How to Study Nursing in Italy for International Students

Italy is among the most visited countries in the world. Its good, modern fashion and ancient history are some of the things that attract over 50 million tourists every year. Another factor that has put this country on the international radar is education. Italy hosts very many foreign students annually. The Italian institutions offer a wide range of courses in all common fields such as engineering, medicine, and law.

Are you planning to study nursing in the country? Well, there are different levels of study that you may need to complete before becoming a reputable nurse in Italy. In this article, we will look at some of the main aspects to keep in mind as you plan to study nursing in Italy.

What Degrees are there for Nursing in Italy?

Becoming a nurse in Italy demands that you meet some of the minimum requirements. For one, Bachelor’s degree is a must, and it’s offered across several nursing schools in the country. Many Italian institutions also give you a chance to advance your studies through their postgraduate programs. For instance, University of Milan offers a master’s program in nursing and midwifery sciences. There are also several PhD programs in your favourite disciplines within the field.

Cost of Studying Nursing

How much will you need to successfully study nursing in Italy? This remains to be one of the main questions that should be asked by anyone planning to study abroad. Universities and other higher education institutions in Italy have the luxury of choosing their own school fee rate. However, the value should be within the set limits.

As an international student, you might need up to €4,000 or €20,000 per annum for public and private institutions respectively. However, there are affordable universities in Italy that you can check out, which offers affordable tuition fees for international students.

Remember, the exact amount of fee charged will depend on the institution, the level of studies, and your country of origin. EU and non-EU students are subject to different fee structures. Although these fees are relatively low, especially when compared to the other European countries, you might still need a little financial boost. As such, there are several scholarships offered by schools, NGOs, and governments.

When it comes to the cost of living, you’ll need anything between €700 and €1400 per month. This is the total amount that will cover your transport, food, accommodation, and other recurring expenses. Of course, it all depends with the city in which you choose to live. For instance, Milan and Rome are more expensive than the likes of Bologna.

The Italian government allows International students to work while studying, but under certain conditions. For EU-based students, they can work for at most 20 hours per week during their free time. Non-EU students, on the other hand, will need to apply for a work permit first. In addition, they can only take a job offered by Italian-based employers. Inasmuch as this is a complicated process, it will help in offsetting your monthly expenses.

There are ways that you can study nursing in Italy for free. If you are interested, check out How to Study in Italy for Free!

 Requirements to Study Nursing in Italy

There are some irreducible minimums that you must meet before your application to nursing in Italy is acceptable. As you’d expect, the main aspects considered during admission vary from one institution to another. In fact, the whole process may be different depending on the university you choose. Nonetheless, there are some common requirements that you need to meet to study nursing in Italy in these institutions.

First, a high school degree is compulsory for those who would wish to take the undergraduate courses. Since some undergraduate and most graduate programs are lectured in English, a language test needs to be submitted to prove your proficiency. The University of Milan admission requirements, for instance, demand that one must attain level B1 of English proficiency. IELTS can be submitted for this purpose and you must have an overall score of 6.5.

In What Languages Do You Study Nursing in Italy?

The main languages used for teaching nursing programs are English and Italian. The latter is quite common among undergraduate courses while English is mostly used for graduate programs. Generally, though, most institutions prefer to subdivide their course into two – those taught in English and Italian. As such, you can select your preferred options keeping this in mind. Regardless of your choice, it would still be prudent to have knowledge of both languages for communication purposes.

Best Nursing Schools in Italy

1. University of Milan

Famously known as Statale or UniMi, the University of Milan is the best nursing school in Italy. It hosts over 60,000 students in various courses, including nursing (undergraduate and graduate programs). With a group of over 2,000 teaching staff, you can be sure that the available resources within the institution are not strained by the number of students. Depending on your level of study, you can choose from the available degrees at the University of Milan.

The master’s program in nursing, for instance, is designed to train students to convert their theoretical knowledge into practical skills. They’ll also be able to evaluate evolving care requirements in the world of nursing.

2. Sapienza University of Rome

Another quite famous and prestigious Italian institution is the Sapienza University of Rome. Located in Rome, this collegiate research university was found in the 1300s. This nursing school in Italy enrols about 115,000 students every year, making it one of the largest in the world. There are undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in nursing available for both domestic and international students.

All nursing courses are basically designed to arm the student with the necessary knowledge of this field. Ones you’ve acquired the necessary scientific knowledge, you’ll sit for a final exam that involves both theoretical and practical questions. After this, you’ll be eligible for a licensing exam, which will allow you to practice your skills wherever you please.

3. Biomedical University of Rome

  • Nursing Program Link
  • Degrees offered: Bachelor of Science (BSc), Master of Science (MSc), Doctorate (PhD)

This list of the best nursing schools in Italy is not complete without the mention of Biomedical University of Rome. Famously known in the country as Università Campus Bio-Medico (UCBM), this institution has been in operation since 1991. Over the years, it has developed go become one of the best training schools in the world of health care. This private institution hosts just under 2,000 students with at least 65 teaching staff available. Apart from the bachelor’s and master’s degrees, UCBM also offers a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in nursing for both domestic and international students.

Generally, the main objective of nursing education in the institution is to nurture the knowledge and skills of those interested in pursuing a career in nursing. The first degree in nursing was offered at the institution in 1993, making it one of the earliest universities in Italy to do so. The best thing about studying nursing here is that you can tailor a personalized study routine and include some optional subjects that interest you. Visit the school’s website for more information on the application process.

 

I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Europe Scholarships Page.