Your definitive guide to English proficiency requirements for international nursing careers
For Filipino nurses dreaming of international careers, English proficiency isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the gateway to opportunity. Whether you’re aiming for the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, or the Gulf region, proving your English skills through IELTS or other approved tests is a non-negotiable step.
This comprehensive guide cuts through the confusion. We’ve compiled the latest 2025-2026 IELTS requirements for every major nursing destination.
Understanding IELTS for Healthcare Professionals
IELTS Academic vs General Training
IELTS Academic is required for nursing registration in most countries. It has more complex reading passages and Task 1 writing involves describing graphs/charts. This is what you need for nursing registration.
IELTS General Training is sometimes accepted for immigration purposes only but usually NOT accepted for nursing registration.
The IELTS Scoring System
| Band Score | Skill Level | Nursing Context |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Expert | Native-level proficiency |
| 8 | Very Good | Exceeds most nursing requirements |
| 7 | Good | Standard nursing requirement |
| 6.5 | Competent | Minimum for some countries |
| 6 | Competent | Below most nursing standards |
The magic number for most nursing destinations is 7.0—either overall or in specific sections.
IELTS Requirements by Country
🇺🇸 United States
Regulatory Body: CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools)
| Requirement | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall IELTS | 6.5 minimum |
| Speaking | 7.0 minimum |
| Other Sections | No specific minimum |
Key Details: IELTS scores are part of VisaScreen Certificate requirements. Scores must be achieved in a single test sitting. Results valid for 2 years.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Regulatory Body: NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council)
| Requirement | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall IELTS | 7.0 minimum |
| Listening | 7.0 minimum |
| Reading | 7.0 minimum |
| Speaking | 7.0 minimum |
| Writing | 6.5 minimum |
Key Updates (2024): Writing requirement reduced from 7.0 to 6.5. Can combine scores from TWO test sittings within 12 months (minimum 6.5 in each section in both tests).
🇦🇺 Australia (Updated April 2025)
Regulatory Body: AHPRA/NMBA
| Requirement | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall IELTS | 7.0 minimum |
| Listening | 7.0 minimum |
| Reading | 7.0 minimum |
| Speaking | 7.0 minimum |
| Writing | 6.5 minimum |
Key Updates (Effective March 2025): Writing requirement reduced from 7.0 to 6.5. Can combine 2 test sittings within 12 months (min 6.5 in all sections).
🇨🇦 Canada
Assessment Body: NNAS (National Nursing Assessment Service)
| Province | Overall | Speaking | Other Sections |
|---|---|---|---|
| NNAS (National) | 6.5 | 7.0 | 6.5 each |
| Ontario (CNO) | 6.5 | 7.0 | 6.5 each |
| British Columbia | 6.5 | 7.0 | 6.5 each |
| Alberta (CARNA) | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 each |
Note: Alberta requires 7.0 across all sections—stricter than other provinces.
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates (Gulf Region)
Authorities: HAAD (Abu Dhabi), DHA (Dubai), DOH (Other Emirates)
| Authority | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| HAAD (Abu Dhabi) | 6.0-6.5 overall |
| DHA (Dubai) | 6.0-6.5 overall |
Key Details: Requirements are often employer/facility-dependent. Some employers may waive IELTS for nurses from English-medium schools. Prometric exam is a separate, mandatory requirement.
Tips to Achieve Band 7.0
Speaking Section Strategies (Filipino Nurses’ #1 Challenge)
- Practice Fluency, Not Perfection — Aim for natural flow over grammatical perfection
- Expand Your Answers — Part 1: 2-3 sentences; Part 2: Use full 2 minutes; Part 3: Discuss with examples
- Use Healthcare Vocabulary Naturally — Practice explaining medical concepts in layperson terms
- Record and Review Yourself — Listen for pronunciation issues and pacing
Writing Section Strategies
- Follow clear structure: Introduction → 2-3 Body Paragraphs → Conclusion
- Aim for 280-300 words (minimum 250)
- Use formal academic vocabulary—don’t use contractions
Frequently Asked Questions
What IELTS score do nurses need for USA?
CGFNS requires an overall 6.5 with Speaking 7.0 for the VisaScreen Certificate.
Can I combine IELTS scores from different tests?
UK (NMC): Yes, from 2 tests within 12 months. Australia (AHPRA): Yes, from April 2025. USA (CGFNS): No, single sitting required.
Is OET easier than IELTS for nurses?
OET uses healthcare context which some nurses find more familiar. However, IELTS is more widely accepted globally. For flexibility, IELTS is the safer choice.
How long is IELTS valid for nursing registration?
Most nursing boards accept IELTS scores from within 2 years.
Do Filipino nurses from English-medium schools need IELTS?
Yes, for most countries. Some Gulf employers may offer waivers, but this is employer-specific and becoming less common.
Which IELTS section is hardest for Filipino nurses?
Writing and Speaking typically present the most challenges. Focus extra preparation time on these two sections.
Your International Nursing Career Starts Here
Proving your English proficiency is a crucial step in your international nursing journey. Whether you’re targeting the U.S., UK, Australia, Canada, or the Gulf, knowing exactly what score you need—and preparing strategically—will get you there faster.
Ready to take the next step? Contact RAGRS to learn how we can support your journey from NLE to international nursing practice.
- Website: raygapuzreviewsystem.com
- Location: United Nations Avenue, Manila