Nursing is a noble profession that requires immense dedication, hard work and patience. Professionals in this field have a huge impact on society through their work in hospitals, public health, the private sector and research. Nursing colleges in Canada offer all facilities for students to grow as learned and experienced nurses. Hence, the high demand for nursing courses in Canada amongst international students. In this blog, we have discussed at length the top nursing universities in Canada, their fee structure, rankings and the various nursing courses in Canada. If you are aspiring to study nursing in Canada, this blog will surely help you to make a choice.
Why Study at Nursing Colleges in Canada?
Before we begin with our discussion, let us know about the benefits of studying Nursing in Canada:
- The requirement for nurses in Canada has increased up to 77% since 2015. The job opportunities for nurses in the entire world have spiked up since the arrival of the pandemic in 2020.
- The nursing colleges in Canada offer a wide range of programs and specializations in nursing. The most popular specializations are emergency nursing, cardiac nursing, oncology nursing, pediatric nursing, and geriatric nursing,
- The salary packages for registered nurses in Canada is around CAD 50,000 - CAD 105,000 per anum. Nursing indeed is a rewarding and well-paid profession.
- Nursing as a profession offers a lot of flexibility. Nurses in Canada have the liberty to choose their working hours, whether they prefer a part-time or full-time work schedule. They are paid on an hourly basis.
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Eligibility Criteria for Nursing Colleges in Canada
The eligibility criteria for different courses of nursing in Canada are different. Let’s take a closer look at them:
For Bachelors in Nursing
If you are willing to study nursing courses in Canada after 12th, the only option is bachelors in nursing. To apply for either a diploma or undergraduate degree program in nursing, students must have completed high school with English, Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry, with at least a C grade (average). Physics is also recommended here.
For Masters in Nursing
To apply for a graduate-level program in nursing, students must have completed an undergraduate degree in nursing with at least a B+ average. Some universities also require the students to be licensed as a current Registered Nurse (RN). Experience in nursing (often 1-2 years) is also required prior to admission.
For PhD Nursing
To apply for a Doctoral program in nursing, students must have completed a master's degree in nursing or a related field with at least a B+ average. They must also be licensed as current RN.
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Other than having a valid qualifying degree/certificate for each of the programs, other requirements to study at nursing colleges in Canada for international students are:
Language Requirements
The English proficiency test is mandatory for all international students to get admission to the universities of Canada. Minimum scores as per the tests are:
Note: The scores might vary across universities. Do check the official university websites for better clarity.
Passport and Visa
A valid passport and student visa are a must for all international students to study any course at any university in Canada. Do keep in mind to apply for your visa at least 3 months prior to the expected date of travel.
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Documents Required for Nursing Courses in Canada
Admission to nursing colleges in Canada requires a set of documents. Some of the common document requirements are mentioned below:
- Transcripts of all educational qualification
- CV or Resume
- LOR or Letter of Recommendation
- SOP or Statement of Purpose
- Scorecards of IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/CAEL
- Work experience certificate (if applicable)
Admission Process to Apply for Nursing Colleges in Canada
A step-by-step guide to applying to different nursing courses in Canada is as follows:
- Finalize the course that you want to pursue and check for the best university offering that course.
- Visit the official university website and collect all data relating to eligibility and the admission process.
- Upload scanned copies of all the required documents (transcripts, CV, IELTS/TOEFL, CAEL scorecards)
- Fill out the desired application form and pay the fee.
- Go through an interview with the respective university directors. This is a great opportunity to display your soft skills and presence of mind.
- Once you receive the conditional offer letter after clearing your interview, you may book your seat at the particular university.
- Pay your deposit by agreeing to the terms and conditions of the university. The deposit here is non-refundable.
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What is the Cost to Study Nursing in Canada?
The fees for nursing colleges in Canada depend on a number of factors. The overall cost can be divided into two categories: tuition fees and cost of living.
Tuition Fees
The cost to study nursing in Canada varies in accordance with the programs and universities you choose. On average, the nursing course fees across Canadian universities range from CAD 15,000 to CAD 45,000 per year.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Canada depends upon your lifestyle and preferences. An estimated cost for international students is 900 CAD - 1500 CAD per month. It covers all amenities like housing, food, travel, stationery, recreational activities, etc.
Top Universities in Canada for Nursing
Nursing courses in Canada are offered by some of the best universities and colleges. Each of them provides quality education and training to the students. The top universities include:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of Alberta
- University of British Columbia
- University of Manitoba
Let’s now go through them one by one:
University of Toronto
University of Toronto offers one of the best nursing courses in Canada under Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing. The course here is offered by Canada’s leading nurse educators and researchers, under whose guidance the students learn and grow into professionals. The faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto challenges you and changes and grooms you to lead the future of healthcare in the world.
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
34 |
QS Nursing Ranking 2022 |
10 |
Programs Offered |
BSc Nursing MSc Nursing Post-Master Nurse Practitioner Diploma (PMNP) Ph.D. Nursing Doctor of Nursing (D.N.) |
Average Fees Per Year |
CAD 25,000 - CAD 40,000 |
McGill University
A reputed part of McGill University, Ingram School of Nursing is amongst the top nursing schools in Canada. The courses here are strength-based models that empower to foster good health and healing. It offers 5 formal programs divided into bachelor’s, masters, and doctoral levels. The school welcomes students from different nationalities and educational backgrounds.
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
31 |
QS Nursing Ranking 2022 |
38 |
Programs Offered |
BSc Nursing MSc Nursing PhD Nursing |
Average Fees Per Year |
CAD 10,000 - CAD 23,000 |
University of Alberta
The University of Alberta offers the top nursing education and the third-best nursing program in Canada as stated by the Maclean’s 2022 Canadian University Rankings. It plays a leading role in developing global citizenship through local, national and international initiatives. The university collaborates with global health agencies, academies, professionals, associates, and alumni to tackle complex health issues.
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
110 |
QS Nursing Ranking 2022 |
9 |
Programs Offered |
BSc Nursing MSc Nursing PhD Nursing |
Average Fees Per Year |
CAD 15,000 - CAD 27,000 |
University of British Columbia
The UBC School of Nursing has been excelling at educating nursing aspirants and innovating research since its establishment in 1919. During its more than 100 years of glory, the school has set a global standard for education, training and research. It is known to be the first nursing school to offer first-degree programs in nursing in the Commonwealth. It offers both undergraduate and graduate programs.
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
47 |
QS Nursing Ranking 2022 |
23 |
Programs Offered |
BSc Nursing MSc Nursing PhD Nursing |
Average Fees Per Year |
CAD 40,000 - CAD 50,000 |
University of Manitoba
University of Manitoba offers one of the best Nursing programs in Canada. With world-class education and facilities, the graduates gain core knowledge of the discipline and substantive knowledge in different domains of nursing. The program aims to prepare graduates who will promote evidence-informed practice, influence care delivery and advance and disseminate nursing knowledge in society.
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
651- 700 |
QS Nursing Ranking 2022 |
101 - 150 |
Programs Offered |
BSc Nursing MSc Nursing PhD Nursing |
Average Fees Per Year |
CAD 12,000 - CAD 19,500 |
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Career Opportunities After Studying at Nursing Colleges in Canada
The nursing courses in Canada equip students with all the skills to work as knowledgeable healthcare professionals in society. Some of the popular job roles available for nursing graduates in Canada are:
Job Title |
Average Salary Per Hour in CAD |
Nursing Assistant |
25 - 40 |
Registered Nurse |
40 - 60 |
Licensed Practical Nurse |
50 - 70 |
Public Health Nurse Clinician |
43 - 53 |
Personal Caretakers |
35 - 55 |
Nursing is one one of the most popular courses to study in Canada and has the highest demand. The work of nurses demands utmost dedication and a broad range of skills that colleges in Canada ensure to develop. Studying nursing in Canada is indeed a rewarding experience. Thus to choose the best university, speaking to our Yocket counsellors can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions for Studying at Nursing Colleges in Canada
Ques: What are types of nursing courses in Canada?
Ans. The nursing colleges in Canada offer three levels of courses namely, bachelors in nursing, masters in nursing, and PhD nursing.
Ques: What is the nursing course fee in Canada?
Ans. The fee structure for nursing courses in Canada ranges from CAD 15,000 to CAD 45,000 annually.
Ques: What are the top nursing universities in Canada?
Ans. Apart from the above-mentioned ones, the other universities in Canada are:
- University of Calgary
- University of Ottawa
- University of Montreal
- Western University
- Dalhousie University