Study and Work as a Nurse in Germany: Eligibility, Salary, Visa Process, and Benefits
Study and Work as a Nurse in Germany offers education and career opportunities in healthcare. Learn how to study and work as a Nurse in Germany, eligibility, salary, visa, and benefits.
Muskan Verma27 Oct, 2025
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Study and Work as a Nurse in Germany: Many young people dream to Study and Work as a Nurse in Germany. Germany offers chances to learn nursing, work in hospitals or care homes, and live in a safe country. If you want to Study and work as a Nurse in Germany, you need to know what is needed, how much you can earn, and how to apply.
Nursing Profession In Germany Overview
After school, you can study and Work as a Nurse in Germany by doing either vocational training (called Ausbildung) or university degree programs. Both ways lead to working in hospitals, long-term care, or home care.
| Nursing Profession in Germany Overview | |
| Aspect | What it means |
| What is nursing | Taking care of people of all ages, helping with bathing, feeding, moving, checking health, and working with doctors. |
| Nursing kinds | General nursing, geriatric (old people), paediatric (children) nursing. |
| Work places | Hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, nursing homes, home care services, and palliative care. |
| Why Germany | Demand for nurses is rising because of an ageing population, good living conditions, and stable work. |
Study Nursing in Germany for International Students
If you want to study nursing in Germany for international students, here are some key facts you should know. Many students choose this path because it offers both study and practical experience in the healthcare field.
| Study Nursing in Germany for International Students | |
| Aspect | Details |
| Tuition Fees | Public vocational schools and public universities in Germany often do not charge tuition fees for nursing Ausbildung programs, even for international students. |
| Stipend During Training | In Ausbildung, students receive a monthly stipend while learning and working in hospitals or clinics. |
| Duration of Course | The Ausbildung program usually takes around 3 years to complete, depending on the institution and schedule. |
| Language Requirement | Most nursing programs require a B2 level in German according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This ensures smooth communication with patients and healthcare staff. |
Study and Work as a Nurse in Germany Requirements
To study and work as a Nurse in Germany, you must have a nursing diploma or degree, show language ability, and meet legal rules. These let you work legally as a nurse. Below, we’ve mentioned the Requirements
| Study and Work as a Nurse in a Germany Requirements | |
| Requirement | Details |
| Educational qualification | Completed nursing training (diploma/degree) or be ready for the Ausbildung program. |
| German language skills | Usually B2 level of German is required. Some parts start with B1, but full recognition needs B2. |
| Qualification recognition | Your nursing qualification from your country must be recognised in Germany. If not fully equivalent, you may need adaptation training or tests. |
| Medical fitness and good conduct | You must show you are physically and mentally fit. Also, show you have a clean record (no major criminal issues). |
Salary and Work Opportunities in Germany
When you finish your training or get recognised, you can work as a registered nurse. Pay depends on experience, place (big city or small town), and special area (ICU, children, elderly care).
| Salary and Work Opportunities in Germany | |
| Role / Situation | Approximate Gross Monthly Salary* |
| Assistant / Nurse in training (before full recognition) | €1,800 – €2,300 |
| Registered Nurse (after recognition) | €2,800 – €3,500 |
| Specialized Nurse (ICU, pediatrics, etc.) | €3,500 – €4,500+ |
* Gross salary = before taxes and deductions. Net (take-home pay) will be lower.
Opportunities:
- Many hospitals and care facilities need more nurses.
- After working for some years, you can specialize (for example, in children’s nursing or elderly care) or take leadership roles.
- Options to work in home care, long-term care, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
How to Apply for Study and Work as a Nurse in Germany
Below, we’ve mentioned the steps on how to apply for study and work as a nurse in Germany:
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Learn German: Start early. Aim for B2 German. You might need to take language tests (Goethe, TELC, etc.).
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Prepare documents: Get your nursing degree or diploma, transcripts, and certificates. Translate into German. Get a certificate of good conduct. Medical fitness proof.
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Get your qualification recognised: Submit an application to the recognition authority in the state (Bundesland) where you want to work. If your qualification differs, you may need adaptation training or an exam.
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Find training or job: Apply for an Ausbildung program or a nursing job that supports recognition. Many hospitals offer dual training.
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Visa application (if needed): If you come from a non-EU country, apply for the visa that allows working or recognition. You may apply before moving. Many need a visa for recognition or work.
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Move to Germany & start work/training: After visa, settle, register address, health insurance, begin your Ausbildung or job under recognition partnership.
Study and Work as a Nurse in Germany Visa and Recognition Details
Visa and recognition are important to being able to study and work as a Nurse in Germany legally. Non-EU citizens need a visa and recognition of qualifications. Below, we’ve mentioned the Germany Visa and Recognition Details:
| Study and Work as a Nurse in Germany Visa and Recognition Details | |
| Item | Details |
| Visa for non-EU students/workers | You need a residence permit or a visa for skilled workers or for recognition. |
| Recognition of qualification | Your foreign nursing qualification must be assessed. If not equivalent, you will have to do an adaptation or a test. |
| Recognition partnership | Some programs let you enter Germany and start working while qualification recognition is ongoing. Requires employer cooperation and certain German skills. |
| Time for the process | Recognition often takes 3-6 months if all documents are ready. |
Benefits of Studying and Working as a Nurse in Germany
Choosing to study and work as a Nurse in Germany brings many benefits. Below, we’ve mentioned some benefits of studying and working as a nurse in Germany:
| Benefits of Studying and Working as a Nurse in Germany | |
| Benefit | Why it matters |
| Career opportunities | High demand means many job openings in hospitals, elder care, and home care. |
| No tuition fee or low cost | Ausbildung is usually free; public nursing programs cost little or no tuition. |
| Earn while learning | In Ausbildung, you get a stipend so you can cover some living costs. |
| Stable work and benefits | Regular working hours, health insurance, pension contributions, paid leave. |
| Living in a good environment | Safe cities, good infrastructure, public transport. Also, many multicultural teams. |
Studying and working as a nurse in Germany is a strong opportunity. If you meet the Study and Work as a Nurse in Germany Requirements, learn German, and get your qualification recognised, you can build a stable and respected career. Germany allows you to study and work as a Nurse in Germany with good pay, learning, and many benefits. If you are interested, start planning early: get your documents ready, learn German, and find a good program.
Study and Work as a Nurse in Germany FAQs
What qualifications do I need?
What level of German is required?
Is there an age limit?
Can I study nursing in Germany for free?
