Best Nursing Schools In Canada For International Students

Studying nursing in Canada is a great way to combine your passion for helping others with your desire for an evolving career. With the different specializations in nursing, you can choose the type of patients you want to care for, your work environment, and how far you want to advance in the profession.

Are you considering pursuing a nursing degree in Canada? If so, you may want to explore the top universities for nursing courses in the country. One of the top choices on this list is the University of Toronto, known for its excellent nursing program and prestigious reputation.

To be eligible for admission to nursing programs at universities in Canada, students must meet certain basic requirements. Typically, this includes having a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as a strong academic record. In addition, applicants may need to demonstrate proficiency in English by taking standardized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.

When applying for admission to the University of Toronto or any other Canadian university for nursing courses, students should research the specific requirements and application process for each institution. This may involve submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and possibly participating in an interview. By carefully following the guidelines and deadlines set by the university, students can increase their chances of gaining admission to their desired nursing program.

Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Canada for International Students

University	Location	Ranking
University of Toronto	Toronto, Ontario	1
University of Alberta	Edmonton, Alberta	2
University of British Columbia	Vancouver, British Columbia	3
McMaster University	Hamilton, Ontario	4
McGill University	Montreal, Quebec	5
Queen’s University at Kingston	Kingston, Ontario	6
University of Calgary	Calgary, Alberta	7
University of Ottawa	Ottawa, Ontario	8

10 Best Nursing Schools in Canada

Nursing plays a great role in the medical profession and it is highly respected in Canada. This is so because, the country brings a lot of opportunities with in-depth research associated with the profession. With the current global pandemic, the demand for more skilled nursing professionals have skyrocketed placing the nurses as part of the emergency healthcare workers in the world.

Canada is known to be a land filled with plenty opportunities and it is such a great place for one to achieve the nursing degree aspirations. There are three main nursing groups in Canada and they include; Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN).

Registered Nurse (RN): RNs usually are required to complete a four-year university nursing program in order to become a registered nurse in Canada. This nursing program entails the theory and clinical instruction needed in medical and surgical nursing. How to make use of their professional ethnics and therapeutic relationships. The four-year university program also prepares the students to give care to people and how to take up emergency roles of coordinating communities and population in regards to the health care setting. 

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): for this, the nurses must also complete a nursing program at the university and it usually takes up to two years. The program outline for LPNs contains nursing theory and clinical courses for both medical and surgical nursing. Their education is based on the nursing theory which are taught in school about the physical and biological sciences. LPNs are also trained to provide and coordinate care for individuals and groups as related to their health professions. They are trained to work with different categories of people and learn to cope in serious health challenges.

Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN): RPNs must complete a 2 to 4-year psychiatric nursing education program at the university. Their program contains mainly theory and clinical instruction in psychiatric and general nursing procedures. RPNs are also trained to provide care for their patients with complex psychological, mental health and other physical needs.

In order to be able to practice your nursing profession in Canada, you should have an in-depth understanding of the three categories of nursing outlined above to understand how to focus your career.

Why Study Nursing in Canada

Canada is a land of many opportunities with so much to learn and achieve and there are many reasons to study the nursing program in the country. Nursing is a great profession that needs a lot of studying and Canada is one of such countries to provide the best. Below are some of the reasons why you can study nursing in Canada.

• High Quality of Education and Training: Canada provides a high quality of education for its students with a lot of accredited courses and studying nursing in the country is a great feat. There is also on-hand training made readily available for nursing students to get a good practice of what to expect in the real field of work.
• Job Prospects: Nurses in Canada can get a lot of job offers upon graduation either as; practical nurses, registered nurses, or nurse practitioners. There are many options to choose from depending on the choices of the individual. The salary range also differs depending on the type of nursing career you chose to work in. Above all, nurses are well paid in Canada, so you can be rest assured to get value for the education and time you put in.
• Professional security: the nursing profession in Canada is protected by unions and various organizations which assist in different parts of your career such as; accommodation, pension, and other job protections.
• Friendly environment: Canada is a very friendly environment and its locals are also accommodating which makes studying fun in the country. Equal rights are given to the citizens and foreigners as well and this has greatly influenced why many people run to the country for studies and jobs.
• Diverse culture: since Canada allows many immigrants each year into the country, it is no wonder why you can experience a diverse culture and lifestyle. In Canada, there is no straight or right way to do things and people are encouraged to exhibit their culture while living in Canada.
• No language restrictions: Canada speaks English language so it is not difficult to mingle and relate with the locals. The language is also used in teaching and also at job stations too. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about how to cope with the language which is been spoken in the country.

10 Best Nursing Schools in Canada

Nursing in Canada is a very respected profession with lots of great benefits upon graduation. There is now an increase in the number of healthcare workers in which nurses have a high rank and more nurses are also encouraged to go into full practice of their profession. If you want to study nursing as an undergraduate or on a postgraduate level, below are some of the top universities which offer great nursing programs in Canada.

1. University of Toronto: is one of the oldest universities in Canada which offers a wide range of degree programs in which nursing is a part. The University of Toronto offers different nursing programs such as; the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master Programs, Nurse Practitioner Diploma amongst others. The QS World University ranking ranked the university’s school of nursing 2nd place among other nursing schools. Tuition is expected to be about $51,660.00.
2. University of Alberta: is also an old institution and one of the best universities in Canada. Its school of nursing offers many nursing programs and degrees both at the bachelor’s degree and postgraduate level. Tuition for domestic students is about $6,207.60 and $25,978.40 for International Students.
3. Université de Montréal: this is another high-ranked university in Canada that offers quality nursing programs. The faculty of nursing which is housed by this university ranks 51-100 in QS World Universities ranking for Nursing Schools in the world. Language can be a bit worrying for international students who wish to study nursing at the University of Montreal because the programs are taught in French and you would need to understand the language before you can begin your studies. For tuition, you can expect to pay about $1,195 to $8,186 per session for International Students.
4. The University of Western Ontario: this is a public university in Canada and one of those which house the best nursing schools. The school of nursing allows its graduates to practice their profession in whichever part of the world. At the University of Western Ontario, the tuition fee for international students is about $39,836.00 and $6,050.00 for Domestic Students.
5. McMaster University: this university is located in Hamilton, Ontario Canada. Its school of nursing was ranked 19th by QS world ranking in the year 2018. The university offers varying degrees in nursing and diplomas as well.
6. University of British Columbia: is also a public university in Canada and ranked as one of the best nursing schools in the country. The university offers both undergraduate and postgraduate nursing degree programs.
7. McGill University: the arm of the nursing school officially started in 1920 in this university in Montreal and has since produced notable and well-trained professionals. The McGill school of nursing offers different programs and courses such as; the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), Bachelor of Nursing (Integrated) for undergraduate students, and other master’s programs and nurse practitioner studies.
8. University of Ottawa:  The University of Ottawa is another great university in Canada which houses one of the most sought-after schools of nursing. The university offers its courses and programs in both the French and English languages. It is in fact, stated to be the largest bilingual university in the whole world. The school of nursing in this university is under the faculty of Health Sciences where it offers Bachelor’s degrees in Nursing, master’s, and also diploma and nursing practitioner studies.
9. Queen’s University, Kingston: is an old public university that officially began in 1841 and since then has offered many accredited courses to its students. The university offers both undergraduate, diplomas, and other postgraduate nursing programs.
10. University of Calgary: The university is another notable institution in Canada that offers one of the best nursing programs. Although it is not as old as most of the universities on this list, it offers many accredited courses and programs. The nursing school in Calgary, Canada offers undergraduate nursing degree programs and other graduate nursing degree programs.

Cost and Duration of Studying Nursing in Canada

Studying abroad is usually a great feat when you have to consider the total cost of living and studying in the country of your choice. Studying for a nursing degree in Canada entails a lot more and the tuition fee structure would heavily depend on the type of program you are intending to take up and the university of choice. Some universities charge more than others for foreign students and there are also some institutions that offer scholarships and other student grants to assist in funding your degree. Studying for a bachelor’s Nursing degree in Canada would cost approximately CAD $40,000 per year on tuition and living expenses.

The duration of the nursing program in Canada is about four years for undergraduate programs and you would be trained on how to work as a registered nurse. For postgraduate studies, the duration can be one or two years. It is important to note that, the duration of your nursing program largely depends on the type of universities you attend and the courses which are taught.

Finally, studying for a nursing degree in Canada is a dream come true for many because not only will you enjoy and receive the quality education that the institutions have to offer, but also get a good job placement of you should decide to start your nursing practice in Canada as after school. Due to regional restrictions, you may want to decide which type of nursing specialization you want to take up as a career.

Cheapest Nursing Schools and Universities in Canada for International Students 2024

Have you ever wondered which institutions have the cheapest nursing schools in Canada for international students? We did thorough research and came up with this list.

When it comes to getting the best Nursing knowledge, Canada is one of the recommended countries. However, I’ve discovered that so many people are put off by the fear that all Nursing schools in Canada are expensive.

True, some Nursing schools in Canada are quite expensive, but there are also cheap but authentic ones too.

If you plan on studying nursing, but the programs in your country do not satisfy you, I’ll recommend you try these schools in Canada.

Are you eager to study nursing in Canada? then this list is practically meant for you to see. Here on this list, we provide you with ten affordable nursing schools in Canada for international students.

Going through this list, I have no doubt that you will find the nursing school of your dreams here today!

Before anything else, I would love to clarify certain things.

While going through this list of nursing colleges in Canada for international students, there are a few things you need to know.

First, the number of tuition fees which are mentioned here are only estimated, other additional costs are not included.

Secondly, some of these Canadian nursing colleges schools fees can be changed without warning, so contact your institution of choice for more accurate information, which is why I provide you with a list to their official portal.

We tried our best, to ensure that this list of nursing colleges is presented in ascending order, beginning with the cheapest nursing program you can find in Canada, to the expensive ones.

• Brandon University
• Cape Breton University
• Mount Royal University
• University of Regina
• Memorial University of Newfoundland
• University of Prince Edward Island
• The University of Ottawa.
• University of New Brunswick.
• Saint Francis Xavier University.
• University of Manitoba

Brandon University

• Location: Brandon, Canada
• Website: www.brandonu.ca
• Tuition fees: from $3,660 a year

For those who wish to study Nursing in Canada without going broke, the Brandon University should be considered. This is one of the cheapest but respectable Nursing colleges in Canada for international students.

It is the cheapest option available for international nurses-to-be. Brandon University has small class sizes, giving students the opportunity to know each other and their teachers better, providing a conducive environment to get a better grasp of the subject.

The Nursing programme at this university provided at this University offers a wide variety of exciting and unique clinical opportunities at the following;

• Different hospitals,
• Clinics,
• Care Facilities.

Newly admitted students have better edges than their predecessors, since they get to enjoy the newly built Health Studies Complex which is equip with up-to-date facilities.

Cape Breton University

• Location: Sydney, Canada
• Website: www.cbu.ca
• Tuition fees: from $6,470 a year

The second Nursing school on our list today of affordable Canadian Nursing colleges is Cape Breton University.

This institution offers a Nursing program that can train excellent future nurses at a very affordable tuition fee.

The Cape Breton University Nursing program is majorly focused on cultivating the most important qualities in each prospective health care professionals.

The Nursing Programme of this institution is built with efficiency in mind. Ensuring that the knowledge which is passed to each student is organized in a logical order (from simple to more complex). Likewise, new skills are taught on the basis of previously learned knowledge.

However, the most outstanding feature of this institution is that each student has an opportunity to learn at their own pace.

Mount Royal University

• Location: Calgary, Canada
• Website: www.mtroyal.ca
• Tuition fees: Starts From $6,520 a Year

This is another wonderful and respectable academic institution in Canada, offering prospective new international students, an in-expensive nursing knowledge.

Mount Royal University provides its Nursing students with hands-on learning opportunities. After learning the vital theoretical principles of what it is to be a nurse, each student of this institution can apply their learned knowledge in the community.

The Mount Royal University nursing program is a four-year course. During the four-year undergraduate programme, a student of this college (Nursing) will be able to take in knowledge and skills that will allow them to face everyday challenges working in clinics, Hospitals, Health facilities, etc.

University of Regina

• Location: Regina, Canada
• Website: www.uregina.ca
• Tuition fees: from $8,580

Another University in Canada with an affordable Nursing programme tuition fee for international students is the University of Regina.

The Nursing programme offered by this institution is a collaboration between the University of Regina and the Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

This collaboration provides prospective students with an excellent opportunity of choosing where they want to study.

Through this collaboration, prospective students are offered the mantle of choosing between four cities in Saskatchewan: Saskatoon, Regina, North Battleford and Swift Current.

The programme itself is centred on students and focused mainly on practical education. Throughout your stay as a student in this institution’s College of Nursing, you will be able to learn all the skills necessary to become a very successful nurse.

You will be granted access to the best professors, new and upgraded labs, and unique learning opportunities to make you a better nurse and give you a competitive edge in this field.

Memorial University of Newfoundland

• Location: Corner Brook, Canada
• Website: www.mun.ca
• Tuition fees: from $9,000

Another recommendable Canadian University with cheap nursing college school fees is the Memorial University of Newfoundland.

This academic institution mentioned above offers yet another fascinating collaborative nursing programme for her prospective students. Aside from the fact that its tuition fee is quite inexpensive for such an amazing institution, students can choose between studying at any of the following;

• Memorial University School of Nursing,
• St. John’s, Western Regional School of Nursing,
• Corner Brook or Centre for Nursing Studies, St. John’s.

Another perk which I almost forgot to mention about this institution’s nursing programme is that students can focus their attention on specific areas of their own interest.

Students will be able to acquire the much-needed skills for facing the current challenges of global healthcare and getting the one of the best nursing knowledge from great minds.

University of Prince Edward Island

• Location: Charlottetown, Canada
• Website: www.upei.ca
• Tuition fees: from $10,280

Another respectable University in Canada offering Nursing as a course, is the University of Prince Edward Island. The University of Prince Edward Island nursing course is a four-year programme.

One of the perks of this institution is that after a student graduates from this institution, you will be able to become a member of the Association of Nurses of Prince Edward Island.

The University of Prince Edward Island teaches nurses that they can choose any career in the healthcare sphere they want: from being a regular nurse to choosing a career as a health policy advocate or programme developer.

The University of Ottawa.

• Location: Ottawa, Canada
• Website: www.uottawa.ca
• Tuition fees: from $10,850

Another academic institution with affordable tuition fees for the Nursing program is the University of Ottawa.

Just like the Memorial University of Newfoundland and the University of Regina, the University of Ottawa is providing her prospective students with a collaborative programme, but with a twist.

The University of Ottawa offers all nursing students an excellent opportunity to learn at one of the top Ottawa-based colleges. This course duration is 4 years at the University of Ottawa.

Each student is offered the opportunity to gain more knowledge and skills required to become a qualified nurse.

After completing this programme, you will be able to work anywhere nursing care is needed. You will be able to apply your acquired communication and analytical skills, including critical thinking, in your day-to-day work.

You will have easier access to further your education at this university in one of their graduate programmes.

University of New Brunswick.

• Location: Fredericton/Saint John, Canada
• Website: www.unb.ca
• Tuition fees: from $12,240.

The University of New Brunswick is yet another amazing institution with low tuition fees for international students, aiming to study in the school’s Nursing College.

Students of the University of Brunswick Nursing programme are given the opportunity to gain skills through experimental learning.

Starting from the first year, each student is provided with the opportunity of enhancing their skills and knowledge in different hospital settings, as well as collaborate with partner organisations in promoting health and sharing knowledge with the community.

The University of New Brunswick, also referred to as UNB graduates are highly respected and placed in their employed environment.

Graduates of UNB make a difference every day all over the world. From regular nurses to members of national healthcare organisations, they improve people’s lives on a daily basis.

Saint Francis Xavier University.

• Location: Antigonish, Canada
• Website: www.stfx.ca
• Tuition fees: from $12,725

The next institution on this list of cheap and affordable nursing schools in Canada for international students is Saint Francis Xavier University.

The Nursing programme provided by Saint Francis Xavier University prepares students for working in all fields of the healthcare sector.

Graduates from this University do have enough qualifications to choose their own career paths, both in the private and public sectors of healthcare. The Nursing course is a four (4) year program.

At the end of each year, students are given the opportunity of testing their knowledge in a real hospital environment, where they get to apply their skills to real-life situations under the supervision and guidance of their nursing instructor.

University of Manitoba

• Location: Winnipeg, Canada
• Website: www.umanitoba.ca
• Tuition fees: from $13,700

Lastly but not the least, is the University of Manitoba. This institution has a tuition fee of $13,700 Canadian dollar per year.

This institution’s nursing college is the costliest on our list of cheapest and affordable nursing schools in Canada.

It may seems expensive, considering other Nursing schools listed above, but it is worth the money. This University offers a comprehensive Nursing programme providing students with the following;

• Technical knowledge,
• Clinical practice and important skills.

The University of Manitoba has a very diverse student/teacher base and provides an education that will allow you to work within any community of your choosing.