How to Work as a Registered Nurse in Australia: Complete Guide For International Nurses

Why Australia is a Top Destination for Nurses

Australia – One of the high-in-demand destinations for health sector workers, especially nurses! Because of their expanding healthcare system, good working environments and clear career development paths, these countries provide attractive salary packages and also certainty around immigration.

On a permanent basis Such job roles have been placed on the Australian Skilled Occupation List (SOL) by the government of Australia); therefore nurses proposed them as occupations according to which being entitled to obtain PR. Thousands of overseas nurses successfully make the move each year to fill significant shortages at hospitals, in aged care and regional health services.

This article covers all the information and steps you need to know to work work as a registered nurse in Australia – your eligibility, registration with AHPRA, English proficiency (PTE, IELTS or OET), visa types you can apply for, salaries and few tips on settling yourself down well into the Australian healthcare system.

Eligibility Requirements for International Nurses

Educational Qualifications

In order to be registered as a registered nurse in Australia, one should possess a Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent, which must be recognized by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). Universities across Australia offer a range of nursing courses for those interested in studying nursing. That is the compulsory basis upon which you would begin with your nursing career in this country.

To be eligible for registration, you must have completed an approved nursing course, which includes required clinical placements. Clinical placements provide hands-on experience in real healthcare settings, which is essential for developing practical skills. When you attend a learning institution that is not based in Australia, then your degree will undergo an assessment procedure by ANMAC to ascertain that the degree satisfies fully the required academic requirements. Besides this, you also need to fulfill the Australian standards of the health related requirements. The process is also necessary to check the quality of your education as well as your suitability to work in this field.

The first step in making such opportunity open to work in nursing field in Australia and improve is the assurance that you fulfill the above requirements among other requirements of having high standards of quality health services and community health.

English Proficiency (PTE Academic / IELTS / OET)

English proficiency is crucial for both AHPRA registration and visa applications.
Accepted English tests include PTE Academic, IELTS, and OET:

Test	Required Overall Score	Minimum per component
PTE Academic: For proven tips and tricks on PTE note taking, check out PTE Notes: 8 Proven Tips & Tricks for PTE Note Taking.	65	65 in each section
IELTS Academic	7.0	7.0 in each band
OET	B grade	B in each component

AHPRA has accepted PTE Academic because its AI-based scoring delivers accurate results and spares no time to achieve globalization.

Work Experience

Although not an essential requirement, 1-2 years’ clinical experience improves your chances for registering with ANMAC and the visa process. CDU only delivers clinical courses to students with recent clinical experience as that is how the Australian looking employers and visa people see it.

Registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency)

AHPRA registration for foreign nurses to assess them before they can work in Australia.

Step-by-Step Process

1. If not already done: Go to AHPRA list and register for an account.
2. Submit EPIC-Eval Page Original Document requirements as well as IDs verified through (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates).
3. Demonstrate your proficiency in English.
4. Pay the registration fee.
5. Wait for a decision – if your application is successful, you will be sent a Letter of Eligibility (LOE) which permits bridging/re-entry programs.

Required Documents

• Passport copy
• Nursing qualification certificates
• Proof of identity
• Professional references
• Proof of English test results
• Verification of registration in home country

Upon getting the approval of your application by AHPRA, you can legally register as a Registered Nurse in Australia and commence employment.

Nursing Pathways and Visa Options (Updated 2026)

There are various visa options available for registered nurses to migrate to Australia (registered nurse in Australia). Which one you chose very much depends on your experience, sponsor and future plans.

For further information about nursing careers and visa options, consult official government resources or university websites.

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

This type of visa permits employers to sponsor skilled workers. If your nursing specialty is listed on their occupation list, you can be nominated by a hospital or health service in Australia for Subclass 482. English and registration requirements apply. You may be able to move on to PR after working for a period of time as per employer nomination.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

If you have eligible points (age, experience, English, qualification), as a nurse you are eligible to use the Independent skilled migration visa pathway. You must meet the registered nurse in Australia requirement and your profession needs to be on the relevant skilled list.

Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 186)

This visa provides direct employer nomination for permanent residency. If the nurse works under 482 or regional positions, many follow this path. You must have AHPRA registration Good English Communication Skills and the employer must meet sponsorship obligations.

Australia’s healthcare sector is currently listed in Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) and hence provides nurses with prompt fast processing of visas and high PR chances.

Skills Assessment – ANMAC Process Explained

Assessment Criteria and Timelines

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) evaluates your qualifications, English score, and working experience. The processing normally takes between 8 and 12 weeks once all the documents are forwarded. Applicants must successfully complete all required steps to be eligible for registration as a nurse in Australia.

How to Avoid Rejections

• Make sure that documents are certified by licensed translators and translated.
• Maintain validity of English test (less than 2 years).
• Provide job descriptions of individual clinical jobs.
• Compare your experience with ANZSCO 2544 (Registered Nurse).

A major cause of rejection is not achieving standards of documentation or language, check everything twice before submitting.

English Language Test Requirements for Nurses

Required PTE Academic Scores for  Nurses

The most convenient and trusted option of the English test among the nurses in 2026 is the PTE Academic (and PTE core as a visa point option) test.

The set minimum AHPRA registration score has not been decreased, as a score of 65 in every component (equivalent to IELTS 7.0) is still considered a success.

PTE is quicker (within 48 hours), artificial intelligent biasless assessment, and adaptive test time frames which are paramount to busy nursing students who also menstruate or work. If you’re wondering whether you can prepare for the PTE test in just 2 weeks, check out this article.

IELTS and OET Equivalents

For more details on converting PTE scores to IELTS, see this comparison chart:

• IELTS 7.0 = PTE 65
• OET Grade B = PTE 65
• IELTS 8.0 = PTE 79

Pearson and Gurully (2025) note that PTE is currently an AHPRA-ANMAC and all Australian healthcare visa-approved English test and is consequently the best English test to use by nurses.

Nursing Specializations in Australia

Nursing in Australia offers a diverse range of specializations, allowing registered nurses (RNs) and enrolled nurses (ENs) to tailor their careers to their interests and strengths. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) recognizes numerous specialty areas, including mental health, pediatric, oncology, and critical care nursing. These specializations enable nurses to play a crucial role in delivering high-quality care across various healthcare settings.

To pursue a specialized nursing career, nurses are often required to complete additional qualifications and gain relevant experience in their chosen field. For example, becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) involves completing a Master’s degree in nursing and meeting specific requirements set by the NMBA and the Midwifery Board of Australia. This advanced role allows NPs to take on more responsibilities, including diagnosing and managing patient care independently.

Enrolled nurses also have opportunities to work in specialized areas such as medicine, surgery, rehabilitation, and aged care, typically under the supervision of a registered nurse. Specializing not only enhances your skills and knowledge but also opens doors to greater job satisfaction, professional recognition, and career advancement.

Whether you are an RN, EN, or aspiring nurse practitioner, exploring nursing specializations in Australia can help you build a rewarding and impactful career while meeting the evolving needs of the health sector.

Job Opportunities and Salary Insights

Average Salary for Registered Nurse in Australia

In 2025, the registered nurse in Australia will be able to qualify as the range of their salaries will be state-dependent, experience-dependent, and specialization-dependent – the average salaries of the nurses should be AUD 70,000-100,000+ per year. Older or experienced nurses (ICU, oncology) may have higher salaries. Pay and allowance will depend on the state or territory.

Top hospitals hiring international nurses

The high demand is in aged care, emergency, and rural hospitals in major hospitals in Sydney (Royal Prince Alfred, Westmead) and Melbourne (Royal Melbourne, St Vincent’s), Brisbane, and Perth and Western Australia Country Health Service (WACHS). Go online to find the list of existing jobs at government health service sites in every state.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Incomplete AHPRA Application

Lack of documents or faulty notarization may take months to be registered. The AHPRA checklist should always be used.

Low English Test Scores

Failure to match the requirements of PTE or IELTS scores makes progression impossible. Engage in frequent training on formal media such as PTE MAGIC so that fluency and accuracy of pronunciation exist.

Ignoring Skills Assessment Validity

The ANMAC assessments have a duration of 2 years before expiration. Note and follow expiry dates in planning your PR application.

Industry Outlook for Nursing in Australia

The future of the nursing profession in Australia is exceptionally bright, with registered nurses and enrolled nurses in consistently high demand across all healthcare settings. The Australian government forecasts a significant shortage of skilled nurses in the coming years, making now an ideal time to embark on or advance your nursing career.

Registered nurses are expected to see over 147,000 job openings in the next five years, while enrolled nurses can anticipate around 14,000 new opportunities. This high demand is driven by an aging population, increased focus on patient safety, and the expansion of healthcare services nationwide. As a result, nurses enjoy strong job security, competitive salaries, and a rewarding career with the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.

To attract internationally qualified nurses and other health professionals, the government has introduced incentives such as scholarships, streamlined permanent visas, and additional pathways to professional registration. Nursing education is also expanding, with more places available in Bachelor of Nursing programs and further education options to help meet workforce needs.

With ongoing investment in nursing education, training, and support for internationally qualified nurses, the nursing profession in Australia offers a stable, respected, and fulfilling career path. Whether you are just starting your journey or looking to advance, the opportunities for growth and impact in Australian nursing have never been greater.

How PTE MAGIC Supports Healthcare Professionals

Targeted PTE Training for Healthcare Stream

PTE MAGIC also offers special programs to nurses and health care applicants on the need to have the required accuracy in speaking, listening and writing. Training simulations are based on real life professional interactions in the hospitals and clinics.

Mock Tests and Real-Time AI Pronunciation Coaching

Students get the benefit of AI feedback in real-time which identifies mispronunciation and lack of fluency. This developed scoring resembles that of Pearson as it aids the nurses to obtain PTE 65+ regularly.

Comprehensive Offers and Services

• PTE Academic & PTE Core Preparation
• AI-based Practice Platform: Simulates actual exam environment
• Live Coaching: Certified healthcare-specific module trainers.
• Facebook, Tik Tok, YouTube (Moni PTE MAGIC): Community Support.

Structured guidelines provided by PTE MAGIC have helped thousands of nurses around the world to fulfill the language requirements of AHPRA and ANMAC during the process of planning their move.

How PTE Magic Helps Nursing Students In English

English proficiency is an essential condition of international nursing students who plan to study nursing in Australia – university admission, as well as registration with AHPRA. At this point, PTE MAGIC can offer industry best support in its specialty PTE Academic and PTE Core courses. Additionally, PTE MAGIC prepares nursing students to communicate effectively in a culturally safe manner, which is essential for providing inclusive care in Australia’s diverse healthcare environment.

1. Pearson-Certified Trainers with Proven Experience

PTE MAGIC has been assisting students all over the world in ensuring that they obtain their desired PTE scores to be able to pursue education and/or migrate to the region. Its trainers are Pearson certified so that all the lessons are correct and in accordance with the most recent test format and tailored to the medical background of the English environment i.e. nursing, allied health and medical communication.

2. Specialized PTE Training for Healthcare Applicants

PTE MAGIC has special modules that suit medical workers like nurses and medical students. These include:

• Speaking and pronunciation drills to improve fluency and accuracy.
• Listening comprehension exercises with real-life healthcare scenarios.
• Writing and reading practice that reflect medical terminology and structured responses.

This practice will enable nursing students to qualify successfully and effectively to satisfy the English requirement (PTE 65+) prescribed by the AHPRA.

3. AI-Powered Practice & Pronunciation Tracking

PTE MAGIC online practice platform takes learners through an AI-scored mock testing simulating the official Pearson testing setting.

The platform offers:

• Real-time feedback on fluency, pronunciation and grammar.
• Progress tracking performance analytics.
• Adaptive question sets that are specific to areas of weakness.

This would help the students to keep on improving on their performance and get closer to Superior English proficiency, which would make students stronger academically and professionally prepared.

4. Flexible Online Learning Options

PTE MAGIC offers both group training courses and individual training courses that enable their learners to opt either to take the course using a structured training course in a classroom environment or a customized training program book. All classes include:

• Choice of Flexible Online Learning.
• Real-time coaching
• Homework feedback
• Availability of resources in terms of revision.
• Pearson-based practice templates.

This is flexible in that it allows nursing students to schedule their studies as they prepare to seek English tests.

5. Global Learning Community and Student Support

Students receive access to free workshops, Q&A sessions, and inspirational content on the active online communities on Facebook, YouTube (Moni PTE MAGIC), and Tik Tok. These platforms create a positive environment where learners are involved and remain interacting with the mentors and fellow learners throughout the world.

Start Your Nursing Career in Australia Today

Becoming a registered nurse in Australia is the Key to Job Security, Financial Security and Possibly Permanent Residency. If you know the eligibility, AHPRA registration process and can score good in PTE Academic, nothing would stop you from getting an accomplished career into at world’s best healthcare systems.

Whether you are aspiring to sit your PTE test or making a way through for your nursing registration, PTE MAGIC has the best resource and support material that help you achieve success in PTE.

Begin today – you’ve got the nursing talents Australia wants.

Last updated on 16/11/2025