IELTS for Nurses in Africa 2025: How to Pass and Work Abroad
Are you a nurse in Africa dreaming of working in the UK, Canada, Australia, the USA, or Ireland? One of the most important steps in your journey is passing the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) — a globally recognized English proficiency test that opens doors to international nursing careers.

What is IELTS?
The IELTS is a standardized test designed for non-native English speakers. It evaluates your skills in:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
Nursing councils in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and other countries require a minimum IELTS score to process nursing license applications and work visas.
Why Nurses in Africa Need IELTS
IELTS for nurses in Africa has become essential because:
- The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC UK) requires a minimum overall band score of 7.0, with at least 7.0 in Speaking, Reading, and Listening and 6.5 in Writing.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and Canadian immigration programs also accept IELTS results for licensure and visa processing.
- It is a gateway to better pay, global work experience, and career advancement.
Key Information About IELTS (2025 Update)
- Purpose: To test English language skills for work, study, and migration.
- Test Types: IELTS Academic (required for nursing) and IELTS for UKVI (for visa purposes).
- Test Format: 4 sections – Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking.
- Scoring: Graded on a 9-band scale.
- Test Frequency: Available 4 times per month, up to 48 times per year.
- Test Validity: Results are valid for 2 years.
- Availability: Offered in 4,000+ locations across 140+ countries, including most African nations.
How Nurses in Africa Can Prepare for IELTS
To succeed, preparation is key. Here’s how you can get started:
- Know the format: Understand each section of the test and its timing.
- Practice regularly: Focus on IELTS-style questions, especially writing tasks and speaking topics relevant to healthcare.
- Use official materials: Practice with official IELTS test books and online resources.
- Join a coaching center: Get expert guidance, personalized feedback, and mock tests to track your progress.
Our Specialized IELTS Coaching for Nurses
We understand the unique needs of nurses. That’s why we offer a targeted IELTS preparation program that helps African nurses achieve the scores required by international nursing councils.
What We Offer:
- Customized training for nurses
- Intensive speaking and writing practice
- Real mock exams
- Flexible schedules (online or in-person)
- Affordable coaching packages
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Connect with us today to register for our IELTS coaching program.
Don’t let English stand in the way of your dream job abroad.
Let’s help you pass IELTS and start your international nursing career.
Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing. We educate, inform, and support the nursing profession.