NURSING ABROAD • AUSTRALIA

IELTS, OET and English Requirements for Nurses in Australia

If you are a nurse in India or another country planning to work in Australia, English-language requirements are an important part of your registration journey.

Australian nursing registration requires applicants to meet the English-language standard set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to meet this requirement through an accepted English test, your language and education background, or another eligible pathway.

This guide explains the main options and where to verify the current requirements before spending money on an examination.

1. Is IELTS compulsory for nurses in Australia?

No, IELTS is not the only option. Some applicants must take an accepted English-language test, while others may qualify through a different pathway under the NMBA standard.

Accepted test options include:

• IELTS Academic
• Occupational English Test (OET)
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
• TOEFL iBT
• Cambridge English C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency

Not every version or testing method is accepted. For example, the NMBA’s published guidance specifies particular test formats and does not accept every at-home test version. Check the current rules before booking.

Check the official list of accepted English tests and current scores →

2. What are the English-language pathways?

The NMBA standard provides three main pathways for demonstrating English-language competence.

Read the NMBA English-language pathways and FAQs →

3. What IELTS score do nurses need?

For nurses who use the test pathway, IELTS Academic is one accepted option. The minimum score is not simply an overall band: the required results in individual skills also matter.

The NMBA revised its English-language standard in 2025, including a reduction in the writing component requirement to 6.5 or the equivalent in accepted tests. Further changes to accepted test scores took effect on 23 April 2026.

Do not rely on a single IELTS score copied from an older article. The required score depends on the test date and the applicable transition rules. Confirm all four component scores, the overall requirement, the accepted test format and whether results from more than one sitting can be combined.

View the current IELTS score table on Ahpra →

4. What is OET, and is it suitable for nurses?

The Occupational English Test (OET) assesses English communication in a healthcare context. It tests four skills:

• Listening: Understanding spoken information.
• Reading: Understanding written information.
• Writing: Producing a relevant written response.
• Speaking: Communicating in role-play scenarios.

OET may appeal to nurses who prefer practising healthcare-related communication. However, the format alone does not make it easier or guarantee a passing result.

Before booking, verify the current OET score requirements, accepted delivery format and rules for combining results. Profession-specific OET tests may be accepted under the NMBA’s published rules.

Check the official OET requirements →

5. Can nurses use PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT?

Yes, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT are among the accepted options, subject to the applicable test format and score rules.

Each test uses a different scoring system, so do not compare scores directly with IELTS bands. Check the current official table for the minimum overall and individual skill scores relevant to your test date.

Before booking any test, confirm that:

• The exact test version is accepted.
• Your intended test location and delivery format meet the rules.
• You understand the individual skill-score requirements.
• You know whether one or two test sittings may be used.

6. Can you combine results from two test sittings?

The NMBA may accept results from a maximum of two test sittings within a specified period, provided the requirements for each sitting and the combined skill scores are satisfied.

This is not an unrestricted rule. Minimum scores may apply to each sitting, and the rules can differ according to the test and the date of the results.

Do not assume that you can combine any two test results or that a high overall score will compensate for a skill score below the required minimum. Read the current transition policy and score table carefully.

7. Are IELTS One Skill Retake and at-home tests accepted?

The NMBA’s published guidance includes IELTS Academic One Skill Retake, subject to its applicable requirements. Other testing arrangements must be checked individually.

Do not assume that an at-home version of IELTS, OET or TOEFL is accepted merely because the test provider offers it. The regulator’s approved test type and delivery format are what matter for registration.

8. Is the English requirement for nursing registration the same as the visa requirement?

Not necessarily. Nursing registration and immigration are separate processes with different legal requirements.

An English test result may sometimes be used for both purposes if it satisfies the relevant rules for each. However, meeting the NMBA’s registration standard does not automatically mean that you meet the English requirement for a particular Australian visa.

Check both the NMBA/Ahpra requirements and the Department of Home Affairs rules for your intended visa pathway.

Visit Australia’s Department of Home Affairs →

9. How should Indian nurses prepare?

1. Check your registration pathway: Start with Ahpra’s information for internationally qualified nurses.
2. Confirm your English pathway: Check whether you may qualify through education or whether you need a test.
3. Choose an accepted test: Compare IELTS, OET, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and Cambridge against your strengths and the official rules.
4. Study all four skills: Practise listening, reading, writing and speaking consistently.
5. Verify score requirements before booking: Use the latest official table and note the test-date transition rules.
6. Keep your results: Retain the official score report and follow Ahpra’s instructions for providing evidence.
7. Check the visa rules separately: If you plan to migrate, confirm the requirements for your intended visa as well.

Frequently asked questions

Can I register as a nurse in Australia without IELTS?

Possibly. IELTS is not the only accepted test, and some applicants may qualify through another English-language pathway. You must still meet the NMBA standard that applies to your circumstances.

Is OET better than IELTS for nurses?

Neither test is automatically better. OET uses healthcare-related scenarios, while IELTS Academic assesses academic English. Choose based on your skills, preparation needs and the current official requirements.

Can I use an old IELTS or OET result?

It depends on the test date and the NMBA’s validity and transition rules. Check the official requirements rather than assuming that every old result remains valid.

If I pass IELTS or OET, will I automatically get nursing registration?

No. English is only one part of the registration requirements. Your qualifications, assessment pathway and other applicable standards must also be satisfied.

Official resources to bookmark

• Ahpra: Accepted English-language tests and current score requirements
• NMBA: English-language skills registration standard
• Ahpra: Internationally qualified nurses and midwives
• Australian Department of Home Affairs: Visa information

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not guarantee eligibility for nursing registration, employment or a visa. English-language requirements and accepted scores can change. Verify the latest rules with Ahpra, the NMBA and the Australian Department of Home Affairs before booking a test or submitting an application.