With the rise in the demand for healthcare professionals, many countries are in need of qualified nurses. Countries like Italy, the UK, Germany, Ireland, and France have a growing demand for nurse professionals. This phenomenon has led to nursing becoming a favored and well-paying profession.
This trend signifies a golden opportunity for international students to study nursing in Europe. Europe is well-regarded for its excellent medical education and job opportunities. Thousands of international students choose to pursue their medical education in Europe because of its affordability. Gyanberry has helped more than 10,000 students secure a seat in the best medical universities in Europe.
Several countries offer courses to study nursing in Europe. But this article focuses on the countries offering nursing programs in the English Language. You will also learn about the best universities, tuition fees, and admission requirements to study nursing in Europe.
Popular universities to study nursing in Europe
Europe presents innumerable opportunities for nursing students. Study programs are available at various study levels. Students can choose to pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees. The below list features 20 popular universities across Europe.
| University | Country |
| Anglia Ruskin University* | United Kingdom |
| Middlesex University | United Kingdom |
| University of Bradford | United Kingdom |
| Coventry University | United Kingdom |
| Brunel University London | United Kingdom |
| Trinity College Dublin* | Ireland |
| Unicamillus University | Italy |
| Sapienza University of Rome | Italy |
| The University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli | Italy |
| Medical University of Silesia | Poland |
| Medical University of Gdańsk | Poland |
| Polonia University | Poland |
| University of Pecs | Hungary |
| University of Debrecen | Hungary |
| University of Szeged | Hungary |
| Semmelweis University | Hungary |
| University of Nicosia | Cyprus |
| Eastern Mediterranean university | Cyprus |
| Near East University | Cyprus |
| Lithuanian University of Health Sciences | Lithuania |
*Bachelor’s programs in nursing are not open for Non-EU students. However, Non-EU students can enroll for master’s programs after confirming their eligibility.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is among the most popular study abroad countries for international students. Some universities do not accept international students into their nursing programs. Students should ensure that their preferred university accepts international applications.
The number of universities offering nursing in the UK is not limited to the ones listed above. There are close to 120 institutes and universities offering nursing undergraduate courses.
Ireland
Ireland is also a favored study destination for international students. This is because Ireland is the only English-speaking country in the EU. But options for programs in nursing are quite limited compared to the UK. Trinity College Dublin offers a few courses at the postgraduate level. International students are not eligible to apply for undergraduate courses.
Italy
Studying in Italy exposes students to a multicultural environment. But most programs in Italy are taught in Italian. There are only a few universities offering nursing in English. The university that stands out in its full English curriculum and international approach is Unicamillus University.
Unicamillus University is a private institution. Students can also choose to study at public universities of “The University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli” or “Sapienza University of Rome.” The duration of nursing in Italy at the undergraduate level is three years.
Poland
Poland is well known for its high-quality medical education. As part of the EU, Poland’s courses are accepted everywhere in the EU region. The courses are also accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Nursing and Midwifery Schools (KRASPiP). Since the programs are available in the English language, students do not have to learn Polish.
Hungary
Some of the oldest and the largest universities in Europe are situated in Hungary. The University of Pecs, which is the oldest in Hungary, offers a wide range of courses in medicine and health. Other universities: the University of Debrecen, the University of Szeged, and Semmelweis University, also offer nursing in the English language. All these universities rank within the best 600 medical universities in the world, per QS Rankings 2022.
Cyprus
Nursing programs in Cyprus are usually four years in duration. In Cyprus, only undergraduate programs are available in the English language. For postgraduate programs, students must have sufficient knowledge of the Greek language. A total of five universities offer undergraduate nursing degrees in Cyprus. Eastern Mediterranean University and Near East University are among the popular ones.
Lithuania
In Lithuania, options to pursue nursing come down to just one university. The Lithuanian University of Health Sciences is among the top-ranking universities in the country. Students can pursue an undergraduate degree and a postgraduate degree in English. The duration is four years and two years respectively.
Nursing programs for international students in Europe
Many European universities offer English-taught Nursing programs. The students undergo skill development in multiple avenues. The programs aim to develop core skills of basic patient care, rehabilitation, post-surgery care, counseling, etc.
Students also learn other related competencies, such as communication, leadership, emergency management, and decision-making.
Nursing programs in Europe are available in many specializations. The duration is generally three to four years for bachelor’s degrees and two years for master’s degrees. Take a look at the commonly available ones.
Bachelor’s level
- Nursing (Adult), BSc
- Nursing (Child), BSc
- Nursing (Mental Health), BSc
- Nursing (Learning Disabilities), BSc
- Veterinary Nursing, BSc
Master’s level
- Advanced Clinical Practice, MSc
- Midwifery Studies, MSc
- Nursing (Mental Health), MSc
- Clinical Nursing, MSc
Admission requirements to study nursing in Europe
Admission requirements and eligibility criteria change with each country and university. However, international students usually have to keep a few general criteria in mind. Nursing degrees at the undergraduate level require a high school diploma. Some other criteria are mentioned below.
- High school diploma
- Academic Transcripts
- English language proficiency
- Personal Statement
- Recommendation letters
- Photocopy of the passport
- One passport-sized photograph
- Health certificate
You can find out the specific admission criteria of your preferred university or country by simply contacting Gyanberry. Our admission counselors will help you understand every aspect of studying at your dream medical university.
Tuition fees to study nursing in Europe
The following table presents a brief overview of the tuition fee ranges of studying nursing in various countries in Europe.
| Country | Annual Tuition Fee in EUR* | Annual Tuition Fee in USD* |
| United Kingdom | EUR 16,626-21,436 (GBP 14,000-18,050) | $ 16,874-21,755 |
| Ireland | EUR 11,000-21,900 | $ 11,158-22,215 |
| Italy | EUR 2,500-3,500 | $ 2,535-3,550 |
| Poland | EUR 2,227-4,833 (PLN 10,600-23,000) | $ 2,260-4,902 |
| Hungary | EUR 5,000-6,200 | $ 5,071-6,500 |
| Cyprus | EUR 5,600-15,719 | $ 5,680-15,937 |
| Lithuania | EUR 4,300-4,920 | $ 4,361-4,990 |
*Tuition Fees have been converted using the following currency exchange rates:
1 GBP= 1.19 EUR; 1 GBP = 1.21 USD; 1 EUR – 1.01 USD; 1 USD = 0.99 EUR; 1 PLN = 0.21 EUR; 1 PLN = 0.21 USD. All currency exchange rates are subject to change.
Career prospects of nursing in Europe
Nursing programs in Europe train students for their profession. After completing graduation, students are eligible to apply for their nurse license. Each country in Europe has its own regulatory body.
Below is a list of the nurse licensing authorities in Europe.
- United Kindom: The Nurse and Midwifery Council
- Ireland: Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland
- Italy: National Federation of Nursing Professions Orders (FNOPI / IPASVI)
- Poland: Ministry of Health
- Hungary: National Healthcare Service Center (AEEK)
- Cyprus: Cyprus Nursing and Midwifery Council
- Lithuania: State Health Care Accreditation Agency under the Ministry of Health
Nurses can work in a variety of workplaces. Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and schools are some of the typical workplaces.