How a Refugee Nurse Can Register in the UK
Overseas-qualified nurses can register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) by completing an evaluation (£140), passing the CBT (£83) and OSCE (around £794), and paying registration (£153 plus £120 per year). The English requirement is IELTS 7.0 or OET Grade B. The NMC's displaced persons policy offers refugees fee concessions, and REACHE provides free preparation.
Free guidance from RefuAid · Verified June 2026
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The NMC route is the same for nurses and midwives, with a midwifery-specific OSCE for midwives. Many refugee nurses prepare for the OSCE through REACHE centres, which offer free courses and practice facilities. Path by RefuAid maps out each step and cost for your situation.
Key facts (June 2026)
- NMC evaluation £140, CBT £83, OSCE around £794, registration £153 plus £120 per year, verified June 2026.
- English requirement: IELTS 7.0 overall (no element below 7.0) or OET Grade B.
- The NMC displaced persons policy provides fee concessions for refugees.
Steps for a refugee nurse to register with the NMC
- Confirm your right to work. Refugee status and humanitarian protection give full work rights. Confirm your status before starting the NMC process.
- Take your English test. Pass IELTS 7.0 overall or OET Grade B. OET is tailored to healthcare communication.
- Submit your NMC evaluation. Apply for the NMC qualification evaluation (£140) and ask about the displaced persons policy for fee concessions.
- Pass the CBT. The Computer Based Test (£83) is a theory exam you can take at international test centres.
- Pass the OSCE. The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (around £794) is a practical exam taken in the UK. REACHE offers free preparation.
- Register with the NMC. Pay the registration fee (£153) and annual renewal (£120) to join the register and start applying for nursing roles.
Refugee nurse support and funding
- NMC displaced persons policy: fee concessions for refugees and displaced people.
- RefuAid: interest-free loans for CBT, OSCE, and registration costs.
- REACHE: free OSCE preparation and clinical support.
- Breaking Barriers: English and employment support.
Frequently asked questions
How can a refugee nurse register in the UK?
By passing the NMC CBT and OSCE, meeting the English requirement, and paying registration. The NMC's displaced persons policy offers fee concessions, and REACHE provides free OSCE preparation.
How much does NMC registration cost in 2026?
The main costs are evaluation £140, CBT £83, OSCE around £794, and registration £153 plus £120 per year. Refugees may receive fee concessions under the NMC displaced persons policy.
Is the route the same for midwives?
Yes, midwives follow the same NMC process with a midwifery-specific OSCE instead of the nursing OSCE.
Official sources
- NMC — trained outside the UK
- REACHE — refugee healthcare professionals
- RefuAid reaccreditation loans
Related guides
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