A Comprehensive Guide to Nursing Registration in Australia

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes and serves as a guideline for application of a Registered Nurse. It is not intended to replace professional consultancy or to represent any medical council or regulatory body. Always consult the official websites for the most up-to-date information and specific guidelines related to your individual case.

1. Scope of Nursing in Australia

Nurses are in high demand across hospitals, aged care, and rural areas in Australia, with opportunities to specialize in fields such as critical care, oncology, pediatrics, and more. Once recognized by Australian Healthcare Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)  as a registered nurse, numerous career opportunities become available, along with a pathway to permanent residency. With Australia’s healthcare system expanding significantly, nurses have rewarding prospects to advance professionally and make a meaningful contribution to the delivery of high-quality patient care and the overall enhancement of public health outcomes.

You can also find information about nursing registration for other countries given below:

2. Nursing Registration in Australia

We have simplified the nurse registration and immigration process for Australia by breaking it down into clear, manageable steps. Follow these detailed steps to navigate both the registration and immigration journey:

 Steps for Nursing Registration in Australia

id=”submit”>Step1: Check Eligibility Criteria for Registration and Immigration

If you are interested in working as a nurse in Australia, the first step is checking eligibility criteria for nursing registration from Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and for immigration from Australian department of home affairs.

Step 2: Complete Self-check

International nurses are required to complete self-check before submitting  registration application.The second step is self-check  which is free of cost, before starting any submissions if you are a qualified midwife or a nurse. Internationally qualified nurse or midwife (IQNM) assign you a stream before you apply for registration depending on your qualification criteria. There are three possible streams given below:

Eligibility Streams for Self-check

Step 3: Complete Orientation & Portfolio

After completion of the self-check, you will get approval for proceeding. You will then complete orientation which is in two parts. The first part is an online learning course which should be part of assessment. The second part of the continuation with in depth information on the Australian healthcare context.

Step 4: Outcome Based Assessment & English language test

Outcome Based Assessment (OBA) is a two stage assessment for the ones who have relevant qualification but not significantly equivalent to Australian registration standards. Stage one comprises MCQ exam while stage two objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).

You also need to take any English proficiency test if you are not English native speaker. For nursing registration by APHRA, English language proficiency is mandatory. Therefore, you need to take any of the English tests with minimum acceptable scores given in the table below:

English Language Requirements

*TOEFL scores from July 26, 2023, to May 4, 2024, are not accepted since this test was not approved for immigration during that time.

You can get more information on the English test for nursing here .

For OET Nursing preparation, including resources, guidelines, and mock tests, please read the following articles:

OET Online Course for Nurses

OET Sample Tests for Nurses

OET Writing Correction for Nurses

OET Reading Tests for Practice

OET Speaking Sample Roleplays for Nurses

OET Listening Sample Tests for Practice

Step 5: Submit Your Application to AHPRA for Registration by NMBA

The next step is to submit your application at AHPRA and NMBA uploading all the relevant documents. The application fee is AUD $ 300 which is non-fundable. The registration fee is AUD $175 for NMBA.

Step 6: Get a Visa & Find a nursing job

Once you receive your registration, you are eligible to apply for a visa and move to Australia officially. You will then find a suitable nursing position in Australia and practice nursing.

3. FAQs for Nursing Registration in Australia

What should I do if my qualifications do not meet the Australian standards?

You can complete a Bridging Program to adjust to the Australian healthcare system and then apply for registration.

How long is the nursing registration process?

After submitting your application, it will take 4-6 weeks; however, it may vary depending on various factors.

Can I start working while my application is under process of evaluation?

Unfortunately, you cannot work without official registration being completed.

What is the age limit to apply for Nursing in Australia?

There is not any official specific age limit defined yet.

How to apply for the OSCE exam?

First you will make a payment for OSCE from the AHPRA dashboard. After confirmation of the payment, you will be contacted to book the next available date for the RN OSCE exam.

How much does the OSCE cost in Australia?

The cost of OSCE is AUD $ 4000.

What happens if I fail my OSCE?

You can retake the exam after six months and then apply for registration with NMC.

If you need any more information about registration for nursing in Australia, feel free to contact us!