Nursing Programs in Canada for International Students
Nursing is a highly respected and rewarding profession in Canada. The jobs in this sector are expected to grow in the next 10 years in Canada. Hence, there is a high demand for nursing programs in Canada among international students. To become a registered nurse in Canada, students need to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. After which they have to answer the NCLEX exam to register to get a license. This blog has complied information about nursing courses, colleges, tuition fees, etc. in Canada. If you are interested in studying nursing in Canada, then keep on reading.
Study Nursing in Canada: Overview
| Undergraduate degree | Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree |
| Average tuition fees for BScN program | 17,664 to 50,182 |
| Post-graduate degree | Master of Nursing (MN) |
| Average tuition fees for MN program | 6,323 to 31,500 |
| Accrediting body | Nursing Education Program Approval Board |
| Licensing exam | NCLEX exam |
Top Nursing Courses in Canada
The entry-level course for nursing in Canada is a bachelor’s degree in nursing called Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree. The duration of the course is 4 years. In addition to regular BScN degrees, most nursing colleges in Canada offer accelerated BScN degrees for degree holders. They are of 2-year duration.
The master’s degree in nursing can either be course-based or thesis-based. The course-based degree requires students to pass an oral or written exam based on the specialization of their choice. For a thesis-based master’s degree, students have to prepare a thesis and defend it. A Master’s degree in nursing is a gateway to a PhD degree in nursing. Students can also go for the other nursing programs like a diploma in nursing or a diploma in practical nursing which runs for a duration of 2 years each. But they are not eligible to use the title of a registered nurse.
Top Nursing Schools in Canada
Here is a list of top QS-ranked nursing universities in Canada. They offer both bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees in nursing.
| University Name | QS Ranking | Undergraduate Degree | Post-graduate Degree |
| University of Alberta | 9 | BScN | MN |
| University of Toronto | 10 | BScN | MN |
| McMaster University | 21 | BScN | MSc Nursing |
| University of British Columbia | 23 | BScN | MSN |
| McGill University | 38 | BScN | MSc Nursing |
| University of Calgary | 40 | BScN | MN |
| Western University | 42 | BScN | MN |
| Queen’s University at Kingston | 51-100 | BScN | MN |
| University of Ottawa | 51-100 | BScN | MN |
| University of Manitoba | 101-150 | BScN | MN |
Tuition fees and cost of studying Nursing in Canada
Canada is not an inexpensive country. Students should therefore plan their budgets to avoid debt and student loans. The table below shows the average tuition fees for some top nursing colleges in Canada. It contains tuition fees for bachelor’s as well as master’s degrees in nursing.
| University Name | Undergraduate Degree Tuition Fees (USD*/year) | Post-graduate Degree Tuition Fees (USD*/year) |
| University of Alberta | 27,540 | NA |
| University of Toronto | 42,000 | 31,500 |
| McMaster University | 46,043 | NA |
| University of British Columbia | 42,883 | NA |
| McGill University | 26,430 | 9,577 |
| University of Calgary | 21,528 | 8,242 |
| Western University | 50,182 | 13,350 |
| Queen’s University at Kingston | 26,785 | NA |
| University of Ottawa | 17,664 | 8,616 |
| University of Manitoba | 19,600 | 6,323 |
Students should choose university residences whenever possible because they are less expensive and require less travel. Food at the college cafeteria is less expensive than eating out, and students can reserve meal plans to save money. The ideal option is to prepare food from scratch. But since nursing classes are so demanding, it is impossible to cook on a daily basis. The university health insurance plans are cheaper than private health insurance. You can avail our value-added services to help you plan your budget without much hassle. The following are typical expenses that come under the cost of living in Canada.
| Expenses | Cost in USD*/year |
| Food | 3,500 to 4,500 |
| Accommodation | 10,800 to 12,500 |
| Student health insurance plan | 700 to 1000 |
| Books | 800 to 1,500 |
| Personal expenses | 3,000 to 5,000 |
| Transportation | 950 to 1,000 |
Admission requirements for Nursing in Canada
Here are some admission requirements for a BScN degree in Canada:
- A high school diploma or higher secondary education with an aggregate of 85% in biology and chemistry
- Official transcripts (Canadian equivalency)
- CASPer (if applicable)
- English Proficiency proof (TOEFL or IELTS)
- Resume
- Valid passport
- Student visa
- Reference letter
- Motivational letter
- Passport photographs
- Personal interview
- A copy of bank statement showing adequate funds for at least one academic year of tuition
The criteria for a master’s degree in nursing are identical to those for a bachelor’s degree in nursing, with the exception of the requirement for a nursing bachelor’s degree. Canadian nursing schools do not have centralized application services. Students interested in applying should do so through the university’s website. Students can also use Gyanberry admission services to apply to several nursing colleges across Canada. We also offer student visa services to Canada and 20 more countries.
Scholarships to study Nursing in Canada
Canada is popular for offering scholarships to prospective nursing students, including international students. Every year a huge number of scholarships are available for foreign students to study in Canada. These scholarships can either be partial or fully funded scholarships. They fall under the following categories:
- Scholarships by the Canadian government
- Scholarships by embassies
- Scholarships by public universities
- Scholarships by private universities
- Scholarships by global organizations
- Scholarships by NGOs
Career scope after studying Nursing in Canada
The nurses in Canada receive higher than average salaries, benefits, and excellent job security. There is a nationwide demand for nurses as the Canadian population ages. Registered nurses in Canada work in the following fields:
- Public and private hospitals
- Clinics
- Nursing homes
- Extended care facilities
- Doctor’s offices
- Community agencies
- Private practice (self-employed)
- Private homes and companies
- Rehabilitation centers
- Psychiatric hospitals
- Insurance companies
- Government services like prisons, armed forces, etc.
A bachelor’s degree in nursing is sufficient to practice in Canada. A master’s or doctoral degree in nursing is suitable for the following job requirements:
- Clinical nurse specialist
- Clinical nurse
- Nursing consultant
- Nursing researcher
- Academics
Nursing graduates from a foreign country can also work in Canada. They have to get their degree verified by the College of Registered Nurses in the respective territory. If verified, they can then either seek a license. If not verified, they can continue their studies at an undergraduate level. The average pay for registered nurses in Canada is 81,603 USD*/year (Indeed).
*Note: All prices mentioned in the USD are for reference only. Exchange rates may vary from time to time and from country to country.