International Nurses
Working as a nurse in Australia – a guide for nurses with international qualifications
To practise as a nurse in Australia you will need to meet the registration requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Depending on the qualification you hold, this may or may not involve the examination procedure conducted by the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council. You may also require a visa, which is issued by the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs. It is likely that at the time of your application, your area of specialty or specific occupation will need to be on the Skilled Occupation List. This list is generally updated once or twice per year, and often lists different roles within the nursing profession such as “Registered Nurse (Mental Health)”, “Registered Nurse (Surgical)” and “Enrolled Nurse”.
It is important to follow the recommended pathway for internationally qualified nurses and midwives as outlined by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Depending on a range of factors, you may need to pass a written examination and practical examination (Objective Structured Clinical Examination).
Links
- Department of Home Affairs – explore your visa options
- Skilled Occupation List
- Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia – information for internationally qualified nurses and midwives
- Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia – recommended pathway for internationally qualified nurses and midwives
- Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia – registration fees
- Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council – skilled migration services
- Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation – information for international nurses
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency information for overseas practitioners