Information for nursing and midwifery applicants

Students applying for nursing and some midwifery courses must meet a specific level of English language proficiency.

For International Year 12 applicants, requirements are set by the institution:

• Adelaide University - international requirements for nursing and midwifery
• Charles Darwin University - international requirements for nursing and midwifery
• Flinders University - international requirements for nursing and midwifery

English Language requirements for domestic applicants

Domestic applicants for nursing and midwifery courses can demonstrate English language proficiency in one of the following three ways:

1. Declaring that English is your primary language

   You must have completed six years of schooling, including at least two years of secondary schooling, in English in one of these approved countries or territories before the course start date:

   • Australia
   • New Zealand
   • Northern Europe: United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man, Ireland
   • Southern Europe: Gibraltar, Malta
   • Northern America: Bermuda, Canada, United States of America
   • Central America: Belize
   • South America: Falkland Islands, Guyana
   • Caribbean: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, US Virgin Islands
   • Western Africa: Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
   • British Indian Ocean Territory
      
2. Advising SATAC of your current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
   • You must be registered with the NMBA to practice as an enrolled or registered nurse or a registered midwife.
      
3. Sitting an English language proficiency test
   • For nursing and midwifery courses at all SATAC institutions, you must meet the minimum required scores in a test taken within 12 months prior to the course start date.
      

Minimum English language proficiency test results

If you are demonstrating English proficiency with a test, you must achieve at least the minimum required scores for one of the following approved tests at a test centre. You can meet the required levels using two tests taken within six months of each other, provided that the minimum overall score is achieved in both sittings.
 

Please check the AHPRA website for the latest guidelines on accepted English language tests before booking or sitting a test.

Minimum scores and test conditions are outlined in the NMBA Registration Standard: English Language Skills available on the NMBA website.

If you are currently registered as a nurse or midwife with the NMBA, you have already met the required English language proficiency standard. SATAC can use your registration details to assess your eligibility.