Care in a country comparison: What does care look like in Europe?
Many prospective nurses dream of working abroad - be it for better pay, new experiences or to get to know a different culture. But this dream also brings with it many questions: How are the care systems in Europe structured? What training do I need? And where will I be paid fairly? This article will give you a fact-based overview to help you find your way.
The decision to work in nursing is more than just a career choice - it is a step into a meaningful, but also challenging life task. However, depending on the European country in which you start this career, the training paths, earning opportunities and social recognition differ considerably. This article gives you a clear, fact-based overview to help you make the right decisions for your future in nursing.
Nursing in European comparison: training and earnings
The European care sector is characterized by a high degree of mobility. Many care workers from Eastern European countries such as Romania or Poland are looking for better working conditions and higher Salaries in Germany or Austria. At the same time, the training in the countries of origin is often well-founded and practical, which makes them valuable specialists.
An example of this is the enormous demand in Austria, where numerous Romanian Caregivers with a high level of commitment, cordiality and diligence. They emigrate because they often cannot find suitable career prospects and significantly lower salaries in their home country. An average monthly salary of just 300 euros in Romania compares to many times that in the DACH countries. The prosperity gap is a decisive factor driving migration.
Country comparison of education
The training paths in nursing are regulated differently in Europe. In many countries, the programmes are academicized, which enhances the job profile. Sweden and Spain, for example, rely heavily on university education.
Salaries in European comparison
Pay in the care sector varies greatly across Europe. While in some countries you will find a pay gap compared to other professions, there are also countries that pay nurses above average. Luxembourg and Switzerland are the frontrunners here. According to a study by Bibliomed, the annual gross starting salary in seven countries was over 50.000 euros.
Recognition of foreign degrees
For nurses who want to work abroad, the recognition of their qualification is a crucial step. EU Directive 2005/36/EC regulates the recognition of professional qualifications and is intended to facilitate mobility. Nevertheless, country-specific procedures are necessary in order to obtain a full professional license.
Your path into the European care industry
The European care sector offers a multitude of opportunities. But to take advantage of them, it is important to be well informed and know what support is available to you. Many countries have recognized how valuable the nursing profession is and therefore offer targeted assistance to help you on your way.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Many countries offer support to make the nursing profession more financially attractive. In Austria and Germany, there are special programs to help you finance your training and make it easier to get started.
Austria:
The nursing scholarship In Austria, there is a nursing scholarship that supports you financially during your training. With a scholarship of up to 630 euros per month, you should be able to concentrate fully on your studies. This scholarship is not only an important financial relief, but also a sign of appreciation for your career choice. It shows that the state and society are investing in your future and the future of nursing.
Germany:
BAföG and care bonus There are also various grants in Germany that can pave your way into nursing training. The Upgrading BAföG supports you if you want to gain further professional qualifications. Depending on the training institution and federal state, there are also special care bonuses or a higher training allowance to provide you with additional motivation.
Switzerland:
Cantonal subsidies In Switzerland, subsidies are regulated on a cantonal basis. Many cantons offer training grants that make training in nursing attractive. With monthly amounts of CHF 800 to 1400, you can complete your training without financial worries.
How to find the right grant Finding the right scholarship or grant can be a challenge. Your first port of call should be the relevant employment agency, such as the AMS in Austria or the Federal Employment Agency in Germany. They will give you comprehensive advice about your options. In addition, many charities and church organizations offer their own scholarship programs for prospective nurses.
The right decision needs reliable information! Nursing is a profession with heart - but whether it's training, recognition or pay: the differences between European countries are huge. This is precisely why it is so important to be well informed before embarking on a new career path or going abroad.
We hope this overview has helped you to better understand the different nursing training programs, salaries, and legal frameworks in Europe.
Do you need support or personal advice? We at noracares are there for you - with experience, network and heart. Because good care starts with good information and a partner you can trust.
- Academization: The upgrading of a profession by training it at a university.
- Recognition procedure:The process by which a professional qualification obtained abroad is officially recognized in another country.
- Generalist education: A uniform nursing training that encompasses different nursing areas (geriatric, nursing, paediatric).
- Nostrification: A procedure in Austria in which a certificate or diploma obtained abroad is considered equivalent to an Austrian degree.
- Nursing Scholarship:A financial support that trainees in nursing professions receive during their training.
