Canada is home to some of the best nursing schools in the world, offering top-tier education, hands-on clinical experience, and pathways to rewarding healthcare careers. Whether you’re a local student or an international applicant, pursuing nursing in Canada opens doors to job security, high earning potential, and the chance to make a difference every single day.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top nursing programs in Canada, admission requirements, tuition, and what you can expect from a career in Canadian healthcare.
Why Study Nursing in Canada?
- Globally Respected Degrees – Canadian nursing degrees are recognized around the world.
- High Demand – Nurses are in demand across Canada, especially due to healthcare worker shortages.
- Immigration Friendly – Nursing is a priority occupation for Canadian immigration and PR.
- Competitive Salaries – RNs in Canada earn between $60,000 – $90,000 CAD annually, with growth potential.
- Path to Specialization – Pursue midwifery, critical care, gerontology, or nurse practitioner pathways.
Top 7 Nursing Schools in Canada (2025)
Here are the leading institutions offering Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), MN, and Nurse Practitioner programs:
| University | Location | Notable Programs |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Toronto, ON | BScN, MN, Nurse Practitioner |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | Vancouver, BC | BSN, Master of Nursing, MSN-PhD |
| McMaster University | Hamilton, ON | Accelerated Nursing, MSc in Nursing |
| University of Alberta | Edmonton, AB | BScN Honors, After Degree Program |
| McGill University | Montreal, QC | BScN, MSc(A), Nurse Practitioner |
| Western University | London, ON | Compressed Time Frame BScN, MN |
| Dalhousie University | Halifax, NS | Bachelor & Graduate Nursing Programs |
General Admission Requirements
- Completion of high school or undergraduate degree (depending on program)
- English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+)
- Background in biology, chemistry, and mathematics
- Letter of intent or personal statement
- Reference letters
- Application fees (CAD $100–$150)
Tuition and Scholarships
- Undergraduate Nursing Programs: CAD $16,000 – $28,000/year
- Graduate Programs: CAD $10,000 – $20,000/year (depending on school)
- Scholarships: Available at both institutional and provincial levels
Popular Scholarships:
- Canadian Nurses Foundation Scholarships
- Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS)
- University-specific entrance awards for international students
Clinical Training and Career Opportunities
Nursing students in Canada undergo hands-on clinical placements in hospitals, long-term care homes, and community health centers. This real-world experience is a core part of every program.
Career Paths Include:
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Public Health Nurse
- Midwife
Can International Students Work & Stay?
Yes! International nursing students in Canada can:
- Work part-time (20 hours/week) during study
- Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing their program
- Apply for Permanent Residency (PR) via healthcare streams under Express Entry or PNPs
To apply for Canada free work or study visa click here ? https://heritage-plus.org/how-to-move-to-canada
For Norway migration sponsorship click here ? https://heritage-plus.org/norway/
To apply for Canada free work or study visa click here ? https://heritage-plus.org/how-to-move-to-canada
For Norway migration sponsorship click here ? https://heritage-plus.org/norway/