English opens doors — LEAP helps you walk through them
If you have refugee or refugee-like experience and are building a health career in Australia, English can shape how you study, work, and connect with your community.
Formal English tests and preparation can cost hundreds of dollars. LEAP combines free expert preparation with subsidised test access, so cost isn’t what stands between you and your next step.
Who can apply: Eligible people with refugee or refugee-like experience who are pursuing an AHPRA-regulated health profession. Check full eligibility.
- Preparation with ILSC Language Schools
- Subsidised PTE accepted by AHPRA
Free placement assessment
Find your level with a free online English assessment.
Six weeks of preparation
Expert-led classes built around health English.
Discounted PTE test access
A subsidised access code for the PTE test.
Peer support cohort
Learn alongside others on the same pathway.
LEAP for Health
Removing financial barriers for people with refugee or refugee-like experience pursuing health careers in Australia.
Australia has a nursing shortage. It also has fully qualified health professionals rebuilding their careers after displacement who have the training, clinical experience and commitment, but are locked out of registration by the cost of an English language test.
LEAP for Health directly tackles one of the most persistent and inequitable barriers in Australia’s health workforce.
If English is not your first language, registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) requires a formal language proficiency test. Add preparation courses on top of that, and the costs quickly rise.
Two pathways into LEAP for Health
LEAP for Health supports eligible participants at two key points in their health career journey.
Pre-enrolment
You’re applying for a nursing or midwifery program at an Australian university or TAFE, and you need an English language test result to receive an offer.
Post-completion
You’ve finished (or are close to finishing) an AHPRA-regulated health program in Australia, and you need a test result to register and practise.
Across both pathways, LEAP for Health covers all 15 AHPRA-regulated health professions, including medicine, nursing, midwifery, pharmacy, physiotherapy, psychology, occupational therapy, dental and more.
LEAP for Health exam preparation course
Our first six-week exam preparation course will commence on 7 September 2026. Places are limited, so eligible participants are encouraged to register their interest early.
- DurationSix weeks
- Weekly studyUp to 3 hours
- DeliveryOnline or face-to-face
Schedule details: Class dates, times, delivery format and any face-to-face location will be confirmed with eligible applicants.
Expressions of interest are open now. Eligibility will be confirmed before placement.
What participants receive
Practical preparation, reduced test costs and support from people navigating the same pathway.
Free placement assessment
All participants complete an online English placement assessment through our delivery partner, ILSC Language Schools, so you’re placed in the cohort that matches your current level.
Six weeks of free exam preparation
Structured classes with ILSC — one of Australia’s leading specialist language education providers — covering health-specific vocabulary, academic reading and writing, listening, and exam strategy. Up to 3 hours per week, face-to-face or online.
A discounted test voucher
A subsidised access code for the Pearson Test of English (PTE), accepted by AHPRA for registration.
A peer support cohort
You’ll work alongside others navigating the same pathway. REA knows from experience that community and accountability matter as much as the classes themselves.
What to expect
A supportive, practical course designed to build your confidence and prepare you for the PTE test.
The course follows a clear progression, beginning with placement and moving through guided classes, skills practice, feedback and preparation for test day.
Placement assessment
Complete a free online English assessment so the teaching team can understand your current level and place you in the right cohort.
Expert-led classes
Attend structured classes for up to three hours each week, delivered online or face-to-face by experienced language educators.
PTE skills and strategies
Work on speaking, listening, reading and writing, alongside test format, timing, question types and practical exam strategies.
Health-focused English
Build useful academic and professional vocabulary for health study, registration and workplace communication in Australia.
Feedback, peer support and subsidised test access
Practise with guidance, learn alongside others on the same pathway and, if eligible, receive subsidised access to the PTE test.
Am I eligible?
Eligible participants must meet every core requirement and at least one pathway requirement.
Meet all of these
- Be a refugee or have refugee-like experience and be residing in Australia, including holders of humanitarian, temporary protection, bridging or permanent resident visas
- Be pursuing a career in an AHPRA-regulated health profession
- Meet the minimum language baseline to benefit from preparation classes, confirmed through the free ILSC placement assessment
- Intend to sit your English language test within 12 months
Meet at least one of these
- You are applying for a nursing or midwifery program and need a test result for enrolment, or
- You have completed or are nearing completion of an AHPRA-regulated program and need a test result to register
Four clear steps
From expressing interest to sitting your test, the program has four clear stages.
Express interest
Complete the online expression-of-interest form for LEAP for Health.
Assessment
Complete your free ILSC online placement assessment.
Prepare
Attend six weeks of expert preparation classes.
Sit
Use your discounted access code to book and sit your chosen test.
LEAP is growing
LEAP for Health is our first program stream. Over time, more LEAP themes may be added to support English test access for other study and career pathways.
Ready to take the next step in your health career?
Complete the online form to register your interest for the next LEAP for Health intake.
Register your interestHelp keep LEAP accessible. Donations support free preparation and subsidised testing for future participants.
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