Discover how overseas nurses can register to work in Australia. Learn about NMBA requirements, exams like the OSCE, costs, timelines, and job opportunities for international nurses.
- Why is there high demand for international nurses in Australia?
- What are the requirements for internationally qualified nurses in Australia?
- How long does it take to get nursing registration in Australia?
- How much does it cost to become a nurse in Australia as a migrant?
- What exams do international nurses need to pass in Australia?
- Can I apply for nursing registration in Australia from overseas?
- What are the job opportunities for international nurses in Australia?
- Is it worth moving to Australia as a nurse?
This article shares practical tips from Work in Progress, an Australia Explained series exploring the journeys of skilled migrants building meaningful careers in Australia. Listen to all the episodes for more inspiring stories and expert advice.
Through the story of Italian nurse Martina Ferri — and insights from experts — this episode explores what it really takes to build a nursing career in Australia, from exams and fees to career opportunities and rewards.
Australia is welcoming a record number of international nurses, with thousands arriving each year to strengthen its healthcare system. This surge reflects the country’s high demand for skilled professionals, with hospitals and health services relying on their expertise to fill critical workforce gaps and ensure quality care for communities nationwide.
Why is there high demand for international nurses in Australia?
Between 2023 and 2024, registrations for international nurses in Australia surged by nearly 50 per cent compared with the previous year and have tripled since pre-COVID levels. This remarkable growth reflects both the escalating need for skilled nurses, and the significant contribution international professionals are making to Australia’s healthcare system.
Italian-born Martina Ferri is one of those nurses. Today, she works at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide. While the demand for skilled nurses is high, the path to registration can be long, costly, and complex. It took more than two years for her to obtain registration, a process that began back in Italy.
What are the requirements for internationally qualified nurses?
Martina began validating her nursing qualification while still offshore. “You can start this process even if you’re not in Australia,” she explains.
The first step is to have your qualifications recognised by your home country’s regulatory body. For Martina, it took over a year to gather all the necessary documents.
To work as a nurse or midwife in Australia, you must:
- Be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
- Apply for a visa through the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Can you apply for nursing registration from overseas?
Yes — the process can begin before you move to Australia.
Veronica Casey, Chair of the NMBA, explains that registration and immigration are two separate processes. “They are integrated, but they are not the same system. It’s important to understand that distinction when you’re planning your journey,” she says.
The NMBA’s online self-assessment tool helps clarify requirements such as criminal history checks and proof of recency of practice.
How long does it take to get nursing registration in Australia?
The time frame varies by country of origin and personal circumstances. For Martina, the process took more than two years. For others, it may be shorter, but most experts warn it is not a quick journey.
What exams do international nurses need to pass?
In addition to English language requirements, internationally qualified nurses must pass two key exams:
- A multiple-choice exam.
- The Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE), a clinical skills test.
How much does it cost to become a nurse in Australia as a migrant?
Martina shares that the OSCE exam alone costs $4,000, with an additional $2,500 for a preparation course. That means a single attempt at this stage can cost around $6,500. If you don’t pass, you must pay again. It always best to check the latest cost figures as these may change over time.
What job opportunities exist for international nurses in Australia?
“Everybody needs to understand the size and scale of this country, and the diverse settings within which healthcare is provided,” Karen Grace of the Australian College of Nursing explains.
From remote health services to large city hospitals, international nurses can pursue different career paths depending on their interests and location preferences.
Is it worth moving to Australia as a nurse?
Despite the time, effort, and expense, both experts and nurses like Martina agree it can be life-changing.
“Don’t give up,” she says. “There were moments when I thought I’d never finish. But I stayed determined and focused. Looking back, I can say that everything I’ve done was worth it.”
Disclaimer: This article presents one example of a migrant’s journey into the nursing profession in Australia. The information provided is accurate at the time of publishing but may change over time. Individuals interested in working as a nurse should seek tailored advice from official sources, such as the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), the Department of Health and Aged Care, and relevant state or territory health authorities and professional associations.
