As medical science advances, life expectancy also becomes higher. However, as people live longer, problems that come with old age also emerge. With many countries having a growing elderly population, the demand for healthcare and nursing professionals also starts to rise.
Licensed healthcare workers have plenty of opportunities to work, but a degree and professional training are needed to get there. Money can sometimes be a big problem when it comes to higher education, and this article is here to help. Here are the free nursing schools in the world that can give you the education and training you need without breaking the bank.
Why study Nursing?
Here are the reasons to study Nursing:
1. Great Career Outlook and employment opportunities
There have been reported cases of shortage of nurses, leading to an increase in the demand for registered nurses.
The Bureau of labor statistics predicted that before 2024, over 44,000 new nursing jobs will be made available to individuals. This predicted job growth rate is greater than the average growth rate of other occupations.
2. Acquire diverse healthcare skills
Nursing schools educate students on several aspects of healthcare and interpersonal skills.
During your study to become a nurse, you’ll learn some interpersonal, clinical and technical skills which you can apply in various health sectors.
3. Vast career opportunities
When most people hear about nursing, they have this vague perception which is often a product of improper information.
The nursing profession is vast with different opportunities and responsibilities to explore even outside the traditional healthcare space.
4. Become a Registered Nurse
There are different requirements to study nursing in different countries and also different processes to become a registered nurse.
However, before you can become a registered nurse, you may need to study some prerequisite nursing courses and you will also need to study nursing at the post secondary level. Registered Nurses are often expected to have completed either a bachelor’s degree or associate degree in nursing.
You are also expected to have received a license in you state of work.
5. Positive self image and fulfilment
One of the greatest feelings in the world is when you’re able to help people get better and care for them in their most difficult moments. Apart from being a trusted and respected profession, nursing is also rewarding and satisfying.
10 Free Nursing Schools Without Tuition
Did you know that free Nursing schools without tuition fee assists nursing students all over the world to graduate with little or no student debt?
Also, there are very affordable schools in USA, Canada, UK and other countries around the world where you can study nursing at almost zero cost.
We have researched ten of these institutions without tuition around the world, so that you can study nursing without paying outrageous school fees.
Before we show you these schools, let’s show you some reasons why nursing is a great profession anyone can aspire for.
List of free Nursing Schools Without Tuition
- Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences – University of Agder.
- Department of Health Studies – University of Stavanger.
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Media Studies – Hochschule Bremen City University of Applied Sciences (HSB).
- Department of Nursing and Management – Hamburg University of Applied Sciences.
- Department of Health and Care Sciences – The Arctic University of Norway (UiT).
- Berea College.
- City College of San Francisco.
- College of the Ozarks.
- Alice Lloyd College.
- University of Oslo.
Top 10 free nursing schools without Tuition
1. Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences – University of Agder
Location: Kristiansand, Norway.
It is a popular policy that public schools in Norway do not pay tuition fees. This “no tuition fee” policy also applies at the University of Agder.
However, international students are mandated to pay semester fees of about NOK800, but exchange students are exempted.
2. Department of Health Studies – University of Stavanger
Location: Stavanger, Norway.
Another free nursing school without tuition fee is the state University of Stavanger. Although tuition is free, students will have to cover semester fees, living fees and other additional fees.
The university tries to assist students with some of this cost by making scholarships like the Erasmus Mundus in Social Work with Families and Children available.
3. City University of Applied Sciences
Location: Bremen, Germany.
Tuition fee is free for students of Nursing in the faculty of Social science at the Hochschule Bremen City University of Applied Sciences (HSB).
Nevertheless, students are expected to have a German bank account to transfer fees like; semester fees, rent, health insurance and additional bills. To cater for these fees, students may access grants and scholarships or engage in part time jobs.
4. Department of Nursing and Management – Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
Location: Hamburg, Germany.
At the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences students don’t pay tuition fees, but they pay a contribution of 360€ per semester.
The institution also makes scholarships available to international students to help them pay some fees and study without debt.
5. Department of Health and Care Sciences – The Arctic University of Norway (UiT)
Location: Tromsø, Norway.
At the Arctic University of Norway (UiT), you’ll go through nursing school without having to pay for tuition fees.
However, all students are expected to pay semester fees of NOK 626 except exchange students.
6. Berea College
Location: Berea, Kentucky, U.S.A
At Berea College, students receive quality and affordable education alongside other additional benefits at no cost.
No student at Berea College pays tuition fees. This is made possible by their No-Tuition promise which covers the tuition fees of all students.
7. City College of San Francisco
Location: San Francisco, California, , U.S.A
City College of San Francisco partners with the County of San Francisco to offer residents free tuition education.
This free tuition program is called free city, and it is only awarded to residents.
8. College of the Ozarks
Location: Missouri, USA.
College of the Ozarks popularly called C of O, is a Christian liberal-arts college that offers students free tuition education to enable them graduate without debt.
Every student in the college engages in a 15hour on-campus work every week. Credits acquired from the work program is combined with federal/state aid and the college’s cost of education scholarship to pay for students cost of education.
9. Alice Lloyd College
Location: Kentucky, USA
This college offers indigenous students within their service area a totally free tuition education for up to 10 semesters.
The school also provide financial assistance to its students through students work programs, endowed scholarships and other financial aids.
10. University of Oslo
Location: Oslo Norway
At the University of Oslo, students are not charged tuition fee but they are expected to pay a semester fees of NOK 860 (USD $100).
Students will also be responsible for their accommodation, and other financial expenses during their stay in the school.
Free Nursing Schools
1. Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences – University of Adger
The first free nursing school on this list is the Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences within the University of Adger. Along with its high standard of living and rising demand for nurses and care workers, Norway is popular among nursing students. Job opportunities after graduation are plenty for those with a nursing degree, and education provided here is first-class.
According to Norway’s education policy, education in public universities is free of charge. Only semester fees have to be paid, and they cover discounts in public transportation and expenses of the student association.
The language of instruction at this faculty is Norwegian, but some courses are taught in English. Its campus-based studies train students to understand theories and think critically, while practical placements allow them to apply theories to real-life practice. With 19 programs at both bachelor’s and master’s level, this faculty is dedicated to offer a great education for those interested in a career in nursing and train more healthcare professionals.
2. Department of Health Studies – University of Stavanger
Next on our list of free nursing schools that charge no tuition is the Department of Health Studies within the University of Stavanger. As mentioned, public universities offer free degree programs. This department offers bachelor’s and master’s programs, and there are Norwegian as well as English programs, which makes it all the more ideal for international students.
This public university was established in 2005, and its research output is very high. In 2019, it was ranked #3 in Norway for its research publications per academic staff. The department of Health Studies within this university offers unique programs that cannot be found in other institutions in Nordic Countries, such as its Master in Prehospital Critical Care.
The master’s program in prehospital critical care is also the only international degree in this field of studies, and it provides prehospital care providers academic training so that they can evaluate the knowledge in their field critically. With importance placed in both academic excellence and real-life practice, this department is certainly a great choice for students of nursing.
3. Faculty of Social Sciences and Media Studies – Hochschule Bremen City University of Applied Sciences (HSB)
Hochschule Bremen City University of Applied Sciences (HSB) is a free nursing school that requires only a semester fee. International students can enroll in its high-quality programs without being charged a tuition fee. Its programs are mainly in German with some courses in English, so students are expected to have sufficient knowledge in German at level C1 (CEFR).
This faculty offers one program in nursing, but it is a program that can definitely compete with programs delivered by other nursing schools. The International Degree Program in Nursing is a degree program at the bachelor level that equips its student with academic knowledge in theories as well as skills necessary for a nursing career.
With “international” in its name, this program values a global experience. A semester abroad is required in this program. Students get to choose from over 300 partner institutions worldwide. This program is designed to broaden students’ horizons and help them develop further as individuals and professionals.
4. Department of Nursing and Management – Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
The Department of Nursing and Management within Hamburg University of Applied Sciences is next on this list. With a small semester contribution of less than EUR 350 that goes to student services and student government, students can study in outstanding nursing programs in German at this university for free.
This free nursing school has five programs, with three of them at the bachelor level while the other two are master’s programs. Its programs involve both academic learning and vocational training. Students receive an outstanding education in theories and the scientific aspects of the subject of their choice, while also getting trained for a career in healthcare and nursing.
To train better healthcare professionals for the future, this department offers a cooperative program that has modules taught in two other nursing schools (Albertinen-Schule Academy of Nursing and the Academy of Nursing and Pediatric Nursing). This way, students receive a more comprehensive education and have access to more resources, which contribute positively to their development as healthcare professionals.
5. Department of Health and Care Sciences – The Arctic University of Norway (UiT)
We end our list of free nursing schools with the Department of Health and Care Sciences within the Arctic University of Norway (UiT). Specifically stated in its website of student budget and cost of living, there are no tuition fees for both local and international students. Students are required to pay a semester fee of NOK 625 for their student cards, counseling services, class registration, and exams.
Founded in 1968, this university is known for its location as it is the northernmost university in the world. Having merged with many other outstanding Norwegian universities over time, UiT has six campuses in total now.
The Department of Health and Care Sciences offers degree programs for those who would like to study in this field as well as continuing education programs for health care professionals for the development and improvement of specific skills. Students can learn both academic knowledge in class and gain hands-on experience during their internships.
Advantages of being a Nurse?
Here are several motivations for studying nursing:
1. Excellent job prospects and career prospects.
There have been incidences of reported nurse shortages, which has increased demand for registered nurses.
Before 2024, nearly 44,000 new nurse positions will become available, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This projected rate of job growth is higher than the average rate of increase for other professions.
2. Develop a variety of healthcare skills:
Students are taught a variety of healthcare topics and interpersonal skills in nursing programs.
3. Numerous career options:
The majority of people have a hazy impression of nursing when they hear about it, which is frequently the result of inaccurate information.
4. Train to be a nurse:
In addition to having varied qualifications depending on the country, becoming a registered nurse also has a different application process.