There is a great demand for professionals with medical skills all over the world, including the UK. Nurses who meet the requirements are welcomed in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. The House of Commons Library notes that there were 100 000 full time National Health Services (NHS) vacancies in December 2025. If you plan to apply to work as a nurse in the UK, take note of the requirements below and find out how IELTS can help you in your journey abroad.
Obtaining a UK visa
To work as a nurse in the UK, you will need to apply for a Health and Care Worker visa. This visa will allow you to apply for a role with the UK’s National Health Services. You must be a qualified nurse and have a certificate of sponsorship from your employer in order to apply. The Health and Care Worker visa is valid for up to five years and eligible for extension if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Proof of English proficiency will also be required for your visa application. IELTS is the world’s most trusted English test, co-owned by the British Council and accepted by UK visa regulators and NHS boards. IELTS assesses your English Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Your IELTS results give visa regulators and employers the confidence that you will be able to thrive in your role as a nurse in the UK, which requires effective communication in English.
Register as a nurse
To work as a nurse in the UK, you will need to register with the National Midwifery Council (NMC). They are the independent regulator for nurses and midwives in the UK and nursing associates in England.
The IELTS test is one of the only English tests accepted by the NMC. The required IELTS scores are 7 for Listening, Reading and Speaking. Writing requires a minimum score of 6.5. Read more on their website here.
IELTS requirements
To meet the requirements for a Health and Care Worker visa in the UK, you will need a minimum IELTS band score of 5.5 across each section of the test. Learn more about IELTS band scores on the IELTS website. However, it is important to aim for the IELTS requirements for joining the Nursing and Midwifery Council which are higher.
When you take IELTS with the British Council, you will get free access to IELTS preparation material worth $170 to help you succeed. We are committed to helping nurses with goals of working abroad set themselves up for success with IELTS.
Take the next step in your journey as a nurse with global experience. Register for IELTS today.