The OET exam has no specific eligibility criteria for international candidates. Anyone wanting to study or work in the healthcare sector in popular countries abroad can register for the OET 2025. The OET is conducted by the Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment Trust (CBLA).
As of 2025, CBLA has not specified any educational, age limit, or nationality requirements for international candidates to register for the OET. An Indian aspirant, whether a student or already working as a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, dentist, or any other healthcare professional, can apply for the OET exam.
Moreover, a valid passport is mandatory to prove the candidates' nationality. Applicants must have strong English language skills and belong to one of the 12 healthcare professions listed by OET to take the test. This article provides a detailed insight into OET eligibility for international test-takers. Check specific details for age, educational background, and more.
Individuals from the medical or healthcare field are only eligible to appear for the OET exam. Whether you are a student or already working as a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, dentist, or any other healthcare professional, you can take the OET 2025.
Students who are studying in the final year of the medical or nursing course can apply for the OET registration in 2025. The test is designed for healthcare professionals who need to demonstrate their English language skills for registration, employment, or visa purposes. Meanwhile, students need to belong to one of the 12 healthcare professions listed by OET.
The OET (Occupational English Test) eligibility requirements are released by Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment Trust (CBLA) on its official website. All healthcare professionals who are looking to work or study in the healthcare sector abroad can apply for the OET only after fulfilling all the eligibility criteria.
As of now, CBLA has laid no specific eligibility criteria for age and educational qualification. Meanwhile, candidates need to fulfill the following guidelines to register for the OET.
The candidates should be qualified to register and practice in one of the 12 healthcare professions.
A valid passport is mandatory
A good command of the English language is mandatory.
The CBLA has not provided any specific guidelines for OET age eligibility. There is no minimum or maximum age limit set by the conducting body for OET. Candidates of any age can register for the OET test online on the official website “https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/book-oet/”.
Any candidates who wish to work in the healthcare sector can appear for the OET. There is no specific educational qualification required. For international students, good English knowledge is required to sit for the test.
OET is designed only for healthcare professionals who want to work or study in English-speaking countries like Australia, Canada, Egypt, Ireland, Maldives, Malta, Namibia, New Zealand, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America.
List of Eligible Healthcare Professions for OET
OET is available for the following healthcare professions:
OET Eligibility 2025: Nationality and Country Restrictions
The OET exam is open to people from all countries and nationalities. There are no restrictions based on where you live or what passport you hold. Some of the top countries that accept OET are:
United Kingdom (UK)
Australia
New Zealand
Ireland
United States (USA)
Canada
Singapore
Dubai (UAE)
Namibia
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Spain and a few more
The OET score requirement may be different for each country.
No, you don’t need any work experience to take the OET exam. This test is open to both students and professionals from the healthcare field.
You can apply for OET if you are:
A final-year medical or nursing student
A fresher who has just completed their degree
A person with 1–2 years of experience
Or someone with many years of practice
What matters is that you are from a recognised healthcare background, like nursing, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, radiography, and other health fields. You just need to be studying or qualified in one of the 12 OET-recognised healthcare professions.
OET doesn’t check your experience; it only checks your English communication skills in a healthcare setting. Therefore, having work experience is not mandatory to qualify for OET eligibility.
OET Eligibility for Different Countries
OET is accepted in several English-speaking countries for healthcare licensing and registration. However, each country has its own eligibility criteria, including minimum score requirements and recognized healthcare professions.
Countries Accepting OET Scores
Below is a list of OET accepted countries where the exam is recognized, along with their specific eligibility requirements.
Country
Accepted Professions
Minimum Required Score
United Kingdom
Doctors, Nurses
B (350) in Listening, Reading, Speaking; C+ (300) in Writing
United States
Doctors
350 in Listening, Reading, Speaking; 300 in Writing
Australia
Doctors, Nurses
B (350) in all sections
Canada
Nurses (select provinces)
B (350) in all sections
New Zealand
Doctors, Nurses
B (350) in all sections
Ireland
Doctors, Nurses
B (350) in Listening, Reading, Speaking; C+ (300) in Writing
UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)
Doctors, Nurses
B (350) in all sections
Singapore
Doctors, Nurses
B (350) in all sections
OET Exam Format & Passing Score
The OET exam evaluates English proficiency across four skill areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section is designed to reflect real-world medical communication scenarios, ensuring that healthcare professionals can effectively interact in an English-speaking environment.
OET Exam Format: Section-Wise Breakdown
Section
Duration
Details
Listening
~40 minutes
Three parts with recorded consultations, lectures, and discussions
Reading
60 minutes
Three parts, including comprehension of healthcare-related texts
Writing
45 minutes
Task: Write a letter (e.g., referral, discharge, or transfer letter) based on case notes
Speaking
~20 minutes
Two role-play scenarios related to healthcare settings
OET Passing Score: How Much Do You Need?
OET uses a grading system from A to E, with Grade B (350-440) or higher typically required for registration in most countries.
Grade
Score Range
Meaning
A
450 – 500
Excellent level of English
B
350 – 440
High level of fluency, suitable for professional registration
C+
300 – 340
Moderate proficiency, accepted for some nursing roles
C
200 – 290
Limited proficiency may not meet licensing requirements
D – E
Below 200
Conclusion
OET eligibility is open to healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and more, who want to work or study in English-speaking countries like the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.
You must either have completed or be in the process of completing your qualification in one of the 12 recognized healthcare professions. There is no age limit and no strict educational prerequisites beyond your healthcare training.
If you need help with OET eligibility, test prep, or the application process, connect with upGrad experts. They will guide you step by step for your global healthcare career. Start your OET journey with upGrad’s support today!
Other Study Abroad Exams
GRE Exam
Get all the important details about GRE here. From the registration process to eligibility, dates, pattern, and a lot more. /
To take the OET exam, you must be from one of the 12 healthcare professions like nursing, medicine, pharmacy, or radiography. You don’t need a specific degree, but you should be either studying or qualified in your medical field.
Which countries are eligible for OET exam?
The OET exam is open to all countries. There is no nationality restriction, and anyone from any country can apply for it. Top countries like the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, UAE, and Singapore accept OET scores.
What score is eligible for OET?
A minimum score of Grade B (350) in all four sections is usually needed for countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Some countries like the UK accept C+ (300) in Writing.
Do I need work experience for the OET exam?
No, you don’t need any work experience to apply for OET. Final-year students, fresh graduates, and even experienced professionals can take the test.
Can students take the OET exam?
Yes, final-year students from a healthcare background are allowed to take the OET exam, if they are studying in an accredited medical course.
What are the age limits for OET exam?
There is no age limit for the OET exam. People of any age can apply, as long as they belong to one of the eligible healthcare professions.
Which professions can take the OET exam?
The 12 healthcare professions eligible for OET are: Nursing, Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Radiography, Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Veterinary Science, and Speech Pathology.
Is OET harder than IELTS?
OET is easier for healthcare professionals because it focuses on medical English and uses real-life healthcare situations. If you know medical terms and deal with patients, it may be better than IELTS for you.
Do I need to show my degree certificate to apply for OET?
You don’t need to upload your degree certificate during registration, but you must belong to one of the 12 healthcare fields. For visa or job applications later, you will need to submit educational proof.
Can Indian students apply for the OET exam?
Yes, Indian students from the healthcare field are fully eligible for OET. Many Indian nurses and doctors take OET to move to the UK, Australia, or Canada.
Can I take the OET exam while doing my internship?
Yes, if you are in the final phase of your degree or doing your medical internship, you can still apply for OET 2025.
Is OET accepted in the USA and UK?
Yes, OET is accepted in the United States and United Kingdom for many healthcare professions like doctors and nurses. They have their own minimum score criteria, so check before applying.
Can I take the OET test from India?
Yes, OET is conducted in many cities across India. You can register online and choose a test centre near you or opt for the OET at Home version.
What documents are needed for OET registration?
You only need a valid passport to book the OET test. Make sure the name you enter during registration matches your passport.
Is OET only for nurses and doctors?
No, OET is for 12 different medical professions, not just nurses and doctors. Other eligible fields include optometry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and more.
She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them w...
Talk to Our Counselor
Refer Your Friend & Earn upto ₹15000
Help your friend upgrade to a Global Career and earn rewards together.
