Nursing Schools in Canada for International Students| The Best, Most Affordable, and Most Accessible

Explore the top nursing schools in Canada offering affordable, easily available grants and programs for overseas students looking for a world study. One of the most sought-after occupations globally is nursing; Canada is a well-known country for abroad students looking for first-rate nursing degrees.

The country presents first-rate healthcare training, a varied and inclusive environment, and fantastic post-graduation prospects. For international students, however, selecting the right nursing school that balances cost, distance, and academic quality is quite important. This page will help abroad students navigate some of the best, most fairly priced, and conveniently located nursing schools all over Canada.

If you want to assist others, find fulfillment, and make a decent living, visit Canadian nursing schools. A nursing degree in our country not only qualifies you to be a staff nurse, nurse anesthetist, or case manager but also allows you a wide range of additional professional routes. These cover research nurses, travel nurses, supplemental nurses, medical editors or writers, and forensic nurses.

Sounds more fascinating, right? Though nursing is not as dramatic as TV shows show it, guides us toward medical facilities where practitioners are as gorgeous as those in “Chicago Med” and ” Grey’s Anatomy.”

And the best thing is that more nurses are always much sought after.

To address the shortage of nurses in Quebec, the government declared in 2022 that it was budgeting 65 million Canadian dollars to train 1,000 international nurses.
According to a The Canadian Press article, Ontario will require 50,853 more personal care workers and 33,200 more nurses by 2032.
Canada received an additional 388,000 CAD injection in March 2024 from a national association’s suggestion to enable the quicker integration of globally qualified nurses into the Canadian healthcare system via a mentoring program.

Given one of the best nations in the world, a decent and fulfilling work; what more incentive would one have to attend nursing schools in Canada?

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Why Choose Nursing Schools in Canada?

Because of its well-known excellent standards in education and healthcare not only are programs paired with cutting-edge research and up-to-date practices, but they are often highly ranked and thus globally recognized. Therefore, a qualification from most Canadian nursing schools will let you work from anywhere in the globe. For a Canadian student visa, the application is really simple, which reduces your tension during the process. Furthermore accessible are a variety of employment possibilities.

The following justifies why international students should choose nursing schools in Canada:

Globally Recognized Programs: Accredited and well-known worldwide, Canadian nursing programs give students credentials that can open doors to job opportunities abroad.
Cutting-Edge Facilities: Modern facilities, simulation centers, and clinical training at top-notch healthcare institutions abound at Canadian nursing schools.
Diverse Learning Environment: Along with an opportunity to get experience in a multicultural healthcare system, Canada is well-known for its cultural variety, which offers an inclusive and friendly environment for international students.
Pathway to Residency: Thanks to several immigration routes, international students who finish a nursing degree in Canada can commonly apply for work permits and finally for permanent residency.
High Demand for Nurses: Skilled nurses are in great demand throughout Canada, guaranteeing good employment possibilities and chances for career development following graduation.

Then there is the Cost Consideration.

In Canada, learning nursing is thought to be somewhat affordable.

According to Statistics Canada, nursing’s average international undergraduate tuition cost for 2022–23 is CA$24,852. Look at the Government of Canada scholarships for overseas students and Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships if you need funds. Your qualifications will determine the several paths you can follow.

One may pursue a PhD in nursing in addition to a Bachelor of Science (BSN), Master of Applied Science in Nursing (MASc), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), graduate certificate, graduate diploma, and graduate certificate degrees in nursing.

You might also think of other interesting specializations:

Midwifery
Community Health
Enterostomal Therapy Nursing
Cardiovascular Nursing
Gastroenterology Nursing
Critical Care Pediatric Nursing
Hospice Palliative Care Nursing
Emergency Nursing
Global Health
Nephrology Nursing
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Nursing Administration

Now that you are convinced to study nursing in Canada, maybe it would be appropriate for us to discuss the specific requirements.

What Qualifications are Required to Enter Nursing Schools in Canada

Every university will have different entrance criteria; their websites will provide you with a whole list.
As an international student, you would mostly require these things:

International passport and student visa
French or English language proficiency qualification (eg. PTE Academic, IELTS, TOEFL, CAEL, or CAEL online)
Documentation proving money for living expenses, program, and lodging fees.
A bachelor’s degree in nursing calls for a 12th-level graduation from secondary school with specific core subjects: Mathematics, English, Biology, and Chemistry.
For entry to the majority of nursing master’s programs, a bachelor’s degree is necessary. Two more prerequisites are a year of clinical experience and a registered nurse licensure.
Universities seeking a doctorate demand a master’s degree in nursing or a closely related subject.

Now explore the nursing schools in Canada that best fit you.

Top Nursing Schools in Canada for International Students

Prospective students should consider the school’s reputation, curricula, and availability of practical experiences in their hunt for the best nursing colleges. These colleges give overseas students first-rate education along with comprehensive support services. Following are some of Canada’s top nursing schools:

University of Toronto
University of British Columbia (UBC)
McMaster University
McGill University
University of Alberta
Dalhousie University
Western University
Queen’s University
University of Ottawa
York University

Highest-ranking of all Nursing Schools in Canada

Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto has a rich history of participation in the Canadian healthcare landscape.

The University of Toronto is here to stay as seen by the fact that nurse Kathleen Russell’s support of the faculty helped advance the education of nurse leaders during the vital post-Spanish Influenza epidemic period and that a nursing student co-created a new simulation intending to provide specialized care to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Along with six certificate programs for nurses to upskill themselves, UoT offers nursing degrees including an expedited BSN, an MSN, a PhD, and a Doctor of Nursing program. For international students registering for the BSN in the 2023–24 academic year, tuition fees come to US$73,613.40 (99,758.64 CAD).

Most Affordable Nursing Schools in Canada for International

The University of Prince Edward Island is among Canada’s lowest-cost universities offering nursing degrees. The annual cost of their Faculty of Nursing Programs is US$4,848.10 (6,570 CAD) for 15 credit hours (657 CAD for each three-credit course). Apart from providing more than 5 million CAD in scholarships and awards, this university claims the second-lowest tuition rates in the Atlantic area.

The nursing program at the University of Prince Edward Island adheres to the World Health Organisation definition of primary health care. Healthcare must be made generally available to people and families in the community by means acceptable to them, via their full involvement, and at a cost the nation and society can afford. Cost is a major concern for international students, but Canada offers several affordable nursing schools without compromising on quality. Some affordable nursing schools include:

University of Ottawa
McGill University
Memorial University of Newfoundland
University of Prince Edward Island
Brandon University
Thompson Rivers University
Georgian College
Centennial College
Conestoga College
Stenberg College
Lakehead University
Ryerson University
Fanshawe College
Langara College

Most Accessible Nursing Schools in Canada for International Students

First of all, let us admit that the word “easy” is subjective. For someone who is good with people, handling challenging patients will come naturally; an introvert will say the opposite. Everybody has various perspectives about what is tough and easy. This is the reason an objective assessment of the “easiest” nursing schools’ acceptance rate in Canada is crucial.

Lakehead University boasts the third highest admission rate in Canada, according to Global Scholarships—55%. It naturally ranks as the most easily available or least difficult nursing school for overseas students. The Lakehead University School of Nursing offers:

Four-year BScN program in collaboration with Confederation College
Indigenous Nursing Entry Program (INEP)
Master of Public Health with a Nursing Specialization
Three-year compressed BScN program
Nurse Practitioner Program

Apart from having regular publication of research by staff, this nursing school provides practical learning opportunities for its students. Analyzing thorough nursing ideas and methods can also help you to appreciate using modern medical technologies. From long-term care institutions to community settings and hospitals, students will participate in varied clinical experiences.

Here are other universities that give good academic backgrounds together with easily available routes for foreign students to enter the nursing profession.

University of Regina: This university provides substantial student support services including language lessons for non-native English speakers together with flexible entrance criteria.
Thompson Rivers University: In British Columbia, Thompson Rivers University offers online and part-time nursing courses to fit abroad students and promises a simple application process.

Post-Graduation Opportunities

International students have several opportunities to remain and work in Canada once they have earned a nursing degree there. Nationwide demand for registered nurses is great; many provinces have initiatives to enable competent nurses to become permanent residents. Nursing graduates have chances thanks to programs like the Express Entry system or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to work and finally acquire permanent residency in Canada.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students at Canadian Nursing Schools

For overseas students seeking nursing degrees in Canada, these scholarships and financial aid programs can greatly light their financial load. Check the particular qualifying requirements and application deadlines for every scholarship.

1. Canadian Nurses Foundation (CNF) Scholarships: accessible to nursing students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees for between $750 and $10,000.

Special Awards: The Internationally Educated Nursing Award is from $1,500 to $3,000, while the scholarships to support equity, diversity, and inclusion vary from $3,000 to $20,000.

2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: Foreign students working on doctorates in health disciplines, particularly nursing.$50,000 annually for three years.

3. University-Specific Scholarships:

University of Toronto:
McGill University:
University of British Columbia (UBC)
McMaster University
University of Alberta

4. Government Scholarships:

Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master’s Program: For overseas students working on a 12-month master’s degree in nursing $17,500.
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program: Accessible to Commonwealth country overseas students.
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED): For students who want to study in Canada but are from ASEAN countries.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program: Accessible to overseas students pursuing graduate nursing degrees. includes travel expenditures, living expenses, and educational fees.

In the end, especially for foreign students, choosing suitable nursing schools in Canada is a major decision. This process mostly depends on factors including cost, availability, and educational quality. From top universities like the University of Toronto to more cheaply priced and easily available universities like Memorial University, Canada offers a lot of options. Canada is still a fantastic site for prospective nurses with so many scholarships, financial aid programs, and post-graduation opportunities.

Getting a job comes next once you have selected a university and obtained your qualifications. First, you must register for your licensure using the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). Remember that doing this can cost you roughly US$650 (845 CAD). Another great incentive for working in Canada is the excellent pay for graduate nurses. A 36-40 hour working week will allow you to make about 59,000 CAD yearly.