Study in Germany

Study Nursing in Germany

Free or low-cost nursing education at Europe’s most sophisticated medical universities — with a monthly stipend, 100% placement, and salaries up to €3,000/month after graduation.

Why Germany

Why Study Nursing in Germany?

Nursing is a respected, in-demand profession with a clear, affordable pathway in Germany.

Access to the most sophisticated medical technology and medical universities in Europe.

Lowest tuition fees — free at many universities, with only minimal application and enrolment costs.

Study with a monthly stipend of €650–1,000 while training.

100% placement after completion — start earning up to €3,000/month.

Specialise further with Fachweiterbildung — ICU, anaesthesia, palliative care, oncology and more.

Work throughout Europe — Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg and beyond.

Universities

Top Nursing Institutes in Germany

Explore our partner universities for nursing study.

HS Osnabrück University
IMC FH Krems
FH Bielefeld
HS Esslingen
Catholic University of NRW
Alice Salomon HS Berlin
HS Bremen
Lutheran University Nuremberg
Documents

Documents Required

1

Resume/CV submitted in German.

2

High school/diploma certificates and school leaving certificate.

3

Motivational letter / Statement of Purpose.

4

Birth certificate and passport-sized photographs.

5

Medical certificate of physical fitness.

6

Two recommendation letters.

At a Glance

Nursing in Germany at a Glance

3-year course duration
2,100 hrs theory + 2,500 hrs practical
Stipend €650–1,000/month
Salary up to €3,000/month post-study
PR eligible after 3–5 years
Free education, no tuition fees
Pathway

Pre-Requisites to Study Nursing

The three essential steps before you begin your nursing journey in Germany.

1

German A1 / B1

Learn German to A1 level (or B1 for vocational training/Ausbildung) in your home country before applying.

2

Studienkolleg (M-Kurse)

Complete the preparatory M-Kurse program to build your academic and language foundation.

3

FSP Exam

Clear the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) — the final qualifying exam before starting your nursing course.

About the Program

Nursing in Germany is a three-year course combining 2,100 hours of theoretical knowledge with 2,500 hours of hands-on practical training at hospitals connected to nursing schools. Along the way, you can specialise further through Fachweiterbildung — a two-year specialisation in areas like ward management, ICU and anaesthesia, palliative care, psychiatric care, quality management, OR and oncology.

Germany faces a considerable shortage of qualified nurses, which means strong job security and career growth for graduates. With free or near-free education, a living stipend during training, and the ability to work anywhere in the EU afterward, nursing remains one of the most accessible and rewarding pathways for international students building a future in Germany.

Ready to start your nursing journey?

Talk to our counsellors and get a free personalised roadmap for nursing admission in Germany.

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Careers

Career Path After Studying Nursing in Germany

Germany has one of the largest nursing shortages in Europe, and qualified nurses (Pflegefachkraft) are in consistent demand across hospitals, care homes and outpatient services. Graduates typically start on salaries in the range of €30,000–€38,000 a year, with steady increases through collective bargaining agreements (Tarifvertrag) as experience grows, and additional allowances for night shifts, specialisation and public-sector roles.

nursing study in Germany
Students and professionals in Germany
Good to Know

Key Facts About Nursing study

Typical duration3-year dual/vocational-academic training combining classroom study with paid practical placements.
Language requirementB2 German is generally required to begin training, with B2/C1 needed for the final licensing exam.
Earning while trainingMost nursing training routes in Germany pay a monthly training allowance, unlike many countries where nursing study is unpaid.
Job securityNursing is on Germany’s official skilled-shortage occupation list, simplifying visa and long-term residency pathways.
Avoid These

Common Mistakes to Avoid

⚠️
Choosing an unaccredited language instituteNot every language school prepares you for the medical/nursing-specific vocabulary tested in the licensing process — verify accreditation before enrolling.
⚠️
Assuming all German states recognise foreign nursing degrees equallyRecognition (Anerkennung) rules vary slightly by federal state; we help you target states where your existing qualification transfers most smoothly.
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a nursing licence from my home country first?

Having a home-country nursing qualification helps, but it isn’t always mandatory — we assess your background and recommend the right entry route.

Is the training paid?+

Yes, most German nursing training routes pay a monthly training allowance throughout the programme.

Can my family join me later?+

Once you have stable employment and income after training, family reunification visas are generally possible.

Get in Touch with AdmissionGermany

Book a free consultation with our counsellors and get a personalised roadmap for your nursing admission — no obligation, no hidden fees.

📞
+49 155 1029 1371Mon–Sat, 9am–7pm CET
info@admissiongermany.deWe reply within 24 hours
📍
Hannover, DeutschlandVisit us by appointment

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