Most European countries work toward universal health coverage, but access, benefits, and out-of-pocket costs differ by country. Universal health coverage means that people can use the quality health services they need without experiencing financial hardship. European health systems are generally supported by public funding, including taxes and social insurance contributions, although the exact financing model varies by country.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of stronger public health coordination in Europe. In response, the European Union and its Member States strengthened cooperation on public health, medical supplies, vaccines, and emergency preparedness. The European Health Union was created to help the EU and its Member States better prepare for and respond to future health crises.
Europe has many strong healthcare systems, supported by doctors, nurses, midwives, and other health professionals. Nurses play an important role in planning, organizing, and delivering patient care. The WHO European Region employs around 7.3 million nurses and midwives, and the EU continues to face shortages in the health workforce. According to the OECD and European Commission, 15 EU countries reported a shortage of nurses in 2022 or 2023, and EU countries had an estimated shortage of about 1.2 million doctors, nurses, and midwives in 2022.
For further details on the steps to become a nurse in Europe, read more below.
How to Become a Nurse in Europe
Step 1. Find a European Institution that Offers Nursing Degree or Program
This is an important step to becoming a nurse in Europe, as there are several universities, colleges, and institutions offering nursing degrees or programs to nursing students. It is best to research nursing programs before deciding where to submit your application. Choosing a university also means choosing the country, city, and neighborhood where you will live while studying. Consider tuition fees, living costs, housing, transportation, university materials, and whether the program meets the nursing registration requirements in the country where you plan to work.
Step 2. Prepare to Apply and Fulfill the University Requirements
Requirements vary by university, program, and country. For general care nurses in the EU, the minimum training required for automatic recognition is at least three years of full-time study and 4,600 hours of theoretical and clinical training. Some programs may require completion of secondary education that gives access to higher education, proof of identity, transcripts, language proficiency, health documents, or other admission materials. For detailed information, visit the official website of your chosen university or contact its admissions office.
Step 3. Submit a Language Proficiency Certificate
Language requirements depend on the program, university, and country. If your first language is not the language of instruction, the university may ask for proof of language proficiency. For English-taught programs in Europe, universities commonly accept tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or other recognized tests. Typical minimum requirements vary; for example, IELTS Academic minimum scores across European universities commonly range from 5.5 to 7, while TOEFL iBT minimum scores commonly range from 70 to 100. Always check the exact requirement on the program page because some universities waive language tests for applicants who completed previous education in the language of instruction.
This is a crucial step to become a nurse in Europe. To get language proficiency certifications, you may check the IELTS website or the TOEFL website.
Step 4. For International Students, Apply to your Chosen University through their website
For students coming from overseas, apply to your chosen university before traveling to Europe and submit all required documents for the smooth processing of your application. Common requirements for international students may include the following:
- Secondary education certificate, diploma, or other proof of completion
- Transcript of records
- Passport or other proof of identity
- Proof of language proficiency, if required
- Program-specific documents requested by the university
Documents may need to be submitted in the language required by the university, or with certified translations. Additional documents may also be requested by the university or by the national admissions authority.
Step 5. For International Students, Obtain a Student Visa
After submitting your application and receiving an offer or acceptance letter from your chosen university, check the student visa or residence permit rules for the specific European country where you will study. Requirements vary by country, but many student visa applications ask for a valid passport, an admission letter from a recognized institution, proof of financial means, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and a completed visa application form.
If you plan to study in a Schengen country for more than 90 days, you usually need to apply for a long-stay study visa or residence permit for the country where you will study. Be sure to visit the EU Immigration Portal and the official immigration or embassy website of your destination country to learn more about the required documents.
Step 6. Finish the Nursing Degree or Course and Obtain a Diploma
Once you have completed the steps above, you are ready to study nursing. In the EU, the minimum training required for automatic recognition of general care nurse qualifications is at least three years of full-time study and 4,600 hours of theoretical and clinical training. Some countries and universities may offer longer nursing programs or additional national requirements. Nursing students must complete the program, meet clinical practice requirements, and obtain the required diploma, degree, or qualification before applying for registration or authorization to practice.
Step 7. Submit an Application for Registration
After completing your nursing qualification, you must apply for registration, authorization, or recognition with the competent authority in the country where you want to work. Nursing is a regulated profession in many European countries, and the responsible authority may be a nursing council, professional regulator, health ministry, or another national body. In the EU, general care nurses whose qualifications meet the Professional Qualifications Directive may benefit from automatic recognition, but they still need to apply to the competent authority and wait for approval before starting work.
Step 8. For International Nurses, Prepare to Meet the Requirements in Working in your Chosen Area
For internationally educated nurses who wish to work in Europe, requirements must be checked in the specific country where they plan to practice. Non-EU and non-EEA nationals who want to work in a regulated profession in an EU Member State must apply for recognition of their professional qualifications in that country and follow national rules and procedures. Common documents requested by competent authorities may include the following:
- Nursing diploma, degree, or certificate of completion
- Professional license or registration details from the country where you are qualified or practicing
- Transcript of training, clinical hours, or course descriptions
- Work history and references
- Passport or other proof of identity
- Proof of language proficiency, if required
- Certificate of good standing or fitness to practice, if required
These documents help the authority assess whether your education, training, and professional experience meet the standards for working as a nurse in that country. Additional documents, translations, adaptation periods, aptitude tests, or supervised practice may be required depending on the country and your qualification background.
Step 9. Apply for a Work Visa
After you meet the professional registration or recognition requirements and receive a job offer, you may need a work visa, residence permit, or combined work-and-residence permit. EU nationals generally do not need a work permit to work in another EU country, but non-EU nationals usually need to follow the immigration rules of the country where they will work. Visit the official immigration portal, embassy, or consulate website of your destination country to confirm the required documents and application process.
10. Prepare to Meet Cost of Moving and Living in Europe and Find Work
Once your work authorization has been issued, you can prepare to move to the country where you are allowed to work and practice nursing. Before relocating, make sure you can cover initial expenses such as housing deposits, transportation, licensing or registration fees, insurance, and daily living costs. You should also confirm whether your authorization allows you to work only in one country or whether additional steps are needed to work elsewhere in Europe.
We hope that you found this article on the steps to becoming a nurse in Europe informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
