Nursing is one of the clearest routes from study to a long-term career overseas. Undergraduate nursing degrees prepare you for registration as a nurse, while postgraduate options serve those already qualified in India who want to specialise or move into leadership.
Each country has its own regulator: the NMC in the UK, AHPRA and the Nursing and Midwifery Board in Australia, the Nursing Council of New Zealand and provincial colleges in Canada. English requirements for registration are often higher than for admission, so plan your test scores with registration in mind.
Clinical placements are a compulsory and substantial part of every nursing programme. Expect shift work in hospitals and community settings from your first year.
Popular specialisations
- Adult Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Children's Nursing
- Critical Care
- Aged Care
- Nursing Leadership
Careers it can lead to
- Registered nurse
- Clinical nurse specialist
- Mental health nurse
- Community health nurse
- Nurse educator
- Nurse manager
Where to study it
- Australia: Australia pairs research-led public universities with a well-regulated system for international students. Indian graduates get extra post-study work time under the India–Australia trade agreement, though visa fees and entry checks have tightened since 2024.
- Canada: Canada offers strong public universities and job-focused colleges, generous off-campus work rules and a post-graduation work permit. Since 2024 the government has capped new study permits and tightened work-permit rules, so course choice matters more than ever.
- United Kingdom: The UK offers one-year master's degrees and three-year bachelor's degrees that save time and money. The Graduate Route allows two years of post-study work for applications made up to 31 December 2026, dropping to 18 months from January 2027.
- Ireland: Ireland combines English-medium teaching, one-year master's degrees and the European headquarters of many global technology and pharmaceutical firms. Graduates can stay for up to two years on Stamp 1G to look for work.
- New Zealand: New Zealand's eight public universities all rank in the global top tier, class sizes are small and cities are safe. Degree and master's graduates can receive an open post-study work visa of up to three years, and students can now work 25 hours a week.
Nursing courses to explore
Bachelor of NursingDeakin University · Australia · UndergraduateBachelor of NursingGriffith University · Australia · UndergraduateBachelor of Science in NursingUniversity of Windsor · Canada · UndergraduateBNurs Adult NursingUniversity of Birmingham · United Kingdom · UndergraduateBSc (Hons) Adult NursingCoventry University · United Kingdom · UndergraduateBachelor of NursingAuckland University of Technology (AUT) · New Zealand · Undergraduate
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