From Hotel Management in Taiwan to Nursing in Australia: My ECU Journey to PR

My name is Mei-Ling, and I’m a Taiwanese international student who turned a dream into reality. After graduating with a degree in hotel management in Taipei, I never imagined I’d end up as a registered nurse in Australia with permanent residency (PR) through the Subclass 190 visa. My journey began at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth, where I completed the Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) program. In this post, I’ll share how I swapped hospitality for healthcare, excelled as an international student, and secured a nursing career and Australian PR. If you’re a Taiwanese student or anyone curious about studying nursing in Australia, this story might inspire you!

Why I Chose ECU’s Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry)

Back in Taiwan, I worked in hotel management for two years after earning my bachelor’s degree. I loved the fast-paced environment, but something felt missing. I wanted a career with deeper impact—helping people directly. Nursing caught my attention, and Australia’s reputation for quality education and immigration pathways drew me in. ECU’s Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) was perfect: a two-year program designed for people like me with non-nursing degrees, accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), and packed with hands-on clinical practice.

Leaving Taiwan in 2021 was daunting. I’d never lived abroad, and my English needed work. But Perth’s sunny vibe and ECU’s supportive community eased my nerves. The program’s focus on real-world skills—like hospital practicums—promised to prepare me for a nursing career in Australia. Plus, Western Australia’s demand for nurses hinted at PR opportunities via the Subclass 190 visa. That sealed the deal.

Life as a Taiwanese Student at ECU

Starting at ECU was a whirlwind. The Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) threw me into clinical simulations and theory from day one. I struggled initially—medical terms were new, and 800 hours of clinical placements loomed large. But ECU’s lecturers were patient, and my classmates, from Australia and beyond, became my lifeline. I spent late nights studying at the Joondalup campus library and weekends exploring Perth’s beaches to unwind.

As a Taiwanese student, I faced cultural adjustments. I missed bubble tea and Taipei’s night markets, but Perth’s laid-back charm grew on me. I worked part-time at a café (thanks to my student visa) to cover costs, using my hotel management skills to charm customers. Those shifts boosted my confidence and English, which later helped with my IELTS for the visa process. By 2023, I graduated, registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, and felt ready to take on the world—or at least Australia’s healthcare system!

The Road to Australian PR with Subclass 190

Graduation was just the start. My goal was Australian PR, and the Subclass 190 visa—a state-nominated, points-based pathway—fit perfectly. Nursing is on Australia’s skilled occupation list, and my ECU degree gave me a strong foundation. Here’s how I did it.

First, I got my skills assessed by ANMAC, submitting evidence of my degree and clinical hours. It was approved quickly. Next, I took IELTS, scoring 7.0 overall—years of chatting with café patrons paid off! At 28, with a master’s degree and English proficiency, I earned solid points. Western Australia’s need for nurses was my edge. I applied for state nomination, highlighting my ECU training and local ties. After lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, I waited nervously. In January 2025, I got the invitation to apply. With health checks and police clearance done, I received PR approval on February 15, 2025. I cried tears of joy—Australia was now my home.

From Hospitality to Healthcare: My Nursing Career

PR opened doors, and my nursing career took off. I landed a job as a registered nurse in a Perth hospital, working in aged care—a field I’d grown passionate about during placements. Transitioning from hotel management to nursing wasn’t seamless. In Taiwan, I managed staff and guest complaints; now, I manage patient care and emergencies. But the skills overlapped: communication, problem-solving, and staying calm under pressure. My background gave me a unique edge, and I love making a difference every day.

Why ECU Made It Possible

ECU’s Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) was my launchpad. The program’s practical focus—800 hours in hospitals—built my confidence and skills. Career support helped me craft a resume that highlighted my journey, impressing employers. Studying in Western Australia aligned with Subclass 190 requirements, giving me extra points for state nomination. ECU didn’t just educate me; it set me up for PR and a thriving career.

Tips for International Students Eyeing Australia

If you’re from Taiwan or anywhere else, here’s my advice: pick a program like ECU’s nursing course with PR potential. Start improving your English early—I wish I’d practiced more before arriving. Network with locals and professors; it helps with jobs and visa points. Research the Subclass 190 visa process—plan every step, from skills assessment to state nomination. And enjoy Perth—it’s a hidden gem!

My New Chapter

From Taipei’s hotels to Perth’s hospitals, my path wasn’t straight, but it led me to Australian PR and a nursing career I adore. ECU gave me the tools, and the Subclass 190 visa gave me the future. What’s your dream? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your story!