Why Your KMTC Diploma Alone Is Not Enough
For migration and skilled visa purposes, nurses must undergo a skills assessment with the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) or apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).
The minimum requirement for a registered nurse in Australia is a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (AQF level 7 equivalent). Unfortunately, a diploma from KMTC falls short of this benchmark. This means that while you are a qualified nurse in Kenya, you won’t be recognized as a registered nurse in Australia based on the diploma alone.
Option 1: Upgrade to a Bachelor of Nursing in Kenya or Abroad
The most practical pathway is to upgrade your diploma to a bachelor’s degree.
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Kenyan universities like UoN, KU, or AMIU offer Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) top-up programs for diploma holders.
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Once completed, you can then apply for skills assessment through ANMAC.
This route takes about 2–3 years, but it makes you eligible for both Ahpra registration and the skilled migration pathway.
Option 2: Study a Bachelor of Nursing in Australia
If you want a faster route to Australia, you can apply directly for a Bachelor of Nursing program in Australia.
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Duration: 2 years for diploma holders (credit exemptions may apply).
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IELTS requirement: Usually 7.0 overall, with 7.0 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
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Tuition fees: Around AUD 32,000–40,000 per year.
Once you graduate from an Australian university:
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You qualify for Ahpra registration as a registered nurse.
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You can apply for post-study work visa (temporary graduate visa 485).
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You become eligible for skilled migration after gaining work experience.
This is the most direct way to settle in Australia for diploma-trained nurses.
Option 3: Work as an Enrolled Nurse (Limited Pathway)
In some cases, diploma holders may apply for Ahpra’s Enrolled Nurse registration, but this depends on:
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Curriculum equivalency of KMTC’s diploma.
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Bridging programs (if available).
However, this pathway is not common and is less reliable compared to pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
What About Points for EOI?
If you are applying under the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), your partner can add points if:
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Their qualification is recognized in Australia, and
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They pass a skills assessment.
👉 With a KMTC diploma, your partner cannot add EOI points unless they upgrade to a bachelor’s degree.
👉 The good news: They can still be included as a secondary applicant in your visa, even if they don’t add points.
Our Advice for Diploma Nurses
At My Travel International, we recommend:
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Top-up to a bachelor’s degree in Kenya or Australia.
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Consider a student visa pathway if you want to move sooner.
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Once you complete your bachelor’s, go for skills assessment with ANMAC.
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Explore PR (Permanent Residency) options through skilled migration.
Why Choose Nursing in Australia?
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High demand for healthcare workers.
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Attractive salaries (AUD 70,000–100,000/year for registered nurses).
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Permanent residency pathways.
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Opportunities to bring your family along.
✅ If you are a Kenyan nurse with a KMTC diploma, don’t feel stuck. With the right strategy, you can upgrade, study abroad, and eventually migrate to Australia for a brighter future.
📞 Contact My Travel International today to start your nursing pathway consultation.
