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Posted on 13th April, 2026
Is Nursing in Demand in Australia? Everything You Need to Know
Nurses are in high demand in Australia due to a growing mismatch between workforce supply and healthcare needs. According to the Australian Government’s Nursing Supply and Demand Study 2023–2035, while the number of nurses is expected to increase, demand is projected to outpace supply across all healthcare sectors. The study forecasts a national undersupply of approximately 70,707 full-time equivalent nurses by 2035, with nearly 79,473 nurses required to meet demand. This shortage is expected across key areas including acute care, primary healthcare, aged care, and mental health, driven by factors such as an ageing population, rising chronic disease burden, and increasing complexity of patient care.
What Is Causing the Nursing Shortage in Australia?
Australia is facing a significant nursing workforce shortage, driven by structural and long-term healthcare demands. According to the Australian Government’s Nursing Supply and Demand Study 2023–2035, the shortage is not due to a decline in workforce numbers, but because demand for nurses is growing faster than supply.
Key factors contributing to the shortage include:
- Rising healthcare demand across hospitals, aged care, and primary care
- Ageing population, increasing the need for long-term and complex care
- Growth in chronic diseases, requiring ongoing clinical management
- Workforce ageing and attrition, with experienced nurses retiring
- Maldistribution of workforce, particularly shortages in rural and regional areas
The report highlights that shortages will impact multiple sectors, including:
- Acute care
- Primary healthcare
- Aged care
- Mental health
Source: Australian Government – Nursing Supply and Demand Study 2023–2035
Why Is the Demand for Nurses Increasing in Australia?
1. Ageing Population
Australia’s ageing population is one of the biggest drivers of demand.
- Higher need for aged care services
- Increase in chronic illness management
- Growth in community healthcare roles
2. Rapid Growth in Healthcare Jobs
Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Australia.
- Over 362,900 registered nurses employed
- Strong projected employment growth year-on-year
- High job stability across all states
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia
3. High Job Demand on Seek and Indeed
Job platforms confirm ongoing demand for nurses:
- Nursing roles consistently rank among top jobs in Australia
- Strong hiring demand in:
- Critical Care
- Emergency Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
Source: Indeed Australia
https://au.indeed.com
4. Rural and Regional Shortages
Demand is even higher outside major cities.
- Limited healthcare access in rural areas
- Government incentives for regional work
- Faster promotions and career growth
5. Expansion of Advanced Nursing Roles
Nursing roles are evolving rapidly:
- Advanced clinical responsibilities
- Leadership and management pathways
- Specialisation in high-demand areas
Is Nursing a Good Career in Australia?
Yes, nursing is considered one of the most secure and rewarding careers in Australia due to:
- High employment demand
- Competitive salaries
- Opportunities for specialisation
- Long-term career stability
What Qualifications Do You Need to Advance in Nursing?
To stay competitive in a high-demand market, nurses are increasingly pursuing postgraduate qualifications.
Key benefits include:
- Career progression into leadership roles
- Higher earning potential
- Specialisation in critical healthcare areas
- Increased employability
Advance Your Career with IHM’s Master of Nursing
With the rising demand for nurses in Australia, advancing your qualifications is essential. The Master of Nursing at the Institute of Health & Management (IHM) is designed to prepare nurses for senior and specialised roles in Australia’s evolving healthcare system.
Why Choose IHM?
- Postgraduate qualification (AQF Level 9)
- #1 in Australia for Student Support & Skills Development (QILT)*
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Industry-experienced faculty
- FEE-HELP available for eligible students
Whether you’re aiming for leadership, specialisation, or higher pay, IHM’s Master of Nursing provides a direct pathway to succeed in one of the most in-demand careers in Australia. Take the next step and future-proof your nursing career today.