The short answer is: yes — if you’re wanting to stay in Australia long-term (you’ll need it later for ANMAC and PR applications). However, if you’re only coming on a Working Holiday Visa, you don’t need it.
There are three key areas to understand: AHPRA, ANMAC, and your visa application. Each one treats the English test slightly differently.
In each section I’ve highlighted that you “may be exempt” — please remember, I’m not an employer, nor do I work for AHPRA or ANMAC. They’re the boss — so always check with them. These exemptions are outlined in their application guidelines, but honestly? Sometimes it’s easier to just do the test! Personally, I took the IELTS even though I’ve studied in English my whole life (and I’m literally English…).
1. AHPRA (Nursing Registration)
AHPRA is Australia’s nursing board. To register, you need to prove you meet their English language requirements.
If you’re from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, or New Zealand, and completed both your schooling and nursing education in English in one of those countries, you may be exempt.
If not, AHPRA accepts the following English tests:
✅ IELTS — Overall score 7.5, with a minimum of 7.0 in each band
✅ OET — Minimum ‘B’ in each section
✅ PTE — Minimum 65 in each band (This seems to be the favourite among nurses!)
✅ TOEFL iBT — Minimum 94 overall (specific band scores must add up to this total)
2. ANMAC (Skills Assessment)
To apply for a skilled visa (like the 189 or 190), you’ll need a positive skills assessment from ANMAC. Even if AHPRA exempts you from taking an English test, ANMAC will still assess your English ability.
To meet ANMAC’s requirements, you either need to:
📝 Submit your test results (IELTS, PTE, OET, or TOEFL — see above), or
📝 Provide evidence that you’re exempt — meaning your primary, secondary, and nursing education was taught in English in an approved country
I had to submit results for ANMAC even though I was exempt from AHPRA.
Fun fact: I studied my nursing degree in Wales. AHPRA asked for a letter from one of my educators confirming I was taught in English — not Welsh!
💡 Tip: Check whether AHPRA wants an official letter to prove your degree was taught in English, even if you’re from an English-speaking country.
3. Visa Application (189/190 PR)
Even if you’re exempt for AHPRA and ANMAC, you might still want to take an English test to boost your points for permanent residency. A higher score can give you:
🤩 10 points for Proficient English (e.g. IELTS 7.0 in each band, PTE 65)
🥳 20 points for Superior English (e.g. IELTS 8.0 in each band, PTE 79)
This can really impact your application. For example, if you lose points for age, a strong English test result can help you gain those points back. Plus, higher-scoring applicants are often processed faster — meaning less waiting around.
💡 Tip: If you’re confident, take an English test early — it can help speed up your PR application.
IELTS vs PTE vs OET — Which should you take?
✍️ IELTS — The most widely used and globally recognised, but the writing section is notoriously tough.
✍️ PTE — Fully computer-based and gives fast results. Many nurses prefer it, and I was recommended this one myself!
✍️ OET — Designed specifically for healthcare professionals with nursing-specific scenarios.
✍️ TOEFL iBT — Less common, but still accepted.
If you’re better at typing than handwriting and want fast results, PTE is a great choice. I chose IELTS only because the test centre was near my house — the nearest PTE centre was six hours away (the joys of rural Australia!).
My IELTS results took around 13 days to arrive — and because I left to go travelling straight after the test, they were sent back to the UK, costing me an extra $40 in postage and taking another 2 weeks to arrive.
If I had my time again? I’d probably do PTE.
💡 Tip: If you’re doing IELTS, a free resource I swear by is the “IELTS 7+ Podcast” on Apple Podcasts. I truly believe it’s the reason I got an 8.5 (YAY)!
Final thoughts: Just get it done early
Whether or not you need the IELTS or PTE depends on your country of training, registration plans, and visa pathway — but honestly? It’s often worth doing early, just to keep your options open.
If you’re aiming for PR, that English test could be the thing that speeds up your entire visa process.
Want to avoid the confusion I went through?
Check out my other posts for step-by-step guides on AHPRA registration, ANMAC skills assessment, and visas for nurses moving to Australia.
And feel free to leave a comment — I’m always happy to help other international nurses get through the process with less stress!
As always,
Thank you so much for reading,
All the best,
Emily the UK Nurse Down Under
xxx
Contact details:
🎥 @emilytheuknursedownunder (TikTok)
📸 @emilytheuknursedownunder (Instagram)
✉️ emilytheuknursedownunder@gmail.com (mail)
UK Nurse in Aus 