
Canada is a popular destination for international students looking to study nursing. The country offers high-quality nursing programs that are globally recognised, providing a solid foundation in nursing theory, clinical skills, and practical experience. Nursing courses in Canada can vary in length, with options ranging from two-year programs to bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees. The tuition fees for international students can range from 52,000 CAD to 169,000 CAD, but scholarships are available, and there are internship opportunities that can provide a good income while studying. The admission process typically involves submitting an application form, transcripts, and proof of English or French language proficiency, and in some cases, taking the Casper test. Upon completion of their studies, international students may be eligible for post-graduation work permits, allowing them to gain valuable work experience in Canada.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Course length | 2, 4, or 6 years |
| Course type | Bachelor's, Master's, PhD |
| Course content | Nursing theory, clinical skills, practical experience, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing ethics, patient care |
| Entry requirements | High school diploma with biology, chemistry, mathematics, English, and science; CASPer test; transcripts; English or French proficiency |
| Tuition fees | 52,000-169,000 CAD |
| Living expenses | 15,000 CAD per year |
| Post-graduation | Graduates can gain a work permit and valuable work experience in Canada |
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What You'll Learn

Scholarships and fees
The tuition fees for nursing courses in Canada vary depending on the program and university. A bachelor's degree in nursing typically costs around CAD 53,000 per year, while a master's degree will cost around CAD 80,000 per year. PhD programs are more affordable, with fees of about CAD 12,000 annually. The total cost of obtaining a nursing degree in Canada can range from CAD 12,000 to CAD 80,000. Living expenses for nursing students are estimated at CAD 15,000 per year.
To ease the financial burden, scholarships are available for international students pursuing nursing in Canada. Many universities offer nursing scholarships, including the University of Toronto, McGill University, the University of Alberta, and the University of Ottawa. The University of Lethbridge, for example, offers the SGS Tuition Grant Program, which covers the full tuition costs for nursing studies at the master's and doctoral levels for both Canadian and foreign students.
Another scholarship option is the MPower Nursing Programme, which is available for full-time nursing degrees at any MPower-supported institution in Canada. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a nursing degree program and have legal permission to study in Canada. Additionally, the Aberdeen Medical Centre Award, offered by Thompson Rivers University, provides a $200 scholarship to students in their final year of a bachelor's degree in nursing, regardless of full-time or part-time status.
International students should also consider the Aspire - Canada Scholarship Programme, which offers partial funding for bachelor's, undergraduate, or master's degrees in any discipline, including nursing. This scholarship is open to students of all nationalities. Finally, after completing a nursing program in Canada, international students may be eligible for post-graduation work permits, allowing them to gain valuable work experience and potentially offset the costs of their education.
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Entry requirements
To study nursing in Canada as an international student, you must meet certain entry requirements. These requirements vary depending on the level of study and the specific university or college you are applying to. Here are the general entry requirements for international students seeking to pursue a nursing degree in Canada:
Bachelor's Degree in Nursing:
- Completion of secondary school graduation or equivalent with Mathematics, English, Biology, and Chemistry as core subjects at the 12th grade level. Some universities may require a minimum grade of 65% in these subjects.
- Successful completion of the CASPer (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) test.
- Proficiency in English or French, depending on the language of instruction at the chosen university.
- Submission of transcripts from secondary school or previous degree programs.
Master's Degree in Nursing:
- A bachelor's degree in nursing or a related field from an accredited university.
- A minimum overall average equivalent to a B+ (GPA) of 3.3.
Doctoral Degree in Nursing:
While there is no specific mention of entry requirements for a PhD in Nursing, it is safe to assume that a master's degree in a related field and a strong academic background are required.
It is important to note that these are general guidelines, and specific entry requirements may vary across universities and colleges in Canada. International students are advised to refer to the official websites of their chosen institutions for detailed information on admission criteria and application procedures. Additionally, students should be prepared to meet the financial requirements associated with studying in Canada, including tuition fees and living expenses.
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Application process
The application process for nursing courses in Canada differs depending on the university and the level of study. However, there are some common requirements and steps for international students.
Firstly, it is important to research the specific requirements of your chosen university and course. For instance, at the bachelor's level, some universities require a minimum overall average grade equivalent to a B+ (GPA of 3.3) and specific subjects, such as Mathematics, English, Biology, and Chemistry, at the secondary level. Other universities may require a minimum of 65% at the 12th-grade level, with English, Mathematics, or Science subjects. Additionally, some universities require applicants to take the Casper (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) test.
Secondly, applicants must submit the required documents, including transcripts from their secondary or degree education, and proof of English or French language proficiency, depending on the language of instruction. Some universities may also require an application fee.
After submitting an application, applicants should regularly monitor the status of their application through the institution's online portal to stay informed about any updates or additional requirements.
Upon acceptance into a nursing program, international students must apply for a study permit from the Canadian government. This process involves submitting additional documentation, including the acceptance letter from the institution.
It is worth noting that scholarships are available for international students pursuing nursing in Canada, providing an opportunity to study for free or at a reduced cost.
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Course structure
Nursing courses in Canada can vary in length, from two years to four years, depending on the program and the level of study. The country is home to several top-ranked universities offering high-quality nursing programs and global exposure.
At the bachelor's level, the program focuses on the protection of health through the prevention and treatment of illnesses. Some common courses for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) include anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing ethics, and patient care. A Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree is also offered at some universities. The minimum basic requirements for studying nursing in Canada for a bachelor's degree include passing the 12th grade with a minimum of 65% and core subjects such as Mathematics, English, Biology, and Chemistry. Some universities may also require successful completion of the CASPer test.
At the graduate level, degrees offered include a Master of Applied Science in Nursing (MASc) and a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N). To pursue a master's degree, students must have a bachelor's degree in nursing or a related field. Additionally, international students must be proficient in English or French, depending on the language of instruction.
The two-year nursing programs in Canada provide a comprehensive curriculum that covers nursing concepts through theoretical sessions and hands-on clinical experience. These programs prepare students for entry-level nursing positions and can serve as a pathway for further education or specialized certifications.
The tuition fees for nursing programs in Canada can range from CAD 52,000 to CAD 169,000. However, international students can explore scholarships to help fund their studies.
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Career prospects
Nursing is a lucrative career in Canada, with competitive salaries and good job prospects. The average salary for a nurse in Canada is $76,031 per year or $38.99 per hour, with entry-level positions starting at $59,875 per year. The average salary for a new graduate nurse is $80,126 per year or $41.09 per hour. The most experienced nurses can earn up to $105,477 per year. International nurses in Canada can expect to earn a starting salary of $75,000 per annum for a 40-hour work week, with an annual increment.
Nursing degrees in Canada are globally recognised, and graduates can go on to work in other countries. The two-year nursing programs in Canada are comprehensive and provide a fast track into the workforce, covering nursing theory, clinical skills, and practical experience. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing ethics, and patient care. Students also gain hands-on clinical experience in hospitals, clinics, and community settings, which is essential for building confidence and establishing connections.
After completing a two-year nursing program in Canada, international students may be eligible for post-graduation work permits, allowing them to gain valuable work experience in Canada. Graduates can pursue advanced degrees or specialised certifications to enhance their career opportunities. They can also later specialise in specific healthcare areas such as mental health, paediatrics, critical care, or community health through additional education or on-the-job training.
Canada offers a range of specialisations at the bachelor's and graduate levels. At the bachelor's level, the program focuses on the protection of health through the prevention and treatment of illnesses. At the graduate level, students can pursue a Master of Applied Science in Nursing or a Master of Science in Nursing, among other degrees.
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Frequently asked questions
Canada is home to many top-ranked universities offering high-quality nursing programs and global exposure. The country provides globally recognised degrees and internship opportunities, which can boost job prospects. Nursing is also lucrative in Canada, with competitive salaries.
For a bachelor's degree, you must have completed secondary school education with Mathematics, English, Biology, and Chemistry as core subjects. Some universities may also require a minimum grade of 65% and for English, Mathematics, or Science subjects to be taken at the 12-grade level. A successful completion of the CASPer test is also required. For a master's degree, you must have a bachelor's degree in nursing or a related field. Proficiency in English or French is mandatory.
Nursing courses in Canada can take 2-4 years depending on the program. There are 2-year nursing programs that provide a comprehensive education covering nursing theory, clinical skills, and practical experience. There are also 4-year bachelor's degree programs and 2-year master's degree programs.
The fees for nursing institutions for international students can range from 52,000 CAD to 169,000 CAD. The tuition fees for a bachelor's degree range from 12,000 CAD to 53,000 CAD per annum. Master's programs will cost around 80,000 CAD per annum. PhD programs are more affordable, at about 12,000 CAD per annum. Living expenses for nursing students are approximately 15,000 CAD per year.
Canada has around 67 nursing universities offering degrees at bachelor's, master's, and doctorate levels. 18 of these universities are listed in the top rankings by QS World University Rankings. Some of the top universities include York University, Brock University, and the University of Saskatchewan. The University of Alberta is another option that welcomes international students.








































