The 5 best countries for nursing jobs outside the UK

"One of the best things about becoming a Nurse is how transferrable your experience and qualifications are."

If you’ve ever considered moving abroad, being a nurse can give you a real head start. Here we look at the top 5 countries for nursing jobs and what makes them so popular with UK nurses.

Topics covered in this article

Introduction

Australia

New Zealand

Ireland

UAE

Norway

Find a nursing job abroad

Introduction

One of the best things about becoming a Nurse is how transferrable your experience and qualifications are.

If you have ambitions to work in another country for any reason, being a Nurse really gives you a head start.

But of course, some countries are better for UK Nurses to work in than others.

That will depend on factors like how easy it is to transfer your qualification, and how in demand Nurses are in any given country.

Based on a variety of those considerations, here are our top 5 countries for nursing jobs outside the UK:

Australia

You won’t be surprised to see on Australia on this list, because nursing down under is a well-trodden path for UK Nurses.

Aside from the fact it’s another English-speaking country and it has what is arguably the best climate on the planet, British Nurses are always wanted in Australia.

Converting your UK Nursing degree for use in Australia is comparatively simple too.

Because it’s such a popular choice, you’ll find that help is readily available – from finding jobs to all of the more administrative aspects of relocating.

And perhaps best of all, Australian Nurses are among the best paid in the world.

It isn’t difficult to see why so many UK Nurses head to Australia.

New Zealand

New Zealand offers many of the same benefits as working in Australia – plus the advantage of some of the most breath-taking scenery in the world.

There’s no language barrier, the healthcare system is similar to our own, and every year New Zealand actively looks for international Nurses.

The average salary is similar to the UK’s, and the working culture is famously pleasant.

And like in Australia, you’ll find that converting your qualifications and experience is relatively simple.

Ireland

Ireland, for many reasons, has always been a popular destination for UK Nurses.

With similar healthcare systems, testing, standards and registration processes, it’s one of the easiest places to qualify as a UK Nurse.

In most cases obtaining a visa isn’t even necessary as you’re an EU citizen already – although this could become more complicated post-Brexit.

Salaries are similar to the UK, and Nurses are in equally high demand.

As for the country itself, Ireland is famously fun and friendly, and offers some of the most beautiful natural beauty in the world.

UAE

The UAE’s health system is expanding rapidly and it has a large quota for qualified UK Nurses to fill.

For that reason, you’ll get a huge amount of help with the registration processes – and in most cases, it will be fully funded.

Dubai has become a haven for British expats, so you’ll feel strangely at home despite the scorching heat and desert landscapes.

And compared to the NHS, you’ll often find that you’re far less overworked.

Additionally, there are all kinds of working benefits you won’t find anywhere else because of how prized UK Nurses are.

Your salary will be tax free, you’ll receive free medical insurance – and often, you’ll get a package of freebies including free flights, transportation to work or even accommodation.

For that reason, it’s often a popular choice for a fixed-term contract of 12 or 24 months; see it as an extended holiday where you can save up some cash!

Norway

The biggest barrier for must UK Nurses working across the rest of Europe is the language barrier.

Brits don’t typically speak a second language, and that makes other English-speaking countries a far easier choice.

However, if you are interested in learning another language and using it to work abroad, Norway is an excellent option.

Firstly, the pay is excellent and among the highest in the world.

Norway is also a very popular location for British expats, so you’ll find lots of help and support – as well as cultural similarities.

And as an EU citizen – for now – there are no major visa issues.

Find a nursing job abroad

If you’re a UK Nurse looking to take your experience overseas, check out all the latest global roles here.