Learn everything you need to know about the English language requirements for international students aspiring to study nursing in Australia. It emphasises the importance of English proficiency for effective communication in the healthcare setting and academic success.
You will communicate daily with patients, doctors, and other healthcare workers as a nurse. Understanding and expressing yourself clearly in English is crucial for patient safety and quality care.
You must also understand your lectures, join class discussions, and write assignments in English. Good language skills will help you succeed in your nursing program and prepare you for a rewarding career in Australia.
You cannot study Nursing in Australia without proof of English proficiency. English skills, including patient safety, clear communication, legal requirements, and teamwork, are essential in nursing. These skills are essential in countries where English is the main language used in healthcare.
Australian Nursing program recognises several English language tests to evaluate the proficiency of international students. The most widely accepted assessments include various options that ensure candidates can effectively communicate in an academic and clinical setting.
For nursing students, skills in four (4) key areas of English language tests—reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking—are essential for success in their studies and future careers.
Nursing requires effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams. Here’s how each area is important for nursing students:
Format: This test usually includes reading passages and answering questions to demonstrate understanding of the main ideas, details, and vocabulary.
Nursing Importance: Nursing students must understand medical literature, textbooks, research articles, patient records, and medication guides, which often use complex medical terms
Format: This may involve writing essays, letters, reports, or summarising information from charts.
Nursing Importance: Students must write accurate patient notes, care plans, and reports. Nursing documents are legal records. Students also write essays and research papers.
Format: This typically involves listening to recordings and answering questions to show comprehension of main ideas, details, and speaker attitudes.
Format: This usually involves a face-to-face interview where students answer questions and discuss topics.
Nursing Importance: Students must express their ideas clearly and confidently in spoken English, using medical terms and kind language. They discuss topics in class, explain medical conditions and care plans to patients, and talk with health professionals like doctors to advocate for patients
International nurses and nursing students must show a strong ability in English to provide safe and effective care. Regulatory bodies, Education Providers and employers set specific score requirements for standardised English language tests to measure the language skills needed in Nursing.
Below are the standard tests and typical score requirements for nursing by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
| Test Type | Required Score |
| EILTS | At least 7 in each test component |
| TOEFL | At least 24 Listening, 24 Reading, 27 Writing, 23 Speaking |
| PTE Academic | At least 65 in each test component |
| OET | At least B in each test component |
| CAE/ C1 Advanced | At least 185 in each test component |
Preparation is key to achieving the required scores in English language tests.
Once you have taken your English language test and received your results, you must submit these scores to the nursing program you are applying to. Most institutions will require you to provide an official score report directly from the testing agency.
Ensure that you follow the specific submission guidelines provided by the institution. This may include entering your test scores into an online application portal or sending physical copies of your score reports. You must submit your scores well before any application deadlines to ensure your application is complete.
If you want to study nursing in Australia but have not yet achieved the required English language test scores, there are several pathways and options available to help you meet the necessary language proficiency requirements.
Vocational courses in Australia often have lower English language requirements than university degrees, making them accessible for those with lower English Test Scores. Gain hands-on skills while improving your English in a professional context. Examples include:
Why these are good options:
These are English language courses designed specifically for international students to improve their English skills before starting their main course of study.
Even though vocational courses have reduced English requirements, you'll still need to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency. ELICOS programs enhance your English skills before or while pursuing your vocational studies.
This can assist you in:
Australia recognises several English proficiency tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and OET. Due to different formats and emphases, you might perform better on one test over another.
Try Practice Tests: Take sample exams for different tests to see which one suits you best.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the English Requirement for Nursing, don't worry! By blending vocational training with English language studies, you can open up a friendly pathway to reach your study and career goals in Australia. Even if your English isn't quite the level you’d like, you have options to succeed! We're here to help you every step of the way!
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