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Study Abroad course guide

Study Nursing Abroad

Pre-registration and advanced nursing degrees, and how registration works in each country.

A guide for Indian students · Updated 23 Oct 2026

Subject area

Health and life sciences

Master's length

2 years

Countries compared

13 destinations

Popular destination

United Kingdom

Switch courseBrowse all 18 courses

What is Nursing?

Quick read

  • Nursing abroad is offered as pre-registration degrees (to become a nurse) and post-registration master's (for nurses who are already qualified).
  • To work as a nurse you must register with the regulator in that country, such as the NMC in the UK or the NMBA through Ahpra in Australia.
  • Nurse registration bodies usually ask for higher English scores than universities, around IELTS 7.0; check the exact rules.
  • Newly qualified NHS nurses in England start on Band 5: £31,049–£37,796 a year (2025/26).
  • Not every country on our list teaches nursing in English; the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada are the main options.

Nursing degrees prepare you to care for patients across hospitals and communities. Pre-registration programmes combine university teaching with supervised clinical placements, and lead to eligibility to register as a nurse in that country.

If you are already a registered nurse in India with a BSc Nursing, you can either apply for registration abroad through the regulator's route for overseas nurses or take a master's in advanced practice, leadership, education or a speciality. A master's on its own does not always give registration, so check the course carefully.

Why study Nursing abroad

  • Clinical placements

    Pre-registration courses include hundreds of hours of supervised practice in local health services.

  • Advanced practice

    Master's programmes open routes into specialist, education and leadership roles.

  • Clear registration rules

    Regulators publish exactly what you need to register, including English scores.

  • Demand for nurses

    Health services in several destinations recruit internationally educated nurses.

Specialisations you can choose

  • Adult nursing
  • Mental health nursing
  • Children's nursing
  • Critical care
  • Advanced clinical practice
  • Nursing education
  • Healthcare leadership
  • Community and public health nursing

Degree options

Nursing degree options
ProgrammeDurationTypical entryIdeal for
Bachelor's (BSc/BN Nursing, pre-registration)3–4 yearsClass 12 with biology for many universities; interview and checksStudents after Class 12 who want to register as a nurse abroad
Pre-registration master's (UK, Australia)2 yearsBachelor's in a related subjectGraduates of other health or science subjects
Post-registration MSc (advanced practice, leadership)1–2 yearsBSc Nursing and registration, often with experienceRegistered nurses from India

Best countries to study Nursing

Nursing: costs and work rights in 13 countries

The table compares typical international tuition per year in each country (a range across subjects, from our country guides), how long a master's usually takes, and the post-study work route. Notes specific to Nursing are added where they matter.

Nursing: countries compared
CountryBachelor's / yearMaster's / yearPost-study workWhat to know
Flag of United KingdomUK£15,000–40,000≈ ₹18.3 lakh – ₹48.8 lakh£17,000–36,000≈ ₹20.7 lakh – ₹43.9 lakh1–2 yearsGraduate visa: 2 years (18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027) DetailsOne-year taught master's are common.
Flag of AustraliaAustraliaA$30,000–50,000≈ ₹19.5 lakh – ₹32.5 lakhA$32,000–55,000≈ ₹20.8 lakh – ₹35.8 lakh1–2 yearsTemporary Graduate visa (485): usually 2–3 years; Indian graduates up to 3 years after a master's DetailsMany master's are 1.5–2 years; credit for related degrees can shorten them.
Flag of CanadaCanadaC$20,000–60,000≈ ₹13.4 lakh – ₹40.2 lakhC$10,000–50,000≈ ₹6.7 lakh – ₹33.5 lakh1–2 yearsPGWP: up to 3 years, depending on programme length DetailsColleges also offer postgraduate diplomas; check the field-of-study rule for PGWP.
Flag of IrelandIreland€16,000–30,000≈ ₹17 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh€16,000–30,000≈ ₹17 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh1–2 yearsStamp 1G: 12 months, up to 24 months after a master's DetailsMost taught master's take 1 year.
Flag of GermanyGermanyUp to €20,000up to ≈ ₹21.2 lakhUp to €25,000up to ≈ ₹26.5 lakh1.5–2 years18-month job-seeker residence permit DetailsNursing is mainly vocational training in German; not a usual degree route for international students.
Flag of New ZealandNew ZealandNZ$36,000–55,000≈ ₹19.4 lakh – ₹29.7 lakhNZ$40,000–60,000≈ ₹21.6 lakh – ₹32.4 lakh1–2 yearsPost Study Work Visa: up to 3 years after a master's DetailsIncludes 1-year and 1.5–2 year master's.
Flag of NetherlandsNetherlands€9,000–20,000≈ ₹9.5 lakh – ₹21.2 lakh€12,000–30,000≈ ₹12.7 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh1–2 yearsOrientation year: 1 year DetailsNursing programmes are mostly taught in Dutch.
Flag of Dubai (UAE)Dubai (UAE)AED 44,000–165,000≈ ₹11 lakh – ₹41.3 lakhAED 42,000–181,000≈ ₹10.5 lakh – ₹45.3 lakh1–2 yearsNo dedicated route: employer work visa or a 60–120 day Job Seeker visa DetailsLimited nursing programmes at branch campuses.
Flag of SpainSpain€1,000–27,000≈ ₹1.1 lakh – ₹28.6 lakh€2,700–43,000≈ ₹2.9 lakh – ₹45.6 lakh1–2 yearsJob-search authorisation: 24 months DetailsNursing programmes are mostly taught in Spanish.
Flag of MaltaMalta€7,000–15,000≈ ₹7.4 lakh – ₹15.9 lakh€8,000–20,000≈ ₹8.5 lakh – ₹21.2 lakh1–2 yearsPost-study permit: up to 9 months DetailsLimited places for international students.
Flag of CyprusCyprus€6,800–12,000≈ ₹7.2 lakh – ₹12.7 lakh€4,000–18,000≈ ₹4.2 lakh – ₹19.1 lakh1–2 yearsUp to 12 months after a master's; none after a bachelor's DetailsSome English-taught nursing at private universities.
Flag of LatviaLatvia€3,000–10,000≈ ₹3.2 lakh – ₹10.6 lakh€3,500–12,000≈ ₹3.7 lakh – ₹12.7 lakh1–2 yearsUp to 9 months after a master's or PhD DetailsLimited English-taught nursing options.
Flag of LithuaniaLithuania€2,500–10,000≈ ₹2.6 lakh – ₹10.6 lakh€2,300–12,000≈ ₹2.4 lakh – ₹12.7 lakh1.5–2 years12-month job-search permit DetailsLimited English-taught nursing options.

Nursing tuition sits within or above the ranges shown in most countries because of clinical placements. Ask us for current fees for specific courses. Ranges are typical yearly international tuition across subjects; lab-based and professional courses often sit at the upper end. Living costs, visa and health cover are extra. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.

Not sure which country suits Nursing?Share your marks, budget and goals and we'll compare countries and universities for you.

Universities to consider for Nursing

Admission requirements

Bachelor's

  • Class 12, usually with biology and English
  • Minimum marks set by each university; places are competitive
  • Interview, health checks and a police clearance before placements
  • English test with high scores

Master's

  • BSc Nursing (for post-registration master's) and current registration in India
  • Clinical experience, often 1–2 years
  • Bachelor's in a related subject for pre-registration master's

Documents you will usually need

  • Mark sheets and certificates
  • Nursing registration certificate (post-registration)
  • Experience letters
  • Statement of purpose
  • References
  • English test score report
  • Police clearance

English test scores

English requirements for Nursing
LevelTypical requirement
University entryIELTS Academic 6.5–7.0 overall is typical, with high minimums in each band
Registration as a nurseRegulators set their own scores, around IELTS 7.0 or OET grade B; check the NMC, NMBA/Ahpra, NMBI or provincial rules
OETThe Occupational English Test is accepted by many nursing regulators and some universities

Typical ranges; each university and course sets its own scores. Prepare with our IELTS and PTE classes.

Professional recognition

  • NMC (UK)

    Nurses must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council to practise in the UK. It publishes accepted English tests and the route for nurses trained overseas.

    Official website (opens in a new tab)

  • NMBA and Ahpra (Australia)

    The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia sets registration standards, including English language skills.

    Official website (opens in a new tab)

  • Working in India

    A nursing degree from abroad needs registration with the Indian Nursing Council or a State Nursing Council to practise in India. Check their rules first.

    Official website (opens in a new tab)

Skills you will build

  • Clinical assessment
  • Patient safety
  • Medication management
  • Communication with patients and families
  • Teamwork
  • Record keeping
  • Cultural awareness
  • Resilience

Careers and salaries after Nursing

Nursing career roles and UK salary guides
Job roleUK salary guideSource
Registered nurse (NHS Band 5)£31,049–£37,796 a yearNHS Employers, Agenda for Change pay scales 2025/26 (England) (opens in a new tab)
Experienced or specialist nurse (Band 6)£38,682–£46,580 a yearNHS Employers, Agenda for Change pay scales 2025/26 (England) (opens in a new tab)
Senior or advanced nurse (Band 7)£47,810–£54,710 a yearNHS Employers, Agenda for Change pay scales 2025/26 (England) (opens in a new tab)

UK salary guides are shown so all courses use the same comparison. Pay elsewhere differs, and a job offer abroad is never guaranteed.

Planning a career in Nursing?Our counsellor can map courses to the jobs and countries you're aiming for.

Study Nursing abroad: FAQs

Can Indian nurses work abroad without studying again?

Often yes, through the regulator's route for overseas-trained nurses, which usually includes English tests and competence assessments. A degree abroad is one option, not the only one.

Does an MSc Nursing abroad give me registration?

Not always. Post-registration master's assume you are already a nurse. Pre-registration master's lead to registration. Check which type the course is.

What English score do nurses need?

Universities and regulators set separate scores. Regulators usually ask for around IELTS 7.0 or OET grade B. Check the regulator's current rules.

Which country is easiest for nursing?

There is no easy route; each regulator has clear requirements. Compare course type, registration route and costs with us before deciding.

Can I study nursing in Germany in English?

Generally no. Nursing in Germany is mainly vocational training in German.

Explore other courses

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