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If you are considering nursing studying in Italy, you have got nothing to worry about Italy’s quality education with its renowned international universities. It is one of the top tourist destinations worldwide. Aside from its rich, cultural heritage, you will dive into the country’s local cuisine, fashion district, and most especially its outstanding historical architecture. Moreover, studying nursing in Italy can give you the chance to travel to other EU countries with just a train ride. It’s no wonder why many international students choose to pursue their education here.

Pursuing a nursing degree in Italy is possible since many top Italian universities offer this program. The degrees offered are a three-year bachelor’s degree, a two-year master’s degree, and an additional three to five years for doctoral degrees. Obtaining these degrees will give you the opportunity to work in different nursing fields such as in the hospital, community, elderly care, intensive care, psychiatric nursing, public health, and other specializations.

1. Know what it takes to register as a nurse in Italy

Becoming a nurse in Italy is like in most countries. You need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a language proficiency examination, and sponsorship from an Italian hospital. If you plan to study nursing in Italy, keep in mind that most of their courses are in Italian, although there are some institutions that offer an English-medium course. As early as now, try to learn the Italian language not only for school purposes but also for day-to-day conversations in Italy.

Nursing degrees are available across the country. For instance, the University of Milan offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and a Bachelor’s Degree in Pediatric Nursing which can be completed in three years for 180 ECTS. You can further your education with their master’s degree programs such as Master’s Degree in Nursing and Midwifery Sciences completed in two years for 120 ECTS.

For post-graduate degrees, you can pursue a Ph.D. degree from the Biomedical University of Rome. The university also offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, a Master’s Degree in Nursing Science and Obstetrics, and an entry-level Master’s Degree.

These universities ensure that you gain in-depth knowledge of basic nursing subjects such as General Nursing, Human Anatomy, Biochemistry, Community Nursing, Physiology, General Pathology, Intensive care, Healthcare Management, Healthcare Law, and many more.

2. Learn about Top Italian Nursing Schools

To help you decide which school you want to study nursing in Italy, you have to consider many factors that may or may not hinder your application. You have to research the most appropriate location, desirable school size, licensure passer rate, and the course curriculum offered.

The only limiting factor that may prevent your application is the language barrier because most schools offer the program in the Italian language. If this is not a limiting factor for you, then you might not see any problems finding nursing schools in Italy. Another element to take note is the available funds you have.

Make sure that your financial capacity can provide for your tuition fees and daily expenses in the country. To help you with expenses, try to look for scholarships and financial aid in the school of your choice.

3. Meet Italian and English Requirements to Study Nursing in Italy

Since you are studying in a country where English is not their native language, you have to provide a language proficiency examination to the school. Undergraduate programs in most universities are taken in Italian, whereas graduate and postgraduate programs are usually in English.

For example, at the University of Milan, they require an English language proficiency level B1 or higher. If you cannot present a certificate, you can choose to take the SLAM (University Language Centre) placement test during your freshman year usually from the months of September to December.

If you cannot pass the SLAM (University Language Centre) placement test, you will have to attend the SLAM language courses and get a language certification.

4. Prepare Financially

When researching to study nursing in Italy, you have to take into account the cost of tuition. You have to ask yourself – Can I afford the tuition and the cost of living in Italy? If this is the least of your concerns, then you can go ahead and choose any university you like at any location. Generally, living in the city is more costly than living in the countryside of Italy. The cost of expenses can be more than a thousand dollars per month, depending on your location and lifestyle.

As for the cost of tuition of studying nursing in Italy, it can range from USD 5,000 to USD 25,000 per academic year. However, do not hinder yourself because most universities offer scholarships and financial aid to give more opportunities for international students. For instance, the tuition fee at the University of Pisa depends on the student’s country. It can range from EUR 356 to EUR 2,556, about USD 433 to USD 3,115. There is also a possibility for a tuition fee discount depending on credit and financial status.

5. Put together Your Application

When you have decided on a nursing school, you can prepare your documents for submission. These documents are thoroughly reviewed according to their criteria. Most universities in Italy have the same entry requirements. However, it is still recommended to always check the school’s website for more detailed information.

At the Sapienza University of Rome, the required documents are your identity card or passport, study visa for “University Enrolment” for non-EU citizens, high school diploma up to year 12 translated in Italian, English proficiency certificate, and proof of income.

6. Submit Your Application to Nursing Schools

After completing the required documents, you can start your application and submit them. Generally, after giving them your qualifications, you will have to wait for an acceptance letter or they may have to ask for more additional requirements to support your application. Getting an acceptance letter from the university is important in order to apply for a student visa, which is the last crucial step in your application process. For a better understanding of the application process, here is an example from the Sapienza University of Rome.

Their application involves a pre-acceptance letter from their online platform when you register online and submit your documents. For Non-EU students, you will then have to contact them via email or Skype to get information on the specific steps on pre-enrolment, completion, submission, and document check. After which, you will register on the INFOSTUD System and pay for the required initial fees for your course. Moreover, for non-EU students, it is required to take the Italian Language Exam and pass to be able to study nursing in Italy. If this examination is failed, you cannot enroll with the school.

7. Once You Get Accepted, Prepare for Student Visa

For studies exceeding 90 days, a student visa is required to stay in Italy. It is recommended to apply for a visa three months before your intended departure and class opening. The requirements may vary according to your jurisdiction. Thus, check with the Italian embassy in your country for the specific requirements needed to apply.

Generally, you will need to provide a completed visa application form, passport, passport photos, receipt of fee payment, flight booking and detailed itinerary, proof of income, acceptance letter from an Italian university, international health insurance, language proficiency of Italian or English, and proof of accommodation. To get more detailed information, don’t forget to check the Italian embassy of your country or visit Study in Italy.