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IELTS for Nurses in the UK

UK Nurse English Language Requirements

If you are an international applicant who wishes to study nursing or midwifery in the UK, you must complete and pass the IELTS test before sending your application to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

The NMC will only accept the Academic IELTS test and to apply to become a nurse in the UK, applicants must achieve a 7.0 IELTS score in the reading, listening and speaking sections, 6.5 in writing and 7.0 overall.

If you are an international applicant from English-speaking countries such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and the USA, an Academic IELTS test is still required to successfully apply.

IELTS Nursing FAQ

What is the Nursing and Midwifery Council?

The Nursing and Midwifery Council regulates nurses and midwives in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The NMC ensures that skills and knowledge of the profession are up to standard, also maintaining a register of all who are allowed to practice in the UK.

Which IELTS test do I need to complete?

Applicants must take and complete Academic IELTS. General Training IELTS is not accepted.

What Academic IELTS score do I need to be a nurse or midwife in the UK?

The NMC requires an overall score of at least 7, and at least 6.5 in the writing section and at least 7 in the reading, listening and speaking sections.

I took my IELTS test two years ago and scored 7.0. Will my application be accepted?

If you have previously completed an IELTS exam within the last two years, you will not be required to take another test.

Can my score be taken from two separate tests?

You can achieve the required mark across two test sittings if you sit the tests within six months of each other, you’re tested in all four sections at the same time, and meet the minimum IELTS score requirements as detailed above.

If I am a native English speaker from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and the USA, do I need to take an IELTS test?

Even if you are an international native English speaker, you are still required to take the IELTS test.

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