Amrak and Deakin partnership

A golden opportunity for Sri Lankan nurses to practice in Australia

To address the growing shortage of healthcare workers, the Amrak Institute of Medical Sciences has partnered with Deakin University, Australia to create a direct pathway for Sri Lankan nursing students to become registered nurses in Australia. Through this partnership, third-year nursing students at Amrak will have the opportunity to transfer to Deakin University for their final year of study. Upon graduation, they will receive a Deakin degree and qualify to register and practice as nurses in Australia.

This initiative comes at a crucial time, as the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates a global shortfall of 11 million healthcare workers by 2030. Australia alone faces a shortage of more than 70,000 nurses by 2035, making internationally trained professionals a vital part of addressing the crisis. Deakin University, globally ranked for its nursing and health sciences programmes, brings academic excellence and innovation to the partnership. Amrak complements this with strong academic preparation and clinical training at Durdans Hospital, a JCI-accredited institution.

Amrak is also fully accredited by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC), and its graduates are eligible to register with the Private Health Services Regulatory Council (PHSRC).

In his comments, John Molony, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Deakin University, said that Deakin is proud to partner with Amrak Institute in creating this pathway for Sri Lankan students. “Together, we are preparing healthcare professionals who meet international standards while bringing compassion and cultural understanding to the communities they serve.”

Speaking about the partnership, Ranga Wimalasuriya, Executive Director of Amrak Institute said that this partnership is a game-changer for students. “It not only raises the bar for nursing education in Sri Lanka but also opens doors for our graduates to contribute to healthcare systems worldwide.”

Amrak Medical Sciences nursing programmes include a NVQ Level 4 Nursing Foundation course for a duration of 12 months. This includes six months of theory and six months practical training at Durdans Hospital. On the other hand, the Higher Diploma in Nursing (NVQ Level 6) is a three year course with practical training at Durdans Hospital. Upon successful completion of the 3-year Higher Diploma in Nursing, students are eligible to apply for a 1-year Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at Deakin University, Australia.

This collaboration provides Sri Lankan students with a clear, structured and accelerated route into international healthcare careers, aligning with the growing global demand for skilled nurses.