If you want to study nursing in Italy, you usually start with a bachelor's degree in nursing, then you can later move to a master's degree or other advanced study. The exact rules depend on the university, the programme language, and your previous education, so always check the university's admissions page and the Italian consulate or embassy for visa and study permit rules.
What nursing study paths exist in Italy?
In Italy, nursing is usually a professional degree with a strong clinical part. The main path is a bachelor's degree in nursing. After that, you may continue with a master's degree, usually for more advanced clinical, leadership, teaching, or research roles.
- Bachelor's degree - the usual first degree for becoming a nurse.
- Master's degree - usually for people who already have a relevant first degree.
- Specialisation or postgraduate study - options depend on the university and the healthcare field.
Some programmes are taught in Italian, and some universities offer English-taught nursing or related health programmes. English options are not everywhere, so check the programme page carefully.
Typical entry requirements
Admission rules vary, but many nursing programmes ask for a secondary school diploma for bachelor's study, or a relevant bachelor's degree for master's study. You may also need specific subjects from school, like biology or chemistry, but this depends on the university.
- Secondary school diploma for bachelor's entry.
- Relevant bachelor's degree for master's entry.
- Proof of language level in Italian or English, depending on the programme.
- Passport, transcripts, and sometimes a CV or motivation statement.
- For non-EU students, documents for visa and residence permit.
Some universities use an entrance test or ranking process. For health-related degrees in Italy, there can be national or university-level selection steps. Check the university admissions page and the official university ranking or entrance rules for your programme.
Language rules and English-taught options
Many nursing degrees in Italy are taught in Italian because you will work in healthcare settings with patients, staff, and local systems. If the programme is in Italian, you will often need proof of Italian ability, usually through a recognised test or a university language check.
English-taught options exist, but they are not as common as in some other countries. Even if classes are in English, you may still need Italian for hospital practice, internships, or daily life. This is a common point to check before you apply.
- Check the programme language on the official course page.
- Look for the required test type and minimum level.
- Ask whether clinical placements need Italian.
- Read the admissions notes for international students.
Tuition fees and living costs
Tuition in Italy can vary a lot by university and by your family income. Public universities often use income-based fees, while private institutions can be much higher. For both EU and non-EU students, the exact fee is set by the university, so never rely on general numbers alone.
- Public universities - often lower fees, sometimes based on income documents.
- Private universities - usually higher and fixed by the institution.
- EU and non-EU students - may pay different amounts at some universities, but not always.
Living costs also depend on the city. Bigger cities usually cost more for rent and transport. Plan for housing, food, local travel, study materials, and health insurance or healthcare costs if needed. As a practical range, many students should budget for several hundred euros per month for basic living costs, and more in large cities or if you rent alone.
For up-to-date fee rules, check the university fee page, scholarship pages, and the official regional or national student support office if one is available. For visa and residence cost rules, check the Italian immigration authority and your local consulate.
Timeline and how to apply
Start early. Nursing programmes can have document checks, language tests, and limited places. A safe plan is to begin 8 to 12 months before the course starts.
- Find programmes and compare language, location, and admission rules.
- Check whether you need a school-leaving certificate recognition step or diploma validation.
- Prepare transcripts, passport, language proof, and translations if needed.
- Apply through the university system and any required national portal.
- If you are non-EU, start the visa process after you receive the correct admission document.
- Arrange housing and health insurance before arrival.
Some countries need document legalisation or an apostille, and some universities ask for official translations. Do not guess. Follow the exact list on the programme page and the consulate website.
How universities find candidates
Italian universities usually do not search for students in the same way as some private recruitment agents do. They publish their admissions rules and expect applicants to apply through the official process. However, admissions offices can also look for international candidates who match a programme through student databases and partner channels.
- University admissions pages and applicant portals.
- International student fairs and online search tools.
- Partner schools, agents, or student registers.
- Scholarship or mobility platforms.
If you want to be noticed, make your profile clear. Show your field, your education, your language level, and your documents. That makes it easier for a university to see if you fit a nursing programme.
Common questions
Can I study nursing in Italy in English?
Sometimes yes, but not everywhere. English-taught nursing or related health programmes exist, yet many courses are in Italian. Always check the official programme page and ask about clinical placement language too.
Do I need Italian for nursing?
Often yes, especially for practice in hospitals and patient care. Even if the theory is in English, internships may require Italian. The exact language rule is set by the university.
Is nursing in Italy expensive?
It depends on the university and your status. Public universities are often more affordable than private ones, and fees can be income-based. Add living costs, which can be high in bigger cities.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
You stay in control, and you can compare interest from universities before you decide where to apply.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.