12 Colleges to Study Nursing in Canada 2024

Are you thinking of becoming a registered nurse? Nursing is known to be one of the noblest professions. Job opportunities in nursing are at an all-time high due to Canada’s aging population and the COVID-19 pandemic.

In fact, Canada will be short of almost 60,000 full-time nurses in 2022, according to the Canadian Nurses Association. Nurses are paid well too. Registered nurses can earn an average of $80,126 annually and more experienced nurses can earn up to $94,322.

With many great nursing universities and colleges around the world, why should you choose to study in Canada?

Top Colleges and Universities in Canada For Nursing

There are various colleges and universities across Canada that offer nursing programs. 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.

There are also graduate programs in nursing if you would like to further your studies. Masters and doctorate degrees are typically offered by universities.

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	Courses	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

What Are the Requirements to Study a BScN in Canada?

Admission Requirements

To be accepted in either a diploma program or an undergraduate program, it is necessary that you completed high school with mathematics, chemistry, and biology (physics is also preferred) with at least an average of C grade.

International students whose primary language is not English must present evidence of proficiency in English, regardless of their country’s official language.

There are a few tests that you can take for academic purposes which include TOEFL, IELTS, CAEL, and the CanTEST. You need to score at least the minimum level of English proficiency to study nursing in Canada. The minimum requirements may differ from college to college.

If you already have university achievements and want to change your major to nursing then you may be eligible for an accelerated program leading to a full Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Letter of Admission/Acceptance

When you decide on a college or university in Canada that’s right for you then you need to enroll in a nursing program. If you are accepted into the program you will get a letter of acceptance which is a required document needed to apply for your study permit.

Student Permit and Visa

To study nursing in Canada you need a student permit, which costs $150. Some applicants are required to provide biometrics which is an additional charge of $85. The price of your permit includes your visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) which allows you to enter Canada and leave for holidays.

To qualify for a Canadian study permit, you need to:

• Be enrolled at a designated learning institution
• Show proof of funds to cover your tuition fees, living costs, and return travel
• Have no criminal record
• Be in good health (you might need to complete a medical exam)

Student Direct Stream

If you live in China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, Senegal, or Vietnam, you may be able to get your study permit within 20 calendar days through the Student Direct Stream. These countries have an agreement with Canada that allows for faster visa processing times.

If you are not from any of these countries then you may wait between 4-20 weeks for your study permit to process depending on your country of residence. For this reason, it’s good to start your study permit application well in advance before your study program starts.

3 Benefits of Studying in Canada

Now that you know how to study in Canada, you may want to know why Canada is the best choice for your future? Find out below!

1. Get a part-time job

One of the best things about studying in Canada is the ability to work part-time while you study. This helps thousands of international students gain relevant work experience through internships and practical learning experiences in their field of study.

Others work part-time to earn pocket money to pay for fun things such as concert tickets, camping trips with friends, and a daily treat at Tim’s.

International students are allowed to work 20-hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during vacations.

2. Apply for a Post-Graduate Permit

What happens after you graduate with a nursing degree in Canada? Head back home? You don’t have to when you have the incredible opportunity of staying and kick-starting your career right here in the Great North.

3. Nurses are in-demand in Canada

Vacancies for nurses have surged 77% since 2015. The healthcare system in Canada is highly dependent on registered nurses since they are required to deal with patients more than doctors.

They have to work in various different settings like clinics, nursing homes, hospitals, community agencies, rehabilitation centers, research centers, policy centers, businesses, and correctional services.

Canada needs more nurses now than ever before, especially with the unexpected arrival of the pandemic in 2020. This is good news for international students who graduate with nursing qualifications as there will always be employment opportunities to pursue in Canada.

Your Future in Canada Starts Here

With so many factors to take into consideration before you study abroad, you want to make sure that you set your future career up for success by knowing all your options and finding the best-suited university or college for you.

Our team of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) and student advisors are student visa and immigration experts who can assist you throughout the entire process, from start to finish.

We can help you discover the best pathway to Canada based on your budget, needs, and goals. We also handle all of the required paperwork on your behalf to ensure that your application is faultless and optimized for success.