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5 Reasons Why Germany is a Great Place to Explore your Nursing Career

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Updated on: July 2025

Reasons why Germany is a place to explore your nursing career

Key Takeaways

  • Germany offers tuition-free nursing Ausbildung programmes that combine classroom learning with paid practical training.
  • Nursing in Germany is a high-demand profession with strong job security and permanent employment opportunities after graduation.
  • Malaysian students can apply with SPM, IGCSE, or even Diploma, and must meet German language requirements (B1 or B2 level).
  • The average monthly cost of living in Germany for students is €900–€1,100, but Ausbildung students earn a monthly allowance of up to €1,300.
  • Students benefit from international support systems, and a multicultural living environment.
  • German Educare provides complete support—from language classes, visa application to matching with training providers in Germany and post-arrival assistance.
  • Both the Ausbildung and university routes lead to internationally recognised qualifications and rewarding careers in the German healthcare system.

Burnout. Underpaid.

These are the common words associated with the nursing profession. Nurses are often required to work in shifts and in long hours, and their job can be physically and mentally draining. If you are a practicing nurse, you would agree that describing your job with that one sentence alone is an understatement.

nursing meme

Source: https://www.boredpanda.com/funny-nurse-memes/

If you are looking for a change for the better, you are at the right place. Well, we’re not talking about changing the nature of your job, but you can get a better work-life balance, a more satisfying remuneration, and a whole lot of self-improvement. How and where?

G-E-R-M-A-N-Y

Hold on. Don’t let the language barrier scare you. Learning German is not going to be easy, but it is not impossible too. Growing up in Malaysia, the majority of us can easily speak 2-3 languages. Now, do you feel a little more confident in your ability to learn a new language?

nurses are smart meme

Source: https://tenor.com/view.cats-in-glasses-smart-cat-funny-animals-im-smart-gif-13411658

While learning a new language is not the most exciting thing, the benefits that follow can be exciting and rewarding. Give us a chance to present to you the 5 benefits of working as a nurse in Germany.

5 reasons to consider nursing in Germany

What if I tell you there will be 200,000 unfilled vacancies in Germany for nurses by 2030?

The Baby Boomers are retiring/ have retired. Being the generation with a spike in birth rate, not only are they exiting the labor market and leaving many vacancies unfilled, they are the ones who will be needing nursing care and assistance very soon.

Despite the world-class health care system, hospitals and nursing homes are not ready to serve them due to the great shortage of nurses in the field. Thus, Germany has started employing certified international nurses from Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Spain, Romania and more to fill in this gap. With such high demand for nurses, getting a job placement in Germany is much easier, and you will have ample options to choose from.

Nurses are in demand in places like hospitals and clinics, nursing homes, dormitories for disabled people, outpatient social services, rehabilitation centers, or even vocational schools.

Germany is among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of work-life balance. As a nurse in Germany, you can arrange your work shift based on your preference.

There are generally 3 work shifts to choose from, from 6am to 2.30pm, from 1.30pm to 10pm, and from 8.30pm to 6am. Some hospitals or in-home care also provide the flexibility of working 6 night shifts followed by 6 free days. This system allows you to balance your time for other commitments apart from work, such as family, friends, and your personal time, making it possible to run your errands in the morning or bring your children out for a trip over the weekend.

nurse work life balance in Germany

Source:https://tenor.com/view/nurse-gif-9073219

Let’s be real. Salary is always one of the important factors that contribute to our job satisfaction. In a survey done on nurse’s job satisfaction, 80% of the respondents chose salary as their main consideration when looking for a change in position. To leave not just your job but your comfort zone to go to a foreign country, you must be looking for an attractive compensation that will make your move worthwhile.

You’ve found the right alternative. Germany is known for its well-paying nursing jobs. On average, the annual income of a nurse in Germany is around 33,000 EUR, which is around 2,800 EUR gross per month. This amount differs based on your experience, qualification, region, and work shift. While you have to pay a high percentage of taxes (around 40% of your gross income), this contribution includes health insurance, retirement insurance, unemployment insurance, nursing care insurance, and accident insurance. Now, you may be shocked with the fact that you are only getting 60% of your gross income, but this is the reason Germany is able to provide free health care services to everyone in the country. Treat this contribution as a preparation for rainy days, not just for your health but also for unemployment and retirement.

You can read more about the exact contribution amount from employees and employers for each of the social security contributions here.

In Germany, the career advancement opportunities for nurses are plenty. Most nurses will work in a specific unit for a few years before advancing to leadership roles like team leaders. If you continue to climb higher to the managerial level, you have the option to switch your career entirely to academic by training nurses in vocational schools.

Want to upgrade yourself or try a new role? Germany, being a country that places much importance on education, offers many opportunities for you to further your studies. There are more than 200 nursing specializations that you can choose from and earning these specializations will definitely boost your career in terms of demand and salary. Most of these courses are conducted part time so you can continue to work while you study, and if you’re lucky, your company may provide some form of financial support for your specialization courses.

The best part of settling down in a foreign country is the exposure to its culture. Germany is in the top 5 popular countries for immigration. Located in the heart of Europe, it is not uncommon for people to travel cross border over the weekend for a getaway.

There are ample top destinations that you can visit, most of them are just within a couple hours’ drive, a train ride, or a cheap flight. Who doesn’t fancy going to Holland, Paris, or Athens whenever you like?

Apart from its centralised and strategic location, living and working with the Germans can also be quite different. Germany is ranked top 10 for the most productive country. They speak directly without beating around the bush and do not tolerate being late for meetings, both which contribute to their high productivity rate. These differences in working culture together with the diversified workforce will open your eyes to new ways of solving problems in the workplace.

working in Germany

Source:https://www.dw.com/en/from-bread-culture-to-extreme-punctuality-20-comics-about-german-culture/g-46572885

To enrol in a nursing course or Ausbildung in Germany, international students must meet the academic and language requirements as well as having the right motivation and determination. While the process is straightforward, early preparation is key to ensuring a smooth application.

You must have completed at least SPM, IGCSE, or equivalent secondary school qualifications. Some Ausbildung centres may require additional post-secondary education or a pre-university programme. If you’re applying for a university-based nursing course in Germany, A Level or an equivalent qualification recognised in Germany is required. In addition, you will need to have at least 5 credits in relevant subjects.

Proficiency in the German language is essential for all nursing programmes, as patient interaction and medical instruction are conducted in German. A minimum level of B1 or B2 (according to the Common European Framework of Reference) is required to begin the Ausbildung.

You’ll need to pass a recognised German language exam such as Goethe-Zertifikat, telc, or TestDaF. German Educare’s Dual Vocational Training Preparation Programme can help get you ready for your German language exams.

You must also meet the following:

  • Be at least 17 years old at the time of application
  • Submit a valid passport and student visa (or Ausbildung visa)
  • Provide a clean bill of health and in some cases, a vaccination record
  • Submit a motivation letter, CV and attend an interview as part of the application

The daily life as a nursing student in the Ausbildung programme is well-structured and rewarding.

One of the key advantages of studying nursing in Germany is the affordable cost of living compared to many other Western countries. On average, students spend around €900–€1,100 per month, covering accommodation, food, transport, and health insurance. Smaller cities typically offer lower rents and daily expenses than major hubs like Munich or Frankfurt.

Nursing Ausbildung students benefit financially from earning a monthly allowance, which can range from €1,000 to €1,300, depending on the institution and region. In addition, students enjoy numerous perks: tuition-free education, and discounted access to public facilities, gyms, cinemas, and museums.

Germany offers robust support for international nursing students. Many nursing institutions are familiar with working alongside foreign students and offer structured onboarding programmes to help you adjust to life and work in a German healthcare setting.

From cultural orientation sessions to peer mentoring, you’ll find plenty of resources to help you settle in confidently. In addition, if you need extra support, you can always reach out to the German Educare team.

As a student, you’re legally allowed to work part-time in Germany—up to 20 hours per week during the semester or 140 full days per year. While Ausbildung students already receive a stipend, some may choose to work on weekends or semester breaks in non-clinical roles to earn extra income or gain new experiences.

Just keep in mind that Ausbildung schedules are quite full, so managing your time is essential.

Starting your nursing career in Germany can feel overwhelming—especially when navigating language barriers, applications, and relocation logistics. At German Educare we specialise in guiding Malaysian students through every step of the process to ensure a smooth and successful transition into nursing education in Germany.

Language is the foundation of success in nursing education and healthcare work in Germany. That’s why we provide structured German language courses tailored specifically for nursing students, helping you achieve the required B1 or B2 proficiency level before departure. 

Our language programme also includes communication skills that are essential for interacting with patients and colleagues in German hospitals.

In addition to language preparation, our team supports you with your entire application process—from preparing your documents and crafting a motivation letter, to liaising directly with nursing schools or Ausbildung institutions on your behalf.

German Educare works closely with a network of trusted nursing Ausbildung centres in Germany that accept international students. We help match your qualifications, language level, and preferences to the right institutions.

Our partnerships ensure that you’re placed in institutions that offer not only high-quality training but also support for international students. This saves you time, avoids uncertainty, and increases your chances of successful placement.

Getting your Ausbildung visa approved is one of the most critical steps—and we’re here to make it stress-free. German Educare assists you with your visa application, prepares you for embassy interviews, and ensures all documents meet the German authorities’ standards.

Once you’re placed and your visa is approved, our support doesn’t stop there. We guide you through pre-departure preparations, guide you with looking for accommodation, and offer on-the-ground support after you arrive in Germany. Whether it’s setting up your bank account, health insurance, or navigating your first week of classes—we’re with you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Malaysians can become nurses in Germany through the nursing Ausbildung (vocational training). You’ll need to meet academic requirements, pass a German language exam (usually B1–B2 level), and obtain a visa.

Yes, nursing is a highly respected and in-demand profession in Germany. With an ageing population and a growing healthcare sector, nurses enjoy job stability, competitive salaries, and long-term career opportunities.

Yes, nursing Ausbildung programmes are tuition-free, and students get a monthly allowance.

The Ausbildung is a practical, hands-on programme where you earn while you learn. A university programme is more theory-based and academic, typically leading to broader career options in research or advanced nursing roles.

The Ausbildung nursing programme typically takes 3 years to complete. University-based nursing degrees also take 3 to 4 years, depending on the course structure.

Most nursing programmes in Germany are taught in German. While a few private universities may offer nursing-related courses in English, these are rare, not tuition-free, and often not eligible for Ausbildung benefits.

If you already have a Malaysian nursing diploma or degree, it may not be automatically recognised. You may need to complete adaptation training (Anpassungslehrgang) or pass an equivalency exam to work as a nurse in Germany.
While not guaranteed, the demand for nurses in Germany is very high, and most Ausbildung graduates are offered jobs immediately by their training hospitals or clinics.

Yes. If you meet the academic requirements, you can pursue further nursing studies or specialisations at a university after completing your Ausbildung.

Conclusion

Pursuing a career in nursing in Germany is a smart and rewarding choice for Malaysian students. With tuition-free Ausbildung programmes, strong job demand, and a structured pathway to permanent employment, Germany offers both quality education and long-term career opportunities in the healthcare sector.

You’ll gain a qualification which is not only recognised in Germany but also in other European countries, hands-on experience, and the chance to work in one of Europe’s most advanced healthcare systems.

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