Effective date: 1 October 2026
If you are planning to register as a nurse in the UK, your budget may need updating. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has confirmed that its fees will increase from 1 October 2026. For internationally educated nurses who need to complete the Computer Based Test (CBT) and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), the NMC’s estimated total cost will rise from £1,170 to £1,226.
The change matters most if you expect to pay a fee around the changeover date. Knowing what is changing now gives you time to plan, rather than facing an unexpected cost at a later stage of your application. Here is a clear breakdown of the figures, who may be affected and what to check before you pay.
What is changing on 1 October 2026?
The NMC has published higher fees that take effect on 1 October 2026. Its figures show that the qualification evaluation fee will increase from £140 to £167, while the registration fee will increase from £153 to £182.
| Fee or estimate | Before 1 October 2026 | From 1 October 2026 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualification evaluation fee | £140 | £167 | £27 |
| Registration fee | £153 | £182 | £29 |
| Estimated total for candidates requiring CBT and OSCE | £1,170 | £1,226 | £56 |
The £56 increase in the estimated total matches the combined increases in the two fees shown above. £1,226 is an estimate, not a guarantee of what every applicant will spend. Your final costs can be affected by test-provider charges, resits and other expenses connected with your individual journey.
Before making a payment, consult the NMC’s official “How much is it going to cost?” page for its current breakdown. Fee information can change, and the amount displayed at the point of payment is important.
Who is affected by the NMC registration fee increase?
These changes are relevant to internationally educated nurses applying for UK registration or completing the NMC Test of Competence process on or after 1 October 2026. They are particularly important for applicants who expect to pay the qualification evaluation or registration fee close to that date.
Your application may involve several stages, and you may not pay every fee at once. For that reason, avoid assuming that starting an application before 1 October will mean every later payment uses the earlier rate. Equally, do not assume that the estimated total applies in exactly the same way to every candidate. Check the fee for the specific step you are about to complete.
A practical approach is to make a timeline of your remaining stages: application review, CBT, OSCE and registration. Beside each stage, note whether you have already paid or still need to pay. This will show where the October change could affect your budget.
How much should you budget for the CBT and OSCE route?
If you require both the CBT and OSCE, the NMC’s published estimate increases to £1,226 from 1 October 2026. Use that figure as a starting point for planning, then consider costs that may apply to you personally.
For example, an unsuccessful test attempt may mean paying for a resit. You may also need to account for travel and accommodation when attending an OSCE centre. These expenses can make your overall UK registration journey more expensive than the NMC’s headline estimate.
You do not need to predict every possible cost precisely. Instead, build a budget with two parts: the published fees you expect to pay, and a separate contingency for costs that are less certain. Keep records of payments and check the latest official information before booking a test or paying a registration fee.
Preparation is part of financial planning, too. A structured study schedule can help you understand the exam format and identify areas that need more practice. Mentor Merlin’s CBT preparation and NMC OSCE preparation programmes are designed to support nurses as they prepare for these assessments. Preparation cannot guarantee a pass, but it can help you approach each stage with greater confidence.
What should you do before the changeover date?
First, identify which NMC fees you still need to pay. If you are close to completing a stage, check the official fee and any deadlines that apply to your own application. Do not rush an application or test booking solely to avoid a fee increase; submitting complete information and being ready for an assessment matter more.
Second, review your wider budget. If your plans depend on paying the registration fee later in 2026, allow for the increase from £153 to £182. If you have not yet reached qualification evaluation, plan for the increase from £140 to £167. Set aside an additional amount where possible for test-provider charges or a resit.
Finally, use authoritative sources when making decisions. The NMC is the source for registration requirements and its published fees. If you are also exploring work in the NHS, NHS Employers and GOV.UK provide information about employment and UK processes. Advice from other applicants may be useful, but it should not replace the current official fee breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
1. When do the new NMC fees take effect?
The NMC states that the increased fees take effect on 1 October 2026. If you expect to pay around that date, check the amount shown for your particular application stage before completing the payment.
2. Is £1,226 the cost for every international nurse?
No. £1,226 is the NMC’s estimated total for internationally educated nurses who require the CBT and OSCE from 1 October 2026. Individual spending can differ, particularly if test-provider charges, resits or related expenses apply.
3. Will I pay the old rate if I apply before 1 October 2026?
Do not assume that starting your application before the changeover fixes every fee at the earlier rate. You may pay for different stages at different times. Check the NMC’s published breakdown and the fee displayed when each payment becomes due.
4. Where can I confirm the latest figures?
Check the NMC’s “How much is it going to cost?” page before paying. It is the official source for the fee breakdown; this article is a planning guide based on the NMC figures provided here.
Plan ahead, then focus on preparation
The confirmed NMC fee increase makes early budgeting worthwhile. From 1 October 2026, the qualification evaluation fee rises to £167, the registration fee rises to £182, and the estimated total for candidates requiring CBT and OSCE rises to £1,226. Check the NMC’s current breakdown when you reach each payment stage, and leave room in your budget for costs beyond the estimate.
While you plan the finances, keep moving towards your registration goal. Explore Mentor Merlin for support with CBT preparation, NMC OSCE preparation and OET preparation, according to the requirements relevant to your journey.
Reference
Read our recent blog – “NMC OSCE Update 2026: New Stations Candidates May Encounter From 26 October 2026” – to ensure your journey stays on track.
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