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.
Estimated cost breakdown
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
|---|
Estimated total—
That's the cost. Here's what you'll earn.
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.
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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.
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