Nursing in Ireland from Nepal: Study and Registration Routes

Route 1: BSc Nursing in Ireland after +2

Irish BSc Nursing degrees (General, Psychiatric, Intellectual Disability and Children’s nursing) take four years and include long clinical placements in Irish hospitals. Most places are reserved for Irish and EU students, so only a few universities take non-EU applicants, and numbers are small. Fees for non-EU nursing students are higher than for most other bachelor’s courses.

• +2 in Science with strong results in Biology and Chemistry is usually expected.
• IELTS Academic at a high level, often 6.5–7.0 overall; check each university.
• Garda (police) vetting and health checks before clinical placements.
• Graduates can apply for NMBI registration and work as nurses in Ireland.

Route 2: NMBI registration for Nepali registered nurses

If you have completed a nursing qualification in Nepal (such as BSc Nursing or BNS) and are registered with the Nepal Nursing Council, you can apply to NMBI for recognition as an internationally educated nurse. NMBI assesses your education and experience against Irish standards. Many applicants are asked to complete a period of adaptation and assessment in an Irish hospital, or a test of competence, before they are fully registered.

NMBI also sets English language requirements. It currently accepts IELTS Academic and OET at specific minimum scores, which are higher than most university course requirements. Check the exact scores and document list on the NMBI website before you start, as they are updated.

• Valid registration with the Nepal Nursing Council and proof of good standing.
• Nursing transcripts with theory and clinical hours.
• Evidence of recent nursing practice.
• English test result at NMBI’s required level (IELTS Academic or OET).
• An employment offer from an Irish hospital or nursing home for the adaptation period, where required.

Master’s options for healthcare graduates

A master’s does not replace NMBI registration, but it can open other healthcare careers. Nepali nursing, pharmacy and public health graduates often choose one-year MSc courses in Public Health, Healthcare Management, Global Health or Advanced Nursing (the latter usually requires registration). These lead to Stamp 1G stay back like any other Level 9 master’s.

Be careful with nursing agents

Recruitment for Irish nursing jobs should not cost you large fees. Be wary of anyone who asks for big payments to arrange a job, an adaptation place or NMBI registration. Check employers and recruiters carefully, and keep copies of every document and payment.

Frequently asked questions