Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) Registration Guide
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) Registration Guide
To start working as a Registered Nurse in Australia, you must apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) works with the NMBA to provide various services to Internationally Qualified nurses and midwives. Hence, applying to AHPRA is the first step toward achieving your dream Australian Nursing Career.
The main qualifications required for International Qualified Nurses and Midwives (IQNMs) to register with AHPRA include:
Holding a nursing or midwifery qualification that is equivalent in standards and competencies to an Australian-approved qualification.
Successful completion of any additional assessments or requirements specified by AHPRA, such as an outcomes-based assessment (OBA) and OSCE.
Meeting English language proficiency requirements through recognized tests like IELTS, PTE, or OET.
Meeting any additional criteria set by AHPRA, such as demonstrating good standing in previous practice and adhering to AHPRA's professional standards and codes of conduct.
These qualifications ensure that IQNMs have the necessary skills, knowledge, and proficiency to practice safely and effectively as nurses or midwives in Australia under the regulatory framework of AHPRA.
What are the steps to initiate my nursing registration?
As for the fees associated with IQNMs, there is no charge for using the Self-check service.
Nurses are required to provide their qualification details during the self-check process on the AHPRA website.
Upon completion of the Self-check, all IQNMs deemed eligible for registration or referred to the OBA are required to pay a non-refundable assessment fee of $640 AUD.
Complete a one-hour e-learning module on the AHPRA portal.
Upload all your identity, and qualification documents duly attested as per AHPRA guidelines.
After approval by AHPRA, you must successfully complete the NCLEX RN examination.
The OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is a practical exam used to assess clinical skills and competencies of healthcare professionals, including nurses.
The fee for the OSCE is $4,000 AU. This fee covers AHPRA’s operational and maintenance expenses associated with administering the OSCE.
Submit the required documents along with payment of the AHPRA registration fees to apply for registration.
Finish the e-learning module within the initial 6 months of obtaining registration as a nurse in Australia.
Top queries
Unfortunately, a Diploma of Nursing does not meet the requirements for the OBA pathway. AHPRA advises that upgrading to a bachelor’s level qualification is necessary to qualify under this pathway.
AHPRA accepts IELTS (Academic), PTE (Academic), OET (Occupational English Tests For more details, click this link for English requirements)
According to AHPRA’s recency of practice standard, having 450 hours of work experience as a Registered Nurse within the last 5 years is recommended. However, passing the OBA assessment (NCLEX and OSCE) satisfies this standard even without work experience.
You can complete the process up to the NCLEX RN exam, as NCLEX RN centers are available in most countries. Refer to the NCSBN website for testing locations. However, since the OSCE is only conducted in Adelaide and Victoria, Australia, you will need to explore visa options if required.
Yes, we collaborate with experienced Australian Migration Lawyer who can assist with your visitor visa application at an additional cost.
You can withdraw your application at any stage, but please note that all fees paid are non-refundable.
AHPRA Registration Update: Easier Pathway for Nurses from Selected Countries
Great news for internationally qualified registered nurses (IQRNs)! Starting March 2025, nurses from the following countries will benefit from a streamlined AHPRA registration process, eliminating the need for additional exams or qualification upgrades:
United Kingdom
Ireland
USA
Canada
Provinces of British Columbia and Ontario
Singapore
Spain
This change significantly reduces assessment and registration times by 6–12 months, making it faster and easier for qualified nurses to work in Australia.
