Ultimate Guide: How Nigerian Nurses Can Get Licensed to Work in the UK (2025 update)
How Nigerian Nurses Can Get Licensed to Work in the UK (2025 Guide)
For many Nigerian nurses, working in the United Kingdom is more than just a career move—it’s a life-changing opportunity. With attractive salaries, better working conditions, and the chance to gain international experience, the UK has become a top destination for nurses from Nigeria who dream of advancing their profession abroad.
But before you can step into a hospital or clinic in London, Manchester, Birmingham, or anywhere across the UK, you need to understand the licensing process that qualifies you to practice. That’s where this guide comes in.
In this comprehensive resource, we will break down How Nigerian Nurses Can Get Licensed to Work in the UK (2025 Guide) in a simple, step-by-step format. Many nurses often feel overwhelmed by the requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), from preparing documents to meeting the English language standards through IELTS or OET, and passing the Computer-Based Test (CBT) and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). The truth is, while the process may seem complicated, it becomes much easier when you follow a clear roadmap.
If you are a Nigerian nurse asking questions like:
“What exams do I need to pass to work in the UK?”
“How long does NMC registration take?”
“What are the fees and timelines involved?”
“Can I secure a job in the UK before traveling?”
…then you are in the right place. This article not only answers these questions but also gives you actionable steps to move from being a qualified nurse in Nigeria to a licensed, registered nurse in the UK.
The demand for international nurses in the UK continues to rise in 2025 due to staff shortages and an aging population, making this the perfect time for Nigerian nurses to pursue their dream. Thousands have already made the transition successfully, and with the right guidance, you can too. Whether you are fresh out of nursing school, working in a Nigerian hospital, or currently preparing for your English test, this 2025 guide will help you understand every stage of the licensing journey.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a complete picture of How Nigerian Nurses Can Get Licensed to Work in the UK (2025 Guide)—including the eligibility criteria, required documents, fees, exam preparation strategies, and the final steps for securing your UK work visa. More importantly, you’ll feel confident and prepared to start your UK nursing journey with clarity.
Step-by-Step Licensing Process for Nigerian Nurses in the UK (2025)
Before you begin your UK nursing journey, it’s important to understand the entire process from start to finish. Getting licensed as a Nigerian nurse in the UK involves several key stages, all managed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Each step must be completed carefully to avoid delays. Below is an overview of what the journey looks like in 2025:
1. Verify Your Eligibility with the NMC
The first step is to check if your nursing qualification from Nigeria meets the NMC’s requirements. As a Nigerian nurse, you must have completed an accredited nursing program and hold a valid license with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). You’ll also need proof of professional practice experience.
2. Create an NMC Online Account
All applications for UK nursing registration are handled online. You’ll need to create an NMC Online account, submit your personal details, and begin the verification process. This is where you’ll upload required documents and track your application status.
3. Meet the English Language Requirement (IELTS/OET)
Nigerian nurses must demonstrate English proficiency to practice safely in the UK. You can do this by taking either:
IELTS Academic (Nursing) with a minimum score of 7.0 in Reading, Listening, and Speaking, and 6.5 in Writing.
OET (Nursing) with at least a Grade B in Reading, Listening, and Speaking, and C+ in Writing.
4. Pass the CBT (Computer-Based Test)
The CBT tests your theoretical nursing knowledge and is taken in Nigeria at Pearson VUE test centers. It consists of multiple-choice questions and covers the fundamentals of nursing practice in the UK.
5. Submit Required Documents for Verification
You’ll need to provide academic transcripts, license verification from NMCN, references, and identification documents. These are checked through NMC’s verification process before you can proceed further.
6. Receive NMC Decision Letter
Once your documents are verified and your English requirement plus CBT are cleared, the NMC will issue a “Decision Letter” confirming you are eligible to move to the UK and take the OSCE.
7. Relocate to the UK and Pass the OSCE
The OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is a practical skills test taken only in the UK at approved test centers. Most employers provide training to help you prepare for this exam. Passing the OSCE is the final step before full registration.
8. Obtain Full NMC Registration and PIN
After passing the OSCE, you will receive your NMC PIN, which officially licenses you to work as a registered nurse in the UK. At this stage, you can begin your nursing career with your sponsoring NHS Trust or private employer.
This step-by-step roadmap gives Nigerian nurses a clear overview of the licensing journey. In the next section, we can dive into Documents Needed for UK Nursing Registration (2025) so readers know exactly what to prepare in advance.
Documents Needed for Nigerian Nurses to Get Licensed in the UK (2025)
One of the most important parts of How Nigerian Nurses Can Get Licensed to Work in the UK (2025 Guide) is preparing the correct documents. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requires specific paperwork to verify your identity, qualifications, and nursing practice.
Missing or incorrect documents can delay your application for months, so it’s best to have everything ready before starting.
Here is the complete checklist of documents Nigerian nurses must prepare in 2025:
1. International Passport
Your valid Nigerian international passport is required as proof of identity. Make sure it has at least six months’ validity left before you begin your application.
2. Nursing Qualification Certificates
You’ll need your degree or diploma certificate in nursing from an accredited Nigerian institution. This confirms that you completed the necessary academic training to qualify as a nurse.
3. Academic Transcripts
The NMC requires official transcripts sent directly from your nursing school. These transcripts must outline the theory and practical training you received during your program.
4. Current Nursing License (NMCN)
You must have an active and valid license from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). The NMC will contact NMCN directly for license verification, so ensure your details are updated.
5. Verification Documents from NMCN
NMCN provides license verification letters that confirm your registration and good standing. Without this, your UK application will not proceed.
6. Proof of English Language Proficiency
You need to upload your IELTS Academic or OET Nursing results. Make sure your results meet the NMC score requirements.
7. Employment References
If you’ve been practicing as a nurse in Nigeria, you’ll need professional references from your employer or supervisor confirming your work history, job role, and clinical competence.
8. Police Clearance Certificate
This document verifies that you have no criminal record and are safe to work in the UK healthcare system. It must be issued by the Nigerian Police Force and should be recent (not older than 3 months).
9. Birth Certificate or National Identification
Additional proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or National ID card, may be required by the NMC.
10. Passport-Sized Photographs
High-quality passport photographs (digital and hard copies) are needed for identification during your NMC application and visa processing.
Pro Tip for Nigerian Nurses (2025): Always keep both digital scans and physical copies of your documents. Upload clear, high-resolution versions when submitting online, and ensure names on all documents match your passport exactly to avoid processing issues.
Fees & Timeline for Nigerian Nurses Applying to Work in the UK (2025)
When planning your UK nursing journey, two critical questions usually come up: “How much will it cost?” and “How long will it take?” Understanding the fees and timeline involved in How Nigerian Nurses Can Get Licensed to Work in the UK (2025 Guide) will help you prepare financially and manage your expectations.
1. Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Fees
The NMC charges various fees during the registration process:
Application/Evaluation Fee: £140 (non-refundable) – paid when you first apply to NMC Online.
CBT (Computer-Based Test): £83 – paid directly to Pearson VUE test centers in Nigeria.
OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination): £794 (full test) – taken in the UK. If you need to re-sit, partial retakes cost £397.
Registration Fee: £153 – paid once you’ve passed all requirements and are ready to obtain your NMC PIN.
Total NMC fees (approximate): £1,170
2. Additional Costs for Nigerian Nurses
IELTS Academic (UKVI) or OET Nursing:
IELTS: around ₦120,000–₦150,000 (~£150).
OET: around ₦200,000–₦250,000 (~£350).
Document Verification (NMCN to NMC): ₦50,000–₦65,000.
Police Clearance Certificate: ₦10,000–₦15,000.
Passport Renewal (if required): ₦35,000–₦45,000.
Visa Application Fee (Health and Care Worker Visa): £284 for up to 3 years, £551 for over 3 years.
Flight Ticket (Nigeria to UK): ₦700,000–₦1,200,000 (prices vary by season).
Estimated additional costs (excluding flights): £500–£700
3. Timeline for the Licensing Process
The timeline varies depending on how quickly you complete each stage, but on average, Nigerian nurses can expect:
Document Preparation & NMC Online Application: 1–2 months
IELTS/OET Preparation & Exam: 2–4 months (depends on study pace)
CBT Exam & Results: 1–2 weeks
NMC Document Verification & Decision Letter: 2–3 months
Visa Application & Flight Arrangements: 1–2 months
OSCE Preparation & Exam in the UK: 2–3 months after arrival
Total estimated timeline: 6–12 months from start to finish.
4. Employer Sponsorship Options
The good news for Nigerian nurses is that many NHS Trusts and UK healthcare employers offer relocation packages. These can cover your visa fee, OSCE exam, flight ticket, and even provide temporary accommodation. This reduces your personal expenses significantly.
Quick Takeaway: On average, Nigerian nurses should budget £1,500–£2,000 (₦3m–₦4m) for the entire process if self-funded. However, if you secure a UK employer sponsorship early, most of these costs can be reimbursed or fully covered.
IELTS/OET Requirement for Nigerian Nurses in 2025
A major step in How Nigerian Nurses Can Get Licensed to Work in the UK (2025 Guide) is proving your English language proficiency. Since nurses must communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requires all international nurses—including those from Nigeria—to pass an approved English test before moving forward in the licensing process.
Why English Language Proof Is Needed
Even though English is widely spoken in Nigeria, the NMC requires standardized test results to ensure all overseas nurses meet the same international standard. This safeguards patient safety and ensures nurses can adapt quickly to the UK’s clinical environment.
Your Two Main Options: IELTS or OET
1. IELTS Academic (Nursing Pathway)
Minimum Scores Required (2025):
Listening: 7.0
Reading: 7.0
Speaking: 7.0
Writing: 6.5
Overall Band: At least 7.0
Key Benefits: Widely available in Nigeria, more affordable than OET, recognized for visa and academic purposes.
Challenges: The Writing section is often the most difficult for Nigerian nurses; many candidates re-sit IELTS multiple times.
2. OET (Occupational English Test – Nursing)
Minimum Grades Required (2025):
Listening: B
Reading: B
Speaking: B
Writing: C+
Key Benefits: Tailored specifically for healthcare professionals; role-play speaking tests mimic real hospital scenarios, making it more practical.
Challenges: More expensive than IELTS and fewer test centers in Nigeria.
IELTS vs OET – Which Should Nigerian Nurses Choose?
If affordability and wider availability are priorities, IELTS is the best choice.
If you prefer a test that mirrors real-life nursing communication, OET may be worth the extra cost.
Many UK employers accept both, so choose based on your strengths and resources.
Alternative Routes (2025 Update)
In 2025, some UK employers may accept evidence of English training in your nursing degree (if taught in English) or proof of practice in an English-speaking country. However, for Nigerian-trained nurses, IELTS or OET remains the most reliable and widely accepted pathway.
Pro Tip for Nigerian Nurses: Start preparing for IELTS or OET early—while gathering documents—so you don’t lose time in your application timeline. Passing the English test on your first attempt can save you months and reduce costs.
CBT & OSCE Overview for Nigerian Nurses (2025)
Once you’ve met the English language requirement, the next big step in How Nigerian Nurses Can Get Licensed to Work in the UK (2025 Guide) is passing the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) competency tests. These are designed to ensure that overseas nurses—like those from Nigeria—have the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to deliver safe and effective care in the UK healthcare system.
The NMC competency assessment is divided into two parts:
1. Computer-Based Test (CBT)
The CBT is the first exam Nigerian nurses must take. It assesses your theoretical nursing knowledge and understanding of professional practice.
Format:
Delivered online at Pearson VUE test centers in Nigeria.
Consists of 120 multiple-choice questions.
Covers nursing theory, clinical practice, and UK healthcare standards.
Duration: 4 hours.
Key Areas Tested:
Adult nursing and clinical care standards.
Medicines management and patient safety.
Infection prevention and control.
Legal and ethical aspects of UK nursing.
Cost: £83 (approx. ₦120,000).
Results: Usually released within 48 hours.
Passing the CBT confirms that you have the academic foundation to work as a nurse in the UK.
2. Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
The OSCE is the second part of the NMC competency test, but it can only be taken after you arrive in the UK. It measures your practical and clinical skills in real-world scenarios.
Format:
A practical exam with 10 stations (as of 2025 update).
Each station replicates real-life nursing situations.
You’ll demonstrate communication, assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care.
Key Areas Tested:
Clinical assessments (vital signs, wound care, IV medication, etc.).
Patient interaction and communication.
Professional behavior and decision-making.
Documentation and record-keeping.
Cost: £794 (covered by most UK employers for Nigerian nurses).
Training: Most NHS Trusts or employers provide OSCE preparation programs to help you succeed.
Results: Released within 5 working days.
Passing the OSCE is the final requirement before receiving your NMC PIN and becoming a fully registered nurse in the UK.
Why These Tests Matter for Nigerian Nurses
Both the CBT and OSCE ensure that you can practice nursing safely at the same standard as UK-trained nurses. While the CBT checks your knowledge, the OSCE validates your hands-on clinical competence. Together, they give UK employers confidence that you are ready for patient care.
Quick Tip: Many Nigerian nurses report that starting OSCE preparation early—even before leaving Nigeria—can make the transition much smoother. Free resources and employer-led training programs are widely available.
Summary & Final Thoughts
Navigating the process of How Nigerian Nurses Can Get Licensed to Work in the UK (2025 Guide) may seem overwhelming at first, but with the right information and preparation, it becomes a clear and achievable journey. From verifying your eligibility with the NMC, preparing essential documents, meeting the English language requirements (IELTS/OET), to passing the CBT and OSCE exams, every step brings you closer to achieving your dream of becoming a registered nurse in the United Kingdom.
The investment of time, money, and effort is significant—but the rewards are even greater. Nigerian nurses in the UK enjoy competitive salaries, career progression opportunities, advanced training, and the chance to work in a world-class healthcare system. With the UK’s ongoing demand for skilled international nurses, 2025 presents an excellent opportunity for Nigerian nurses to secure stable employment and build a fulfilling career abroad.
If you’re just starting out, remember these key takeaways:
Begin preparing your documents early to avoid delays.
Focus on passing your IELTS or OET as soon as possible—it’s often the biggest hurdle.
Plan financially for fees and timelines, but also explore employer sponsorships, which can significantly reduce costs.
Approach the CBT and OSCE with confidence—thousands of Nigerian nurses have successfully passed before you.
Final Word: The path to becoming a licensed UK nurse as a Nigerian is challenging, but absolutely possible. With determination, the right guidance, and step-by-step preparation, you can join the thousands of Nigerian nurses already thriving in the UK’s healthcare system. Your journey starts with a single step—take it today.
External Resources & Useful Links for Nigerian Nurses (2025)
To make your UK nursing application smoother, here are some trusted and official resources Nigerian nurses can use during the process:
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) UK – Official Website
👉 https://www.nmc.org.uk
(Start your application, check requirements, and track your registration status.)NMCN (Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria)
👉 https://www.nmcn.gov.ng
(Verify your license, request verification documents, and update your registration.)Pearson VUE (CBT Test Booking)
👉https://home.pearsonvue.com/nmc
(Register and book your Computer-Based Test in Nigeria.)IELTS – British Council Nigeria
👉https://www.britishcouncil.org.ng/exam/ielts
(Book IELTS Academic in Nigeria and access preparation materials.)OET Nursing – Official Website
👉 https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org
(Book OET Nursing and find exam preparation resources.)UK Visas and Immigration (Health and Care Worker Visa)
👉 https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa
(Guidelines on visa requirements, costs, and application steps.)NHS Jobs Portal
👉 https://www.jobs.nhs.uk
(Find UK nursing jobs and employer sponsorship opportunities.)OSCE Preparation Resources (NMC)
👉 https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/nmc-test-of-competence/osce
(Official information on the OSCE, test centers, and preparation guides.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
On average, the process takes 6–12 months, depending on how quickly you pass IELTS/OET, gather documents, and complete the CBT and OSCE exams. Delays often happen due to document verification with NMCN, so start early.
The full process can cost around £1,500–£2,000 (₦3m–₦4m) if self-funded. However, many UK employers (especially NHS Trusts) provide sponsorship that covers major expenses such as visa fees, OSCE, and flight tickets.
Yes. The NMC requires English language proof for all international nurses. Nigerian nurses must pass either IELTS Academic (minimum 7.0 overall, 6.5 in writing) or OET Nursing (Grade B in reading, listening, speaking, and C+ in writing).
The CBT can be taken at Pearson VUE test centers in Nigeria, such as in Lagos and Abuja. Booking is done online through your NMC account.
Yes. Once you receive your Decision Letter from the NMC, a UK employer can sponsor your visa, and you’ll relocate to take the OSCE in the UK. Most employers provide OSCE training to help you pass.
Yes. Most NHS Trusts and many private healthcare providers offer Health and Care Worker Visa sponsorship, which often includes visa fees, OSCE costs, and flight tickets. Some also provide temporary accommodation.
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