Frequently asked questions about GradStart

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1. Can I start preparing my application now?
2. Can I apply for GradStart in both nursing and midwifery?
3. I'm thinking about Honours. Should I still apply to GradStart?
4. Is there help for using the NSW Health Careers for a job application?
5. How can I check that I meet English language requirements for registration?
6. I have a Working With Children Check (WWCC) clearance number. Can I use this for GradStart?
7. What documentation is required to comply with NSW Health immunisation policy?
8. I have missed the application closing date. Can I still apply?
9. How do I withdraw my application?
10. Can I request to be employed on reduced hours?
11. Can I enter the same preference more than once?
12. Do I need to nominate eight preferences for employment in my application?
13. I have forgotten my password. How can I complete my application?
14. I have changed my email account. How can I update it?
15. I received a letter that I am successful for a position in GradStart, but I didn't get an email to accept my position. What can I do?
16. I am in the Eligible Applicants’ Bank (EAB). How long is it open?
17. Can I apply to GradStart again?
18. Can I take unplanned leave or defer my GradStart program?
19. I accidentally declined my reference check request – what next?
20. Can I update a referee email or add another referee?

Can I start preparing my application now?

Yes. Applications open online Tuesday 17 June 2025, but you can prepare your application in advance. When preparing your application, consider employment preferences, how you're going to address the selection criteria and gathering the supporting documents you'll need.

See the Checklist for guidance.

Can I apply for GradStart in both nursing and midwifery?

Yes. You can apply to both nursing and midwifery within GradStart if you expect to register both as a nurse and midwife with AHPRA, however, dual registrant RN/RM new graduate positions are not offered in NSW public hospitals.

You will need to contact the Nursing and Midwifery Office via email MOH-GradStart@health.nsw.gov.au to organise submission of separate applications.

I'm thinking about studying Honours. Should I still apply to GradStart?

If you are considering studying Honours in 2026 you are welcome to apply to GradStart. You can withdraw from GradStart at any time once accepted into an Honours program and remain eligible for GradStart 2027. Please notify us at MOH-GradStart@health.nsw.gov.au and we will update this information in your application.

To combine part-time study as an Honours student with part-time employment in a new graduate program, discuss your options with the GradStart Coordinator at the interviewing facility.

Is there help for using the NSW Health Careers for a job application?

Yes. For assistance using NSW Health Careers for your GradStart application, please watch the GradStart and MidStart Annual Recruitment video.

How can I check that I meet English language requirements for registration?

The English language skills registration standard (2019) applies to all nurses and midwives applying for initial registration, regardless of whether they qualified in Australia or overseas. If you do not meet the standard you may not be able to register with AHPRA, impacting on your employment opportunities. All applicants should check the level of evidence required to apply for initial registration as a nurse and/or midwife well in advance of applying to AHPRA. For more information visit NMBA - English language skills.

If you are required to undertake an English language test to gain registration, you should complete this as soon as possible. Delays in employment will occur if your registration cannot be processed.

I have a Working With Children Check (WWCC) clearance number. Can I use this for GradStart?

You will need to provide a WWCC clearance number or a WWCC application number for paid employment. If your WWCC is a volunteer check, it is not valid for paid work. Your WWCC must be renewed before it expires to remain valid.

For more information and to renew or update your WWCC, go to Office of the Children’s Guardian - How to apply for a WWCC.

What documentation is required to comply with NSW Health immunisation policy?

Please see the policy directive Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases.

Proof of immunisation compliance are signed records by your immunisation provider, for example, your doctor or nurse immuniser. If you are enrolled in Medicare, you can also apply for an immunisation history statement by contacting the Australian Immunisation Register.

I have missed the application closing date. Can I still apply?

No. GradStart is a once yearly state-wide application and recruitment process. Applications close 11:59 pm Monday 30 June 2025.

Late applications are not accepted and there are no exceptions to this. Should you have significant extenuating circumstances please contact MOH-GradStart@health.nsw.gov.au to discuss.

I no longer want to apply to GradStart 2026. How do I withdraw my application?

To withdraw:

• prior to interview log in to your application and select ‘Withdraw’ next to the role you have applied for. Applications cannot be reinstated once withdrawn.
• when you have accepted an invitation to interview, please contact the GradStart coordinator to let them know you have withdrawn your application.
• after interview, please contact the GradStart coordinator at the facility where you interviewed.

The coordinator will document reasons for your withdrawal at this stage of the campaign to be considered for eligibility to next year’s GradStart campaign. If you have been delayed in completing your course until after 31 May 2026, withdraw your application and re-apply next year to 2027 GradStart.

Can I request to be employed on reduced hours?

Discuss a request to be employed on reduced hours with your local GradStart coordinator. Once employed, position changes or requests are managed on an individual basis with the employing facility.

Can I enter the same preference more than once?

Yes. It is important to note that entering the same preference more than once does not increase your chances of gaining employment at that facility.

Do I need to nominate eight preferences for employment in my application?

Applicants must nominate a minimum of six employment preferences.

I have forgotten my password. How can I complete my application?

If you are a current employee with NSW Health, reset your password by contacting the Statewide Service Desk on 1300 285 533.

If you are not a NSW Health employee, reset your password via the forgot your password link at account login or, contact the Customer Experience Team on 1300 679 367.

I have changed my email account. How can I update my email account?

You can update personal information, including your email address, by logging into NSW Health Careers and accessing ‘My Profile.’

If your email address is no longer valid and is needed to reset a password, the Customer Experience Team can assist by contacting them on 1300 679 367. Also advise your GradStart coordinator that your contact details have been updated.

I received a letter that I am successful for a position in GradStart, but I didn't get an email to accept my position. What can I do?

You can accept or decline your offer by navigating to NSW Health Careers.

Follow instructions outlined for both internal and external candidates for Accepting or declining your offer.

I am in the Eligible Applicants’ Bank (EAB). How long is the EAB open?

The Eligible Applicants’ Bank will remain open until the end of August 2026 or until all positions are filled, whichever occurs first. Your name will remain on the Eligible Applicants’ Bank during this time unless you decline an offer from one of your eight preferences, or if you decline two offers from facilities which are not included in your preferences.

Can I apply to GradStart again?

No. If you are completing your nursing or midwifery degree between 1 June 2025 and 31 May 2026 you are eligible for 2026 GradStart only.

Can I take unplanned leave or defer my GradStart program?

Discuss any unplanned leave or deferral with your local GradStart coordinator. Once a candidate is employed, position changes are managed on an individual basis at the employing facility.

I accidentally declined my reference check request – what next?

Candidates can contact 1300 443 966 for assistance and will be resent an email.

Can I update a referee email or add another referee?

Log into Harver and edit or delete referee details at any time until a referee has completed the reference check. Contact 1300 443 966 if you need assistance.