Northumbria OSCE Centre Closed: Where to Book Your NMC OSCE in 2026
If you are an overseas nurse preparing for your NMC OSCE in 2026, the test-centre landscape changed permanently this year. Northumbria University, Newcastle — one of the five UK centres approved to deliver the NMC OSCE — closed on 19 February 2026. Candidates who had booked or were planning to book at Northumbria must now choose between the four remaining centres, and waiting times across the network have lengthened as a result.
This guide explains exactly which centres are still active, how they compare on pass rate, location and waiting list, and how to choose the right one for a faster, higher-probability pass.
What happened — Northumbria OSCE centre closure
Northumbria University, Newcastle had delivered the NMC OSCE for several years from its Coach Lane Campus. The university confirmed in early 2026 that it would close its OSCE delivery on 19 February 2026. From that date, no new OSCE candidates can sit at Northumbria — and any existing bookings were transferred or refunded.
The closure leaves four NMC-approved OSCE centres in the UK:
- Ulster University, Derry
- Oxford Brookes University, Oxford
- University of Northampton
- University of Leeds (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust)
The four remaining NMC OSCE centres — 2026 comparison
| Centre | Approx. pass rate | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ulster University, Derry | ~54% | Northern Ireland | Highest pass rate. Books out fastest. |
| University of Northampton | ~42% | East Midlands | Mid-tier pass rate. More slots available. |
| University of Leeds | ~41% | Yorkshire | NHS Trust-based delivery. Larger capacity. |
| Oxford Brookes University | ~38% | Oxfordshire | Lowest reported pass rate. Most slots. |
Pass rates fluctuate by sitting — the figures above are 2026 estimates and should not be treated as guaranteed. They are useful for comparison rather than absolute prediction.
Why Ulster is the first centre to target
Ulster University, Derry has the highest reported pass rate of any UK OSCE centre — around 54%, compared with 38% at Oxford Brookes. Why the gap? A combination of:
- Smaller cohort sizes per sitting — less rushed transitions and clearer station instructions.
- Established assessor pool with consistent marking calibration.
- Faculty-led pre-OSCE briefings on centre layout that calm exam nerves.
Trade-off: Ulster slots fill up the fastest. Book your Ulster OSCE the day you receive your decision letter from the NMC. If Ulster is full, default to Northampton or Leeds before Oxford Brookes.
How the Northumbria closure affects waiting times
Northumbria delivered roughly 20% of OSCE sittings in 2024–2025. Removing one of five centres without adding capacity at the others has measurably increased waiting lists in 2026:
- Ulster: typically 4–8 weeks. In peak months (March–April, September–October), often 8–12 weeks.
- Northampton: 3–6 weeks.
- Leeds: 4–8 weeks.
- Oxford Brookes: 2–5 weeks (the largest available capacity).
Remember the NMC requires you to pass your OSCE within 8 months of your visa start date. If your visa is already active, choose the centre with the soonest available slot you can prepare adequately for — not necessarily the highest pass rate.
How to rebook your OSCE in 2026
- Log into MyNMC. The NMC has fully retired the older NMC Online portal — all OSCE bookings now run through the MyNMC portal that replaced it in early 2026.
- Confirm your eligibility letter is valid. Your OSCE must be sat within the validity window of your decision letter and your visa start date.
- Check Ulster availability first. Pass rate is highest. If unavailable in your target window, move to Northampton, then Leeds, then Oxford Brookes.
- Book accommodation immediately. Hotels near Ulster (Derry) and Northampton fill quickly around exam dates. Book the moment your sitting is confirmed.
- Confirm your travel buffer. Aim to arrive at least 24 hours before your OSCE — particularly for Ulster, which involves either a flight to Belfast/Derry or a long drive from a UK port.
Should you wait for a Northumbria-replacement centre?
The NMC has not announced a replacement for Northumbria as of May 2026. While additional centres may be approved in the future, candidates with active visas cannot afford to wait — your 8-month OSCE window starts the day your visa goes live. Book the soonest realistic slot at one of the four remaining centres.
Other 2026 changes to be aware of
- New OSCE stations from February 2026: Deteriorating Patient (NEWS2/SBAR), Anti-Embolism Stockings, Pre-Operative Checklist, Patient Private Details (silent), Cholesterol Counselling. See our full NMC OSCE preparation guide.
- MyNMC portal replaced NMC Online — all bookings, fees and document uploads now flow through it.
- Up to 3 OSCE attempts as part of one application, with at least 10 days between sittings.
- CEFR B2 English requirement for new Skilled Worker / Health and Care Worker Visa applicants from 8 January 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northumbria University still an NMC OSCE centre?
No. Northumbria University, Newcastle closed its OSCE delivery on 19 February 2026. Candidates must now book at Ulster, Oxford Brookes, Northampton or Leeds.
Which is the best UK OSCE centre in 2026?
Ulster University, Derry has the highest reported pass rate (~54%). It is the recommended first-choice centre — slots are competitive, so book as soon as your NMC decision letter arrives.
How many UK OSCE centres are there now?
Four: Ulster University, Oxford Brookes University, University of Northampton, and University of Leeds.
How long is the wait for an OSCE slot in 2026?
Typical waits are 2–12 weeks depending on centre and time of year. Ulster runs longest. Oxford Brookes typically has the most immediate availability.
What if my OSCE was booked at Northumbria before closure?
Affected candidates were contacted directly by Northumbria and the NMC and rebooked at one of the remaining four centres or refunded. If you were not contacted, log into MyNMC and contact NMC support immediately.
Can I take the NMC OSCE outside the UK?
No. The NMC OSCE is delivered only at NMC-approved UK centres. You must travel to the UK to sit the OSCE.
How many OSCE attempts am I allowed?
Up to 3 attempts as part of a single NMC application, with a minimum 10-day wait between sittings. Each attempt incurs a fee.
For a complete OSCE preparation plan including the new February 2026 stations, see our NMC OSCE preparation guide. To plan your full UK nursing route, see how to register as a nurse in the UK or book a free consultation with a Global Pathways adviser.