Best Nursing Schools in Germany Offering Scholarships to Africans 2025

Many African students dream of studying nursing abroad because it opens doors to better career opportunities, international exposure, and higher salaries. Germany, known for its world-class healthcare system and tuition-free public universities, has become one of the top destinations for aspiring nurses. The good news is that there are several nursing schools in Germany offering scholarships to Africans in 2025, making it possible to study at little or no cost.

This article explains everything you need to know about studying nursing in Germany as an African student, including:

• A list of the best nursing schools in Germany.

• Scholarships available exclusively or preferentially to African students.

• Admission requirements, language requirements, and application steps.

• Tips to secure funding and visa approval.

By the end of this guide, you will have all the information you need to start your journey of becoming a qualified nurse in Germany.

Why Choose Germany for Nursing Studies?

Before listing the nursing schools, it is important to understand why Germany is an excellent choice for African students:

1. Low or no tuition fees: Public universities in Germany generally do not charge tuition fees, even for international students. You only pay a small semester fee (between €150–€350).

2. High-quality healthcare education: Germany’s healthcare sector is one of the best in the world, with state-of-the-art hospitals and modern training facilities.

3. Strong demand for nurses: Germany has a shortage of qualified nurses, so studying there increases your chances of getting a job after graduation.

4. Scholarships for Africans: There are many fully and partially funded scholarships available for African students.

5. Pathway to permanent residency: After completing your nursing program, you can work in Germany and apply for permanent residency.

Summary Table: Best Nursing Schools in Germany Offering Scholarships to Africans 2025

Note: All universities listed above offer nursing or nursing science programs. Most scholarships are offered through DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) and institutional programs.

Detailed Review of the Best Nursing Schools in Germany for Africans

1. Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Why choose Charité?
Charité is one of the largest university hospitals in Europe and is internationally recognized for medical and nursing education.

• Location: Berlin

• Scholarships: DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, and African partner-program scholarships.

• Tuition fees: No tuition fees; students only pay semester fees.

• Language: Requires German language proficiency at B2 or C1 level.

Scholarship highlight: African students can apply for DAAD-funded full scholarships covering living costs and health insurance.

2. Hochschule für Gesundheit Bochum (University of Applied Sciences for Health)

This university focuses solely on healthcare education, making it an excellent choice for nursing students.

• Scholarships: DAAD, Germany-Africa Partnership Program.

• Programs: Bachelor’s in Nursing, advanced nursing science programs.

• Requirements: German language proficiency (B2).

Why it stands out: African students benefit from personalized mentorship programs and scholarships that support tuition and living expenses.

3. Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

Highlights:

• Located in Germany’s second-largest city with excellent healthcare facilities.

• Nursing students receive hands-on training at teaching hospitals.

Scholarships:

• DAAD scholarships with a focus on African applicants.

• Partial funding from Hamburg government scholarships.

Language: German B2.

4. University of Freiburg

The University of Freiburg offers top-tier nursing science programs with a strong focus on research.

Scholarships:

• DAAD scholarships for African students.

• Baden-Württemberg scholarships, which prioritize international diversity.

Why it is unique:
Freiburg has a thriving community of African students and provides strong support for integration into the German healthcare workforce.

5. Munich University of Applied Sciences (HM)

This university is based in Bavaria and is one of Germany’s leading universities of applied sciences.

• Programs: Bachelor’s in Nursing, advanced nursing practice programs.

• Scholarships: DAAD, BayBIDS (Bavarian government scholarships).

• Additional benefits: Munich offers high employability after graduation due to its strong healthcare network.

6. Hochschule Esslingen – University of Applied Sciences

Esslingen is known for its practical-based nursing education.

• Scholarships: DAAD and Deutschlandstipendium scholarships.

• Special opportunities: African students can join work-study programs that help them gain clinical experience while earning money.

7. University of Cologne

The University of Cologne is one of the oldest universities in Germany and has a well-developed nursing science faculty.

• Scholarships: Multiple scholarships for African students funded by private German foundations.

• Language requirement: B2 level in German is mandatory.

8. Catholic University of Applied Sciences Mainz

This faith-based institution is known for its humanitarian focus and commitment to training nurses for underserved populations.

• Scholarships: Church-based scholarships, DAAD.

• Programs: Nursing science, pediatric nursing.

Unique benefit: African students may receive full accommodation scholarships through church partnerships.

9. University of Applied Sciences Rosenheim

Rosenheim offers high-quality nursing programs with strong ties to hospitals in Bavaria.

• Scholarships: DAAD scholarships targeted at African regions.

• Tuition fees: None (public university).

10. Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences

Frankfurt UAS provides innovative nursing programs with a focus on international healthcare systems.

• Scholarships: DAAD, local government support programs.

• Strength: Located in Frankfurt, a financial and medical hub, giving students excellent job opportunities.

Scholarships Available for African Students Studying Nursing in Germany

Apart from the scholarships offered directly by the universities, African students can also access these external funding programs:

1. DAAD Scholarships: Fully funded scholarships covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance.

2. Deutschlandstipendium: €300 per month; based on merit.

3. Baden-Württemberg Scholarships: Focused on African students studying in the Baden-Württemberg region.

4. Church-based scholarships: Catholic and Protestant institutions in Germany often fund African nursing students.

5. Private foundations: Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Friedrich Ebert Foundation, and Heinrich Böll Foundation all offer funding.

Admission Requirements for African Students in Germany

1. Educational Qualifications:

   • Senior Secondary Certificate (WASSCE, KCSE, or equivalent).

   • For Bachelor’s programs: Equivalent to the German Abitur.

   • For postgraduate nursing: Bachelor’s degree in nursing or related fields.

2. Language Requirements:

   • Most nursing programs are taught in German.

   • Required level: B2 or C1 in German (TestDaF, DSH, or Goethe Zertifikat).

   • Some universities offer bilingual or English preparatory courses.

3. Financial Proof (for visa):

   • Proof of sufficient funds: about €11,208 in a blocked account (if you don’t have a full scholarship).

How to Apply

1. Choose your university: Research which nursing school fits your career goals.

2. Apply via uni-assist or directly: Most German universities use the uni-assist platform.

3. Prepare documents: Transcripts, language certificates, recommendation letters, and passport.

4. Apply for scholarships simultaneously: Apply to DAAD and other scholarship programs as early as possible.

5. Prepare for visa: Submit proof of admission and funding to the German Embassy in your country.

Tips for Securing Scholarships

• Start early: Scholarship deadlines often close 6–9 months before the program starts.

• Focus on language skills: German proficiency improves your chances of admission and funding.

• Write a strong motivation letter explaining your career goals and how you plan to contribute to healthcare in Africa.

• Apply to multiple universities and scholarships for better chances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I study nursing in Germany for free as an African student?

Yes. Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees. If you secure a scholarship, it will cover living costs as well.

2. Do I need to speak German to study nursing?

Yes. Most programs require at least B2 level proficiency in German. Some universities offer preparatory language courses.

3. Are scholarships fully funded?

Many scholarships such as DAAD are fully funded, covering tuition, living costs, and travel. Others like Deutschlandstipendium are partial.

4. Can I work while studying?

Yes. International students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year.

5. Which scholarships are best for Africans?

DAAD, Baden-Württemberg scholarships, and church-based programs have a strong history of funding African nursing students.

6. Do I need prior nursing experience?

For undergraduate programs, prior experience is not necessary. For advanced programs, a degree in nursing or healthcare is required.

7. Can I stay in Germany after graduation?

Yes. You can apply for an 18-month job-seeker visa and later for permanent residency.

8. How competitive are these scholarships?

They are competitive, but African students with strong academics and motivation letters stand a good chance.

Conclusion

Germany offers excellent opportunities for African students who want to study nursing abroad. With tuition-free universities, world-class healthcare training, and generous scholarships, it is possible to earn a degree without heavy financial burdens.

If you are serious about becoming a nurse and working internationally, start by improving your German language skills and applying early to one or more of the universities listed in this guide. By securing a scholarship, you can access free education, gain valuable clinical experience, and open doors to permanent residency in Germany.