The Most Affordable Nursing Schools in Europe for International Students 2026

Studying nursing in Europe is 1 of the smartest moves an international student can make in 2026. Not only do you gain an EU-recognised nursing degree taught in English, but you also save tens of thousands of euros compared to studying in the UK, USA, or Australia, and, best of all, you still get to train in world-class hospitals and healthcare settings.

This guide breaks down the most affordable nursing schools in Europe for international students, compares tuition fees and living costs by country, and helps you figure out exactly where to apply.

The key takeaways of this blog include:

• Poland, Italy, Hungary and Bosnia & Herzegovina are some of the most affordable countries for Nursing in English
• Tuition fees for BSc nursing in Europe range between €2,500 and €5,800 per year
• You can expect to spend between €550 and €1,500 on tuition fees, depending on location
• Besides price, the most important factors are that your nursing school is accredited and internationally recognised
• All universities in this list provide high-quality nursing education and award internationally recognised degrees

TL:DR - Which are the Most Affordable Nursing Schools in Europe in 2026?

Here’s the quickest possible overview of the most affordable nursing schools in Europe in 2026 with high-quality English-language BSc nursing programmes:

All 5 universities meet EU standards for nursing education, meaning you graduate with a degree that is recognised across Europe and in many countries worldwide, including the UK through the NMC registration pathway.

What are the Most Affordable Countries to Study Nursing in Europe?

Before choosing a university, it helps to understand which countries offer the lowest combined costs of tuition plus living expenses. Here is a breakdown of the most affordable nursing schools in Europe in English:

1. Poland - most balanced pick

Poland consistently ranks as the most affordable country to study nursing in Europe in English. Tuition fees range from €2,500 to €4,900 per year, and monthly living costs in cities like Krakow and Rzeszow are among the lowest in the EU.

Something that makes Poland stand out is that the nursing schools here have no entrance exams, making it 1 of the most accessible options for international students.

2. Bosnia & Herzegovina - lowest overall price

Tuition fees here are just €2,550 per year, which are some of the lowest study nursing in Europe fees available anywhere. Living costs in Bosnia & Herzegovina are also pretty low which can make your overall study budget very manageable.

3. Hungary - prestigious, yet competitively priced

Hungary offers high-quality nursing education with fees of €5,800 per year at the University of Pecs. Although both tuition fees and living costs are higher than Poland, they’re still significantly lower than UK or Western European alternatives.

4. Italy - affordable tuition, but higher living costs

If you plan on studying nursing in Italy, you should definitely consider UniCamillus in Rome. While living costs in Rome are definitely on the higher side, the tuition fees of just €3,000 per year are still far below what you would pay in the UK.

And you get to study in Rome.

Want to learn more about studying abroad? 

Sign up for the biggest webinar on studying abroad and ask all your questions live. You can also feel free to watch previous editions on the Medlink Students YouTube channel.

How Much are Living Costs to Study Nursing in Europe?

Here is what you can expect to spend per month in each country with low cost nursing schools in Europe in 2026:

These average estimates cover rent, utilities, food, transport, and leisure. Poland and Bosnia & Herzegovina are consistently the most affordable options for international students on a budget and this remains true for 2026.

Which are the 5 Most Affordable Nursing Schools in Europe for International Students?

Here’s our curated list of the most affordable, high-quality nursing schools in Europe, what makes them stand out, and why they’re such great choices for nursing for international students:

1. Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University €2,500 per year for EU students, €3,500 for non-EU

This is 1 of the most affordable nursing schools in Europe for international students AND one of the most accessible. There is no entrance exam, and the entry requirements focus simply on your high school diploma and English language proficiency.

The 3-year BSc Nursing programme in English is structured to build clinical skills progressively, covering all aspects of nursing. For the grand finale at the end of your degree, you will be taking the OSCE, the same standardised exam used across the UK and Europe to ensure your qualification is fully relevant across the continent and beyond.

2. The University of East Sarajevo, €2,550 per year

The University of East Sarajevo Faculty of Medicine is 1 of the hidden gems among affordable nursing schools in Europe.

At just €2,550 per year, it offers a fully English-taught 4-year Bachelor’s in nursing worth 240 ECTS credits that is fully aligned with EU higher education standards. 1 of its biggest advantages is hands-on patient experience from the earliest stages of the programme, thanks to the university’s very own 500-bed hospital. 

3. Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, €3,000 per year

UniCamillus, for short, offers a 3-year English-language nursing programme in 1 of the most iconic and historic cities in the world, Rome. At €3,000 per year, it is 1 of the most affordable nursing schools in Italy and delivers clinical training in hospitals and clinics across Rome and the surrounding region.

However, living costs here are on the more expensive side.

4. The University of Information Technology and Management, €4,900 per year

UITM in Rzeszow is a private Polish university that focuses on clinical training.

Its 3-year nursing programme includes over 2,300 hours of practical training, of which 1,200 hours are professional clinical placements in hospitals and clinics. Rzeszow is also 1 of Europe's most student-friendly cities, with very low crime rates and affordable living costs.

Another great benefit of studying here is the lack of an entrance exam. Admissions is very straightforward and all of these advantages combined make UITM an excellent option for international students looking for a low-cost nursing education in Europe without the stress of taking an exam. 

5. The University of Pecs, €5,800 per year

The University of Pecs is 1 of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities, with a long-standing reputation for training outstanding professionals.

The 4-year BSc in Nursing and Patient Care here is designed to train graduates across all levels of health and social care. The University of Pecs achieves this by including extensive hands-on simulation training that covers prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and more.

For students planning a more specialised career in nursing, the programme also offers a direct pathway into a 1.5-year Nursing Master's degree with 4 options.

Not sure which university is the right pick for you?

We offer free consultations with our academic advisors to help students just like you make informed decisions about their future. Sign up using the form below and choose the date and time to have a nice, relaxed talk about your options:

Ready to Secure Your Place at an Affordable Nursing School in Europe?

Medlink Students works directly with universities in Poland, Hungary, Italy, and Bosnia & Herzegovina to help international students secure their place and settle in through our on-ground support.

Our team of expert academic advisors offers free consultations to help you:

• Find the right nursing school for your budget, goals, and entry qualifications
• Get a full picture of the actual cost of studying nursing, including tuition, living expenses, and application fees
• Understand the entry requirements and entrance exam preparation (if you even have an exam)
• Submit a strong application and secure your place

Book your free consultation today and we’ll make sure to maximise your chances of getting accepted to an affordable and prestigious nursing school in Europe.

FAQ: Affordable Nursing Schools in Europe for International Students