MRP Exam Fees 2026: The Real Cost of Registration

Let's talk money. Becoming a registered radiographer in Australia isn't cheap, and the costs have a way of sneaking up on you. Here's everything you'll actually spend, including the stuff that's easy to forget.

The Big Ones

AHPRA Registration Fees

As of 2026, the annual registration fee for medical radiation practitioners is approximately $483 AUD (or around $582 for NSW due to additional state-based fees).

But that's the ongoing cost. Initial registration involves additional assessment fees.

MRPBA Skills Assessment

If you qualified overseas, you'll need a skills assessment through the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia pathway. Depending on your route:

• Standard pathway assessment: Around $1,500 - $2,500 AUD
• Competency stream (supervised practice): Costs vary based on placement arrangements
• Knowledge stream (examination): Exam fees typically $800 - $1,200 AUD per sitting

English Language Tests

Unless you qualify for an exemption, you'll need one of these:

Test	Approx. Cost
IELTS Academic	$395 AUD
OET (Radiography)	$587 AUD
PTE Academic	$395 AUD
TOEFL iBT	$355 AUD

Reality check: Most people don't pass on their first attempt. Budget for at least two sittings to be safe.

The Hidden Costs

Document Authentication

Getting your overseas qualifications verified isn't free:

• Certified translations: $50-100 per document
• Notarisation: $50-100 per document
• Courier fees for original documents: Variable

Study Materials

If you're preparing for the MRP exam:

• Textbooks and resources: $200-500
• Online question banks: $100-300
• Practice exam subscriptions: $50-200

Supervised Practice Costs

If you're on the competency stream:

• Travel to placement sites
• Accommodation if placements aren't local
• Lost income if you need to reduce work hours

This can easily run into thousands of dollars depending on your situation.

The Bits Nobody Mentions

• Police checks: $50-100
• Passport photos: $20
• Printing and postage: $50+
• Bank fees for international transfers: Variable

Total Damage Estimate

Here's a realistic budget for an overseas-qualified radiographer:

Category	Conservative	Realistic
Skills assessment	$1,500	$2,500
English test (x2)	$800	$1,200
AHPRA registration	$500	$600
Documents & admin	$200	$400
Study materials	$200	$500
Exam fees	$800	$1,500
TOTAL	$4,000	$6,700

And that's before any supervised practice costs or living expenses during the process.

How to Reduce Costs

Check for exemptions. Some qualifications from accredited programs may have streamlined pathways with lower fees.

Nail your English test first time. Each resit is hundreds of dollars. Invest in proper preparation upfront.

Join study groups. Share textbook costs and access to practice questions.

Time it right. Some fees increase annually in January. If you're close to ready, applying before the new year saves money.

Ask about payment plans. AHPRA and some assessment bodies offer payment arrangements.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely.

Radiographers in Australia earn anywhere from $70,000 to $120,000+ depending on experience, location, and specialisation. The registration costs, while significant, are a one-time investment for a stable, well-paying career.

Just make sure you're budgeting realistically so there are no nasty surprises along the way.

Good luck - and start saving!