Nursing abroad
Study Abroad for Nurses from Kerala
Study abroad for nurses from Kerala can mean a degree, a paid training, or registration as a nurse in another country. This guide compares six countries, names the regulator that decides in each, and links the nursing courses and guides that fit where you are now.
In short
Nurses from Kerala have three kinds of route abroad: study (an MSc or a nursing degree), training (nursing Ausbildung in Germany) and registration (joining the nursing register in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia, New Zealand or Malta). Each country's regulator sets its own steps and language level. Medcity Overseas guides applications to study routes such as the UK pre-registration MSc and nursing Ausbildung.
Last updated by Medcity Overseas
Choosing a country
Which country should a nurse from Kerala choose?
Start with your language and your goal. If you want to work in English, compare the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Malta registration steps. If you can learn German to B2, Germany offers recognition for qualified nurses and paid Ausbildung after Class 12. If you want a postgraduate degree first, look at MSc Nursing in the UK.
Compare nursing routes in six countries
Each row comes from the regulator's own website, checked on 24 October 2026. We do not show salaries or success rates.
| Country | Regulator | Main steps for nurses trained in India | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) | Eligibility evaluation, English evidence, the Test of Competence, health and character checks and an ID check | English, at the level the NMC sets |
| Ireland | Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) | Prepare your application, recognition of your qualification (with an adaptation period or aptitude test if needed), then registration | English, at the level the NMBI sets |
| Germany | The recognition office of each German state | Recognition of your qualification, then a knowledge test or an adaptation course of up to 3 years if differences are found | German, normally B2 |
| Australia | Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) with Ahpra | A Self-check places you in stream A, B or C, each with its own assessment stages; see Ahpra's current process | English, at the level the NMBA sets |
| New Zealand | Nursing Council of New Zealand | Verify your documents with TruMerit, apply to the Council, complete two cultural safety courses and a criminal history check, and for some nurses a competence assessment (theory exam and OSCE) | English, shown as part of document verification |
| Malta | Council for Nurses and Midwives | Temporary registration for 24 months, a Primary Source Verification certificate (from 1 January 2025) and a non EU bridging course | IELTS Academic average of 6, or OET grade B in speaking and C+ in the other skills |
Study routes for nurses
Nursing courses we currently list, read from our course records and grouped by country.
Registered nurses looking at a master's degree should read MSc Nursing in the UK. Students after Class 12 can also consider nursing Ausbildung in Germany, or search all nursing courses.
Registration with each regulator
Registering as a nurse in another country is decided by that country's regulator, listed in the table above; follow its own published steps. Medcity Overseas guides applications to study routes, such as the MSc on our UK nursing pathway, and does not offer jobs or placements. See also nursing in Germany for Indian nurses.
English and German tests for nurses
English speaking regulators each set their own test scores, so check the regulator's page for the country you choose. Malta's Council for Nurses and Midwives is one example: IELTS Academic with an average of at least 6, or OET with grade B in speaking and C+ in writing, reading and listening. For Germany you need German, normally at B2 for recognition. On a UK Student visa you can usually work up to 20 hours a week in term time.
Study abroad for nurses: frequently asked questions
Which country is easiest for Indian nurses?
No country is simply the easiest. The UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand work in English and each has its own registration steps. Germany needs German at B2 but offers recognition and paid training routes. Malta asks for IELTS Academic with an average of 6 or OET, plus a bridging course. The right choice depends on your qualification, language and family plans.
Do nurses need IELTS or OET to go abroad?
For English speaking countries, yes, you show English through a test the regulator accepts, and each regulator sets its own scores. Malta's council, for example, accepts IELTS Academic with an average of at least 6, or OET with grade B in speaking and C+ in writing, reading and listening. Germany asks for German instead, normally at B2.
Can nurses study and work at the same time abroad?
Often, within the visa rules. UK Student visa holders on degree courses can usually work up to 20 hours a week in term time. In Germany, nursing Ausbildung trainees are paid a training allowance by their employer.
Can I become a nurse abroad straight after Class 12?
Yes, through training or a degree. Nursing Ausbildung in Germany starts after ten years of schooling or more, with German and a training contract. Bachelor's nursing degrees abroad are another route; see the nursing courses we list on this page.
Official sources
Registration rules change. These are the regulators' pages behind this guide, checked on 24 October 2026.
- Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (United Kingdom)The regulator's page for nurses trained abroad.
- Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) (Ireland)The regulator's page for nurses trained abroad.
- The recognition office of each German state (Germany)The regulator's page for nurses trained abroad.
- Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) with Ahpra (Australia)The regulator's page for nurses trained abroad.
- Nursing Council of New Zealand (New Zealand)The regulator's page for nurses trained abroad.
- Council for Nurses and Midwives (Malta)The regulator's page for nurses trained abroad.
Related guides
Talk to a Medcity Overseas counsellor
Call or WhatsApp us to book a counselling session, or visit one of our branches across Kerala, and we will look at your marks, test plans and budget with you.