Fabrizio LeonardoThere is no doubt that Europe is the number one destination for foreign students who want to study medical courses. If you’ve been dreaming about becoming a nurse and you’re also looking for a good place, then you’re definitely on the right page.
Nursing is one of those fields that literally never goes out of workers. They are needed in hospitals, homes, or even in war zones. And why Europe? Well, it has some of the best nursing schools out there, no doubt.
But let’s be honest for a second; the truth is that studying in Europe isn’t exactly cheap. I mean, apart from tuition, there’s rent, food, transport, books, visa fees, and let’s not forget random expenses. That’s why scholarships are a real lifesaver. They don’t just reduce your financial burden. They can also open doors you never thought were possible.
Now, I know the whole process of finding scholarships can feel like trying to find a black goat at night, especially when every website seems to tell you the same thing. That’s why I’ve decided to come up with this article. I believe it will help you even if you are just starting your nursing journey or you’re already into it and thinking of change location.
An Overview of Scholarships for Nursing Programs in Europe
So, what exactly are these scholarships? In simple terms, they’re financial aid packages offered to students based on merit, financial need, or even just the fact that you’re from a particular country. Governments, academic institutions, private organizations, and medical facilities provide some of these.
There are various kinds of nursing scholarships available in Europe. While some provide a monthly stipend for living expenses, others cover your entire tuition. Scholarships that pay for health insurance, travel, or language preparation classes may even be available.
The amounts can differ greatly. While some (particularly fully funded ones) can give you €1,000 or more a month plus tuition coverage, others only offer a few hundred euros. These days, competition can be fierce, particularly for fully funded scholarships. But it’s definitely worth a shot. You could get one that makes your dream of becoming a nurse much more affordable if you have the necessary paperwork and put in a little work.
General Requirements for Nursing Scholarships in Europe
Alright, let’s talk requirements. Every scholarship’s different, but most of them ask for similar stuff. Here’s what you usually need in your application:
- Academic records – This means your certificates and grades. You don’t always need straight As, but your results should show effort.
- Proof of language – English is fine for many programs, but if you’re going to Germany, France, or Italy, you might need to show you can understand the local language.
- Personal or motivation statement – Basically, you will write in your own words why you want to study nursing and why you’re a good fit.
- References – Could be from your teachers, lecturers, or sometimes your boss if you’ve worked before.
- CV or résumé – Just a summary of your education, skills, and maybe volunteer work or jobs.
Some scholarships have age limits. Others only accept students from specific regions or countries, so always double-check before applying.
Scholarships for Nursing Programs in Europe
Below are the top nursing scholarships for international students in looking at studying in Europe.
DAAD Scholarships
Germany is such a solid option for studying nursing, especially because public universities there are practically free. DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers scholarships for international students who want to do their nursing studies or related courses.
What do you get? It’s €850 to €1,200 monthly, plus travel allowance, insurance, and sometimes even a language course before school starts. It’s competitive, but doable if your documents are strong.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD)
If you’re going for a Master’s, Erasmus Mundus is a banger. You study in two or more European countries as part of one program. There are health science-related tracks you can choose that connect to nursing.
They cover your tuition, give you €1,000+ per month for living costs, and even pay your travel fees. Plus, imagine graduating with two degrees from two different countries.
Swedish Institute Scholarships
Third on my list is Swedish scholarship though it’s a bit pricey, not gonna lie. Though their scholarships are strong. The Swedish Institute offers full scholarships to students doing a Master’s degree. If you’re into leadership, sustainability, or health-related topics, you’ve got a shot.
Benefits? Full tuition coverage, about SEK 11,000 (roughly €950) per month, and travel money too. Only downside? You need to have some work or volunteer experience before applying.
Chevening Scholarships
Ah yes, the UK. Great schools but those tuition fees are mostly costly. Thankfully, Chevening Scholarships are here to help.
Chevening is for future leaders — people who want to make a difference. If that sounds like you, and you’re planning to do a postgraduate degree in nursing or public health, you’re eligible.
They cover tuition, monthly allowance, travel, and even visa fees. All you need is a strong application and preferably some leadership or work experience.
Malta Government Scholarships – University of Malta
Don’t sleep on Malta. The University of Malta offers several scholarships for international students in healthcare and nursing fields.
They might not be full-ride scholarships, but they can reduce your fees and offer some help with living costs. And hey, living on a Mediterranean island while studying? Not a bad deal.
University-Specific Scholarships
A lot of universities like KU Leuven in Belgium, University of Pécs in Hungary, or even universities in Finland have their own scholarship programs.
Some offer 50% off tuition, others might offer 100%. So once you pick a country, check what scholarships the individual universities are offering. You’d be surprised how generous some of them are.
Frequently Asked Questions
So yeah, these are questions that pop up all the time, and for good reason. If you’re thinking about studying nursing in Europe, these answers might help you figure out where to start.
Which European country is best for studying nursing?
Honestly, it depends on your goals. Germany is great for free tuition. The UK has some of the best schools. Sweden and Finland offer a lot of support for students, but they’re expensive without a scholarship. If you want affordable and English-taught programs, consider Germany, Poland, or even the Netherlands.
In what country can I study nursing for free?
Germany and Norway are the most popular for free or super cheap education. Germany, especially, has loads of tuition-free programs even for foreigners. But remember, you still need to cover living costs.
Which European countries are cheapest to study nursing?
Germany, Poland, Hungary, and Romania top the list. These countries offer low tuition and relatively affordable living costs compared to Western Europe.
Can I get a scholarship to study nursing in the UK?
Yes, but you’ll need to be proactive. Look into Chevening, Commonwealth Scholarships, and scholarships offered by individual universities like University of Glasgow, King’s College London, etc.
Which European country needs nurses the most?
Germany is actively recruiting nurses like crazy. The population is aging, and they have a healthcare worker shortage. Ireland, Sweden, and Finland are also facing similar challenges.
How much is nursing tuition in Europe?
Huge range. It could be as low as €0 in Germany, up to €20,000 per year in the UK. Most other countries fall somewhere in between Poland and Hungary charge around €3,000–€6,000 per year.
Wrapping It Up
Look, getting a scholarship for a nursing program in Europe isn’t that easy as I stated here. Nonetheless it’s definitely not impossible either. The key is to start early, be organized, and apply for multiple scholarships. Don’t put all your hopes on just one.
Also, don’t underestimate your own story. Sometimes, what you think is “ordinary” is exactly what scholarship people are looking for. They want someone real, with genuine passion, and a have a reason for choosing nursing.
So go for it. Your dream of becoming a nurse in Europe is a lot closer than you think. All it takes is one good “yes” to change your life.
Fabrizio Leonardo
