How to Become a Registered Nurse in Australia From Overseas

First published: February 2024

Nursing in Australia is a rewarding career path to choose. There is a wealth of opportunities available in the dynamic and diverse healthcare settings. Within this comprehensive guide, we’ve outlined how to become a registered nurse in Australia from overseas.

We’ll walk you through the steps to take and provide you with every resource you need to successfully start your journey as a nurse in Australia. 

Table of contents

Steps to become a registered nurse in Australia from overseas | Is it worth it to become a nurse in Australia? | Tips for settling into life in Australia | Still debating the idea? | Become a nurse in Australia with Sanctuary

Steps to become as a registered nurse in Australia from overseas

Every registered nurse and midwife in Australia must have an AHPRA (Australia Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) number to practice. This is to ensure that everyone is properly qualified and trained to carry out duties in their respective role. To be eligible for an AHPRA registration, you must fulfill the set criteria set out by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) below (which will vary depending on your country of origin and where you gained your qualification): 

Note*: If you are a qualified nurse from New Zealand, the NMBA will recognise your qualification under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 2008 . You can download the application directly from the NMBA.

1. Hold a relevant qualification

You need to have completed your studies and have received your qualification in nursing.

For a registered nurse, you need a Bachelor of Nursing, and for an enrolled nurse you need to have a Diploma of Nursing (or equivalent). If your qualification doesn’t automatically meet the NMBA standard, you may need to complete a post graduate course, or IRON/EPIQ program to show your competency.

If you want to study in Australia as an international student, a Bachelor of Nursing will cost around $80-000 – $100,000 AUD over the three years.

2. Have proof of experience in your field

The next step is to provide evidence of your qualification in the form of a letter from your supervisor or a statement of service that outlines:  

• Job title
• Workplace
• Who you reported to
• Employment date
• Key responsibilities

3. Be English language proficient

You need to display that you have a proficient understanding of the English language. If your passport is not from the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, the United States of America or South Africa, or you haven’t undertaken at least five years of study in one of these countries, you will need to do an English test. The tests available are IELTS  OET, PTE and TOEFL iBT:

IELTS – this is the International English Language Testing System that covers your reading, writing, listening and speaking English skills. The cost of this test is $410 AUD, and you can re-sit for $199 AUD a time.

OET – this is the Occupational English Test. This is designed specifically for healthcare workers, and can be taken by nurses and midwives. The cost of it is $587 AUD for all four categories (listening, reading, writing and speaking), but you can take these individually for:

• One for $315 AUD
• Two for $415 AUD
• Three for $515 AUD

PTE – this is the Pearson test of the English academic. This is a globally recognised English test and is accepted by all visa streams in Australia. This costs $445 AUD.

TOEFL IBT – this is the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet Based Test. This is also a global English test for the purpose of study, migration and work, and costs $298 AUD. Not each visa stream accepts this test, so check before you book.

4. Provide documentation that proves your identity

You need to provide basic identity documents such as your passport and change of name certificates (if applicable). Documents that fulfil character requirements in terms of criminal history as well as physical and mental capacity are also required. This usually means providing an international and Australian (if you are in Australia) police check. If you have a criminal history that resulted in imprisonment of over 12 months, or were convicted and found guilty of an offence in Australia or overseas you must declare this with your police check.

5. Undertake a NCLEX/OSCE exam

For some internationally qualified nurses you may also need to complete one or both of these exams prior to applying for registration. The decision on whether or not you need to sit them will be determined by the NMBA, and this usually comes down to what qualifications you have. They encompass a mixture of theory and practical tests:

• NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) – the multiple choice question exam is a theory test that needs to be passed before you take the OSCE (if the OSCE applied to you). The test costs is $4,400 – $4,600.
• OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam) – this practical exam is undertaken in a simulated clinical environment, designed to mirror real-world healthcare scenarios.. It is held five times in the year: (early February, mid-May, early July, late September and late November) at testing centre in Adelaide, SA. Once passed, registration must be applied for within two years, otherwise further evidence will be required. After five years, the test result expires. The cost of an OSCE is $4,000.

Apply for (and how to keep) your AHPRA registration

You can now apply for your registration! The cost is $185 and you need to renew it annually. To maintain your registration, you must: 

• Keep a clear criminal record
• Continue your professional development, which means participating in at least 20 hours of CPD workshops and seminars every year
• Have carried out a minimum of 450 hours of nursing practice in the previous five years
• Hold professional indemnity insurance (most employers can provide this for you). This will provide protection if patients file lawsuits against you
• Renew your registration every year. The renewal date is 31^st May and needs to be completed by this date

All prices are in AUD. For more information, and to see exactly which steps apply to you, see the Nurses and Midwifery board here.

Interested in travel nursing? Read Renee’s story as a contract registered nurse travelling Australia’s West Coast. 

Obtain a relevant work visa to work as a nurse in Australia

If you are an internationally qualified nurse, you must secure a visa with working rights before relocating to Australia. If you’re planning a short-term stay, you can work as a registered nurse on a  Working Holiday visa (subclass 417 or 462) if you are planning a short-term trip, and if you need to improve your qualifications the 407 Training visa provides you with this opportunity.

Sponsorship Visa options include:

• 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa
• 190 Skilled Nominated visa
• 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa
• 489 Skilled Regional visa

To see the full skilled occupation lists,  click here.

Is it worth it to become a nurse in Australia?

Making the decision to make the move to Australia to become a nurse can be a rewarding but complex journey. Challenges and considerations to take into account include:

• Cost of your AHPRA registration – if you need to resit theory and practical exams, or prove your English language proficiency, the cost can add up. Working out your upfront costs before moving to Australia will help you to ensure you can financially support yourself upon arrival.
• Availability of visas and sponsorships – there are options for registered nurses to be sponsored, but it can be a competitive market. Researching your visa options, what the visas mean for you and costing is essential when deciding if the move is right for you.
• Employment prospects – registered nurses are in demand all across Australia. Availability of jobs is broad, but making sure a job offer is right for you is just as important.
• Cost of living – overall, Australia has a respectable earnings vs. cost of living comparison compared to other places in the world. Research where you want to live and what it costs for rent, bills and food expenses before you make the decision.

Job opportunities

Australia has a wide range of nursing jobs across so many sectors. There are generous salary packages for permanent full-time and part-time workers. For those wanting flexibility, there are also casual roles and overtime paid at a higher rate. You can choose your own schedule, work hours that suit you and be in control of how much money you make. 

Permanent migration pathways

Permanent residency an be obtained through  some of the visa streams above, giving you the option to make a life in Australia or to split your time between your home country and here. Australia has something for everyone, whether that’s living the city life or experiencing working in remote and rural contract roles. How much or how little you work is entirely up to you. 

Tips for settling into life in Australia

Transitioning to Australia and moving from overseas can be a daunting, but exciting time. These tips will help you to navigate your way around your new home:

• Housing – there are multiple websites and social media groups set up for you to find a room, or home to rent. House sharing is extremely common, with options from shared houses to apartments available. You may even be able to secure a place before you land. Looking at flat sharing websites or Facebook groups is a good way to get an idea of rent costs and living standards. Reminder – rent is paid weekly in Australia
• Living costs – this will vary depending on what part of Australia you have decided to settle in. Researching this before you arrive will give you an idea of incoming vs outgoings. A lot of casual jobs pay per week, so you can budget your earnings by weekly costs.
• Transport – Australia has fantastic transport links, with major cities making use of rail, tram, bus and ferry routes. Each state has its own government ticketing system, with a tap on/tap off card available to use. In most places, you can also use your debit card to pay for rides. Once you know where you are going, you can easily find out which public transport company you will be using.
• Healthcare – Australia’s government healthcare system is called Medicare. As an international entrant, you may be entitled to access their benefits through certain visas or reciprocal agreements. It is always available to have private medical insurance to comply with visa regulations and to ensure you are covered should you need it.
• Lifestyle – one of the greatest benefits of moving to Australia is the outdoors lifestyle. Embrace the beach, outdoor and water sports due to the hot, subtropical climate. With many sunny days in the year, sun safety is a priority. Using the slip, slop, slap, seek and slide method to protect yourself.

Still debating the idea of becoming a nurse in Australia?

Every journey is unique, and making a decision on this scale should be celebrated.

Pearl, a registered nurse from the Philippines, moved to Australia in 2012. Having worked in acute care, Pearl jumped straight into aged care upon arrival and worked for four years before advancing into a care manager role. After finding her passion in aged care, she is now a facility manager for a large aged care home. Her story is a shining example of the possibilities that are awaiting registered nurses.

Linda, part of our travel nursing team in Western Australia, moved from South Africa in 2012. After six years working in aged care as a registered nurse and clinical nurse manager, Linda now uses her skills in remote and rural communities, enjoying the constant change of scenery and ability to explore the country whilst getting paid for her time.

Become a nurse in Australia with Sanctuary Recruitment

Sanctuary Recruitment welcomes applications from eligible registered nurses from overseas who are looking to move to Australia. We are able to sponsor with a pathway to permanent residency, so if you’re looking for a new opportunity, please submit your resume below for a free eligibility assessment or email directly to visas@sanctuaryrecruitment.com.