International recruitment
Are you a qualified health professional looking to move to Australia?
We welcome applications from international nurses, midwives, doctors and allied health professionals who want to build their careers with us at Western Health.
We’re proud to have many international staff already working with us, from across Asia, Africa, the UK, Ireland and North America. We value the diverse experiences and perspectives our team brings – and we offer support to help you make the move and settle in.
Support for international applicants
We assist eligible international recruits with:
- employment and relocation advice
- support navigating Australian health registration (e.g. AHPRA)
- information about working rights, visas and onboarding
- connections to our multicultural staff networks.
About Western Health
Western Health is the major public health service for Melbourne’s western region, caring for a population of nearly 900,000 people.
Our community is one of the most diverse in Australia – with over 150 languages and dialects spoken. Our multicultural workforce reflects this diversity, helping us deliver truly person-centred care.
Our health service includes:
- over 11,000 employees
- 700+ volunteers
- 4 major hospital campuses:
- Footscray Hospital
- Sunshine Hospital
- Bacchus Marsh Hospital
- Williamstown Hospital
- a wide range of outpatient clinics and community health programs.
Each year, we deliver:
- 800,000 occasions of care
- 7,000+ births through our maternity services
- expert treatment for conditions like cancer, heart disease, diabetes and mental health challenges.
Roles for international health professionals
Western Health is actively recruiting internationally qualified health professionals across nursing, midwifery, medical and allied health.
Nursing
- Learn about a nursing career at Western Health.
- View current nursing vacancies.
Medical
- Learn about a medical career at Western Health.
- View current medical vacancies.
Midwifery
- Learn about a midwifery career at Western Health.
- View current midwifery vacancies.
Allied Health
- Learn about an allied health career at Western Health.
- View current allied health vacancies.
Contact us
If you have any questions about opportunities for nurses or midwives, please contact [email protected].
Relocation and employment benefits
Relocating to a new country is a big decision – and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
At Western Health, we offer a range of benefits and support services to help international health professionals settle into life and work in Australia.
We offer:
- support with Australian visa options
- full-time contracts with additional Accrued Days Off – that’s one extra paid day off each month
- up to 6 weeks of annual leave, plus long service leave accrual
- salary packaging options to increase your take-home pay
- access to roles across a range of specialty areas
- protected nurse/midwife-to-patient ratios for safe, sustainable care
- up to 14 weeks of paid parental leave
- ongoing career development, learning and education support
- opportunities to grow into leadership, research or specialty roles.
Living in Melbourne
Melbourne is one of the top 10 most liveable cities in the world, thanks to its high standards in healthcare, education, infrastructure, safety and culture (Global Liveability Index).
With over 5 million residents, Melbourne is:
- a bustling multicultural city – more than one-third of residents were born overseas
- LGBTQIA+ inclusive, with a reputation for diversity and equality
- surrounded by natural beauty – beaches, mountains and national parks are all within easy reach
- well connected to reliable public transport.
Lifestyle and culture
Melbourne is famous for its festivals, food and cultural events. There’s always something happening, including:
- Melbourne International Comedy Festival
- Australian Open (tennis)
- Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
Whether you enjoy brunch at local cafes or dining on global cuisines, Melbourne’s food scene is one of the best in the world.
You can choose to live in the vibrant inner city, or in spacious suburbs near parks and schools. The city offers excellent public education, a world-class public health system and access to state and federally supported services.
Melbourne’s weather features distinct seasons, with warm summers, cool winters and mild spring and autumn days – perfect for enjoying life outdoors.
For more information about life in Melbourne, visit our New to Melbourne webpage.
Staff experience
Sunshine Hospital's Associate Nurse Unit Manager (ANUM) Von Madrinan, originally from the Philippines, came to Melbourne after five years of working in the UK.
Von and his wife moved to Melbourne’s western suburbs in 2022; he loves the cultural diversity and friendly disposition of his new community.
“Australia is close to the Philippines. There are only a few hours’ difference in time and the weather is also much better than the UK!”
“I feel at home at Western Health. My colleagues are very friendly, welcoming and sociable.”
“There are so many opportunities here to extend myself professionally and the nurse-to-patient ratios (one nurse to four patients) and work-life balance is great.”
The experience of working in the Philippines, the UK and now Australia, means Von has a unique insight into the health systems from the perspective of a nurse and manager.
“The illnesses are much the same, but the way we treat them and the technology available to us, is very different. The workload is much more manageable and there is a higher standard of general healthcare here.”
“I keep telling my friends and former colleagues to come to Australia!"