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OET Accepted Countries – Complete List for 2025

By Bulbul Sharma

Updated on Jun 26, 2025 | 3.9K+ views

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Latest update: OET is now offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays, in addition to Fridays and Saturdays, across all formats (paper, computer, and OET@Home), increasing convenience for candidates.

The Occupational English Test (OET) is a globally recognized English language proficiency exam specifically designed for healthcare professionals. Over 15 countries, including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Singapore, officially accept OET scores for medical licensing and visa processing. With the demand for skilled healthcare workers growing worldwide, Indian nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals increasingly opt for OET to secure overseas employment and study opportunities.

The UK alone witnessed a 32% rise in OET-based NHS applications, highlighting its growing relevance. Unlike other English proficiency tests, OET assesses real workplace scenarios in healthcare, making it the preferred choice among professionals.

In this blog, we’ll explore the list of OET Accepted Countries, the benefits of taking OET, and how it opens doors to international medical careers.

Also check out: OET Exam for Nurses 2024: Eligibility, Exam Dates & Fees

OET Accepted Countries – Complete List for 2025

OET is officially recognized in multiple countries for various healthcare professions, including nursing, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and more.

Below is a country-wise breakdown of where OET is accepted, regulatory authorities, and the minimum required scores.

1. Australia

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for healthcare professionals due to its strong demand for skilled workers. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and various professional councils accept OET for medical licensing and visa applications.

Regulatory Bodies Accepting OET:

  • Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
  • Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
  • Medical Board of Australia (MBA)
  • Pharmacy Board of Australia

Minimum OET Score Requirements:

Profession Required Score
Doctors B (350) in all four sections
Nurses B (350) in all four sections
Dentists B (350) in all four sections
Pharmacists B (350) in all four sections

Visa and Work Permits:

  • OET is accepted for skilled migration visas under healthcare-related occupations.
  • Nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals must meet AHPRA language requirements to practice in Australia.

2. United Kingdom

The UK is a top destination for healthcare professionals due to high salaries and career growth. OET is accepted by the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for licensing.

Regulatory Bodies Accepting OET:

  • General Medical Council (GMC) – For doctors
  • Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) – For nurses

Minimum OET Score Requirements:

Profession Required Score
Doctors B (350) in all four sections
Nurses B (350) in Listening, Reading & Speaking; C+ (300) in Writing

OET vs. IELTS for the UK:

  • OET is preferred as it tests medical communication skills, unlike IELTS, which assesses general English proficiency.
  • Many NHS trusts and private hospitals in the UK accept OET for recruitment.

3. United States of America

OET is gaining acceptance in the USA for doctors and nurses, primarily for licensing and employment purposes. The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) now recognizes OET.

Professions That Require OET in the USA:

  • Doctors (for ECFMG certification)
  • Nurses (varies by state)

Minimum OET Score Requirements:

Profession Required Score
Doctors B (350) in all four sections
Nurses Varies by state; typically B (350) in all four sections

Visa Considerations:

  • Some hospitals in the USA sponsor work visas for nurses and doctors who meet the OET language requirements.

4. Canada

Canada has recently started recognizing OET for certain healthcare professions, particularly in provinces like Ontario. However, not all provinces accept OET yet.

Regulatory Bodies Accepting OET:

  • College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
  • College of Physicians & Surgeons (varies by province)

Minimum OET Score Requirements:

Profession Required Score
Nurses B (350) in all four sections
Doctors B (350) in all four sections

Key Considerations:

  • OET is not yet accepted nationwide in Canada. Candidates should verify with their specific provincial licensing authority.

5. Ireland

Ireland has growing demand for healthcare professionals, and OET is now accepted for nursing and medical licensing. The Irish government also offers work permits for healthcare workers.

Regulatory Bodies Accepting OET:

  • Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) – For nurses
  • Irish Medical Council (IMC) – For doctors

Minimum OET Score Requirements:

Profession Required Score
Doctors B (350) in all four sections
Nurses B (350) in Listening, Reading & Speaking; C+ (300) in Writing

Visa Considerations:

  • Ireland allows overseas healthcare professionals to apply for Critical Skills Employment Permits.

6. New Zealand

New Zealand has a high demand for medical professionals, and OET is widely accepted for licensing. The Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) accept OET.

Regulatory Bodies Accepting OET:

  • Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) – For doctors
  • Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) – For nurses

Minimum OET Score Requirements:

Profession Required Score
Doctors B (350) in all four sections
Nurses B (350) in all four sections

Key Considerations:

  • Nurses and doctors can apply for work visas under New Zealand’s Skill Shortage List.

Other OET-Accepting Countries

Apart from Australia, the UK, the USA, and Canada, several other countries also recognize OET for healthcare licensing and employment.

Country Professions Accepting OET
Ireland Doctors, Nurses, Dentists, Pharmacists
New Zealand Doctors, Nurses, Physiotherapists
Singapore Doctors, Nurses
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Doctors, Nurses
Malta Medical Professionals
Qatar Doctors, Nurses
Egypt Doctors, Nurses
Spain Healthcare Professionals
Ukraine Medical Graduates
Maldives Healthcare Workers
Namibia Doctors, Nurses
Philippines Overseas Healthcare Employment

OET Score Requirements by Country

Each country has different minimum OET score requirements for healthcare professionals. While most require a B (350) in all four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking), some countries allow a lower writing score (C+ / 300) for nurses.

Below is a breakdown of OET score requirements for nurses and doctors across major OET-accepting countries.

Country-Wise OET Score Requirements for Nurses

Nurses are required to meet specific OET benchmarks for professional registration. Some countries have slightly lower writing requirements but expect high scores in speaking, listening, and reading.

Country Listening Reading Writing Speaking
Australia B (350) B (350) B (350) B (350)
United Kingdom B (350) B (350) C+ (300) B (350)
United States B (350) B (350) B (350) B (350)
Canada B (350) B (350) B (350) B (350)
Ireland B (350) B (350) C+ (300) B (350)
New Zealand B (350) B (350) B (350) B (350)
Singapore B (350) B (350) B (350) B (350)
UAE B (350) B (350) B (350) B (350)

Key Observations:
✅ UK and Ireland allow a lower writing score (C+ / 300) for nurses.
✅ Australia, New Zealand, and Canada require B (350) in all sections.

For a more in-depth look at the exam format, including section-wise details and syllabus, check out our guide on OET Exam Pattern and Syllabus for Aspirants.

Country-Wise OET Score Requirements for Doctors

Doctors generally face stricter OET score requirements, as medical licensing bodies require a strong command of English across all sections.

Country OET Requirement for Doctors
Australia B (350) in all four sections
United Kingdom B (350) in all four sections
United States B (350) in all four sections
Canada B (350) in all four sections
Ireland B (350) in all four sections
New Zealand B (350) in all four sections
UAE B (350) in all four sections
Singapore B (350) in all four sections

OET Scores/Grades & Band Descriptors

Along with being aware of the OET-accepted countries for nurses and other healthcare professions, you must also know about the interpretation of its results. The statement of results reports your score (on a scale from 0 to 500) along with a letter grade.

The grades and their corresponding score range, along with their band descriptors, are mentioned below:

Grade A:

The highest grade in the OET band descriptor is Grade A, which corresponds to a mark range of 450 to 500. This grade signifies that the candidate has the highest marks and can communicate confidently and fluently with staff members, patients, and others.

Grade B:

The second-highest grade in the OET band descriptor is within the mark range of 350 to 440. This grade indicates that the candidate is proficient in communication and has a friendly approach to patients and staff.

Grade C:

The third-highest grade in the OET band descriptor corresponds to a mark range of 300 to 340. This grade suggests that the candidate can speak  English proficiently with occasional errors.

Grade C+:

The fourth-highest grade in the OET band descriptor is equivalent to Grade C+, with a mark range of 200 to 290. This grade indicates that the candidate can communicate in basic English and connect with people despite facing some errors and difficulties.

Grade D: 

The fifth-highest grade in the OET band descriptor has a mark range of 100 to 190. This grade indicates that the candidate can collaborate while encountering some disruptions.

Grade E: 

The lowest grade in the OET band descriptor has a mark range of 0 to 90. This grade suggests poor performance by the candidate, with little to no proficiency in the English language or their clinical field.

Candidates looking for a detailed breakdown can refer to our guide on OET Exam Fee: Registration, Cancellation, Rescheduling for a complete overview.

Conclusion

As the demand for skilled healthcare professionals continues to rise globally, the OET Accepted Countries list is expanding to include more destinations where qualified nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals are in high demand. The OET acts as a trusted benchmark for language proficiency, empowering healthcare workers to pursue international careers confidently.

With growing recognition in countries like Canada, Switzerland, the UK, and Australia, OET remains a smart and strategic choice for medical professionals aiming for global mobility in 2025 and beyond.

FAQs

Is OET accepted in all English-speaking countries?

Can I use my OET score for multiple countries?

Do I need to take OET if I already have IELTS or TOEFL?

Is OET easier than IELTS for healthcare professionals?

Which countries accept the OET exam in 2025?

Is OET accepted in Canada for healthcare workers?

What are the 12 healthcare professions accepted by OET?

Is OET accepted in Switzerland for foreign nurses?

Which countries accept OET C+ score for nurses in 2025?

What is the minimum OET score required for nursing registration in 2025?

Can I use OET scores for visa applications?

Do OET-accepted countries differ for doctors and nurses?

Bulbul Sharma

Manager- Content @upGrad |124 articles published

Bulbul is a self-driven professional and an expert writer & editor. She has been a part of the ed-tech industry for the past 2 years now and is motivated to provide study abroad aspirants with factual...

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