Planning to work as a nurse in Australia? Here’s everything you need to know about nursing PTE requirements in Australia in 2025—scores, rules, tips & more.

For many internationally trained nurses, working in Australia isn’t just a career move — it’s a dream. With world-class healthcare facilities, competitive salaries, and a high quality of life, Australia remains one of the top destinations for nurses looking to expand their horizons.

But before stepping into a hospital or aged care facility Down Under, there’s a crucial checkpoint every overseas nurse must clear: proving English language proficiency.

And that’s where the Pearson Test of English (PTE) comes in.

If you’re a nurse planning to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), understanding the nursing PTE requirements in Australia is essential. From score criteria to eligibility and exam format — this guide covers everything you need to know in 2025.

Let’s put it in plain, everyday language; there should be no nonsense, only facts.

1. Why English Language Proficiency Matters for Nurses in Australia

Australia’s healthcare system is highly professional and patient-centered. Whether you’re working in aged care, mental health, or an emergency department, you’re expected to communicate clearly and accurately with patients, colleagues, and other health professionals.

That’s why AHPRA — the regulatory body for nurses and other health professionals — requires strong proof of English skills before granting registration.

It’s not about passing a test. It’s about ensuring you can handle real-life healthcare scenarios in English — from taking patient histories to writing accurate handover notes.

2. Is PTE Accepted for Nursing Registration in Australia?

Yes — and this is a major win for many applicants.

As of 2025, AHPRA officially accepts the PTE Academic test as proof of English proficiency for internationally qualified nurses and midwives.

While IELTS and OET are still widely used, many nurses are now choosing PTE for its computer-based format, faster results, and flexible test dates.

The popularity of “nursing PTE requirements in Australia” as a search term has grown massively over the last two years — a clear sign that more candidates are opting for this path.

3. Minimum PTE Scores Required by AHPRA (2025 Update)

So what scores do you actually need?

According to AHPRA’s latest guidelines, to meet the English Language Skills Registration Standard through PTE Academic, you must achieve:

• Each of the four components requires a minimum score of 65.
  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Speaking

These scores must be achieved in one sitting (no combining scores from multiple attempts).

This requirement ensures your English is consistently strong across all communication skills — not just in one or two areas.

4. How Is the PTE Test Structured for Nurses?

When you take the PTE Academic exam, you can anticipate the following:

Test Overview:

• Total Duration: About 2 hours
• Format: Computer-based with a headset and microphone
• Sections:
  1. Speaking & Writing (together) – approx. 54–67 minutes
  2. Reading – approx. 29–30 minutes
  3. Listening – approx. 30–43 minutes

Key Points for Nurses:

• You’ll be answering real-world academic and general English questions.
• There’s no separate medical section, but your ability to understand detailed instructions and speak clearly matters.
• Expect to summarize passages, listen to audio, and describe images — all tasks that require quick thinking and clarity.

5. Single Sitting Requirement Explained

Many applicants get confused about what “single sitting” means.

Here’s the deal:
You must get all four scores (65+) in one test attempt. No comparing and contrasting results from several test days.

If you get 70 in three sections but 63 in one, you’ll need to retake the whole test — not just that one component. So, aim for consistency.

6. Who Needs to Take the PTE for Nursing in Australia?

In Australia, you must fulfill the nursing PTE requirements if you’re:

• An IQNM (internationally qualified nurse or midwife) who wants to register with AHPRA.
• A nurse educated in a non-English speaking country
• A nurse whose primary language isn’t English
• Someone who didn’t complete both schooling and nursing education in English in a recognized country (Australia, UK, USA, Canada, etc.)

Even if you’re an experienced nurse, proof of English proficiency is mandatory — unless you’re exempt under specific AHPRA guidelines.

7. Are There Any Exemptions from the PTE Requirement?

Yes, but they’re limited.

If all of the following apply to you, you might not be required to take the English test:

• You’ve studied English for at least six years in elementary and secondary school, and
• You earned your English-language nursing or midwifery degree, and
• You received your education in a nation where English is widely spoken, such as:
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Ireland
  • Canada
  • South Africa

But if you don’t tick all these boxes? You’ll have to meet the PTE score requirements.

8. How Long Are PTE Scores Valid for AHPRA?

Your PTE Academic scores are valid for 2 years from your test date when applying for AHPRA registration.

Make sure your scores are current at the time of submission. If your scores are older than 2 years, even by a few days — they won’t be accepted.

Apply as soon as possible while your scores are still valid.

9. How to Fulfill Australia’s Nursing PTE Requirements

Success doesn’t come by chance — especially when aiming for a 65+ in every section. Here are some real-world tips that work:

1. Understand the Test Format Deeply

Don’t just study English — study PTE-style English. The question types are unique, and knowing how to tackle them saves time.

2. Take Official Mock Tests

Simulate the real test using official materials or AI-based mock tests. This helps you identify weak areas and build test stamina.

3. Focus on Time Management

In PTE, how fast you respond is just as important as what you say. Practice pacing your responses during speaking and writing tasks.

4. Don’t Skip Speaking Practice

Use a mic, record your answers, and listen to yourself. More important than a “perfect accent” is clear pronunciation.

5. Read Widely

Daily reading — news articles, journals, reports — improves vocabulary and reading speed, both of which are critical for the exam.

10. Retaking the Test: What If You Don’t Pass?

If you fall short in one or more components, don’t panic.

PTE allows you to rebook and retake the test as soon as your previous results are released — usually within 48 hours. This quick turnaround can be a blessing if you’re on a tight deadline.

However, make sure to analyze your results, work on specific weaknesses, and only rebook when you feel ready. Blind retakes rarely help.

11. Where Can You Take the PTE Test in Australia (or Overseas)?

PTE test centres are available across Australia and globally — including major cities in India, the Philippines, South Africa, and the Middle East.

If you’re already in Australia on a student or bridging visa, you can book a test in your city.

If you’re applying from overseas, just find the nearest Pearson-authorized test centre. Booking is done online through the official Pearson PTE website.

12. How Does PTE Compare with IELTS and OET for Nurses?

Here’s a quick snapshot:

Feature	PTE Academic	IELTS Academic	OET (Nursing)
Format	Computer-based	Paper/Computer	Profession-specific
Focus	Academic English	Academic English	Healthcare English
Test Duration	~2 hours	~2 hrs 45 mins	~3 hrs
Speaking Format	AI + headset	Human examiner	Role-play with human
Result Time	1–2 days	3–5 days	~16 days
Score Accepted By	AHPRA	AHPRA	AHPRA

While OET is tailored to healthcare, many nurses still prefer PTE for its speed, tech-friendly design, and flexibility.

13. Real Talk: Why Are So Many Nurses Choosing PTE in 2025?

Let’s be honest — nurses have busy lives. Between shift work, family responsibilities, and financial pressures, preparing for a long, paper-based exam isn’t always realistic.

The shift toward PTE for nurses is happening because:

• It’s faster — from booking to results.
• It’s predictable — you know exactly what to expect.
• It’s computer-based — no awkward face-to-face speaking tests.
• It’s available globally — take it from anywhere.

So when people search for “nursing PTE requirements in Australia,” they’re often not just asking about scores — they’re looking for a smarter path to reach their dream.

Final Thoughts

The road to becoming a registered nurse in Australia isn’t without its hurdles, but meeting the nursing PTE requirements in Australia is one of the most achievable steps — as long as you understand the process.

In 2025, with better resources, clearer guidelines, and growing acceptance of PTE by AHPRA, nurses now have more options and flexibility than ever before.

So whether you’re just starting your journey or preparing to book your exam, know this: with the right preparation, the PTE is not an obstacle — it’s your gateway to a nursing career in Australia.

Stay focused, study smart, and remember — you’ve already come this far. You’ve got this.