AHPRA updated its English language requirements effective April 2026, with changes affecting both OET and IELTS candidates. If you are planning to register as a nurse or doctor in Australia, these changes may affect which test you choose and what score you need. This article explains exactly what changed, what stayed the same, and what it means for your preparation.
What Changed for OET
Before April 2026, AHPRA required OET Grade B (350+) in all four sub-tests. From 23 April 2026 onwards, AHPRA has moved to numeric thresholds rather than letter grades:
- Listening: 350
- Reading: 360
- Writing: 350
- Speaking: 360
The increase from 350 to 360 in Reading and Speaking is subtle but significant for borderline candidates. Under the old system, a score of 350 in Reading would meet the Grade B threshold. Under the new system, 350 in Reading falls short — you need 360.
This means the effective standard has been raised slightly in two sub-tests. If you were previously scoring exactly 350 in Reading or Speaking, you now need an additional 10 points.
What Changed for IELTS
AHPRA has relaxed IELTS requirements for some profession boards. Previously, candidates needed 7.0 in every individual band — no exceptions. The updated position allows some National Boards to accept 6.5 in individual bands provided the overall score is 7.0.
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This is a major shift. IELTS Writing at band 7.0 was the single biggest barrier for many healthcare professionals. Accepting 6.5 in one or two bands (with a 7.0 overall) makes IELTS significantly more accessible.
Important: This relaxation is at the discretion of individual National Boards, not a blanket AHPRA policy. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) may have different requirements from the Medical Board. Always check the specific requirements of your profession's National Board before booking your test.
What Changed for PTE Academic
PTE Academic requirements remain at an overall score of 65 with a minimum of 65 in each communicative skill. No changes have been announced for PTE as of April 2026.
Score Combining — Unchanged
AHPRA continues to allow score combining from two sittings taken within twelve months for both OET and IELTS. This policy has not changed with the April 2026 update.
Which Test Dates Are Affected?
The new OET numeric thresholds apply to tests taken on or after 23 April 2026. If you took your OET before this date, the old Grade B (350+) requirements apply to your results. If you take OET on or after 23 April, the new numeric thresholds (including 360 for Reading and Speaking) apply.
The IELTS relaxation applies to applications submitted from April 2026 onwards, regardless of when the test was taken (provided the results are within the two-year validity window).
Strategic Implications
For OET Candidates
The 10-point increase in Reading and Speaking makes OET marginally harder for the Australia pathway. If you are a borderline candidate, consider whether this pushes you towards IELTS (now easier) or PTE (unchanged). If you are comfortably scoring above 360 in all sub-tests, the change does not affect you.
For IELTS Candidates
The relaxed individual band requirement is good news. If you were previously failing IELTS because of a 6.5 in Writing while scoring 7.0+ in the other three bands, you may now meet the AHPRA threshold. Check your specific National Board's updated requirements.
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Choosing Between Tests in 2026
The gap between OET and IELTS for the AHPRA pathway has narrowed. OET's content advantage remains (healthcare-specific material), but IELTS's lower cost and the relaxed band requirements make it more competitive than in previous years. Take a diagnostic practice test for both and compare your scores against the updated thresholds before committing.
What You Need to Do
- Check your specific National Board's updated English requirements on the AHPRA website.
- If you have already booked OET, note whether your test date falls before or after 23 April 2026.
- If you are scoring borderline 350 in OET Reading or Speaking, consider additional preparation time to reach 360.
- If you have been struggling with IELTS Writing at 7.0, re-evaluate whether the relaxed 6.5 threshold makes IELTS a viable option for your profession.
The April 2026 changes are modest but strategically important. They do not fundamentally alter the pathway, but they may change which test is the optimal choice for your specific situation.