Graduate nurses and midwives are being encouraged to start their careers in Australia's largest public health system, with applications now open for NSW Health's GradStart program.
GradStart is an annual, state-wide recruitment process for graduate nurses and midwives, which provides a vast range of employment opportunities across more than 150 health facilities in metropolitan, regional, rural and remote NSW.
Applications for NSW Health's 2026 GradStart intake opened today (17 June) and close on 30 June 2025. Students are eligible to apply if they:
- Are completing a nursing or midwifery degree between 1 June 2025 and 31 May 2026.
- Will meet all the requirements to be registered as a Registered Nurse or Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
- Are an Australian Citizen or hold a visa that allows ongoing full-time employment in Australia.
Candidates may also be eligible for scholarships.
Working in NSW Health provides a large variety of employment possibilities and experiences to start graduate nurses and midwives on their career journey.
GradStart can also provide candidates an opportunity to experience six months of work in a rural setting and six months in a metro setting through the Metro Rural Exchange.
More information on the GradStart program, including details on how to apply, is available on the NSW Health website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"Our nurses and midwives are essential to the NSW healthcare system, playing a vital role across our hospitals and health facilities. They care for people throughout every stage of life and are there for patients during their most vulnerable moments.
"By starting your career in the NSW public health system you will have access to comprehensive professional development, a wide variety of clinical experiences and ongoing training and support.
"Graduate nurses and midwives also have the opportunity to work across different locations in our fantastic state, and I hope graduates consider rural and regional settings which offer both a great lifestyle and exciting professional opportunities."
