How to work as a nurse in Australia: NMBA assessment, NCLEX-RN and OSCE (2026)

Official fees: A$4,957plus 2 that vary
Steps: 5from degree to licence
Language: English: an accepted test (IELTS, OET, TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic) at the scores set by Ahpra
Planning time: About 9–12 months on the exam route; 1–6 months on the streamlined pathway
Our estimate, not official

Where did you qualify?

Outside the EU and English-speaking countries EU, EEA or Switzerland UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand

The exam route is yours: IQNM assessment, NCLEX-RN, OSCE, registration.

Step by step

Each fee links to the page we took it from.

1

Self-check and English
test fee to provider

Complete the free online self-check and meet the English language standard. Source
2

IQNM assessment and orientation
A$410

Portfolio assessment of your qualification, plus orientation part 1. Source
3

Pass the NCLEX-RN
US$200 + US$150

The multiple-choice exam for registered nurses, booked with Pearson VUE: US$200 plus US$150 when you test outside the USA. From 1 February 2027 the registration fee rises to US$350. Source
4

Pass the OSCE
A$4,000

Clinical exam run by Ahpra in Adelaide, after the multiple-choice exam. Source
5

Register with the NMBA
A$547

Application fee A$346 plus the A$201 registration fee for general registration. Source

Not included: courses, translations, travel, visas and living costs.

Practise with someone who passed

One-to-one online sessions with nurses who sat these exams themselves – they know what the examiners want.

NCLEX-RN (nurses) tutors →

Study materials

Official practice tests, books and courses for each exam, checked on the publisher's or exam body's own page.

NCLEX-RN (nurses) materials →

Stories from people who took this route

No story here yet. Took this route yourself? Share your story – it helps the next person more than any brochure.

Choose where to live

Compare Australia's 8 states and territories side by side: immigrant population, people from your country, recorded crime and, where official data exists, hate crime. Official figures only, no scores.

Compare regions of Australia →

Settling in Australia

Renting a home, using your driving licence and the paperwork of your first months – three short guides, every rule linked to the official page.

Renting a home →Driving licence →Everyday life →

Agencies that help with this route

No agency listed for this route yet.

Recruiter, school or consultant for nurses in Australia? List your agency.

Questions

Do I need to repeat the OSCE if I wait?

An OSCE pass expires after five years; the multiple-choice exam does not need to be retaken.

Sources

Last checked 19 October 2026. Fees and rules change – always confirm with the regulator before you pay. PassPeers is independent and not affiliated with any regulator or exam provider.