Best Countries for Thai and Indonesian Nurses to Work Abroad in 2026
For many Thai and Indonesian nurses, working abroad is no longer just a dream. Countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, and Qatar continue to need qualified healthcare workers, and English ability is often one of the biggest steps in the journey.
The World Health Organization estimates a global shortage of millions of nurses and midwives by 2030, which means internationally trained nurses will remain important to healthcare systems worldwide.
1. Australia
Australia is one of the strongest options for Thai and Indonesian nurses in 2026. It offers good salaries, permanent migration options, and demand in hospitals, aged care, rural health, and community care.
Nurses usually need to meet AHPRA/NMBA registration requirements. Australia’s English language registration standard applies to internationally trained nurses, and AHPRA confirmed that changes to minimum accepted English test scores took effect from 23 April 2026.
Best for: nurses who want long-term migration, higher salary potential, and permanent residency pathways.
English test focus: IELTS Academic, OET, or other accepted tests depending on the registration route.
2. New Zealand
New Zealand is another attractive destination for Thai and Indonesian nurses because of its healthcare shortages, lifestyle, and clearer registration pathway for internationally qualified nurses.
The Nursing Council of New Zealand accepts IELTS Academic and OET as common ways to prove English competence. Current requirements include OET minimum 350 in reading, listening, and speaking, and 300 in writing.
From 13 July 2026, New Zealand immigration will stop accepting at-home OET results and will require supervised test-centre results for immigration applications.
Best for: nurses who want a safer, quieter lifestyle and a strong healthcare career pathway.
English test focus: IELTS Academic or OET Nursing.
3. United Kingdom
The UK remains one of the most searched destinations for overseas nurses, especially because of the NHS. However, 2026 is more competitive than previous years because international recruitment has slowed in some areas.
The UK Nursing and Midwifery Council accepts IELTS Academic. Nurses generally need IELTS 7.0 in listening, reading, and speaking, with 6.5 accepted in writing, plus an overall score of 7.0.
The NHS still has international recruitment programmes, but nurses should check current vacancies carefully before spending money on agencies or test preparation.
Best for: nurses who want NHS experience, structured training, and a recognised international career.
English test focus: IELTS Academic or OET, depending on NMC rules.
4. Ireland
Ireland is a good option for nurses who want to work in Europe and prefer an English-speaking country. It can be attractive for experienced nurses, but the English requirement is strict.
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland requires overseas applicants to show English competence in listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
NMBI guidance shows IELTS/OET requirements can include scores around IELTS 7.0 in key components, with limited 6.5 alternatives depending on the skill.
Best for: experienced nurses who want European experience and are ready for a strict registration process.
English test focus: IELTS Academic or OET Nursing.
5. Qatar
Qatar is a strong option for Thai and Indonesian nurses who want tax-free income, international hospital experience, and a location closer to Asia than Europe or Australia.
Qatar may be especially attractive for nurses who want Middle East experience before moving later to the UK, Australia, or New Zealand. However, requirements can vary by employer and licensing pathway, so nurses should always check directly with the hospital, recruiter, or Qatar healthcare licensing authority before applying.
Best for: nurses who want Gulf experience, good savings potential, and international hospital exposure.
English test focus: employer-dependent; IELTS or OET may be requested for some roles, especially in international hospitals.
Best Country Comparison for Thai and Indonesian Nurses
| Country | Best Advantage | Main Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Strong migration pathway and high demand | Registration and English requirements can be strict |
| New Zealand | Clear nursing pathway and good lifestyle | English and document verification process |
| UK | NHS experience and global recognition | More competitive recruitment in 2026 |
| Ireland | European career pathway | Strict English and registration process |
| Qatar | Tax-free income and closer to Asia | Requirements vary by employer |
Which Country Should You Choose?
If your goal is permanent migration, Australia and New Zealand may be the strongest options.
If your goal is international hospital experience, the UK and Ireland are excellent choices.
If your goal is saving money faster, Qatar may be a practical option.
For Thai and Indonesian nurses, the best country depends on your English level, nursing experience, budget, and long-term migration plan.
Why IELTS or OET Preparation Matters
Many nurses are clinically skilled but lose opportunities because of English test scores. The most common problems are:
- Getting stuck at IELTS Speaking 6.0 or 6.5
- Struggling with Writing Task 2 or OET letters
- Understanding medical vocabulary but not academic English
- Losing marks because of pronunciation, grammar, or unclear answers
At Outscore English, we help nurses and healthcare professionals prepare for IELTS and professional English communication so they can reach the score they need for work, migration, and better career opportunities.
Final Advice
Before choosing a country, check three things:
- The nursing registration requirements
- The English test score required
- The current job market and visa pathway
For Thai and Indonesian nurses in 2026, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, and Qatar remain some of the best countries to consider. The earlier you prepare your English, the stronger your chance of reaching your goal.
