Hi everyone, my name is Fatumo — I’m a nurse and midwife living and working here in Australia. I completed my double degree in Nursing and Midwifery back in 2023, and I’ve been working in both fields for the past two years.
Alongside my nursing career, I started a little side project that’s become really close to my heart — my blog, nursingpreneur.com. It’s a space where I share my story, my experiences as a student, and my journey working as a nurse and midwife in Australia. Even though my website hasn’t made me much money, it’s been such a blessing seeing how much it’s helped others. That’s what keeps me going — knowing that I can support, guide, and inspire people who are on a similar path.
Right now, I’ve got a beautiful online community with over 4,000 followers on Instagram and over 5,000 on TikTok. Most of you reach out with one big question — “How can I move to Australia and work as a nurse or midwife?” A lot of you are from Kenya, working hard every day to care for your patients, and dreaming of taking your nursing career abroad.
1. Introduction
The dream of moving from Kenya to Australia to work as a nurse or midwife is both exciting and challenging. Australia offers excellent healthcare systems, good pay, and a high quality of life. However, the migration process requires careful planning, documentation, and financial preparation.
2. Qualifications and Registration (AHPRA & ANMAC)
Before applying for a visa or job, your first goal is registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) sets the professional standards.
A. Eligibility Assessment (ANMAC)
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) assesses internationally qualified nurses and midwives to confirm that their education and experience meet Australian standards. You’ll need transcripts, syllabi, and certificates from your Kenyan institution.
• Modified Skills Assessment: AUD 395
• Full Skills Assessment: AUD 595
Always confirm current fees on ANMAC’s official website.
B. English Language Proficiency
To register, you must meet English requirements. Accepted tests and scores (NMBA standard):
• IELTS Academic: Overall 7.0, with at least 7.0 in listening, reading, and speaking, and 6.5 in writing.
• OET: Minimum grade B in listening, reading, and speaking, and C+ in writing.
• PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge are also accepted with equivalent scores.
Test results are valid for 2 years.
C. AHPRA Application Process
Once your ANMAC assessment is positive, apply to AHPRA for registration. You’ll create an online account, upload documents (ID, passport, transcripts, English test results), and complete police checks. If qualifications aren’t deemed equivalent, you may be asked to complete the Outcome-Based Assessment (OBA) pathway, which includes a multiple-choice test and clinical exam (OSCE).
3. Visa Options for Nurses and Midwives
Australia’s skilled migration system offers multiple pathways. Always confirm eligibility on the Department of Home Affairs website.
• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Permanent visa, points-based.
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – Permanent visa requiring state nomination.
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) – Provisional 5-year visa with regional work requirement.
• Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclass 482 & 186) – For nurses sponsored by employers, often leading to permanent residency.
4. Financial Preparation
The process is costly. Here’s a realistic guide (2025):
• English test: AUD 150–600 (varies by test and country)
• ANMAC skills assessment: AUD 395–595
• AHPRA application & registration: ~AUD 475 (check current fees)
• Visa charges: Check the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator (fees updated 1 July 2025)
• Medicals, police checks, and document verification
• Flights and initial accommodation
• Savings for at least 3 months of living expenses after arrival.
5. Accommodation & Cultural Adjustment
Use domain.com.au and realestate.com.au to find housing that fits your budget. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne have high rents, so consider regional options. Culturally, expect direct communication, emphasis on work-life balance, and informal professional interactions.
6. Thriving in Australia
Once registered and employed, continue professional development to maintain AHPRA registration. Build connections within the Kenyan community in Australia for emotional and social support. Stay up to date on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Fees and visa regulations change frequently. Always confirm requirements directly from official sources before applying. Seek advice from a registered migration agent for personalised guidance.
References (2025 verified links)
RealEstate.com.au – Rentals & Property: https://www.realestate.com.au/
ANMAC – Skilled Migration Assessment Fees: https://www.anmac.org.au/skilled-migration-services/fees
AHPRA/NMBA – English Language Skills Registration Standard: https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards/English-language-skills.aspx
AHPRA – Internationally Qualified Nurses and Midwives Registration Process: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Process/Overseas-Applicants.aspx
Department of Home Affairs – Visa Pricing Estimator: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/visa-pricing-estimator
Department of Home Affairs – Skilled Migration Overview: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/skilled-migration-program
Domain – Housing & Rentals: https://www.domain.com.au/
