Bachelor of Nursing

Yes. The NMBA English Language Skills Registration Standard (2025), which came into effect on 18 March 2025, applies to all nurses applying for initial registration, regardless of whether they qualified in Australia or overseas. This means graduates of the Bachelor of Nursing will need to meet this standard when applying for registration.

Yes. Changes to the minimum scores required for accepted English language tests are in effect from 23 April 2026. Applicants planning to take an English test as part of their registration application should review the transition arrangements policy available on the Ahpra website to understand how these changes may affect them.

A full list of English language tests accepted by the NMBA and National Boards is available on the Ahpra website. The NMBA's registration standard outlines pathways for applicants to demonstrate evidence of their English language skills, and a pathways diagram is available to help applicants understand their options.

No. The English language skills registration standard does not apply to students. It applies to nurses applying for initial registration, including both those who qualified in Australia and those who qualified overseas. It also does not apply to those applying for non-practising registration.