How to Become a Nurse in Australia without a License Exam?

• Get to know how GNM and B.Sc Nursing graduates can work as registered nurses without giving the NCLEX exam.

• Understand how pursuing higher education can lead to permanent residency

• Find out which qualifications are accepted in Australia.

• Learn how Educafic helps simplify your journey. 
  

We know how you are feeling, dreaming of being a registered nurse in Australia, but being afraid of the NCLEX exam, and you feel that your dream is slipping away? 

Don’t worry, what if we tell you there is a different pathway to become a nurse in Australia without giving the exam?

In this blog, we’re going to walk you through that lesser-known option, a route that many international nurses are now choosing, and it’s way easier.

So, without further ado, let’s dive right in and discover different pathways for you to become a registered nurse in Australia.

In India, to be a nurse, there isn't just one course; some students do a BSc. Nursing, others pursue a Diploma in GNM, so for different degrees, there are different pathways to follow. 

It depends on your qualifications, which pathway you have to follow.

Let’s break it down.

If you have pursued or are currently pursuing a GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) diploma, while this degree is valid in your home country and allows you to work as a nurse in the hospital and other clinical settings but it does not meet the eligibility criteria to apply to the MSc. nursing program. 

This is where the role of PBBN comes into play, which stands for  Post Basic BSc Nursing 

PBBN is a 1.5-year course, it is a bridging program that upgrades your diploma to a bachelor's degree. There are numerous universities that offer this course in your home country. 

Once you complete this, you are eligible to apply for an MSc Nursing in Australia.

First, complete your Diploma in GNM from your college; this will give you the basic foundation for your nursing practice. Although it is not considered a bachelor’s degree in Australia, if you have already completed or are halfway through it, complete it with confidence, knowing there’s a pathway waiting for you ahead.

After the successful compilation of your GNM, the next step for you is to take admission in  Post Basic BSc Nursing. This program acts as a bridging course, making your qualification equivalent to BSc Nursing.

If you want to take admission in MSc Nursing in an Australian University, qualifying for the English Proficiency is a must, most universities ask for a 7 band overall in IELTS or a Grade B or above in OET.

Once you have completed your PBBB, start shortlisting the universities and applying to them. All colleges and universities are approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), so no exam will be required after.

As soon as you get your offer letter, your next step is to apply for a student visa, which is your ticket to studying full-time, as well as you can work part-time there, to sustain yourself and even save some money.

Once you complete your Master’s degree, you’ll be eligible to register as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Australia through AHPRA. You won’t need to give the NCLEX exam, as your degree is already Australian-accredited.

You can now apply for full-time nursing jobs and begin your international career.

If you are ready to start your Nursing journey in Australia. Talk to Our Counsellor Now and get a free personalised roadmap.

If you already hold a BSc Nursing degree from India, you’re in a strong position to take the next step. You may be wondering if you need to clear the NCLEX exam to work in Australia. The good news? You don’t need to appear for any licensing exam.

Here’s how you can become a registered nurse in Australia by choosing the study-first, work-later pathway:

After the completion of your  BSc Nursing degree, you can directly apply to your shortlisted universities in Australia, as it is a minimum education requirement to apply for MSc Nursing in Australia

To get admission in Australia, you’ll need to prove your English proficiency. 7 bands in IELTS or a Grade B or above in OET.

After completing your  BSc Nursing, you’re eligible to apply for MSc Nursing programs in Australia. Start by shortlisting universities that match your career goals and specialisations.

Then, apply directly through their official websites or seek expert help to ensure a smooth application process.

As soon as you get your offer letter, apply for your student visa. Make sure you have all the required documents so there is no delay.

After your graduation from MSc Nursing from an Australian University, you are now ready to directly apply for registration without any exam.

You’ll now be recognised as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Australia and can begin working full-time in public or private healthcare facilities.

Here’s how we support you at every step:

If the thought of clearing a licensing exam like the NCLEX has been holding you back from chasing your dream, you’re not alone. But the good news is, there are alternative pathways that let you start your journey as a nurse in Australia without facing that pressure right away. Whether you're coming from a GNM or BSc background, options like Post Basic BSc Nursing or direct MSc Nursing in Australia entry can open doors for you. All it takes is the right plan, a little patience, and the right people to guide you. With support from experts who understand your journey, becoming a registered nurse in Australia is not just possible. It’s well within reach.