Nursing Ausbildung is one of the most attractive career paths in Germany for medical professionals seeking superb vocational training and satisfying job opportunities.
Moreover, this nursing program provides a unique combination of paid practical experience, classroom instruction (theory), and a clear route to permanent or long-term residency in German.
Furthermore, this page provides an overview of Nursing Ausbildung in Germany, including eligibility criteria, entry requirements, job opportunities, career prospects, and why thousands of international students take this course each year.
Ausbildung Overview
- Dual education system
- Ausbildung takes 2 to 3.5 years
- 1-2 days in School & 3-4 days in training
- Ensures strong jobs after graduation
- Training allowance in 3 years: starting from 1341€ /month
- B1 German language requirement
What Is Nursing Ausbildung?
Nursing Ausbildung is a state-regulated occupational training program in Germany. Specifically, it trains students to become licensed nurses. In Germany’s dual education system, trainees receive practical training at hospitals, assisted living facilities, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Additionally, they also receive academic instruction at a vocational nursing school.
Nursing Ausbildung is one of the Top Ausbildung courses in Germany
Duration and Structure of the Nursing Training
The program can be completed in two formats:
Full-Time Training: 3 Years
This is the standard model for most applicants. Training consists of:
- General nursing theory during the first two years
- A choice to specialize in:
- General nursing
- Pediatric nursing
- Geriatric (older people) nursing
To become licensed nurses, trainees must pass a state exam at the end of the program.
Part-Time Training: 5 Years
Several universities offer part-time options. Consequently, these give students with personal or family obligations more flexibility.
Moreover, Nursing Ausbildung includes extensive hands-on practice in:
Moreover, students gain practical nursing skills. They also develop communication skills and teamwork through this real-world exposure.
Salary During nursing Ausbildung in Germany
Firstly, students make money while studying. In fact, this is a primary benefit of the German vocational system.
Estimated annual salary for mentioned careers:
Additionally, night shifts, weekend work, and public holidays may entitle students to extra compensation.
Entry Requirements for Nursing Ausbildung
The basic requirements to start Nursing Ausbildung in Germany typically include:
Education
- A secondary school certificate (equivalent to 10th–12th grade depending on the country).
- Some programs prefer science subjects, but it is not compulsory.
German Language Skills
- B1–B2 German level is required.
- B2 is preferred by many employers and educational institutions, particularly when it comes to direct patient communication.
Medical Fitness
- A certification attesting to your physical and mental suitability for nursing profession..
Clean Criminal Record
- police clearance from your nation of origin (and Germany if you have previously resided there).
Age Range
- There isn’t a precise legal age limit in Germany. Nonetheless, some private organizations or initiatives might favor candidates under 30.
Key Requirements for the Visa Application
Nursing Training Contract (Ausbildungsvertrag):
A signed training contract, therefore, attesting to your enrollment in the Nursing Ausbildung program from a German nursing school or workplace, is required.
German Language Proficiency:
For nursing positions, a minimum of B1 German is necessary, although B2 is highly advised. Goethe-Institut, TELC, and ÖSD language certificates are accepted.
Educational Requirements:
In addition, a valid 10th- or 12th-grade diploma (or its equivalent) is required. Furthermore, every document needs to be validated and formally translated into German.
Financial Proof:
During your stay, you must, therefore, present proof of your financial stability, such as a blocked account or a salary confirmation from your employer. Additionally, you usually have to pay about €903 a month.
Passport:
In general, the duration of your expected stay in Germany must be at least 12 months longer than the validity of your passport.
Health Insurance:
You must have valid German health insurance for the entire training period.
Visa Requirements for Non-EU Applicants
Before entering Germany for vocational training in Nursing, international students (from outside the EU/EEA) must apply for a residence permit. Typically, this procedure requires:
- An official training agreement.(Ausbildungsvertrag)
- Evidence of adequate proficiency in German.
- Financial evidence if your pay is less than the cutoff.
- A valid passport and supporting documents.
- Applying for a visa at the German Embassy.
Typically, it takes 10 to 14 months to complete the preparation, which primarily includes learning German, obtaining a contract, and finally getting a visa.
Career Opportunities After Nursing Ausbildung in Germany
Graduates who complete the curriculum and, consequently, pass the state exam can find employment as:
Long-Term Residency in Germany after completing Nursing Training
- After three to five years of employment, permanent residency
- German citizenship based on the total number of years spent there
Best Universities and Nursing Schools in Germany
With its top-notch education, state-of-the-art facilities, and internationally recognized degrees, Germany is undoubtedly one of the best places to study nursing and healthcare programs. Moreover, depending on their professional objectives, students can select from bachelor’s, master’s, and vocational nursing training (Ausbildung).
The top German universities and nursing schools are listed below, along with study choices and career prospects.
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| University Name | Location | Program Name | Degree | Language of Instruction | Duration | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hof University of Applied Sciences | Hof | Cross-Cultural Nursing Practice | M.Sc. (Master of Science) | English | 4 Semesters | No Tuition Fee |
| Heidelberg University | Heidelberg | Interprofessional Healthcare | B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) | English, German | 8 Semesters | Approx. €1,500 per semester |
| Private University of Witten/Herdecke | Witten | Nursing Science | M.Sc. (Master of Science) | English, German | 4 Semesters | Approx. €4,962 (total) |
Other Leading universities for Nursing Ausbildung
Other top universities offering health science and nursing programs at the university level include the following:
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Charité is one of the top medical schools in Europe. Moreover, it offers highly regarded nursing and health science programs, and in addition, these programs have a strong clinical and research focus.
Munich’s Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU)
Unlike specialized vocational schools, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) Munich does not provide a direct Ausbildung (vocational training) curriculum. However, the university hospital, LMU Klinikum, serves as a practical training partner for nursing vocational schools in the Munich area.
University of Hamburg (UHH)
Vocational nursing training programs are not available at UHH. However, the Berufliche Hochschule Hamburg (BHH) offers a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Applied Nursing Science for students seeking an alternative to traditional schooling.
Generally, this program is ideal for those seeking a university-level nursing degree in Hamburg. In addition, it offers a monthly stipend and combines theoretical university study with practical training in healthcare institutions.
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Furthermore, TUM combines healthcare innovation, research, and advanced nursing courses with vocational training to prepare students to become nursing specialists.
Study Nursing in Germany: Courses and Degrees
In fact, Germany places a strong emphasis on integrating hands-on practical training with academic learning, especially as compared to other countries. Consequently, this ensures graduates are well prepared for real-world healthcare settings from the start of their careers.
Dual Vocational Training (Ausbildung) in Nursing
Time frame: three years
Focus: Clinical processes, patient care, and practical nursing skills
Possibilities for Careers:
- A registered nurse
- Jobs in clinics and hospitals
- Care for the older people and outpatient services
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing in Germany
Students who wish to have more employment alternatives and, consequently, a stronger intellectual foundation can also get a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Time frame: three to four years
Areas of Focus:
- Science of nursing
- Advanced medical care
- Management of healthcare
- Research techniques
Career Routes:
- Advanced nursing positions
- Administration of healthcare
Master’s Degree in Nursing in Germany
Furthermore, graduates who wish to specialize or transition into leadership, teaching, or even research roles should pursue a master’s degree in nursing.
Time frame: two years
Areas of Focus:
- Advanced medical practice
- Nursing leadership and management
- Education in nursing
- Research on healthcare
Career Routes:
- Roles of specialist nurses
- A nurse instructor
- Leadership and policy in healthcare
- research in academia and medicine
Nursing-Related Study Programs in Germany
Public Health
In particular, population health, illness prevention, and health policy are the main topics of public health programs.
Areas of Focus:
In general, Global health, health promotion, and epidemiology are the main areas of focus.
Careers:
Consultant, epidemiologist, health educator, and public health nurse
Healthcare Management
Generally, Healthcare management programs train nurses for administrative and leadership positions.
Areas of Focus:
- Economics
- Quality control
- Health administration
Careers:
- Clinical director
- Healthcare manager
- Hospital administrator
Medical
Informatics
Specifically, programs in healthcare management train nurses for administrative and leadership positions.
Areas of Focus:
- Telemedicine
- Data management
- Health IT
Jobs:
- Clinical informatics
- Telehealth coordinator
- Health informatics specialist
Final Thoughts
If you are an international student, especially looking for a stable and rewarding healthcare career, the Nursing Ausbildung in Germany is a great choice. Moreover, it offers strong job prospects, financial support, and high-quality training, thereby helping you build a secure future in Europe.
