This paper has the objective of analysing the characteristics of private courses in nursing graduation in the state of São Paulo, as well as its relationship to the demand. A questionary was used to collect the data concerned to the course. The results showed that the part time nursing courses, although being paid for, have a high demand; the scholarships lead to the maintenance of the student in the school, create oportunities for the students to work, and make it easy forthose who have already being working in the area access such courses. It is suggested that other studies be carried out in order to establish the causes of such low demand, so that the courses can be developed to attend the needs of the population and keep their level of excellency.