For international nurses looking to practice in New Zealand, understanding the registration process and the associated costs is crucial. The pathway to becoming a registered nurse in New Zealand involves several steps, including verifying your qualifications, completing required assessments, and paying registration fees.
In this blog, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of the fees involved in the registration process for international applicants, including the costs for document verification, criminal background checks, competency assessments, and more. By understanding these costs upfront, you’ll be better prepared for the financial commitment of registering to work as a nurse in New Zealand.
The Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) Registration Process
The Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) is the regulatory authority responsible for nursing registration in New Zealand. Before applying, international nurses need to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements set by the Council.
Key Eligibility Requirements
- Qualifications: You must hold a nursing qualification equivalent to New Zealand’s standards. This will typically require having your qualifications verified by an external body like CGFNS.
- English Language Proficiency: You need to demonstrate proficiency in English, usually by submitting IELTS or OET results.
- Competency Assessments: Depending on your background and qualifications, you may need to complete competency assessments to ensure your skills align with New Zealand’s nursing standards.
The registration process includes several steps, starting with submitting an application to the NCNZ, followed by document verification, criminal background checks, and possibly assessments or exams. Once these steps are completed, you can receive your Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) to legally work as a nurse in New Zealand.
Nursing Fees in New Zealand for International Students
Nursing Council Application Fee
The Nursing Council charges an application processing fee of NZD 485. This fee covers the administrative costs of reviewing your application and verifying your eligibility for registration. The fee is payable once you’ve submitted all necessary documentation to the Council for review.
Document Verification by CGFNS
One of the first steps in the registration process is having your nursing qualifications verified by an external body called CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools). This is a mandatory requirement set by the NCNZ to ensure that your qualifications are authentic and meet New Zealand’s standards.
CGFNS Verification Fee from 1 January 2025: NZD 675
CGFNS is an internationally recognized organization that validates the academic and professional credentials of nurses from around the world. You must complete the verification process before you can apply for registration with the NCNZ.
For more details on the CGFNS verification process, you can visit their official website.
Criminal History Check Fees
As part of the registration process, you’ll need to submit a criminal history check. This ensures that you meet the professional and safety standards required for practising nursing in New Zealand.
International Criminal History Check: If you’ve lived outside New Zealand, you must complete an international criminal history check through Fit2Work, which is a service accredited by the Nursing Council.
Fee: NZD 175 per country where you’ve resided.
Fit2Work is responsible for verifying your criminal history records from all countries in which you’ve lived. This step is vital to ensure that you meet New Zealand’s safety requirements for healthcare professionals.
Competency Assessment Fees
In some cases, internationally qualified nurses (IQNs) are required to undergo a competency assessment to confirm that their nursing skills align with New Zealand’s healthcare standards. The competency assessment process has two components: a theoretical examination and a clinical competence assessment.
IQN Theoretical Examination (Pearson VUE)
The theoretical exam is administered through Pearson VUE, an international exam provider. The exam is divided into two parts:
- Part A: Medication Safety
Fee: NZD 140
- Part B: Nursing Knowledge
Fee: NZD 140
If you need to resit any part of the exam, additional fees apply:
- Resit Part A (Medication Safety): NZD 32
- Resit Part B (Nursing Knowledge): NZD 108
These fees are quoted in New Zealand dollars but are payable in the local currency of the country where you take the exam.
Clinical Competence Assessment (Nurse Maude Simulation Centre)
The clinical competence assessment is designed to evaluate your practical nursing skills in a simulated clinical environment. This part of the assessment takes place at the Nurse Maude Simulation Centre in New Zealand.
- Orientation & Preparation Course: NZD 500
- Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE): NZD 3,000
- Resit of OSCE: NZD 3,000
The OSCE is a hands-on clinical examination, where you’ll be tested on your ability to perform nursing tasks in real-life scenarios. A resit of the OSCE may be required if you don’t pass the initial assessment.
Additional Costs for International Applicants
Besides the fees mentioned above, there may be other costs associated with the registration process:
- Translation Fees: If your documents (e.g., educational certificates, professional references) are not in English, you’ll need to have them officially translated. Translation services typically come with additional costs.
- Visa and Immigration Fees: If you’re applying for a visa to work in New Zealand, you’ll need to account for visa application fees and associated immigration costs. These fees vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for (e.g., work visa, residency).
- Living and Relocation Expenses: Moving to a new country involves significant costs, such as flights, accommodation, and settling-in expenses. It’s important to plan for these additional financial commitments as you prepare for your nursing career in New Zealand.
Payment Methods and Fee Variations
Payment Methods
Most of the fees mentioned above are paid online or via bank transfer, depending on the provider. For example, the Nursing Council accepts online payments for registration fees, while external providers like CGFNS or Fit2Work have their own payment systems.
Fee Variations
- CGFNS Fees: The verification fee increases in 2025, so it’s important to keep track of any fee changes.
- Additional Costs: Some applicants may have additional costs depending on their individual circumstances (e.g., need for document translation, resitting exams).
How to Minimize Costs during the Registration Process?
- Start Early: The earlier you begin the registration process, the better you can manage the timeline and reduce the risk of delays or additional fees due to rushed applications.
- Prepare for Exams: Passing the theoretical and clinical exams on the first attempt will help you avoid the additional costs of resitting exams.
- Budgeting for Annual Fees: Once registered, you’ll need to renew your Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) each year. This requires an additional fee, so budgeting for ongoing costs is essential.
- Look for Financial Assistance: While scholarships for international nurses are rare, some countries or organizations may offer grants or support to help cover the costs of registration and exams. Check with your local nursing associations for potential financial resources.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Incomplete Documentation: Missing documents can delay the process and result in extra fees. Make sure to review all documentation requirements thoroughly and submit everything on time.
- Processing Delays: Delays in obtaining your CGFNS verification or criminal history check can extend the timeline and increase costs. Plan ahead and allow extra time for these steps.
- Unforeseen Fee Changes: Always check the most current fee schedules on the official websites of the NCNZ, CGFNS, and other providers, as fees are subject to change.
Becoming a registered nurse in New Zealand is a multi-step process that involves various fees. The total cost of registration can vary based on individual circumstances, but understanding these fees will help you plan effectively. From application processing fees to competency assessments and criminal history checks, the financial commitment is significant but manageable with proper planning.
West Highlander Immigration
Remember to stay updated on any changes in fees or procedures and seek advice or financial assistance if needed. By preparing ahead with Ms. Parwinder Kaur an LIA at West Highlander Immigration, you can ensure a smooth and successful registration process as you embark on your nursing career in New Zealand.