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What does it cost to register as a nurse in Australia from overseas?

Estimate the real cost of the internationally-qualified-nurse (IQNM) journey — application, the OBA cognitive exam and OSCE, your English test, and registration. Every fee is from its official source; figures we couldn't confirm to the cent are flagged as estimates. Then see what you'll actually earn once you're registered.

Your situation

Your pathway Standard (OBA) Sit the NCLEX-RN cognitive exam + the OSCE Streamlined For nurses registered & practising in a comparable country (UK, Ireland, USA, Canada [BC/Ontario], New Zealand, Singapore, Spain) with 1,800+ hours since 1 Jan 2017. Skips the NCLEX & OSCE only — you still need an English test and still pay the Ahpra fees. Check the current list on the NMBA standard.

OSCE / exam attempts

Resits cost the full exam fee again — the OSCE is the big one.

English test English test — OET (Nursing) ~$587 English test — IELTS Academic ~$490 English test — PTE Academic ~$490 (est.) English test — exempt / already met

Optional extras Certified (NAATI) translations, if needed ~$90 (est.) Relocation (flights + first weeks) ~$3,000 (est.)

Estimated cost breakdown

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Item	Cost (AUD)

Estimated total—

That's the cost. Here's what you'll earn.

You won't find this anywhere else: once you're registered, model your actual Australian take-home pay — base, shift & weekend penalties, tax, HECS and packaging — and see how it compares across states.

Nurse take-home pay calculator → Compare nurse pay by state

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Sources & how this is calculated

Each fee below links to its official source. Lines marked official are confirmed; lines marked estimate we couldn't confirm to the exact cent and should be verified on the official site. Last reviewed: June 2026.

General information, not advice. This is an estimate of published registration fees and the standard pathway for an internationally-qualified nurse — it is not migration, visa, legal, financial or career advice. Fees change; always confirm the current amounts on the official Ahpra / NMBA / exam-provider sites before you rely on them. For visa or migration questions, see a registered migration agent (MARA). Registering with Ahpra/NMBA and the right to work in Australia (a visa, via the Department of Home Affairs) are separate processes — this page covers registration only. Costs exclude things that vary widely by person — visa fees, agency fees, accommodation, and any exam-prep courses.