Internationally Qualified Nurses

If you hold current registration in a country other than Australia and meet the Nursing Council registration standards, you may apply to practise in New Zealand.

Internationally qualified nurses who meet Nursing Council standards may apply to become registered to practice in New Zealand.

Nurses registered in Australia follow a different New Zealand registration process to those registered in other countries.

From September 26 2022 nurses will no longer be required by the Government to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to practise. However, an individual employer might still have vaccination requirements. If you are not vaccinated we recommend that you discuss this with any potential employers.

On 19 August 2022, the Council announced a refresh of its English Language Competence policy. You can download an information sheet about this refresh below, and the Council’s current guidance can be found on the Standards and Requirements  page.

Refreshing our English Language Competence Policy

I am currently registered in Australia

I am currently registered in another country

Te Whatu Ora funding to support nurses to join the workforce

Te Whatu Ora has two funds that provide financial support for nurses to join the nursing workforce.

The Return to Nursing Workforce Support Fund supports New Zealand trained nurses who are not currently working to return to a nursing role.

For further information, visit https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/for-the-health-sector/nursing/return-to-nursing-workforce-support-fund/  

The Internationally Qualifies Nurses CAP Fund supports internationally qualified nurses who need to complete a Competence Assessment Programme.

For further information, visit https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/for-the-health-sector/nursing/internationally-qualified-nurses-cap-fund/  

For further information about working as a nurse in Aotearoa New Zealand, visit Make a difference somewhere different | Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand | Health New Zealand