For years, the “USRN Dream” for African nurses was paved with a forced, expensive detour through Johannesburg. If you lived in West or East Africa, you had no choice but to fly to South Africa to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
But in 2024 and 2025, the game changed. With the official opening of the Pearson VUE NCLEX center in Nairobi, Kenya, nurses across the continent finally have a choice. But which center should you choose as a Nigerian nurse?
This detailed comparison breaks down the costs, visa hurdles, and “test-day vibes” of the two primary NCLEX centers in Africa to help you decide where to book your date.
NCLEX Centers in Africa: Which is better for Nigerian Nurses?
For Nigerian nurses, Kenya is currently the preferred NCLEX center due to the significantly higher visa approval rates and the ease of the eTA process compared to the South African visa.
According to InternationalExams, NCLEX test centers for Nigerian candidates are listed below:
- Pearson Professional Centers-Nairobi, Kenya: 6TH FLOOR PRINCIPAL PLACE, 14 SCHOOL LANE, Nairobi, Kenya
- Pearson Professional Centers-Johannesburg: 6th Floor Sandton City Office Tower, Sandton City Shopping Centre, 158 5th Street, SANDTON Johannesburg, South Africa
NCLEX Cost Breakdown: Nairobi vs. Johannesburg
When you are self-funding your USRN journey, every dollar counts. While the NCLEX registration fee ($200) and the International Scheduling Fee ($150) are the same regardless of location, the “hidden” costs vary wildly.
Kenya (Nairobi)
- Flight Costs: For West African nurses (Nigeria, Ghana), flights to Nairobi via Kenya Airways or RwandAir are often slightly cheaper or comparable to South Africa. For East Africans (Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia), it is a massive cost-saver.
- Accommodation: Areas like Westlands (where the center is located) offer affordable Airbnbs ranging from $30–$60 per night.
- Local Currency: The Kenyan Shilling (KES) has been relatively stable, making it easier to budget for food and transport (Uber is very reliable here).
South Africa (Johannesburg)
- Flight Costs: Flights to OR Tambo (JNB) are frequent but can be pricey depending on the season.
- Accommodation: Sandton or Rosebank (safer areas near testing centers) can be more expensive, ranging from $50–$100 per night for secure lodging.
- The “Safety Tax”: Because of safety concerns in certain parts of Joburg, you may spend more on private transfers rather than walking or taking public transit.
The Visa struggle: The Deal-Breaker
This is where the decision is usually made. It doesn’t matter how cheap the flight is if you can’t get into the country.
- Kenya (The Easy Path): Kenya has shifted toward a “Visa-Free” or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system for many African citizens. For Nigerians and Ghanaians, the process is significantly faster and less “document-heavy” than the South African equivalent. Most eTAs are processed within 72 hours.
- South Africa (The High Wall): South Africa’s visa process for other African nationals is notoriously difficult. It often requires bank statements, police clearances, and weeks (sometimes months) of waiting. Many nurses have lost their Authorization to Test (ATT) window because their South African visa didn’t arrive in time.
The NCLEX Testing Environment In Kenya & South Africa
The Nairobi Experience (Westlands)
The Pearson Professional Center in Nairobi is located in Globalworth Tower, Westlands.
- Vibe: Modern, quiet, and surrounded by malls (Sarit Centre, Westgate) where you can relax after the exam.
- Pros: Very high internet stability and brand-new computer systems (Next Gen NCLEX compatible).
- Cons: Traffic in Nairobi can be unpredictable; you must stay within Westlands to avoid being late.
The Johannesburg Experience (Sandton/Rosebank)
South Africa usually has multiple centers, with the Sandton location being the most popular for international candidates.
- Vibe: Very professional, “First World” infrastructure.
- Pros: The centers are well-established and have been running the NCLEX for years. Staff are very familiar with international candidate protocols.
- Cons: Load Shedding. While the centers have back-up generators, the general power instability in SA can be a psychological stressor for some candidates.
Consider Your Safety
- Nairobi: Generally considered safe for solo female travelers, especially in the Westlands and Kilimani areas. You can use Uber or Bolt with confidence.
- Johannesburg: Requires more vigilance. It is advised to stay in “secure” zones and avoid walking outside at night. Most nurses prefer Joburg only if they have family or friends staying there to support them.
The NCLEX Exam Budget Sheet: Kenya vs. South Africa (2025 Edition)
Choosing between Nairobi and Johannesburg isn’t just about the flight time; it’s about your total “landed cost.” Below is a transparent breakdown of what you can expect to spend in US Dollars ($) and Naira (₦) to help you plan your journey without financial surprises.
Fixed Exam Costs (Non-Negotiable)
These fees are the same regardless of where you take the test.
- NCLEX Registration (Pearson VUE): $200
- International Scheduling Fee: $150
- Licensure Application (e.g., Texas/New York): $75 – $200 (varies by state)
- Credential Evaluation (CGFNS/Josef Silny): $300 – $450
The Trip Comparison: Nairobi vs. Johannesburg
Note: Exchange rates decide the Naira equivalent. Flight and hotel prices are based on a 4-night stay.
| Expense Category | Nairobi, Kenya (Westlands) | Johannesburg, SA (Sandton) |
| Visa/Entry Fee | $30 (eTA) / ₦45,000 | ~$35 (Visa + VFS Fee) / ₦39,800+ |
| Visa Ease | High (Approved in 72 hours) | Low (Can take 30–90 days) |
| Return Flight (Lagos) | ~$950 – $1,100 / ₦1.4M – ₦1.6M | ~$1,000 – $1,200 / ₦1.5M – ₦1.8M |
| Accommodation (4 Nights) | $120 – $240 (Studio/Airbnb) | $200 – $400 (Secure Hotel) |
| Food & Transport | $100 – $150 (Affordable Ubers) | $150 – $200 (Private Transfers) |
| Yellow Fever Card | ₦5,000 – ₦10,000 | ₦5,000 – ₦10,000 |
| ESTIMATED TOTAL TRIP | ~$1,200 – $1,500 (Excl. Exam) | ~$1,400 – $1,850 (Excl. Exam) |
Final Verdict: NCLEX Centers In Africa
- Choose Kenya if: You want a stress-free visa process, you are travelling from West or East Africa, and you want a modern, safe environment with lower local costs.
- Choose South Africa if: You already have a valid SA visa, you have family in Joburg to stay with, or Nairobi is fully booked for your preferred dates.
Regardless of where you go, remember: the center doesn’t pass the exam, you do. Focus on your UWorld or Archer prep, get your ATT ready, and book that flight!
FAQs: NCLEX in Africa 2025
Q: Can I take the NCLEX in Nigeria or Ghana in 2025?
A: No. Despite massive petitions, there is currently no Pearson Professional Center (PPC) in West Africa approved for the NCLEX. You must travel to Kenya, South Africa, or overseas (UK/India/USA).
Q: Is the exam harder in one center than the other?
A: No. The NCLEX is a Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT). The questions are pulled from the same global database regardless of where you sit. Your location does not affect the difficulty or your pass rate.
Q: What is the “International Scheduling Fee”?
A: This is a $150 USD fee (plus VAT in some regions) that Pearson VUE charges for the privilege of testing outside the US. You pay this when you book your date on the Pearson VUE website.
Q: Do I need a yellow fever card for NCLEX?
A: Yes. Both Kenya and South Africa will require a valid Yellow Fever vaccination card for travelers coming from “high-risk” zones like Nigeria.
Q: Which center has more available dates?
A: Johannesburg typically has more “seats” because it has multiple locations. Nairobi is very popular right now, so you should book your date at least 6–8 weeks in advance once you get your ATT.
Q: Can I pay for my NCLEX or eTA with my local Naira card?
A: Due to current FX limits, most local bank cards will fail for $200+ transactions. Most nurses use “Virtual Dollar Cards” (like Geegpay, Chipper Cash, or Pyypl) or ask a relative abroad to pay.
Q: Is it cheaper to go to India for the NCLEX?
A: While the cost of living in India is low, the flight from Africa is significantly more expensive and the visa process for Indians can be just as rigorous as South Africa’s. Stick to the African hubs unless you have other reasons to visit Asia.
Q: What happens if I fail and need to retake?
A: You will have to pay the $200 registration and $150 international fee again. This is why most nurses spend an extra $150–$300 on high-quality prep like UWorld or Archer—it’s cheaper than a second flight!
Q: Is the Nairobi center “Next Gen NCLEX” (NGN) ready?
A: Yes. All Pearson VUE centers globally are equipped for the NGN format. There is no difference in the software between Joburg and Nairobi.
References
- Pearson VUE (2025). “International NCLEX Testing Locations and Scheduling Fees.”
- NCSBN (2024/2025). “2024 Year-End Report: International Candidate Performance.”
- Kenya Ministry of Health (2024). “Inauguration of the Nairobi NCLEX-RN Test Centre.”
- South African Department of Home Affairs (2025). “Visa Requirements for African Professionals.”
- Kenya eTA Official Portal (etakenya.go.ke).
- VFS Global South Africa – Nigeria Portal.
- Ethiopian Airlines / Kenya Airways Flight Data (Dec 2025).
