Last Updated on June 5, 2024 by Unwana Akpan
Get detailed guide on where and how to study nursing in Italy as an international student. If you’re thinking of studying nursing in Italy, you won’t be disappointed with the country’s high-quality education and renowned international colleges. It is one of the most popular tourist places in the world.
You will explore the country’s distinctive cuisine, fashion sector, and, most importantly, its remarkable historical architecture, in addition to its rich cultural legacy. Furthermore, studying nursing in Italy can provide you with the opportunity to travel to other EU countries by train. It’s easy to see why so many international students choose to study here.
Many top Italian schools offer nursing programs, thus pursuing a nursing degree in Italy is possible. A three-year bachelor’s degree, a two-year master’s degree, and a three- to five-year doctoral degree are among the degrees available. These degrees will allow you to work in a variety of nursing settings, including hospitals, community settings, senior care, intensive care, psychiatric nursing, public health, and other specializations.
After earning a nursing degree in Italy, you can opt to work as a nurse in the country if you meet the government’s requirements. You must pass the Italian Nursing Board Exam, acquire a certificate of language competency, be hired by an Italian hospital, and have a valid working visa from the Italian Embassy. Because Italy is a non-English speaking country, it is highly advised that you have language skills in both Italian and English in order to interact effectively at school and at work.
How to Study Nursing in Italy for International Students
Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Its delicious food, modern fashion, and old history are just a few of the reasons why over 50 million tourists visit each year. Education is another aspect that has brought this country to the attention of the world community. Every year, Italy welcomes a large number of international students. The Italian educational institutions provide a diverse range of courses in a variety of subjects, including engineering, medicine, and law.
- See also; Online nursing schools without clinicals
Do you intend to pursue a career in nursing in the country? In order to work as a respected nurse in Italy, you will need to complete various levels of study. In this essay, we’ll go over some of the most important considerations to make if you want to study nursing in Italy.
1. What Degrees are there for Nursing in Italy?
In order to work as a nurse in Italy, you must meet certain standards. For starters, a bachelor’s degree is required, and it’s available at a number of nursing schools across the country. Many Italian universities also offer postgraduate programs that allow you to further your education. The University of Milan, for example, provides a master’s degree in nursing and midwifery studies. Within the field, there are various PhD programs in your favorite disciplines.
2. Study Nursing in Italy requirements for international students
There are a few requirements that must be met in order for your application to be accepted as a nurse in Italy. As you may assume, the key factors taken into account during admission differ from one institution to the next. In fact, depending on the university you choose, the entire process may differ. However, there are some similar standards that must be met in order to study nursing in these colleges in Italy.
For starters, students interested in taking undergraduate classes must have a high school diploma. Because some undergraduate and graduate programs are taught entirely in English, you will need to submit a language exam to demonstrate your proficiency. For example, to be admitted to the University of Milan, one must have an English proficiency level of B1. IELTS can be used for this reason, however you must have a score of 6.5 overall.
Know what it takes to register as a nurse in Italy
In Italy, becoming a nurse is similar to becoming a nurse in most other nations. A bachelor’s degree in nursing, a language proficiency exam, and sponsorship from an Italian hospital are all required. If you want to study nursing in Italy, keep in mind that the majority of the courses are taught in Italian, while some institutions do offer English-medium programs. Try to learn the Italian language as soon as possible, not just for school but also for everyday discussions in Italy.
Nursing degrees are accessible all throughout this nation. The University of Milan, for example, offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and a Bachelor’s Degree in Pediatric Nursing, both of which may be completed in three years and total 180 ECTS. You can continue your study by enrolling in one of their master’s degree programs, such as the Master’s Degree in Nursing and Midwifery Sciences, which takes two years and 120 ECTS to complete.
A PhD degree from the Biomedical University of Rome is available for post-graduate studies. A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, a Master’s Degree in Nursing Science and Obstetrics, and an entry-level Master’s Degree are also available at the university.
Basic nursing disciplines such as General Nursing, Human Anatomy, Biochemistry, Community Nursing, Physiology, General Pathology, Intensive Care, Healthcare Management, Healthcare Law, and others are covered in depth at these universities.
3. In What Languages Do You Study Nursing in Italy?
Study nursing in Italy in English or Italian. The latter is more common in undergraduate courses, whereas English is more common in graduate programs. Most schools, however, choose to separate their courses into two categories: those taught in English and those taught in Italian. As a result, you can choose your preferred solutions while keeping this in mind. Regardless of your choice, it is still advisable to be fluent in both languages for communication purposes.
- Get to know the best universities in Italy
Meet Italian and English Requirements to Study Nursing in Italy
Because you are studying in a country where English is not the native language, you must furnish the school with a language competency assessment. Most universities provide undergraduate degrees in Italian, whereas graduate and postgraduate programs are frequently offered in English.
For example, at the University of Milan, English language competency level B1 or higher is required. If you do not have a certificate, you can take the SLAM (University Language Centre) placement test during your freshman year, which is normally from September through December.
If you fail the SLAM (University Language Centre) placement test, you must enroll in SLAM language classes and obtain a language certificate.
4. Prepare Financially
When looking at studying nursing in Italy, you must consider the expense of tuition. You must question yourself, “Can I afford the tuition and living costs in Italy?” If this is the least of your worries, you are free to attend any university you want in any place. Living in the city is generally more expensive than living in the Italian countryside. Expenses might run into the thousands of dollars per month, depending on where you live and how you live.
Study Nursing in Italy Fees
How much money will you need to study nursing in Italy? This is still one of the most important questions that anyone considering studying abroad should ask. In Italy, universities and other higher education institutions have the option of setting their own school fees. However, the value must remain within the established parameters.
For public and private institutions, you may need up to €4,000 or €20,000 per year as an international student. There are, nevertheless, several affordable colleges in Italy that provide affordable tuition prices for overseas students.
Remember that the precise fee paid will be determined by the institution, the level of study, and your country of origin. Different fee schemes apply to EU and non-EU students. Despite the fact that these fees are very inexpensive when compared to those in other European nations, you may still require financial assistance. As a result, institutions, NGOs, and governments offer a variety of scholarships.
When it comes to living expenses, you’ll require anywhere from €700 to €1400 each month. This is the overall cost of your transportation, meals, lodging, and other recurrent charges. Naturally, it is dependent on the city in which you choose to reside. Milan and Rome, for example, are more expensive than cities like Bologna.
International students are permitted to work while studying in Italy, but only under specified conditions. Students based in the EU are allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during their leisure time. Non-EU students, on the other hand, must first obtain a work permit. Furthermore, they are limited to jobs given by firms domiciled in Italy. Despite the fact that this is a time-consuming procedure, it will assist you in reducing your monthly expenses.
Tuition for studying nursing in Italy might cost anywhere between USD 5,000 and USD 25,000 each academic year. However, don’t let this deter you; most colleges provide scholarships and financial aid to international students to expand their prospects. The tuition fee at the University of Pisa, for example, is determined by the student’s home country. It can be anything from EUR 356 and EUR 2,556, or USD 433 and USD 3,115. Depending on your credit and financial situation, you may be eligible for a tuition cost reduction.
5. Put together Your Application
You can start preparing your paperwork for submission once you’ve chosen on a nursing school. These documents are properly examined in accordance with their requirements. The entrance requirements for most Italian universities are the same. However, for more detailed information, it is still advised that you visit the school’s website.
Your identity card or passport, a study visa for “University Enrolment” for non-EU individuals, a high school diploma up to year 12 translated into Italian, an English proficiency certificate, and proof of income are all required documents at the Sapienza University of Rome.
6. Submit Your Application to Nursing Schools
You can begin your application and submit it after you have completed the required paperwork. After you’ve given them your qualifications, you’ll either have to wait for an acceptance letter or they’ll ask for extra information to back up your application. Obtaining a university acceptance letter is required in order to apply for a student visa, which is the final step in the application process. Here’s an example from Rome’s Sapienza University to help you comprehend the application process.
When you register online and submit your documents, you will receive a pre-acceptance letter through their web platform. Non-EU students will need to contact you through email or Skype to learn about the exact steps for pre-enrolment, completion, submission, and document review. After that, you’ll enroll in the INFOSTUD System and pay the course’s mandatory beginning expenses. Furthermore, non-EU students must take and pass the Italian Language Exam in order to study nursing in Italy. If you fail this exam, you will be unable to enroll in the institution.
7. Once You Get Accepted, Prepare for Student Visa
A student visa is necessary for stays in Italy that last longer than 90 days. It is suggested that you apply for a visa three months prior to your planned departure and class start date. Depending on your jurisdiction, the criteria may differ. As a result, contact the Italian consulate in your country to learn more about the precise requirements for applying.
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, Italian or English language proficiency, and proof of accommodation are all required. Don’t forget to check with your country’s Italian consulate or visit Study in Italy for further information.
8. Learn about Top Italian Nursing Schools
To help you pick which nursing school in Italy you want to attend, you must evaluate a number of aspects that may or may not affect your application. You’ll need to look at the best location, ideal school size, license pass rate, and course content available.
The only thing that can prohibit you from applying is a language barrier, as most colleges only offer the curriculum in Italian. If this isn’t a deal breaker for you, you should have no trouble finding nursing schools in Italy. Another factor to consider is the amount of money you have on hand.
- Read also; Free nursing schools in Europe
Make sure you have enough money to cover your tuition and living expenses while you’re in the nation. Look for scholarships and financial aid at the institution of your choosing to help you with your expenses.
Where to Study Nursing in Italy – Best Nursing Schools in Italy
1. University of Milan
- Degrees offered: Bachelor’s, Master of Science, PhD
The University of Milan, sometimes known as Statale or UniMi, is Italy’s premier nursing school. It has nearly 60,000 students enrolled in a variety of majors, including nursing (undergraduate and graduate programs). With over 2,000 teaching professionals, you may rest assured that the institution’s resources are not being taxed by the number of pupils. You can choose from a variety of degrees at the University of Milan, depending on your level of study.
For example, a master’s degree in nursing is designed to teach students how to translate their theoretical knowledge into practical abilities. They’ll also be able to assess changing care needs in the nursing field.
2. Sapienza University of Rome
- Degrees offered: Bachelor’s, Master of Science (MSc), Doctorate (PhD)
The Sapienza University of Rome is another well-known and prominent Italian university. This collegiate research university was founded in the 1300s in Rome. This nursing school in Italy enrolls over 115,000 students each year, making it one of the world’s largest. Both domestic and international students can pursue nursing degrees at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Their entire nursing courses are primarily aimed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in this sector. You’ll take a final test that includes both theoretical and practical questions once you’ve gained the essential scientific knowledge. Following that, you’ll be entitled to take a licensure exam, allowing you to practice your talents anywhere you like.
3. Biomedical University of Rome
- Degrees offered: Bachelor of Science (BSc), Master of Science (MSc), Doctorate (PhD)
The Biomedical University of Rome must be included in our list of the best nursing schools in Italy. This facility, known across the country as Università Campus Bio-Medico (UCBM), has been in existence since 1991. It has grown into one of the greatest health-care training institutes in the world over the years. This private school has a student body of slightly under 2,000 kids and employs at least 65 teachers. In addition to bachelor’s and master’s degrees, UCBM also provides a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing degree to both domestic and international students.
The major goal of nursing education at the school is to develop the knowledge and abilities of people who want to pursue a career as a nurse. In 1993, the institution became one of the first in Italy to provide a nursing degree, making it one of the first in the country. The nicest part of studying nursing here is that you can create your own study schedule and include certain electives that you are interested in. For additional information on the application process, go to the school’s website.
I hope you found our information on how to study nursing in Italy useful.