1. Global Nurse Job Demand & Shortage Trends
Right now, the demand for nurses around the world is more than ever - and it is still growing. The global demand is high, especially in aging populations, and public health systems are overwhelmed. Because of that, many countries are taking international recruitments. Here is what it looks like:
- The UK is targeting to bring over 50,000 nurses to the NHS by 2026
- Germany requires over 100,000 nurses, mainly for Elder Care
- Canada to open 60,000+ nursing jobs by 2026, especially in rural areas
- Australia & New Zealand are actively hiring Indian nurses through PR pathways
- The Middle East (like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar) offers tax-free pay, free housing, and high demand for qualified nurses
2. Top Countries Offering Nurse Jobs Abroad (2025-2026)
Dream of taking your nursing career global? These top destinations dominate the nursing demand landscape — offering strong pay, easy licensing pathways, and full immigration support. Here’s the breakdown of the licensing exam in each country:
| Country / Region | Average Salary | INR Equivalent | Key Licensing or Entry Notes |
| United Kingdom | £27K–32K/year for Band 5 RNs; up to £35K+ in specialist roles | ₹25–32 L/year (up to ₹35 L) | Nursing degree (preferably BSc), IELTS 7.0/OET B, NMC CBT (£83) + OSCE (£794) |
| Germany | €2,800–3,500/month initially; up to €4,200+ with experience | ₹2.5–3.1 L/month (up to ₹3.8 L/month) | 3‑yr nursing diploma/degree, German B2 language, “Anerkennung” credential review/training |
| Canada | CAD 75K–95K/year, up to CAD 100K in provinces like BC/Saskatchewan | ₹37–48 L/year (¯₹50 L/year max) | BSc or bridging program, NNAS credential assessment, NCLEX‑RN exam |
| Australia | AUD 70K–90K/year; higher in ICU and specialist roles | ₹35–45 L/month | NCLEX‑RN accepted by NMBA for credentialing |
| Saudi Arabia (Gulf) | SAR 125K–180K/year (SAR 10K–15K/month); range up to 218K | ₹28–40 L/year | No mandatory experience needed; easier entry, major demand for young RNs |
| UAE (Gulf) | AED 12,000–20,000/month common | ₹22–36 L/month | Standard licensing via Ministry of Health; high tax-free income, often free housing/sponsor |
| Qatar (Gulf) | QAR 11,500/month (QAR 98K–120K/year) | ₹23–30 L/month | Tax-free salary + housing & travel perks in many hospitals |
3. How to Become an International Nurse: Pathway & Credentials
At first glance, the process of working as a nurse abroad might feel a bit much — all the steps, exams, paperwork… it can seem overwhelming.
But once you understand the whole process, it’s not that complicated. While each country has its own rules for nurse registration, the overall path is pretty similar wherever you go.
So, let’s start with the basics:
Step 1: Get the Right Nursing Qualification
To work abroad, you’ll need a recognized nursing qualification. Most countries prefer:
- A BSc in Nursing (4 years from a recognized university)
- Or a GNM diploma, although you may need to take additional courses based on your application.
Note: If your qualification is not fully recognized, do not worry - countries such as Canada and Australia provide a bridging program to fill the gaps.
Step 2: Prove Your English Skills
You need English proficiency to work abroad. Most nurses take one of these two tests:
- IELTS Academic: Aim for 7.0 overall, with nothing below 6.5 in any section
- OET (Occupational English Test): You’ll need a Grade B in all four parts
Note: Both tests are widely accepted in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and more.
Step 3: Pass the Country’s Licensing Exam
Every country has its nursing board that checks your skills and knowledge before you can work. Here’s a quick idea:
| Country | Licensing Exam | Authority |
| UK | CBT + OSCE | NMC (Nursing & Midwifery Council) |
| Canada | NCLEX‑RN | NNAS (for credentialing) & Provincial Boards |
| Australia | NCLEX‑RN + OBA (if required) | NMBA (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia) |
| Germany | No unified exam – B2 German + adaptation training or test | Anerkennung process through the state health authority |
| USA | NCLEX‑RN | State Boards of Nursing (via CGFNS for credentialing) |
Step 4: Credential Assessment
Most countries require a review of your educational and professional documents:
- Canada: Through NNAS (National Nursing Assessment Service)
- USA: Through CGFN (commission on graduates of foreign nursing schools)
- Germany: Through the state-tier "Encarnaung" process
- UK and Australia: You upload documents directly to their registration portal (NMC or AHPRA/NMBA)
Step 5: Work Visa and Rehabilitation
Once you get the license and you can register:
- Apply for a work permit or skilled migration visa
- Many countries, like the UK, Germany, and Australia, offer sponsorship or state-based PR routes
- You may be eligible for a rehabilitation bonus, free housing, or flight reimbursement based on your employer.
Conclusion
At Academically, we’ve got your back — Whether you are navigating the license examination, paperwork, or deciding which country conforms with your goals, the process can feel overwhelming.
We’ll help you get ready for everything — from English tests like IELTS or OET to your licensing exams, document checks, and even visa steps.
If you're serious about building a safe, well-paid nursing career abroad, we’ll be with you from start to finish.
Ready to take that first step?
