Which is better: UK, Australia or New Zealand student visa?

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jun 18, 2009

Moved to the International forum

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jun 18, 2009

This is something that we have said for a long time. Working as a caregiver will not count as nursing experience. As a caregiver it is hard to meet work permit requirements in the UK as there really is no shortage of carers especially at the moment when the UK has a high unemployment rate. I have a friend in the UK who has just lost her job and in 1 week she has applied to over 80 jobs and isn't expecting to hear anything but needs to work, bills to pay.

iamnomad · Jun 19, 2009

With the present economic and immigration issues in the UK, it is almost impossible to convert your student visa to working visa. And being a student living in one of the world's most expensive city, a carer's salary may not be enough.

Australia has a different scenario, though. They allow an individual with student visa, after staying/studying in Australia for a period of time, to change their status from student to working visa. There are a lot of requirements to be done, but very possible.

What I've been reading is, if you are an undergrad in Nursing, or you do not have a license in your home country, then they (the agency) will enroll you to a Bachelor in Nursing (the one intended for degree holders, or with nursing degree but have no license), making you eligible to register with any nursing board in Australia. And it's quite expensive. The duration of the program is 2-3 years.

I don't have knowledge on NZ's immigration policy.

Good Luck!

ladygie24 · Jun 19, 2009

Thanks Silverdragon and Iamnomad. :wink2:

Silverdragon: I've read some threads on these student visa schemes, particularly UK student visa. The UK scheme i described earlier when i posted this thread pertains to acquiring an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) certificate wherein the student will work as a caregiver in UK. However, i found out recently that ISA (International stdent advisors) offers another program called Student Work Placement Scheme, in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University and University of Hertfordshire, offering a UK degree of BSC in Health and Social Care (Anglia Ruskin University) or a BSc (Hons) International Nursing (University of Hertfordshire). I checked out the sites of these universities and they're legit. :rolleyes:

If anyone here in the Allnurses community who know someone who had undergone the course (ISA's Student Work Placement Scheme) , or perhaps, had undergone it themselves, and could help me shed some light on this matter, it would be very much appreciated. :bow:

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jun 19, 2009

But even as a student it will not count as nurse experience and will not meet UK work permit requirements. Jobs are supposed to go to UK then EU before the rest of the world and I know that jobs t the moment is hard in the UK and have heard from several family members and friends that they are struggling

Aelith · Jun 19, 2009

Actually, what you have to take into consideration is not just what you're going to study while you're there but more importantly, what will happen to you after you study the said courses. In UK, it is very hard to change your status after you have studied - My friend is doing her Master's degree and she showed me how points are computed for her to be eligible to change her visa to working (it seems like those with higher degrees and/or with specialties stand a good chance). She also said caregivers don't earn much and it will be very hard for them to budget their money with the daily expenses as everything is really expensive.

In Australia, if you are going to study for at least 2 years (esp if it's an RN course), then you are eligible for a PR visa or a Skilled Graduate (temporary) visa after you have finished your course. In addition, you are also for the Temporary visas for Skilled Workers (457) which will enable you to apply for PR status also after a year or two. Also, the cost of living is far more better compared to UK.

I am not so sure how it goes with NZ.

I suggest you do a lot of research in what they offer. Remember, these agencies will do whatever they can to convince people that things will really be good in the end - just be very careful.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jun 19, 2009

The UK are looking for skilled workers and carers do not come under that umbrella. Anyone can say they are legit but they have no control over work permits that it at the discretion of the government

5cats · Jun 20, 2009

The sites might be legit, but in my opinion the program is rubbish, doesn't get you anywhere, a useless degree. What they try to do is getting people in to earn money with them, and use them a cheap carers under the "student umbrella".

And as everybody here is saying, carers do earn nothing in the UK. So be careful what you get yourself into.

5cats

ladygie24 · Jun 21, 2009

thanks again :yeah:

Aelith, thanks for the informative reply. I guess, i now have to set off my sights someplace else - Australia, perhaps - where there's a guarantee that i'll be working as as RN after 2 yrs study. :rolleyes:

Aelith · Jun 21, 2009

thanks again
Aelith, thanks for the informative reply. I guess, i now have to set off my sights someplace else - Australia, perhaps - where there's a guarantee that i'll be working as as RN after 2 yrs study.

You're welcome. Feel free to ask more questions regarding Australia - you can PM me if you want.

Good luck dear~

ladygie24 · Jun 22, 2009

to aelith:still can't PM :crying2: anyways, should i decide to study in Australia, will i be able to, at least, fund my expenses there (accommodations, food, transpo) by working part-time?? The tuition fee for the 2-year cost is way too high :cry: approximately 600 K php a year.