The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) offers internationally qualified registered nurses (IQRNs) a streamlined pathway to obtain general registration in Australia. The process assesses applicants based on their qualifications, registration history, and professional practice experience.

Yes, the UK is one of the NMBA-approved comparable jurisdictions. If you hold or have previously held general registration as a registered nurse in the UK, you may be eligible under Pathway 1 or Pathway 2.

You may be eligible for Pathway 1 if you:

∙ Have completed a qualification in the UK that led to general registration as a registered nurse.

∙ Have worked at least 1,800 hours as a registered nurse in the UK since 1 January 2017.

You may be eligible for Pathway 2 if you:

∙ Obtained your qualification since 1 January 2017.

∙ Currently or previously held general registration as a registered nurse in the UK.

∙ Successfully completed an examination process that led to registration in the UK.

∙ Have worked at least 1,800 hours as a registered nurse in the UK since 1 January 2017.

Before applying, you must complete a self-check to determine if you meet the requirements of either pathway. If eligible, you will then submit a Portfolio as evidence of your qualifications and experience.

You will need to provide:

∙ Proof of your nursing qualification.

∙ Evidence of your general registration in the UK.

∙ Employment records showing 1,800 hours of practice (if required).

∙ Any additional supporting documents requested by the NMBA.

Your application will be assessed based on the evidence you provide. If you meet the standards, you will be granted general registration in Australia.

If you have successfully completed a recognised nursing examination in the UK that led to your registration, you typically do not need to take another exam.

The registration process typically takes 1 to 6 months, depending on application volume and document verification requirements. For the most accurate and up-to-date timelines, it is advisable to check with NMBA/AHPRA directly.

Visit the NMBA website: www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au or contact them at 1300 419 495 for further details.

As of April 2025, the NMBA introduced a streamlined registration process for internationally qualified registered nurses (IQRNs) from approved comparable jurisdictions, including the UK. This new process reduces the registration time from 9-12 months to as little as 1-6 months by eliminating the need for additional examinations or qualification upgrades for eligible candidates.

The streamlined process allows UK nurses to obtain registration more quickly and with fewer requirements. By recognizing the qualifications and experience of nurses from the UK, the NMBA aims to alleviate workforce pressures in Australia's health sectors while maintaining high standards of care.

Yes, applicants must have completed at least 1,800 hours of practice as a registered nurse in the UK since 1 January 2017 to be eligible for the streamlined registration pathways.

No, the new pathways eliminate the need for bridging programs or additional assessments for eligible IQRNs from approved comparable jurisdictions like the UK. The focus is on recognizing your existing qualifications and experience to facilitate a faster registration process.

To ensure efficient processing, complete the self-check to confirm eligibility, gather all required documentation (including proof of qualification, registration, and practice hours), and submit a comprehensive Portfolio as per NMBA guidelines. Providing accurate and complete information will help expedite the assessment process.

If you completed your nursing qualification in the UK, an NMBA-approved comparable jurisdiction, and the program was taught and assessed in English, you typically do not need to provide additional proof of English language proficiency. The NMBA recognizes qualifications from approved jurisdictions where English is the primary language of instruction.

If required, the NMBA accepts the following evidence:

∙ English Language Tests: Achieving the required scores in recognized English language tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Occupational English Test (OET).

∙ Education in English: Completion of a nursing or midwifery qualification that was taught and assessed in English.

∙ Practice in English-speaking Settings: Recent practice as a registered nurse in a country where English is the native language and evidence of English language assessment for registration.

Specific score requirements and detailed criteria can be found on the NMBA's official website.

As of April 2025, the NMBA has streamlined the registration process for internationally qualified registered nurses from approved comparable jurisdictions, including the UK. While the primary focus has been on reducing registration times and recognizing existing qualifications, applicants should verify if there have been any updates to language proficiency requirements by consulting the NMBA's official communications or website.