—select a career that keeps those doors open (e.g., routes leading to Master's and NP endorsement later in your career).

Key Takeaways (from official sources)

• Australia faces a significant nursing shortfall to 2035 under baseline modelling—driving sustained demand for nurses across multiple sectors. (hwd.health.gov.au)
• The National Nursing Workforce Strategy is the Government’s roadmap to strengthen education, retention and distribution of nurses. (Health, Disability and Ageing)
• The updated Nurse Practitioner Workforce Plan expands advanced practice capacity and access to care. (Health, Disability and Ageing)
• From 23 April 2025, a new IQRN registration standard streamlines pathways for eligible overseas-trained RNs to register and commence work sooner. (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia)

Talk to MWT

MWT Education Consultancy can help you choose the right pathway—entry-level, postgraduate, or international registration support —aligned with Australia’s official workforce priorities. Get in touch to review your eligibility, timelines and the study options that best match your goals.

Sources (official):

• Department of Health and Aged Care — Nursing Supply and Demand Study (2023–2035) and methodology materials. (hwd.health.gov.au)
• Department of Health and Aged Care — National Nursing Workforce Strategy (policy priorities). (Health, Disability and Ageing)
• Department of Health and Aged Care — Nurse Practitioner Workforce Plan. (Health, Disability and Ageing)
• Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia — General registration for IQRN (effective 23 April 2025). (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia)