AIMS: Compare the level of empathy of first and second-year students of the graduate study program of Nursing, the off-site study program delivered in Sveta Nedelja. TYPE OF STUDY: A cross-sectional survey was conducted. METHODS ISSUED: The respondents were 113 students from the graduate university study program of Nursing, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, an off-site study program delivered in Sveta Nedelja. The first part consisted of a questionnaire on the students' demographic data, and the second part comprised the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire. RESULTS: The average level of empathy in both groups was medium (1.98 ± 0.22); however, without a statistically significant difference, it was slightly higher in second-year students compared to first-year students. No significant difference in the level of empathy was observed in any of the statements. The majority of respondents in both groups were female (86.73%), belonging to the age group of 19 to 30 years of age (46.02%), married or living in a domestic partnership (69.91%), and employed (98.23%). The average age was 34.48 ± 8.66 years of age, and the average length of service was 13.25 ± 9.84 years. Among the students in their first year of study, a significantly higher level of empathy was observed in women than in men. No significant correlation was observed between other demographic characteristics and the level of empathy among first and second-year students. The highest level of empathy was expressed through altruism and the lowest through the perception of the emotional state of others. CONCLUSION: Medium level of empathy without significant differences in terms of the respondents’ year of the study indicates the need for additional professional training in this area.