In today's globalised world, English communication skills are essential for healthcare professionals who want to work across borders. The Occupational English Test (OET) is a specialised English exam designed exclusively for the medical and healthcare sector.

As we move into 2025, OET is becoming even more widely recognised as a reliable way to measure communication skills that matter in real healthcare settings. These skills include patient interaction, teamwork, and professional communication.

This article provides an updated list of countries that accept OET, explains its benefits, and shows how it can help you advance your international healthcare career. Whether you are a nurse, doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or other allied health professional, understanding OET’s global recognition can open doors to exciting opportunities worldwide.

What Does OET Mean? A Closer Look

The Occupational English Test (OET) is a globally recognised exam that assesses how effectively healthcare professionals communicate in English. Unlike general exams, OET focuses on real clinical situations, making it more practical and relevant.

It evaluates four key skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking, all based on medical content such as patient consultations, hospital discussions, and medical documents.

In 2025, OET introduced a new scoring system that includes an overall numerical score in addition to traditional letter grades (A–E). Candidates now receive a combined total score from all four sub-tests, offering more flexibility for regulatory bodies and employers.

OET is delivered by Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment and can be taken on paper, on computer, or at home in selected countries. Frequent test dates make scheduling easier for busy healthcare professionals.

Its job-specific tasks such as referral letters for nurses and role-plays for doctors—ensure that candidates build both language and real-world communication skills needed in multicultural healthcare environments.

The Many Benefits of OET

OET offers significant advantages over other English proficiency tests. Its biggest strength lies in its relevance to healthcare.

Instead of testing general academic skills, OET focuses on medical situations and terminology that professionals already know. This reduces anxiety, improves comfort during the test, and leads to better performance.

Another major benefit is its global recognition. In 2025, OET is accepted in more than 20 countries, making it easier for professionals to migrate and work abroad.

Regulatory authorities trust OET because it ensures healthcare professionals can safely communicate with patients, colleagues, and multidisciplinary teams.

OET also supports faster visa processing in some countries, such as Australia’s skilled migration pathways and the UK’s Health and Care Worker visa.

Additionally, preparing for OET improves day-to-day communication skills, helping professionals become clearer, more empathetic communicators in real practice.

The option of score clubbing, where candidates can combine results from multiple tests within six months, gives flexibility to those who excel in some sub-tests but need improvement in others.

To prepare effectively, candidates can use official resources and practice materials. You can start your FREE practice today by creating an account on oetpro.com and accessing personalised study tools.

Countries That Accept OET in 2025 (Updated List)

As of 2025, OET is recognised by over 20 countries for professional registration, visas, and study purposes. Some have introduced new scoring criteria this year.

Here is the updated list:

1. Australia

Australia remains one of the top destinations for OET. AHPRA and councils for nursing, medicine, dentistry, and allied health accept OET results. Most professions require B (350–440) in all sub-tests, though some allow C+ in writing or speaking.

Australia offers excellent living standards, strong healthcare infrastructure, and high demand for skilled workers.

2. United Kingdom

The UK’s NMC and GMC accept OET. Requirements include B in listening, reading, speaking and C+ in writing. With increasing staffing needs in the NHS, OET supports visa pathways such as the Health and Care Worker visa.

3. New Zealand

The Nursing Council and Medical Council require B grades in all sub-tests. The country offers a peaceful lifestyle, scenic beauty, and growing healthcare opportunities.

4. Ireland

The NMBI and Medical Council accept OET with B in speaking and writing and C+ in listening and reading. Ireland’s expanding healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors offer a variety of job options.

5. Canada

Several provincial bodies accept OET, including the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia. OET also supports Canadian skilled migration programmes like Express Entry.

6. United States

ECFMG, the Florida Board of Nursing, and the Oregon State Board accept OET. Minimum scores include 350 in L/R/S and 300 in writing. OET assists in securing residency placements and clinical practice opportunities.

7. Singapore

Singapore requires B grades for nursing and medical registration. Its advanced healthcare systems and multicultural environment attract global professionals.

8. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Authorities like DHA and KHDA accept B grades. UAE offers tax-free income, high-quality infrastructure, and increasing demand for healthcare staff.

9. Namibia

Namibia’s Health Professions Councils accept OET, offering unique work experiences in Africa's expanding healthcare sector.

10. Maldives

The Maldives Medical Council requires B grades. Healthcare roles here come with tropical landscapes and growing medical needs.

11. Malta

Malta accepts B in speaking and C+ in other sub-tests, offering Mediterranean work opportunities.

12. Philippines

Regulators accept B in L/R/S and C+ in writing, supporting regional mobility for professionals.

13. Spain

Spain matches OET scores with CEFR levels, opening roles across Europe’s healthcare systems.

14. Ukraine

Ukrainian institutions accept OET for study and work purposes, especially in medical universities.

15. Egypt

Egypt recognises OET for healthcare job applications, creating pathways for professionals in a fast-modernising system.

16. Qatar

Qatari health authorities accept OET for licensing, with strong demand across premium medical facilities.

17. Switzerland

From 2025, Switzerland accepts B in three sub-tests and C in writing, attracting professionals to its world-class healthcare system.

18. Malaysia

The Malaysian Medical Council accepts OET, providing opportunities within its culturally diverse healthcare environment.

19. South Africa

The Health Professions Council accepts OET, offering vibrant, varied professional experiences.

20. India

While primarily used for study purposes, some institutions in India recognise OET as proof of English proficiency.

The Continued Importance of OET in 2025

OET is more than an English test—it is a career-building tool. Its profession-specific approach reduces communication errors, improves patient safety, and enhances confidence in international workplaces.

OET-qualified professionals often secure better job roles, competitive salaries, and more opportunities for growth. For example, in the US, internationally trained nurses can earn an average of $82,750 per year.

OET also plays a key role in addressing global healthcare shortages, making it invaluable in 2025 as countries continue strengthening their health systems post-pandemic.

Its emphasis on essential communication skills supports the growth of telemedicine, digital healthcare, and cross-border medical services.

Final Thoughts

With recognition in more than 20 countries, OET remains one of the most important exams for healthcare professionals seeking global opportunities. It not only meets regulation standards but also boosts professional competence through real-world learning.

From Australia's outback clinics to Switzerland’s alpine hospitals, OET opens doors to rewarding healthcare careers around the world.

If you're ready to begin your OET journey, explore helpful preparation resources and free practice materials at oetpro.com.