How to become a nurse in Germany as non-EU worker

There is no age restriction to working in Germany as a nurse.

All interested candidates from abroad can apply to be nurses in Germany at any age – provided they have completed at least their high school education, and can speak German on level B1 or B2.

Currently there are three main ways on how to become a nurse in Germany:

1. If you are already a trained nurse: You can apply for credential assessment of your nursing skills in Germany and start working as a nurse in Germany.
2. The second main way to become a nurse in Germany is by study nursing in a German university.
   • In Germany, nursing education is generally not taught as a bachelor’s degree program like in most countries around the world. However, there are a couple universities in Germany that offer bachelor’s degree in nursing.
3. If you are not a trained nurse and wish to study nursing in Germany:
   • The best way to become a nurse in Germany is through an on-the-job apprenticeship (also known as “Ausbildung”) program program in Germany that you undertake in German hospitals, care homes, and other health settings alongside your studies.
   • You do not pay for your training but instead get a monthly stipend during the apprenticeship to enable you sustain yourself in Germany until you start working and getting a regular salary.
   • The only criteria to enroll for Ausbildung is to have at least B2 certification in the German language. Once you have learned the German language, you can start your apprenticeship immediately.
   • The “Ausbildung” program is usually a paid program in Germany.

Advantages of studying nurse in Germany through the Ausbildung program

1. Opportunity to get a student visa along with a work permit.
2. Blocked account amount deposit of 10,332 Euros not required.
3. Higher chances of getting a paid full-time nursing job in Germany after completing your training.
4. Settlement / family reunification options are available through the Ausbildung program.
5. Study nursing in Germany soon after high school and get paid in the form of a monthly stipend (approximately 1,000 Euros per month for 3 years)
6. Possibilities of enrolling for nursing higher education in Germany after becoming a nurse while on the job.

Eligibility:

• Speak German on level B1 or B2. Visit your nearest Goethe institute for available German courses abroad
• At least 75% grade high school (in science)
• Both men and women can apply for the Ausbildung program

Duration of the Ausbildung program:

• The Ausbildung nursing apprenticeship program in Germany (both theoretical and practical) lasts for 3 Years.
• This program consists of:
  • 2,100 Hours of classroom teaching at a nursing school/college.
  • 2,500 Hours of work / practical experience in hospitals, care homes, or other healthcare settings.

Career Options:

As a qualified registered nurse in Germany, you can legally work in hospitals, nursing homes, geriatric homes, OP care facilities, clinics, public and private health settings, health insurance companies etc.