Changes to the English Language Registration Standard for Doctors registering in Australia: What you need to know

In a move that is set to make it easier for healthcare practitioners to relocate to Australia, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has announced significant changes to their English language skills registration standard. Learn about the key changes and how Elective Recruitment can help with your move.

In April 2025, AHPRA are implementing changes to their English language skills (ELS) registration standard. The changes are designed to simplify English language requirements whilst maintaining public safety. 

Key Changes for Doctors

The list of recognised English-speaking countries has been expanded to 30 nations and territories. 

The full list of recognised countries will be: Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, Canada, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guernsey, Guyana, the Isle of Man, Jamaica, Jersey, Malta, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the US Virgin Islands.

South Africa will no longer be a recognised country. 

The review identified a disparity in ELS entry requirements across South African institutions, notably, some institutions do not currently mandate minimum English language proficiency for admission. In order to ensure a reasonable transition for applicants, there will be a 12-month transition period for this change to come into effect.

English language test pathway changes include:  

• The writing component score for the approved English language tests has been reduced from IELTS 7 to 6.5 (or equivalent).
• The Cambridge English Language Skills test has been added as an approved test.
• The timeframe for accepting a combined result from two tests has been extended from six months to 12 months.
• The grounds for extending the validity of English language test results have been widened to include continuously working in appropriate roles in recognised countries

The advance copy of the revised standard is available now and is due to come into effect by April 2025. Further updates about the exact date the standard will come into effect will be provided shortly.

For more information click here

Navigating the Changes

As these changes come into effect, employers and Doctors must stay informed and seek guidance from experienced professionals. Elective Recruitment is committed to providing expert advice to support doctors registering in Australia, to ensure a smooth and successful transition under the new standards. 

If you are a doctor looking for job opportunities in Australia, to find out more about how Elective Recruitment can guide you through the job search, registration and relocation process reach out to us today here. 

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