Accelerated nursing programs for international students is for experienced nurses or other graduates who want to make a difference in the world. Nursing is the largest health care profession. So you are invited to be a part of shaping the future of health in Canada and beyond. Most Faculty of Nursing in Canadian schools encourages international students to apply for 2 Year Nursing Programs In Canada For International Students. Refer to the our list of 2 Year Nursing Programs In Canada For International Students below for more information about the admission requirements for our BSc N programs. International students are allowed to work while studying nursing in Canada. However, you are only eligible for this privilege if your study permit includes this condition. As such, you may not need to acquire a work permit to be employed on-campus or off-campus
Here is an established truth; the most obvious advantage in a accelerated nursing programs for international students is that you will complete your education faster than if you had attended a bachelor’s degree program. Earning your RN license in two years gets you into the workforce quickly and allows you to start earning money.
Taking a look at the article below will give you access to the most relevant information relating to how to study 2 Year Nursing Programs In Canada For International Students you choose and whether it matters where you go medical school. All you have to do is read on.
You will also find related posts on 2 year nursing programs in Canada for international students to cheapest nursing school in canada for international students, and so much more right here on Collegelearners.
Pre Nursing Programs In Canada For International Students
Nursing is a degree course that teaches the students the skills required to promote the health and safety of the ill, the disabled, and the elderly group of the society. Nurses are the backbone of the medical industry. Here are some of the reasons why international students should pursue nursing courses in Canada
- 10 nursing colleges in Canada rank in the top 100 nursing colleges globally, in the QS World Rankings of 2020.
- Nursing jobs in Canada are expected to rise by 3.4% by 2035
- The number of internationally educated nurses has grown by 7.8%, representing almost 8.5% of the total Canadian registered nurses population.
- The average annual salary for nursing jobs in Canada starts from 104,000 CAD and can go up as high as 201,000 CAD.
- According to Statistica, the number of graduates in nursing who registered for studying in Canada has increased by almost 30% in the 2007-2017 stretch.
2 Year Nursing Programs In Canada For International Students
There are various colleges and universities across Canada that offer 2 year nursing programs in canada for international students. The most common program is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) which is a 2 – 4 year undergraduate program. This program is offered by both colleges and universities. The total tuition fees for a BScN range between $52, 000 – $169, 000 depending on the college or university you choose. Calgary University and McMaster University have the lowest annual tuition fee of $12,837 and $13,024 respectively among the top universities offering BScN.
Here are 12 excellent colleges and universities that are designated for international students to study nursing in Canada:
Top 12 Colleges to Study Nursing in Canada | ||
---|---|---|
College | 2 year nursing programs in canada for international students | City and province |
Humber College | Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BScN) | Toronto, ON |
Langara College | Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BScN) | Vancouver, BC |
Mohawk College | Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BScN) | Hamilton, ON |
University of Prince Edward Island | Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BScN) Accelerated BScN Program | Charlottetown, PEI |
Lambton College | Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BScN) Practical Nurse diploma | Mississauga, ON |
MacEwan University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BScN) Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing Degree (BPN) Occupational Health Nursing post-diploma certificate | Edmonton, AB |
University of British Columbia | Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BScN) | Vancouver, BC |
University of Toronto | Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BScN) Doctor of Nursing (DN) Master of Nursing | Toronto, ON |
University of Toronto | Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BScN) Doctor of Nursing (DN) Master of Nursing (MN) | Toronto, ON |
University of Saskatoon | Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BScN) Doctor of Nursing (DN) Master of Nursing (MN) | Saskatoon, SW |
McMaster University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BScN) Bachelor of Science Midwifery (B.Sc) Master of Nursing (MN) | Hamilton, ON |
Calgary University | Bachelor of Nursing Degree (B.N) Master of Nursing (MN) | Calgary, AB |
Nursing Colleges in Canada Admission requirements
The purpose of the Post-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (PDBSN) option is to recognize previous university achievements of qualified students and give them the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in a shortened period of time.
Prospective students must complete academic and non-academic requirements to be eligible for consideration. Admission to the College of Nursing PDBSN option is competitive and based on:
Admission average (60% weighting)
The calculated average of your most recent 60 credit units of coursework towards a degree; all courses towards a degree within each academic year must be included
Situational judgment test score (40% weighting)
Completion of all other admission requirements
Globally Ranked Nursing Colleges in Canada
There are around 67 nursing colleges in Canada offering degrees at bachelor, graduate, and doctorate levels. University of Toronto and University of British Columbia are two top-ranking colleges that do not offer direct bachelor entry to nursing courses for international students.
Some of the top-ranking colleges and the courses offered have been listed down below:
University | QS Ranking 2020 | Courses offered |
---|---|---|
University of Toronto | 7 | Bachelor, master, and Ph.D. course |
McMaster University | 15 | 4 bachelor, 3 graduate diploma, a master course |
McGill University | 21 | 2bachelor, 9 masters, 4 graduate diploma, Ph.D. courses |
University of Alberta | 23 | 2 bachelor, 2 masters, Ph.D. courses |
University of British Columbia | 38 | Bachelor, master courses |
Western University | 45 | Bachelor Course |
Queen’s University at Kingston | 51-100 | 2 bachelor, 2 master, 2 PhD courses |
University of Calgary | 51-100 | Bachelor, 4 masters, certificate, diploma, PhD courses |
Nursing Colleges in Canada: Degree Types and Specializations
Nursing colleges in Canada offer around 140 courses in different degree levels and different specializations. At the bachelor level, Bachelor in Science in Nursing (BSN) and Bachelor in Science (BSc) degree is offered.
At the graduate level, Master in Science in Nursing (M.S.N), Master in Applied Science in Nursing (MASc) and graduate certificate and graduate diploma degrees are offered. A Ph.D. in Nursing is offered after completion of the doctorate program. There are various specializations international students can choose from according to their interests.
Here are some of the specializations:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Practical Nursing
- Critical Care Nursing
- Community Mental Health
- General Nursing
- Nursing Administration
- Mental Health Nursing Practitioner
- Global Health
- Midwifery
Nursing Colleges in Canada: Undergraduate Programs
Colleges for nursing in Canada offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree as a regular degree or as an accelerated degree. A regular BSN degree takes 4 years to complete the course whereas, in an accelerated degree, the course duration is 2 years.
At the bachelor level, the program mainly focuses on the protection of health by prevention and treatment of illness. Hence, clinical practice is a very important part of bachelor in nursing in Canada.
Here are some of the universities offering bachelors degree in nursing:
University | Course offered | Duration | Yearly Fees in CAD |
---|---|---|---|
McMaster University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing [B.S.N] | 4 | 24,277 |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing [B.S.N] (Accelerated) | 2 | 24,277 | |
Bachelor of Science [B.Sc] Midwifery | 4 | 24,277 | |
McGill University | Bachelor of Nursing (integrated) | 5 | 36,561 |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing [B.S.N] | 3 | 31,794 | |
University of Alberta | Bachelor of Science in Nursing [B.S.N] Registered Psychiatric Nurse | 2 | 20,250 |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing [B.S.N] | 4 | 20,250 | |
Western University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing [B.S.N] | 4 | 23,281 |
Queen’s University at Kingston | Bachelor Nursing Science | 4 | 17,358 |
Bachelor Nursing Science (Accelerated Standing Track) | 4 | 17,358 |
Nursing Colleges in Canada: Eligibility for Bachelors
Bachelor in nursing in Canada is offered with various specializations and various degree types. The eligibility criteria depend on the course and the university. But there are some minimum basic criteria that international students need to have to apply for any course. The minimum basic criteria common to most universities have been listed down below:
- A 12 grade level of education with a minimum of 65%.
- Some universities demand English and Mathematics and some science courses at the 12-grade level
- Completion of a mandatory CASPer Test (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics).
- Language Proficiency tests (IELTS– a minimum overall band of 6.5, TOEFL– a minimum of 80 )
Nursing Colleges in Canada: Documents Required for Bachelors
- Official transcripts and language test scores.
- CASPer Test document
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
- Statement of Purpose
Nursing Colleges in Canada: Fees for Bachelors
The tuition fees for a bachelor’s degree in nursing colleges in Canada range from 52,000 CAD to 169,000 CAD (total program fees).
Nursing Colleges in Canada: Graduate Programs
Nursing colleges in Canada offer a master’s degree as a normal MSc course or a research-based MSN course. It is usually a 2-year program. Some universities offer graduate diploma and graduate certificate courses on various specializations in nursing which usually takes 1 year to complete.
There are more than 20 universities offering masters in nursing in Canada. Some of them have been tabulated below:
Universities | Course Offered | Duration | Annual fees in CAD |
---|---|---|---|
University of Toronto | Master of Nursing [M.N] | 3 | 39,967 |
McMaster University | Master of Science in Nursing [M.S.N] | 2 | 12,820 |
Graduate Diploma Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner | 1 | 8,547 | |
Graduate Diploma Neonatal Nursing – Advanced | 2 | 8,547 | |
McGill University | Master of Applied Science [M.ASc] Nursing – Advanced Clinical Practice | 2 | 13,583 |
Master of Applied Science [M.ASc] Nursing – Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | 2 | 13,583 | |
Master of Applied Science [M.ASc] Nursing – Neonatology Nurse Practitioner | 2 | 13,583 | |
Master of Applied Science [M.ASc] Nursing – Nursing Services Administration | 2 | 13,583 | |
University of Alberta | Master of Nursing [M.N] | 2 | 7,100 |
Master of Nursing [M.N] | 2 | 7,875 | |
University of British Columbia | Master of Science in Nursing [M.S.N] | 2 | 6,714 |
Queen’s University at Kingston | Master Nursing Science | 2 | 41,343 |
BSc Nursing in Canada is available as a regular and accelerated degree and can be completed within 4 years. This program is mainly focused on the protection of health by prevention and treatment of illness. Clinical practice is an important part of the curriculum of Canadian universities offering BSc in Nursing.
Cheapest Nursing School in Canada for International Students
Here is our list of the most affordable nursing schools in Canada for international students.
Brandon University
Tuition Fee – The undergraduate tuition at Brandon University ranges from $7,505 – $8,204 per full academic year
As one of the cheapest institutions on our list, Brandon University has a professional nursing program. The Faculty of Health Studies at the university offers a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Nursing degree. This nursing program offers a variety of clinical opportunities and graduates are prepared to work in many different settings.
University of Regina
Tuition fees: The undergraduate tuition at University of Regina ranges from $7,189.80 to $8,492.30 per academic year.
At University of Regina, the nursing program focuses on the practical education of the students. As an international student, you will be able to learn all the necessarty skills and knowledge needed to practise as a professional in the Nursing field. The university has new and upgraded labs fully equipped with the best equipment.
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University of Prince Edward Island
Tuition fees: Undergraduate tuition at University of Prince Edward Island ranges from $5,860 to $11,720 per academic year.
At the University of Prince Edward Island, the Faculty of Science in Nursing offers two different nursing programs. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is offered as a standard four-year undergraduate program and there is an accelerated two-year program that is available for students with a previous degree. UPEI is one of the cheapest nursing schools in Canada for international Students, which runs a quality-nursing program. With a mission to create a learning environment that encourages students to be creative and critical, The University of Prince Edward Island seeks to create a new generation of competent nurses. The program is research-centred and student-focused, students are given the opportunity to practice critical thinking, and other necessary a kicks that will enable them function effectively in the field.
Registered nurses are then allowed to practice their profession in whatever field they desire.
University of New Brunswick
Tuition fees: Undergraduate tuition at University of New Brunswick, Canada ranges from $12900–$18500.
The University of Brunswick runs an extensive Nursing program which gives students the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills through experimental learning. The program focuses on defuse fundamental attributes which are crucial to the nursing profession. These abilities include;
The knowledge and application of nursing and all related subjects and the ability to provide safe and efficient health care.
- The ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population of people and relay accurate information irrespective of current situations.
- The critical evaluation of clinical practices and the analysis of current clinical evidence and ethical nursing practices.
- Students of University of Brunswick will have the opportunity to use their skills in various hospitals, clinics and other health care facilities in every part of the world. They can also collaborate with national healthcare organisations that promote good health in communities.
The university offers a four-year Bachelor of Nursing degree Program and a two-year advanced standing bachelor of nursing degree program.
University of Ottawa
Tuition fees: Undergraduate tuition fees at University of Ottawa range from $10,850 to $16,700
Here is another university on our list of the cheapest nursing schools in Canada for international students that runs a collaborative program for nursing students. The University of Ottawa offers a four-year nursing program in collaboration with two other institutions – Algonquin College and La Cite Collégiale.
Do you have an urge to help people? Is caring for others a core part of your identity? Do you want a great career, with lots of exciting challenges? If so, you’d be an excellent candidate for nursing.
Of course, becoming a nurse can be a long and difficult process. Luckily, several schools offer accelerated nursing programs in Canada, so you’ll be helping patients in no time.
University of Prince Edward Island
Canada’s smallest province is also one of its most beautiful. The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) in Charlottetown has a rich history. It also offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Check out UPEI’s School of Nursing, and you could become a registered nurse before you know it.
McMaster University
McMaster University in Ontario is renowned across Canada for its excellent medical program, and its accelerated nursing program is no exception. Delivered in partnership with both Mohawk College and Conestoga College, you can be sure you’re getting a great education from instructors who know their field.
St. Francis Xavier University
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) in Nova Scotia is another excellent university in the Canadian Maritimes. StFX has recently introduced an accelerated nursing program, available to university transfer applicants. You’ll also have to pass an online CASPer Assessment. Book early, as you can’t apply without it!
Nursing is a noble profession and admirable career. As more and more schools begin offering accelerated nursing programs in Canada, it will only get easier to become a registered nurse.
Nursing Colleges in Canada
Eligibility for Masters
To study masters in Nursing colleges in Canada, international students should fulfill some academic criteria as mentioned by the university. For students from non-EU backgrounds, they need to provide an English language proficiency test (IELTS, TOEFL) score.
Here are some of the general admission requirements usually demanded by most nursing colleges in Canada:
- 4 years of a bachelor’s degree
- Most universities want 1 year of clinical experience
- Language Proficiency Exams in Canada (IELTS- a minimum of 6.5, TOEFL– minimum 90)
Documents Required for Masters
- Official Transcripts of all the previous academic qualifications
- Language Test Scores
- A verified clear criminal record certificate
- A valid nursing license for practice in Canada
- 2-3 Letter of Recommendations (LOR)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Resume
Fees for Masters
- The tuition fees for masters in nursing in Canada can be as low as 6,200 CAD in the University of British Columbia to around 40,000 CAD per year at the University of Toronto.
- The average fee is around 37,000 CAD for one year of a master’s program.
Doctoral Programs
Ph.D. courses in Nursing in Canada is usually a 4-year course. It prepares Certified nurses to contribute to the field through research. A PhD degree is necessary if the student wants to gain leadership roles in the field or wants to work for research labs for the betterment of the community.
Some of the colleges offering PhD degree are:
University | Course Offered | Duration in years | Annual Fees in CAD |
---|---|---|---|
University of Toronto | Ph.D. in Nursing Science | 5 | 4,657 |
McGill University | Ph.D. in Nursing | 4 | 11,570 |
University of Alberta | Ph.D. in Nursing | 4 | 7,100 |
Dalhousie University | Ph.D. in Nursing | 4 | 6,105 |
Eligibility for PhD
In order to pursue a Ph.D. in Nursing in Canada, international students need to satisfy the following minimum requirements:
- Complete a graduate and master’s degree in Nursing or in a relative field with a first-class degree. (75% or higher)
- GRE scores. ( minimum score depends on the university and the course)
- Language Proficiency Test scores (IELTS – a minimum overall band of 6.5, TOEFL- minimum score of 90)
Documents Required for PhD
- Official transcripts of the previous degrees attained
- GRE and language test scores
- Resume
- Research paper ( if any)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Fees for PhD
The average tuition fees for a Ph.D. course in Nursing in Canada range from 10,000-20,000 CAD per year.
Nursing Colleges in Canada
Scholarships Available
Nursing is one of the top demanded jobs in Canada due to the difference in demand and supply in the industry which is almost 13,200 by 2026 according to job banks Canada. To meet this deficiency of registered nurses in Canada, the Canadian Government has introduced some policies and scholarships for international students in Canada to pursue this discipline.
The universities are also providing various scholarships for international students to pursue nursing in Canada. Some of these scholarships and their details are below:
Scholarship | Awarding Committee | Award (in CAD) |
---|---|---|
The Class of 1966 Nursing Scholarship | McMaster University | 1,000 |
The Lori Scott Nursing Scholarship | McMaster University | 5,000 |
F.A. Davis Nursing Undergraduate Scholarship | McGill University | 1,500 |
Susan Nelles Scholarship | Queen’s University | Varies |
BN Nursing Scholarship | University of Calgary | 1,500 |
School of Nursing Scholarship | University of Ottawa | 1,000 |
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships | Government of Canada | 50,000 per year (taxable) |
General Entrance Award program for Prospective undergraduate students | Dalhousie University | Varies |
Aramark Leadership Awards | Dalhousie University | 4000 |
National Overseas Scholarship | Government of India | 20,290 |
Nursing Colleges in Canada: Jobs and Salaries
To practice nursing in Canada, international students would have to get a license from the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA). There are separate licenses for the different states in Canada.
How to get a license for practicing Nursing in Canada?
In Canada, the nursing profession is self-regulated – the provincial and territorial nursing bodies regulate the practice of nursing to best serve the interests of the public. So you need to get a license for the province you are willing to work in.
The requirements for licensure are decided by the provincial bodies. In order to get the license, you will have to sit for the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination which is a national level examination, except for Quebec, which has its own examination. The CNA administers the exam three times per year and can be taken as many times as a student wants.
After getting the license, students will be able to apply for jobs in Canada. Below are some important job roles and their average salary range:
Job Role | Average Annual Salary (in CAD) |
---|---|
Psychiatric Nurse | 44,160- 88,320 |
Critical Care Nurse supervisor | 40,320- 96,000 |
Nurse Practitioner- Adult care | 42,240 – 115,000 |
Nursing Professor | 38,400 – 145,920 |
Nurse- Midwife | 42,240 – 115,000 |
Nurse Team Leader | 40,320- 96,000 |
Family Nurse Practitioner | 42,240 – 115,000 |
Clinical Informatics Specialist | 44,160- 88,320 |
Clinical Research Manager | 38,4000 – 101,760 |
Mental Health Nurse | 44,160- 88,320 |
Licensed practical nurse | 38,4000 – 63,360 |
- Salaries of Registered Nurses (RNs) licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) range from about $40,000 to $80,000 depending on location, education and level of responsibility.
- According to job bank Canada, over the period 2017-2026, new job openings for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses are expected to total 157,100, while 143,900 new job seekers (arising from school leavers, immigration and mobility) are expected to be available to fill them.
- Employment growth in the nursing industry in Canada is expected to be among the highest of all occupations, accounting for more than 40% of all job openings
- It is expected that immigration nurse practitioners will account for around 40% of the job opening in the country.
- According to Statistica, the total number of employed nurses in registered nursing in Canada in 2008 stood over 261,000, but by 2018, it increased to around 287,000.