I’ve been helping students find global healthcare career paths for 25+ years, and I’ve seen Canada emerge as one of the strongest destinations for nurses worldwide. The country offers inclusive education, strong job growth, and excellent scholarship opportunities—especially in 2025, when Canada is actively addressing its nursing shortage.

Why Canada Needs More Nurses

Canada is facing a chronic shortage of skilled healthcare workers.

• By 2030, the country will need 60,000 nurses.

• In August 2025, the federal government increased funding for health education under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program.

• This included a 15% increase in grants for international nursing students compared to 2024.

These policies aim to build a more diverse healthcare workforce, where 25% of registered nurses are already internationally educated.

Support for Language Proficiency (OET, IELTS, CELPIP)

For students preparing for language exams like OET, platforms such as oetpro now offer:

• Custom modules aligned with Canadian regulatory standards

• Training that integrates easily into academic programs

Why International Students Should Choose Canada for Nursing in 2025

Canada offers a powerful combination of academics, clinical exposure, and strong employment outcomes.

Key Benefits

• Highly recognized degrees worldwide

• Internships are mandatory in 80% of nursing programs

• World-class training facilities (e.g., SickKids Hospital, Toronto)

• Excellent job prospects with rising salaries

Rankings & Reputation

• According to QS World University Rankings 2025,

  • 12 Canadian nursing schools are in the top 100 worldwide

  • (Up from 10 in 2024—showing improved quality)

Strong Salary Growth

• Entry-level nurses now earn $78,000 CAD/year

  • This is a 4% increase from 2024

• Bonuses & overtime can significantly increase earnings

Example:
Maria, a Filipino nurse I guided, used her Canadian BSN to secure a $85,000/year job in Vancouver—far higher than what she could earn in her home country.

Rising Demand & More Scholarships in 2025

• Tuition increased by 5% in 2025, making scholarships even more valuable

• Over 70,000 international students are studying health-related programs

• New provincial funding programs launched in:

  • Ontario

  • British Columbia

These programs especially support students from underrepresented communities.

Top Canadian Universities Offering Nursing Programs (2025)

Canada has 70+ nursing schools, with 20 ranked globally.
According to QS 2025, the top 10 are:

1. University of Toronto – Mental health nursing research

2. University of British Columbia – Indigenous health equity

3. McGill University – Bilingual training

4. University of Alberta – Rural & remote care

5. McMaster University – Problem-based learning model

6. University of Calgary – Advanced simulation labs

7. Western University – Community health focus

8. Queen’s University – Leadership development

9. Université de Montréal – French-language nursing

10. Dalhousie University – Maritime health specialization

Other excellent options include:

• York University

• University of Saskatchewan
  Both offer flexible online/hybrid programs ideal for international students.

Types of Nursing Programs for International Students

1. Bachelor’s (BScN / BN)

• Duration: 4 years (regular)

• 2-year accelerated options available

• Core subjects:

  • Anatomy

  • Psychology

  • Preventive care

2. Master’s (MScN / MN)

• Duration: 1–2 years

• Includes nurse practitioner (NP) tracks

3. PhD in Nursing

• Duration: 4–6 years

• Focus on research, innovation, and specialization

4. Practical Nursing Diploma

• Duration: 1–2 years

• Example:

  • Conestoga College diploma updated with VR-based training in 2025

Popular Specializations

• Family Nurse Practitioner

• Mental Health Nursing

• Critical Care

• Midwifery

• Gerontology

• Telehealth (expanding rapidly in 2025)

Eligibility, Documents, Duration & Costs

Eligibility Requirements

For BScN

• Grade 12 with 65%+ (science preferred)

• CASPer test

• IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80

For MScN

• BSN degree

• 1 year of work experience

• IELTS 6.5

For PhD

• MSc in Nursing

• GRE scores (required for some universities)

Required Documents

• Academic transcripts

• Resume/CV

• Letters of recommendation

• Statement of purpose

• English test scores

• Passport copy

Program Duration

• BScN: 4 years

• MScN: 1–2 years

• PhD: 4–6 years

Durations remain the same in 2025.

Tuition Costs (2025 Updated)

BScN

• $55,000–$175,000 CAD (full program)

MScN

• $38,000 CAD/year

PhD

• $12,000–$22,000 CAD/year

Affordable Options

• Brandon University: ~$15,000/year

• Memorial University of Newfoundland: ~$12,000/year