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​​​​​​​​Medicare

The Commonwealth Government’s health care system (Medicare) covers all Australian citizens, permanent residents and citizens of New Zealand for free.

It also covers subsidised treatment by health professionals and hospital care.
More information is available from the Department of Human Services website​.

 

WA Health

WA Health is Western Australia’s public health system. Visit their Services search page to access health and community services provided by WA Health (and some services offered by others). Services include:

  • hospitals (public and private);

  • community health services;

  • Aboriginal health services;

  • mental health services;

  • public health services;

  • disaster preparedness management;

  • alcohol and drug services;

  • child health; and

  • dental services.

 

Private health insurance

Temporary visa holders should arrange private health insurance before their arrival in Australia. Restricted access to Medicare is available to some temporary visa holders from countries where Australia has a reciprocal hea​l​th care agreement​.

To compare private health funds and find further information for visitors and temporary residents, visit the PrivateHeal​th.gov.au website​.

The Commonwealth Government provides an income tested rebate to help people meet the cost of private health insurance. For more information, visit the
Department of Health website​.

News

Welcome news for international students – Graduate stream of the State Nominated Migration program expanded to include VET graduates

The Graduate stream of the State Nominated Migration Program provides a skilled migration pathway for international students graduating from university in Western Australia.  From December 2019, the Graduate stream has been extended to include VET graduates who complete a qualification in Western Australia at Certificate III level or above. 

The Graduate stream is also more accessible for international students:

studies in higher education, VET (Certificate III level and above) and/or English language courses for overseas students (ELICOS) studies all count towards the requirement to study for two years in Western Australia.

Graduates need to demonstrate either six months' work experience in Australia OR a six month employment contract in Western Australia, but not both.  Previously international students needed to have 12 months of work experience plus a job offer for 12 months.

A new Graduate Occupation List (GOL) and updated eligibility criteria are now available.  

For more information on the changes to the Graduate stream, visit the Graduate stream requirements page.

The criteria for the General stream of the State Nomination Migration Program  will remain the same; however the Western Australian State Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) has been updated. 

Fun Fact
Albany, founded in 1826 and located 409 km from Perth on the southern coast is the oldest settlement in Western Australia.