Health and wellbeing have become very important in most people’s lives these days. Healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent many chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Therefore, a career in dietetics and nutrition can be lucrative.

Nutritionists and Dietitians are professionals who help their clients and patients to find the right nutrition and to balance their eating habits. Fitness professionals also seek qualifications in nutrition and dietetics to enhance their careers.

Why study Nutrition and Dietetics in Australia?

1. Learn from research leaders

Australian universities are well-known for their teaching quality. Their qualifications are recognised worldwide. Moreover, Australia is a global leader in medical and health science research.

 

2. Practical experience

Most nutrition and dietetics qualifications include practice placement. This means that students will not only learn the theory but also have the opportunity to bring it to practice in real work environments.

 

3. Multiple start dates

Australian universities will normally have 2 or 3 intakes each year, which makes it more flexible for international students to commence their program based on their individual situation.

 

4. Stay longer in Australia

By studying Nutrition and Dietetics for 2 years or more in a higher education course (a Bachelor, Master, or PhD degree), students will be eligible for a 2-8-year Post Study Working Visa. Graduates can utilise these visa opportunities to get more work experience.

 

5. Opportunities to work in both the clinical and non-clinical sectors

There is a wide range of career opportunities for nutrition and dietetics graduates in Australia. Job opportunities are in private clinical practices, hospitals, medical nutrition industry, products and sales, and public policy and education.

What are career outcomes after studying Nutrition in Australia? 

  • Clinical (hospital) dietetics
  • Community nutrition
  • Food and beverage industry
  • Food service management in hospital, aged care or institutional settings
  • Health promotion and policy development
  • Nutrition public relations, communications, and media
  • Private practice dietetics
  • Sport nutrition and dietetics

What Nutrition and Dietetics programs are available for international students in Australia? 

  • Diploma of Nutrition 

A Diploma of Nutrition is an educational program that provides students with a foundational understanding of nutrition, dietetics, and the role of food in human health. This diploma typically covers a range of topics related to nutrition science, dietary guidelines, and the practical application of nutritional principles. 

  • Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics 

A Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics is an undergraduate degree program that prepares students to become qualified dietitians and nutritionists. This program combines the study of nutrition science, food science, and dietetics with practical training to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to assess, diagnose, and provide dietary guidance to individuals and communities. 

  • Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) 

A Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) is an undergraduate degree program that builds upon the core curriculum of a regular Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics program by adding an extra year of advanced study and research. It is designed to provide students with a more in-depth understanding of nutrition, dietetics, and research skills. 

  • Graduate Diploma in Nutrition 

A Graduate Diploma in Nutrition is a postgraduate level program that provides advanced education and training in the field of nutrition. It is typically designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree, often in a related field, and wish to gain specialized knowledge and skills in nutrition without committing to a full master’s degree program. 

  • Master of Nutrition and Dietetics 

A Master of Nutrition and Dietetics is a postgraduate professional degree program that prepares individuals to become registered dietitians or clinical nutritionists. It builds on the foundational knowledge of nutrition science and dietetics and provides advanced coursework, clinical training, and research opportunities. 

What are entry requirements for international students to study Nutrition and Dietetics in Australia? 

  • For a Diploma course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or equivalent and attained IELTS 6.0 with no sub-score less than 5.5. 
  • For a Bachelor’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or a Diploma and attained IELTS 7.0 with no sub-score of less than 6.5. 
  • For a Master’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor’s degree and attained IELTS 7.0 with no sub-score of less than 6.5. 

If you don’t meet entry requirement for your preferred course? Contact SOL Edu, one of the best education agencies in Brisbane, today! Our team will offer you free consultation and free application process.    

School Recommendations

If you are unsure about which university to study nutrition in Australia, here are some suggestions:  

 

Diploma Level: 

Bachelor’s Level: 

Master’s Level: 

Want to know which course/s best suit your expectation and situation? Contact SOL Edu at [email protected] or fill out the enquiry form! Our team will offer you free consultation and free application process. 

How to pass a skill assessment for a Nutritionist/Dietitian in Australia? 

For immigration purposes, nutrition degree holders need to pass a skill assessment assessed by one of approved authorities in Australia. To know which organisation/authority that you should submit your skills assessment for, you need to clarify what is your occupation. Below are two examples of skills assessment criteria.   

Category 1: Skills assessment assessed by VETASSESS  

If your occupation is nutritionist (ANZSCO Code 251112), the authority to assess your skills assessment is VETASSESS. To have a positive skills assessment outcome, you need to meet the following criteria:   

(1)       For those who have completed a Bachelor or higher degree with a field highly relevant to the nominated occupation:   

  • You must have at least one year of post-qualification employment at an appropriate skill level,  
  • your experience must be undertaken in the last five years,  
  • you must work 20 hours or more per week, and  
  • your job must be highly relevant to the nominated occupation.  

  

Category 2: Skills assessment assessed by Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) for occupation Dietitians (ANZSCO 251111) 

International students who have completed an accredited Nutrition and Dietetics course in Australia must submit the following documents to DAA: 

  • Your academic transcript from an Australian university 
  • Your curriculum vitae  
  • Written References if you have worked as a dietitian after graduation  
  • English test result (IELTS overall 7.0 with no band score under 7.0) 
  • Your ID  

It may take up to 6 weeks for DAA to process your skills assessment.  

Want to know if your qualification and work experience are eligible for a migration skill assessment? Contact SOL Edu today at [email protected] or fill out the inquiry form. Our team will reach out to you within 24 hours at the latest!   

 

Migration to Australia as a Nutritionist/Dietitian – what is the pathway? 

Step 1: Apply for a 485 visa 

After completing a nutrition/Dietetics course, you are eligible to apply for visa 485 (Post Graduate Work Stream). You are required to have at least IELTS overall 6.5 with no band score under 5.5 in the past 1 year before you lodge your visa application.

Under visa 485, you can stay in Australia for 2-4 years depending on your degree. However, if you undertook and completed at least  2 years of study in a ‘Regional Area’ such as the Gold Coast, Adelaide or Perth, you can be eligible for an additional 1 or 2 years of the 485 Visa Thus, you will have more time to prepare yourself for permanent residence (PR) or a temporary visa that can lead to a PR. 

Step 2: Apply for a PR or a visa that can lead to a PR 

There are four pathways that can help you migrate to Australia after you have completed an nutrition/dietetics course in Australia.  

Skilled visas    

  • 190 – Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) – is a permanent residence visa but you need a nomination from one of Australian states or territories to apply for this visa. Each state may have its own occupation list and additional requirements, so you must investigate if you meet all the state’s eligibility criteria before asking for a nomination.   
  • 491 – Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) is not permanent, but it can lead to a PR (visa 191). You must commit to stay and work in your nominating regional Australia for a minimal period of time and achieve at least 65 points to be apply for this visa.    

Employer Sponsored visas   

FAQs

How much does it cost to study Nutrition in Australia?

The cost of studying nutrition and dietetics in Australia can vary depending on the level of education and the specific university or institution. If you apply for a G8 Australian university, the tuition fee may be around 45,000 – 50,000 per year. However, the tuition fees of lower ranking universities should be more affordable, around 30,00 – 40,000 per year.   

What is expected salary of a Nutritionist or Dietician in Australia?

The medium base annual salary for a nutritionist in Australia is AU$89,049 per year or $50.28 per hour. The medium base annual salary for a dietitian is a bit higher, around AU$98,285 per year (Statistics from Talent.com). 

What is the difference between nutrition and dietetics?

Nutrition focuses on the science of nutrients, their functions in the body, and the relationship between diet and health. Dietetics, on the other hand, involves the practical application of nutrition principles to help individuals and communities make healthy dietary choices. 

How to become a dietitian in Australia?

To become a dietitian in Australia, you typically need to complete a degree in dietetics accredited by DAA (Dietitians Association of Australia). Afterward, you must undertake a dietetic internship for 12 months before you can apply for accreditation with the DAA. It is noted that you must complete a minimum of 30 hours of professional development with DAA each year to maintain your eligibility.  

Want to know which courses are accredited by DAA? Contact SOL Edu today for free information and free admission process!  

Is registration as a dietitian necessary to practice in Australia?

Yes, registration with the Dietitians Australia is necessary to practice as a dietitian in Australia. Registration ensures that dietitians meet professional standards and guidelines. 

How long does it take to become a registered dietitian in Australia?

The timeline can vary, but it typically takes around 5 to 6 years of education and training to become a registered dietitian in Australia. This includes completing a bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, and a dietetic internship. 

Interested in studying Nutrition and Dietetics in Australia?   

Contact SOL Edu, one of the best education agencies in Brisbane, today for free counselling, and a free application process!