How to Move to the UK as a Nurse: Eligibility, Exams & Registration

The UK is one of the best destinations for Indian nurses looking for a stable and rewarding career abroad. With a structured recruitment process, competitive salaries, and opportunities for career growth, thousands of Indian nurses move to the UK every year. If you're a BSc Nursing or GNM Nursing graduate and want to work in the UK, this guide will help you understand the eligibility criteria, required exams, and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration process.

Who Can Move to the UK as a Nurse?

1. Educational Qualifications

• BSc Nursing graduates are eligible to apply.

• GNM (General Nursing & Midwifery) diploma holders can also apply, but some employers may prefer BSc graduates.

• Post Basic BSc Nursing holders are also eligible.

2. Work Experience

• While there is no minimum experience required by the NMC, most employers prefer at least 6 months to 1 year of clinical experience.

• Some hospitals may accept fresh graduates, but experience increases job opportunities.

3. English Proficiency Requirement (IELTS/OET)

To work as a nurse in the UK, you need to prove your English proficiency through either:

• IELTS Academic: Minimum 7.0 in Listening, Reading, and Speaking, 6.5 in Writing. The cost for the IELTS exam is approximately £170 - £200 (₹17,000 - ₹20,000) per attempt, depending on the test center and location..

• OET (Occupational English Test): Grade B in Listening, Reading, and Speaking, Grade C+ in Writing. The cost for the OET exam is approximately £350 - £400 (₹35,000 - ₹40,000) per attempt.

IELTS vs. OET: Which is Better?

• IELTS is a more general academic test accepted across various professions, while OET is specifically designed for healthcare professionals.

• OET is easier for nurses because it uses healthcare-related scenarios, whereas IELTS covers broader academic topics.

• Some nurses find OET Writing & Speaking easier as it is directly related to medical practice.

Required Exams for Indian Nurses

To become a Registered Nurse in the UK, you must pass two key exams:

1. CBT (Computer-Based Test)

• A multiple-choice test on nursing knowledge.

• Can be taken in India at Pearson VUE centers.

• Cost: £83.

• Official link: NMC CBT Guide

2. OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination)

• A practical skills test taken after arriving in the UK.

• Typically, the company that hired you will provide structured training for this exam while you begin working in the UK under supervision.

• You must pass OSCE within 12 weeks of starting work.

• Cost: £794 for the first attempt.

• Official link: NMC OSCE Guide

How to Register with the NMC

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Create an NMC Online Account and pay the £140 evaluation fee.

2. Submit Documents (Nursing degree/diploma, transcript, registration certificate, police clearance, health declaration).

3. Pass CBT & English Test (IELTS/OET).

4. Secure a Job Offer in the UK.

5. Apply for Visa (Covered in Blog 2).

6. Move to the UK and Pass OSCE.

7. Receive NMC PIN and Start Work as a Registered Nurse!

It is recommended to complete the entire registration process within 6-12 months to ensure a smooth transition. Once you create an NMC Online account, you have up to 2 years to complete the entire process. The CBT exam must be taken within 6 months of receiving NMC authorization, and OSCE must be passed within 12 weeks of starting work in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I apply with a GNM diploma? → Yes, but BSc Nursing is preferred.

• What if I fail IELTS/OET? → You can retake the test, or combine two IELTS/OET scores within 12 months.