How to Become a Registered Nurse in Australia
Australia is one of the most popular destinations for nurses around the world. With its high-quality healthcare system, strong demand for healthcare workers, and excellent career opportunities, many internationally qualified nurses and midwives (IQNMs) are choosing to build their future here.
If you're exploring how to become a registered nurse in Australia, this guide offers a complete breakdown of pathways, visa options, and registration procedures.
Applications for registration and renewals can be completed online through the Ahpra portal.
The portal allows applicants to create or log in to an account to start an application, update contact details, request a certificate of good standing or certificate of registration, and manage updates such as changing the principal place of practice or reporting a notifiable event.
Registration and Immigration – Two Separate Processes
If you want to work as a nurse or midwife in Australia, you need to go through two different applications:
Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) via Ahpra – to legally practice as a nurse or midwife.
- This checks qualifications, English skills, and whether the applicant meets professional standards.
- Without NMBA registration, you cannot legally work as a nurse/midwife in Australia, even if you have a visa.
Visa with the Department of Home Affairs – to live and work in Australia.
- This allows you to enter, live, and work in Australia.
- Without a visa, you cannot stay or be employed in the country — even if you have NMBA registration.
NMBA’s Registration Standards
Before you can work, you must meet the NMBA’s registration standards. These include:
- Criminal history check → Authorities review your past records to ensure suitability for healthcare roles.
- English language skills → Proof of English proficiency is required via one of the following:
- IELTS (Academic): Overall 7.0, with 7.0 in each band.
- OET (Nursing): B in each band.
- PTE Academic: Overall 65, with 65 in each band.
- TOEFL iBT: Total 94 (L:24, R:24, W:27, S:23).
Results may be from one sitting or two within six months (minimum criteria apply).
- Recency of practice → You must show recent clinical experience.
- Professional indemnity insurance (PII) → You need to be covered for professional practice incidents.
Qualification Criteria
Qualifications are assessed for equivalence to Australian standards. The NMBA checks:
- Recognition for registration – Must be officially recognised in your home country.
- Accreditation – Programs must be accredited and include clinical placements.
- Academic level – Equivalent to:
- Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree for registered nurses/midwives.
- Level 5 Diploma for enrolled nurses.
Country Classifications
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) has reviewed nursing and midwifery qualifications from different countries and grouped them into three categories. This classification helps determine the likely pathway you will follow toward Ahpra registration and is critical for internationally qualified nurses and midwives (IQNMs) pursuing careers in Australia.
Likely to Meet Standards (Fast-Track Recognition)
If you trained in one of the following countries, your qualification is usually considered equivalent to Australian standards:
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Republic of Ireland
- Hong Kong (nursing only)
These candidates often follow a faster registration process with limited additional assessment.
May Meet Standards (Case-by-Case Assessment)
If you studied in one of the following countries, your qualifications may be accepted, but they’ll be assessed individually:
- Belgium (Flanders)
- Denmark
- Finland
- Germany
- Hong Kong (midwifery)
- Israel
- Malaysia
- Netherlands
- Norway (nursing)
- Pakistan
- Portugal
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Republic of Korea (South Korea)
- Spain
- Sweden
A detailed review will determine whether additional testing or bridging is needed.
Unlikely to Meet Standards (Additional Steps Required)
Qualifications from the countries below are generally not considered equivalent. Most applicants in this group will need to complete the Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA) or undertake an approved bridging or transition program in Australia.
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Argentina
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belgium (Walloon region)
- Bhutan
- Bosnia
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Cyprus
- Egypt
- Estonia
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
- France
- Georgia
- Ghana
- Greece
- India
- Iran
- Iraq
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Lebanon
- Lithuania
- Macedonia
- Malawi
- Malta
- Morocco
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Nepal
- Nigeria
- Oman
- Occupied Palestinian Territory
- Papua New Guinea
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Romania
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Samoa
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- Sri Lanka
- Swaziland (now Eswatini)
- Switzerland
- Sudan
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Tonga
- Turkey
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Applicants in this category typically need to complete the Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA) pathway, which includes:
- NCLEX-RN-style multiple-choice exam
- Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) conducted in Australia
Alternatively, you may complete an Approved Program of Study in Australia, such as a bridging or transition program to meet the NMBA’s registration standards.
Step-by-Step Pathway to Becoming a Nurse in Australia
- Review NMBA registration standards
- Complete the Self-Check on Ahpra’s website
This determines if you fall under Stream A, B or C. - Follow the pathway:
- Stream A: Equivalent → Orientation + documentation
- Stream B: Relevant but not equivalent → OBA (exams + portfolio)
- Stream C: Not equivalent → Bridging or further study
- Apply for NMBA registration via Ahpra, ensuring you meet all requirements
- Apply for an Australian visa through the Department of Home Affairs
- Skilled Migration, Employer-Sponsored, or Student Visa
- Secure employment
- Registration is required before starting work.
- Relocate and begin work in Australia
ANMAC vs NMBA – Know the Difference
- ANMAC assesses your qualifications/work experience for visa/migration purposes.
- NMBA (via Ahpra) handles professional registration.
You must pass both if you plan to migrate and practice.
Fees for Nurses and Midwives (October 2025)
Application Fees
- General registration: AU$ 332
- Recent graduates (approved Australian programs): AU$ 97
- Non-practising: AU$ 39
- Fast-track application: AU$ 60
Annual Registration Renewal
- General: AU$ 193 (NSW: AU$ 189)
- Non-practising: AU$ 39
IQNM Fees
- Assessment & Orientation: AU$ 410
- NCLEX-RN Score Transfer: AU$ 250
- OSCE: AU$ 4,000
- Preliminary review: AU$ 575
- Tertiary review: AU$ 2,500
If you need assistance with your nursing visa, employer sponsorship, or other work-related visa options, get in touch with our team of experienced immigration lawyers and registered migration agents at Work Visa Lawyers.
