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Singapore’s population is ageing, increasing the need for healthcare services and support for older adults. As a result, students planning to study abroad from Singapore have an opportunity to explore careers that support an ageing society.
In 2026, 21.4% of Singapore citizens were aged 65 and above. Moreover, projections suggest the figure will rise to more than one in four by 2035. Consequently, there is a growing need for professionals who can support older people with medical care, rehabilitation, mobility and daily activities.
Australia and the UK offer different pathways for students who want to explore these fields.
What Healthcare Careers Support an Ageing Population?
Older adults may need support with long-term health conditions, recovery after surgery, mobility or everyday tasks. For this reason, different healthcare professionals work together to meet these needs.
| Career | What the Role Involves | Relevant Degree |
|---|---|---|
| 护士 | Monitors health, provides treatment and supports patients in hospitals and community settings. | Nursing degree |
| 物理治疗师 | Helps people improve movement, manage pain and recover from injury. | Physiotherapy degree |
| 职业治疗师 | Helps people manage daily activities and remain as independent as possible. | Occupational therapy degree |
| Biomedical Scientist | Studies diseases and biological processes that support diagnosis, treatment and research. | Biomedical science degree |
| Gerontology Specialist | Studies ageing and the health, social and policy issues affecting older people. | Gerontology or related degree, often followed by further study |
Which Universities Offer Healthcare Degrees in Australia?
澳大利亚 offers several undergraduate healthcare pathways. Therefore, students can compare course content, clinical placements, tuition fees and scholarship opportunities before choosing a university.
科廷大学
Curtin University in Perth offers several degrees that connect directly with the needs of an ageing population.
Students can consider the Bachelor of Science (Nursing), the four-year Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) (Honours) or the four-year Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) (Honours). In addition, these programmes include professional learning and prepare students to work with people across different age groups.
For 2027, the indicative first-year international tuition fees are:
- Nursing: A$47,464
- Physiotherapy: A$53,794
- Occupational Therapy: A$48,012
Furthermore, eligible International Students commencing in 2027 or 2028 may receive a 20% tuition fee reduction through Curtin’s Global Merit Scholarship, subject to academic and course conditions.
Singapore polytechnic graduates with relevant diplomas may also enquire about advanced standing. Specifically, Curtin assesses previous qualifications and subject content to determine whether credit exemptions are possible.
Accordingly, students should submit their academic transcripts and module descriptions for assessment, as clinical degree requirements may affect the amount of credit awarded.
西澳大利亚大学（UWA）
UWA offers both clinical and research pathways. For example, its four-year Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) includes placements in hospital, residential, community and telehealth settings, as well as simulation learning and a final-year internship.
Alternatively, research-focused students can consider the three-year Bachelor of Biomedical Science, with majors such as Anatomy and Human Biology, Neuroscience, Physiology and Public Health.
In particular, these subjects help students understand health conditions, the ageing body and wider population health.
The 2027 international annual tuition fees are:
- Nursing (Honours): A$47,600
- Biomedical Science: A$54,500
In addition, UWA’s 2027 Global Excellence Scholarship may provide up to AUD 48,000 tuition fee scholarship, depending on the applicant’s equivalent academic score and course eligibility.
Students with Singapore polytechnic diplomas can enquire about credit recognition based on their previous studies. However, UWA assesses applications individually, considering the relevance of completed subjects and the requirements of the chosen degree.
Which Universities Offer Healthcare Degrees in the UK?
这 英国 also offers undergraduate healthcare and biomedical science pathways, with practical or clinical learning depending on the course.
格拉斯哥大学
The University of Glasgow offers a four-year Bachelor of Nursing (Honours). Moreover, the programme combines university study with practice learning in hospital and community settings.
For instance, students study subjects such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry and nursing care, and complete clinical placements throughout the degree.
Overall, this course suits students interested in supporting patients with complex or long-term needs. The 2027/28 international fee for Nursing is £33,708 per year.
Additionally, international undergraduate applicants may be eligible for the World Changers Global Excellence Scholarship. For students in the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, the award can provide a tuition fee discount of up to £10,000 per year, subject to eligibility and satisfactory academic progress.
Singapore polytechnic graduates can contact the university to enquire about the recognition of previous qualifications. However, Nursing is a professionally regulated programme with specific academic and clinical requirements.
Therefore, students should not assume that a diploma will shorten the course duration. This is because they must complete all required practice learning.
纽卡斯尔大学
Newcastle University offers a three-year Biomedical Sciences BSc Honours for students interested in the science behind human health and disease.
Specifically, the programme covers areas such as cells, body systems, disease mechanisms and biomedical research.
However, this is not a nursing or physiotherapy qualification. Instead, it suits students interested in laboratory work, scientific investigation or health research, and may lead to further study.
For 2027 entry, the published first-year international tuition fee is £31,950.
Moreover, Newcastle University may consider eligible Singapore-based international applicants for its Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship, worth £7,000 per academic year for undergraduate study in 2027. In addition, the university automatically considers eligible applicants as part of the course application.
Students with relevant polytechnic diplomas can enquire about whether previous academic study may be recognised. However, the university will need to assess the diploma, completed modules and their relevance to Biomedical Sciences before confirming any possible credit exemptions.
How Should Students Choose the Right Healthcare Degree?
However, some universities offer specialist gerontology pathways at postgraduate level, so check entry requirements before planning your route.
How AUG Student Services Can Help
Choosing a healthcare degree involves more than comparing university names. That is why you should consider course content, entry requirements, fees, scholarships, placements and professional recognition.
AUG Student Services can help students planning to study abroad from Singapore compare universities in Australia and the UK. Our counsellors assist with course selection, entry requirements, scholarships, credit assessments and applications, saving students and parents time and hassle.
AUG’s counselling and university application assistance come at no cost to students. Speak with AUG Singapore for a free consultation and explore which healthcare pathway matches your interests and future plans.
