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Overseas Trained Dietitians

New Registration Pathways - in effect from 2 February 2026

Thank you for your interest in coming to Aotearoa New Zealand. If you are an overseas trained dietitian, you may be eligible to apply for registration as a dietitian in New Zealand. Core requirements for all overseas trained dietitians include:

  • have completed undergraduate and/or postgraduate nutrition and dietetic training of at least four years
  • meet the Dietitians Board’s English Language Requirements for practice as a dietitian in New Zealand
  • have practised as a dietitian for a minimum of 12 months (minimum 20h/pw) within the last 3 years in the country you hold registration/credential. If you have not practised dietetics since you completed your qualification, please contact the Board.

If you meet the above requirements, then please have a look at the Decision Tree below to find out which registration pathway may be suitable for you.

Decision Tree for Overseas Trained Dietitians

Registration Pathways

Straight to Registration Pathway

Overseas trained dietitians who have worked as registered dietitians in the United Kingdom or South Africa can be registered in New Zealand if they meet all the requirements.

Step 1: The first step is to submit a complete Eligibility Application and Eligibility Checklist.

Step 2: If this application is successful, you will be invited to submit an Application for Registration in the Scope of Practice: Dietitian, Provisional. You will need support from an employer to complete this step of the application process.

Step 3: Work as a registered dietitian under supervision for a minimum of 12 months to be eligible to apply for Registration in the Scope of Practice: Dietitian.


Straight to Examinations Pathway

Overseas trained dietitians who have worked as registered dietitians in Ireland or Canada are eligible to sit the Board's examinations if they meet all the requirements.

Step 1: The first step is to submit a complete Eligibility Application and Eligibility Checklist

Step 2: If this application is successful, you will be invited to submit an application directly to Dietitians Australia to sit the written Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) Examination.

Step 3: If you pass the MCQ exam, you will then be eligible to attempt the Dietitians Board’s Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).

Step 4: If you pass the OSCE, you will be invited to submit an Application for Registration in the Scope of Practice: Dietitian, Provisional. You will need support from an employer to complete this step of the application process.

Step 5: Work as a registered dietitian under supervision for a minimum of 12 months to be eligible to apply for Registration in the Scope of Practice: Dietitian.


Subspecialist Pathway

Overseas trained dietitians who have worked as registered dietitians in Ireland or Canada and have 3 or more years of subspecialised dietetic experience (within the previous 5 years) are eligible to apply for registration as subspecialists if they meet all the requirements.

Step 1: The first step is to submit a complete Eligibility Application and Eligibility Checklist.

Step 2: If this application is successful, you will be invited to submit an Application for Registration in the Scope of Practice: Dietitian, Provisional. You will need support from an employer to complete this step of the application process. The dietetic role must be within your subspecialty area of practice.

Step 3: Work as a registered dietitian under supervision for a minimum of 12 months to be eligible to apply for Registration in the Scope of Practice: Dietitian. You will be asked to accept a condition limiting your scope of practice to your subspecialty area.


Recognition of Qualifications and Examinations Pathway

Overseas trained dietitians who have not worked as registered dietitians in a recognised jurisdiction can be registered in New Zealand if they meet all the requirements.

Step 1: The first step is to submit a complete Eligibility Application and Eligibility Checklist.

Step 2: If this application is successful, you will be invited to submit a Recognition of Qualification Application to find out if you are eligible to sit the examinations

Step 3: If this application is successful, you will be invited to submit an application directly to Dietitians Australia to sit the written Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) Examination.

Step 4: If you pass the MCQ exam, you will then be eligible to attempt the Dietitians Board’s Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).

Step 5: If you pass the OSCE, you will be invited to submit an Application for Registration in the Scope of Practice: Dietitian, Provisional. You will need support from an employer to complete this step of the application process.

Step 6: Work as a registered dietitian under supervision for a minimum of 12 months to be eligible to apply for Registration in the Scope of Practice: Dietitian.



For more information about the Board’s registration and supervision requirements, you can review the following:

  • Registration Policy
  • Supervision, Orientation and Induction for Overseas Trained Dietitians Policy (those registered in the scope of practice Dietitian: Provisional)
  • Guidelines for Employers and Supervisors

 

Application forms:

  • Eligibility for Registration Checklist
  • Eligibility for Registration Application
  • Registration in the Scope of Practice: Dietitian, Provisional Application Form

 

Supervision forms:

  • Supervisor Observation Form - Word
  • Supervisor Observation Form - PDF
  • Supervision Report Template - Word
  • Supervision Report Template - PDF

 

Please contact us if you require any further information at [email protected].


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