Thinking of Working as a Nurse in Australia? Here’s What You Need to Know About Skills Assessments
If you’re a registered nurse dreaming of a career in Australia, you’re not alone. The country has had a steady demand for nurses for decades and it’s not slowing down. But before you can land a job and start making a difference, there’s something important you need to do: get a skills assessment and register with AHPRA.
It might sound overwhelming at first, but don’t worry, once you understand the steps, the process becomes much more manageable. Let’s walk through what you need to do.
First Things First: AHPRA Registration
To work as a nurse in Australia, the first thing you need is to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, or AHPRA for short. Without that, you won’t be able to work or apply for most nursing-related visas.
To be eligible, you’ll need:
- A nursing qualification, like a bachelor’s degree
- A criminal history check
- Proof of English language skills through tests like IELTS or PTE if English isn’t your first language
If you studied nursing in Australia, your qualification already meets local standards so your path will be a bit easier. You might be able to skip a few of the more complicated steps.
Take the AHPRA Self-Check
Once you’re ready, head to AHPRA’s website and complete the Self-Check. It’s a short questionnaire that places you into one of three pathways based on where and how you trained:
- Stream A – You’re likely from a country like the UK or USA, and your qualifications match well with Australian standards
- Stream B – Your background is mostly aligned, but there are a few extra steps to take
- Stream C – Your training doesn’t match well, so you’ll likely need to study more in Australia
Orientation, Paperwork, and Fees
If you’re in Stream B or C, you’ll need to complete an online orientation program and pay an admin fee. After that, you’ll upload your portfolio documents with things like your degree, work experience, and proof of identity.
It’s worth taking your time here to make sure everything is accurate and clear. A small mistake can cause delays later on.
The Written Exam
Next comes the written exam. This is where you prove your nursing knowledge. The good news? You can take it from anywhere in the world. No need to fly to Australia just yet.
Once you pass the written part, you’re one step closer to your goal.
The Practical Assessment (OCE)
After the written test, you’ll take the Objective Clinical Examination (OCE). It’s a hands-on, in-person test of your nursing skills. This is only available in Australia which is usually in Melbourne or Adelaide.
To take the OCE, you’ll need to come to Australia. Some people come on a tourist visa while others might already be here on a student visa.
Full Registration and Skills Assessment
If you pass the OCE, you can apply for full registration with AHPRA. Once that’s approved, you’re officially recognised as a registered nurse in Australia. From there, you can apply for a skills assessment, which is necessary if you want to go for skilled visas or employer sponsorship.
What If Your Qualification Doesn’t Match?
If your qualification doesn’t quite line up with what’s required, don’t worry! You still have options.
Many overseas nurses choose to:
- Study a related course like Community Services or Mental Health in Australia. This gives you time to work toward your nursing registration while gaining local experience.
- Re-study nursing entirely in Australia. You might get credit for previous studies which could shorten your course. And when you finish, you’ll qualify for the Temporary Graduate Visa (485), which opens more doors.
Why It’s Worth It
Yes, the process takes time. Yes, there are a few hurdles. But the reward? A secure job in a respected field, great pay, and real opportunities for permanent residency.
Nursing will always be one of the most needed professions in Australia. If you’re serious about building a life here and you’re open to upgrading your skills, this could be one of the smartest moves you make.
Need Help?
You don’t have to go through it alone. If you’re unsure about anything, whether it’s the registration process, which visa to apply for, or the best study options, it helps to talk with a registered migration agent. They can give you advice that fits your personal situation and help you avoid costly mistakes. Let’s help you turn your dream of working as a nurse in Australia into reality—contact us today.
