Nursing has become an immensely sought-after course to pursue in Canada today, owing to the multitude of advantages associated with this medical profession. With numerous universities earning prominent positions in the QS University Rankings 2022 for Nursing, Canada stands as one of the prime destinations for studying Nursing.
The allure of nursing education encompasses a high demand for their skills, unwavering job security, attractive compensation, a gratifying and purposeful career trajectory, and substantial opportunities for professional growth, among other benefits. This article aims to elucidate the reasons behind the appeal of Studying Nursing in Canada, covering Entry Requirements and Scholarship Opportunities.
Nurses play an indispensable role within the healthcare delivery system for a multitude of compelling reasons. Their presence ensures the seamless functioning of operations and the delivery of superior health support services to patients. Consequently, the healthcare sector remains incomplete without their vital contributions.
Across Canada, various educational institutions extend financial assistance to nursing students, alleviating the financial burden typically associated with pursuing this course. Aspiring students seeking to Study Abroad can explore avenues such as student loans or scholarships in Canada to facilitate their aspirations of embarking on a nursing career.
Advantages of Pursuing Nursing Studies in Canada
Canada stands prominently among the world’s top countries offering exceptional training and programs in the field of nursing. Nursing degrees obtained from Canadian universities enjoy worldwide recognition and acceptance. Notably, Canada hosts 10 universities listed in the top 100 nursing institutions globally, as per the 2021 QS World Rankings. Additional benefits include:
Integrated Internship: The Canadian nursing curriculum integrates internships, providing invaluable hospital and clinic experience that significantly enhances your employability.
Competitive Compensation: Canada offers competitive remuneration, starting from $75,000 annually for a 40-hour workweek, coupled with annual increments.
Scholarship Opportunities: International students can access the opportunity to study nursing in Canada at minimal or no cost through an array of available scholarships.
Entry Requirements for Nursing Studies in Canada
When applying for Nursing programs in Canada, adhering to the specific entry requirements set by your chosen university is crucial. While these prerequisites may slightly differ across institutions, it’s imperative to be aware of the general entry criteria for Nursing courses in Canada:
Bachelor’s Admission: Applicants for a bachelor’s degree in Nursing must have completed their Secondary School or equivalent, with successful completion of core subjects like Mathematics, English, Biology, and Chemistry at the 12th level.
Master’s Degree Courses: Aspiring candidates for master’s level programs should hold a registered nurse license alongside a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing, meeting other eligibility criteria. Additionally, many universities mandate a minimum of one year of clinical experience.
Doctoral-Level Programs: Applicants aiming for doctoral programs must possess a master’s degree in Nursing or its equivalent.
Language Proficiency and Other Exams: Demonstrating Language proficiency through exams like IELTS/TOEFL/PTE is mandatory. Some PhD programs may also require GRE scores, and certain institutions consider the CASPer exam obligatory for bachelor’s degrees.
Document Requirements
While applying for Nursing courses in Canada, you’ll likely need the following documents:
- Language Proficiency Test Scores (TOEFL, IELTS)
- Official Transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation
- CASPer Exam Document for bachelor’s degree courses
- Current RN License for master’s degree courses
- Research Paper (if applicable) for PhD courses
● Cost of Nursing Studies in Canada
Compared to other countries, the cost of studying nursing in Canada for international students is notably affordable, particularly for those with limited financial resources. Tuition fees vary among universities. The average tuition fees (in Canadian dollars) for international students pursuing nursing science at Canadian universities are outlined below.
2022-2023 International Tuition Fees for nursing courses in Canada *
Undergraduate | Graduate |
24,852 CD | 17,475 CD |
* Source: Statistics Canada.
Scholarships for Nursing Studies in Canada
A wealth of funding and scholarship opportunities await students seeking to pursue Nursing studies in Canada without financial constraints. These opportunities are sponsored by various entities, including the Canadian Government, non-governmental organizations, and universities offering Nursing programs. Some of the noteworthy nursing scholarships accessible to both domestic and international students in Canada encompass:
- The Class of 1966 Nursing Scholarship.
- University of Toronto Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing Scholarship.
- A. Davis Nursing Undergraduate Scholarship.
- BN Nursing Scholarship.
- National Overseas Scholarship.
- Susan Nelles Scholarship.
- Canadian Nurses Foundation Scholarship.
- StudentAid BC Nurses Education Bursary.
- General Entrance Award program for Prospective Undergraduate Students.
- Leading Nursing Universities in Canada
Canada hosts a range of top-tier universities recognized globally for their Nursing programs. Drawing from the QS World University Rankings 2021, here are some of the exceptional institutions offering competitive nursing education:
University of Toronto:
Established in 1827, the University of Toronto has evolved into a premier hub for higher learning, discovery, and knowledge creation. It is renowned for its medical and health science programs, including nursing.
McMaster University:
Founded in 1887, McMaster University ranks among the top 75 globally according to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. As a research-intensive public institution, it is dedicated to advancing human and societal health.
University of British Columbia (UBC):
With over 20,237 international students, UBC is ranked within the top 40 best universities worldwide. It is a center for teaching, innovation, and research, excelling in nursing science, midwifery, public health, and physiology.
University of Alberta:
Ranked among the top five Canadian universities and within the top 100 globally, the University of Alberta has a history of innovative teaching and research, earning it a strong international reputation.
- McGill University:
- McGill University is renowned for its outstanding teaching and research programs. With a mission to advance learning and knowledge dissemination, it is globally recognized as one of Canada’s leading institutions.