Are you searching for the best nursing colleges in Canada to earn a degree in nursing? If you are looking for the best nursing schools in Canada, we have quite a number of top ranked nursing schools in Canada, which in turn offer the best nursing programs in Canada for students like you to enhance your personal and professional growth.

With nurses being a critical part of our society, the demand for them will continue to grow rapidly, as it is quite obvious that the world require the expertise of qualified nurses. Health care is needed by everyone, and this has made the Nursing profession a valuable profession in all parts of the world.

However, Canada has become a popular choice for studying this noble profession, as students from all over Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world continuously search for the easiest nursing schools to get into Canada, as well as top nursing programs in Canada where they can gain excellent professional education and some other benefits which you are about to find out soon in this article.

In this article we have compiled a list of the best nursing schools in Canada 2024, and also the best nursing schools in Canada for international students, including their tuition fees.

 

Article Guide:

1.  Why study nursing in Canada?

2. Table showing 20 best nursing schools in Canada and their average tuition fees

3. 20 best nursing schools in Canada 2024

• University of Toronto

• University of Alberta

• McMaster University

• University of British Columbia

• McGill University

• University of Calgary

• Dalhousie University

• York University

• Western University

• Queen's University

• University of Ottawa

• University of Manitoba

• University of Victoria

• Memorial University of Newfoundland

• St. Francis Xavier University

• University of Saskatchewan

• Ryerson University

• Brock University

• Windsor University

• Laurentian University

4. Conclusion

 

Related: 15 Best Nursing Schools in the U.S. 2024

 

Why Study Nursing in Canada?

Just as we mentioned earlier, international students search for top nursing programs Canada offers, as well as the easiest nursing programs to get into Canada. Do you wonder why this happens? Here are eight good reasons and benefits for studying nursing in a Canadian institution.

1. Quality teaching methods

Canadian nursing colleges are known to have high academic standards, and they also follow rigorous practices to maintain quality in order to offer excellent education to its students.

2. High value on clinical practice

Nursing schools in Canada will provide you with the opportunity to learn, explore and practice with modern facilities. You will also have the opportunity to practice or obtain knowledge from internships at the best clinics in Canada, during or after your studies.

3. Increased chances of employment

Graduates from Canadian Nursing Schools are majorly sought after for employment. Therefore, having a Canadian degree from the best nursing schools in Canada increases your chances of being hired in any health care organization around the world.

4. Excellent international reputation

Canada is known to be among the top countries in the world for nursing education, due to its infrastructural environment, and high academic standards and demands required from students.

5. Professional education

When you attend a Canadian nursing school, you will be fully prepared to practice nursing professionally. You will receive training on areas like psychology, communication, and professional ethics as well, to be able to communicate, listen and understand your patients’ psychology as a nurse.

6. Career opportunities

Being provided with great employment opportunities on an international basis is one of the benefits that comes with studying nursing in Canada. You will also have the opportunity to meet lifelong friends during nursing school, for networking in the future.

7. Internships and career advancement

Canadian nursing colleges offer advancement for students to gain hands-on experience through internship programs as a way to kick-start their professional career.

8. Work as you study

International students who probably choose to study a Masters in nursing program in Canada can be permitted to work while studying. Generally, international students can work for up to 20 hours during semesters and full-time during winter breaks.

 

Table Showing 20 Best Nursing Schools in Canada and their Average Tuition Fees

S/N	University	Tuition fee
1	University of Toronto	CAD 31,500
2	University of Alberta	CAD 27,540
3	McMaster University	CAD 41,549
4	University of British Columbia	CAD 39,649
5	McGill University	CAD 23,464
6	University of Calgary	CAD 10,709
7	Dalhousie University	CAD 23,340
8	York University	CAD 32,416
9	Western University	CAD 43,023
10	Queen's University	CAD 48,600
11	University of Ottawa	CAD 44,149
12	University of Manitoba	CAD 19,600
13	University of Victoria	CAD 7,763
14	Memorial University of Newfoundland	CAD 11,460
15	St. Francis Xavier University	CAD 13,970
16	University of New Brunswick	CAD 8,838
17	University of Saskatchewan	CAD 22,954
18	Ryerson University	CAD 29,987
19	Brock University	CAD 27,885
20	Laurentian University	CAD 18,483

 

 

20 Best Nursing Schools in Canada 2024

This section talks about top 20 nursing schools in Canada, their average tuition fees, and a direct application link to each school. These schools also happen to be the best nursing schools in Canada 2024. Read on to find out which school suits you.

 

1. University of Toronto

University of Toronto which is one of the best nursing universities in Ontario, has a highly respected reputation in the medical profession, and provides students with a foundation to build a rewarding nursing career.

If you are searching for 2 year nursing programs in Canada for international students, U of T will be a great choice for you. The University of Toronto Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing’s full-time, two-year Master of Nursing (MN) program provides graduates with the intensive training required to provide care for patients across a range of needs.

Average Tuition Fee: CAD 31,500

Admission requirements to apply to University of Toronto School of Nursing

• Applicants must hold the BScN degree of the University of Toronto or an equivalent degree

• Applicants must have obtained at least a mid-B standing in the final year of undergraduate study and, in addition, must have obtained at least a B standing in the next-to-final year

• Bachelors Equiv: Bachelor`s Degree, requiring a minimum of 4 years of study (e.g. BPharm, MBBS, BDS, BTech, BEng, BArch, etc.) Or Completion of BOTH a Bachelor`s (three-year) degree and a Master`s

• TOEFL- 93/120

Start Application Process

 

2. University of Alberta

The University of Alberta, located in Edmonton, happen to be amongst the best nursing schools in Alberta, and also offers some of the best nursing programs in Alberta.

This school offers four undergraduate programs that lead to a BScN, including a collaborative program with Red Deer College, Keyano College (Fort McMurray), or Grande Prairie Regional College. All four years can be taken at any of the three colleges, or students can choose to apply to the University of Alberta after their third year, and will be considered University of Alberta students for their fourth year if they want.

Average Tuition Fee: CAD 27,540

Admission requirements to apply to University of Alberta School of Nursing

• High school grades and transcripts

• Transcripts from any post-secondary institutions attended

• Detailed course descriptions for each postsecondary course completed

• Official English translation, if required

• English language test scores

• SAT/ACT scores, if applicable

• TOEFL - 90/120, PTE - 61/90, IELTS - 6.5/9

Start Application Process

 

3. McMaster University

The School of Nursing at McMaster in Hamilton, Ontario, which happens to be amongst the top 10 nursing schools in Ontario, was established in 1946 and became part of the Faculty of Health Sciences in 1974 when it moved into the McMaster University Medical Centre.

The four-year degree program is offered in collaboration with Mohawk College and Conestoga College, with local teaching hospitals and community health settings providing clinical training opportunities. International students searching for good nursing schools in Ontario, should consider this school a great choice.

Average Tuition Fee: CAD 41,549

Admission Requirements to apply to McMaster University School of Nursing

• Proof of English language proficiency
• Transcripts
• Prerequisite: English, Chemistry, Mathematics (One of Pre-Calculus, Calculus, or Statistics), Biology
• IELTS - 6.5/9. Minimum of 6.0 in each of the four components (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening)

Start Application Process

 

4. University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia which offers some of the best accelerated nursing programs in Canada, ensure that its students are qualified to provide professional nursing services to promote, maintain, and restore patient health.

The UBC School of Nursing BSN Program is an accelerated program leading to a BSN degree. Students enter the program in year three either after completing a bachelor’s degree or achieving a minimum of 48 credits in another field of study at UBC or other college or university.

Average Tuition Fee: CAD 39,649

Admission requirements to apply to University of British Columbia School of Nursing

• Higher Secondary School Certificate awarded on completion of Standard XII

• Required subjects: English, Biology (Standard XII), Chemistry (Standard XII), Math (Grade 11 or Algebra II level)

• TOEFL - 90/120, PTE - 65/90,

• IELTS - 6.5/9

Start Application Process

 

5. McGill University

McGill’s Ingram School of Nursing in Montreal which is amongst the top 10 nursing schools in Canada, offers a 4 year fulltime undergraduate BScN program which offers innovative courses that develop fundamental nursing expertise and skills and opens the door to a variety of exciting career opportunities.

Average Tuition Fee: CAD 23,464

Admission Requirements to apply to McGill University Nursing School

• Applicants will be considered for admission on Class X Board exams (if written), school transcripts for Grade 10, 11 and mid-year 12 or, if already written, on the final Class XII Certificate

• overall average and prerequisite subject requirements normally between 75% to the 85%

• Subjects must include mathematics and two of biology, chemistry or physics in Class 11 and 12

• TOEFL - 100/120

• IELTS - 7.5/9

Start Application Process

 

5. University of Calgary

University of Calgary which is one of the top nursing schools in Canada, is known for preparing nurses for advanced practices in focused areas such as direct clinical practice, education, or health policy and leadership.

The Master of Nursing degree which is amongst 2 year nursing programs in Canada that comes with extensive training, is also a perfect fit for RNs who already have an expert knowledge base and complex decision-making skills.

Average Tuition Fee: CAD 10,709

Admission Requirements to apply to University of Calgary School of Nursing

• A four-year baccalaureate degree, normally in nursing

• A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree

• TOEFL - 97/120

• PTE - 68/90

• IELTS - 7/9

 Start Application Process

 

7. Dalhousie University

Dalhousie's School of Nursing which happens to be one of the top nursing schools in Canada 2024, is part of Dalhousie’s Faculty of Health Professions.

Dalhousie University's Faculty of Health Professions offers 3 years full-time undergraduate degree program Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) which prepares students to become registered nurses (RNs). Graduate programs are also available, including Master of Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing.

Average Tuition fee: CAD 23,340

Admission Requirements to apply to Dalhousie University Nursing School

• Applicants must have passed 12th with minimum 75% marks from CBSE or CISCE or other Senior Secondary School Certificate awarded after Standard XII

• Prerequisites: English, Chemistry, Biology, Math and one additional academic subject

• TOEFL Score - 90/120

• PTE - 61/90

• IELTS - 6.5/9

Start Application Process

 

8. York University

York University is one of the schools that offer good nursing programs in Canada. The collaborative four-year honors nursing program at York allows students to take their first two years at either Seneca or Georgian College and the third and fourth years at the York University Keele campus.

York also offers a second entry BScN program for those students who already have a degree in any discipline and allows for completion in two years.

Average Tuition Fee: CAD 32,416

Admission requirements to apply to York University School of Nursing

• Completion of one of the following: Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC), Intermediate Examination Certificate, Pre-University Examination Certificate.

• IELTS Score - 7/9

Start Application Process

 

9. Western University

The Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing at Western University in London, Ontario, which is one of the top nursing schools in Ontario, provides students access to a learning environment that prioritizes research, community involvement and the latest developments in medical care.

Known to having some of the best nursing programs in Ontario, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BScN) at Western University, is a 4-year program that qualifies students to apply for registration as a professional nurse as well.

Average Tuition Fee: CAD 43,023

Admission Requirements to apply to Western University Nursing School

Entry to the Western University BScN program is on a competitive basis. You must have the following to be considered for admission:

• Students having completed two or more full-time years of a university must have a minimum overall average of 70% in the last 10 full courses completed

• Students applying from university with less than 10 full courses must have a minimum 70% overall average on all university work completed

• All students applying to the program must have completed the equivalent of the following Ontario high school courses with a minimum grade of 65% in each: Grade 12 English, Grade 12 Biology, Grade 12 Chemistry, One of Grade 11 Functions and Applications.

• TOEFL Score - 92/120 with 22-24 in writing, 26 in speaking, 20 in reading, and 20 in listening

• IELTS - 7/9 with at least 6.5 in reading and listening and at least 7 in writing and speaking

Start Application Process

 

10. Queen's University

The nursing program at Queen's University is sure to be one of the best practical nursing programs in Ontario. The Bachelor of Nursing program educates students to competently address the health needs of individuals, families, and communities in a variety of environments.

Students who reside in the heart of Canada, searching for top nursing programs in Ontario, can consider Queen's a great choice.

Average Tuition Fee: CAD 48,600

Admission requirements to apply to Queen's University Nursing School

• You must have passed Standard XII with an average of 75% with subjects- English, Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics and minimum English final grade of 75%

• TOEFL - 88/120. 24 Writing, 22 Speaking, 22 Reading, 20 Listening.

• PTE - 60/90

• IELTS - 6.5/9. No band below 6.0

Start Application Process

 

11. University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa is the largest bilingual university in the world and offers most of the best nursing programs Ottawa has ever produced.

The four-year BScN program can be completed entirely through the uOttawa program or via the collaborative program offered jointly in English at Algonquin College in Ottawa and Pembroke, or in French at La Cites College, also in Ottawa.

There is also a bridging program for internationally educated nurses and registered practical nurses. UOttawa also offer some of the best masters of nursing programs in Canada, as masters and Ph.D. programs in nursing are also available at the university.

Average Tuition Fee: CAD 44,149

Admission requirements to apply to University of Ottawa School of Nursing

• You must hold Higher Secondary School Certificate

• Subjects required: English, Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics

• A minimum average of 65% is required in both the chemistry and the biology prerequisite courses

• Past experience indicates that students with a strong background in biology, chemistry and physics have an increased rate of success

• TOEFL - 86/120. Minimum of 22 in the writing section

• PTE - 60/90. Minimum of 60 in the writing section

• IELTS - 6.5/9. Minimum of 6.5 in the writing section

Start Application Process

 

12. University of Manitoba

The Bachelor of Nursing Program at the University of Manitoba’s Rady Faculty of Health Sciences is a three-year degree program that provides a solid base of nursing knowledge, clinical practice experience and a basis to grow a nursing career.

University of Manitoba which happens to be one of the best schools in Canada for nursing, also have graduate programs that includes a Master of Nursing, Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner and Ph.D. in Nursing.

Average Tuition Fee: CAD 19,600

Admission Requirements to apply to University of Manitoba Nursing School

• Pay an application fee of $120

• You must hold one of the following: Higher Secondary School Certificate, Intermediate Examination Certificate, and Pre-University Certificate.

• Subjects required: English, Mathematics, Laboratory Science (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics), Social Studies or Modern/Classical Language

• You must at least get an overall grade of 50% in the required subject areas to be considered for the BSN program

Start Application Process

 

13. University of Victoria

The University of Victoria which is one of the best nursing schools in Canada, offers an undergraduate degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing and two graduate degrees; Master of Nursing and PhD in Nursing.

The Master of Nursing in Advanced Practice Nursing also happens to be one of the best masters level 2 year nursing programs in Canada for international students.

Average Tuition Fee: CAD 7,763

Admission Requirements to apply to University of Victoria Nursing School

• Admission to the MN program requires completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree (BA) (or equivalent) from an institution recognized by UVic.

• Applicants require Equivalent of a minimum “B” average over the last two years of degree.

• The equivalent of a minimum of two years' full-time recent nursing practice as a registered nurse, preferably in the chosen area of concentration, is strongly recommended

• Applicants for admission must have completed a Baccalaureate in Nursing (equivalent to the degree offered by the University of Victoria) with at least a B+ (77%) average for the last two years of university work.

• IELTS - 6.5/9

Start Application Process

 

14. Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)

MUN is Newfoundland and Labrador’s only university and is known as a top research university in Canada. The four-year BN collaborative program at Memorial is one of the best nursing programs in Canada.

MUN's nursing school is also known to be amongst Canada's favorite Nursing schools that combine innovative teaching strategies with hands-on practical experience.

Average Tuition Fee: CAD 11,460

Admission Requirements to apply to Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) Nursing School

• You must hold one of the following: Higher Secondary School Certificate, Intermediate Examination Certificate, and Pre-University Certificate.

• Subjects required: English, Mathematics, Laboratory Science (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics), Social Studies or Modern/Classical Language

• You must get a minimum overall grade of 50% in the required subject areas and this will normally be considered equivalent to no more than two grades less than 50% and a "pass" in all 5 subject areas

• IELTS - 6.5/9. with at least a band 6 in reading and writing

Start Application Process

 

15. St. Francis Xavier University

Established in 1926, the Elizabeth and Thomas Rankin School of Nursing at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, is one of the top nursing schools in Canada that has been educating nurses for more than 80 years.

This school offers a 4 year full time undergraduate degree BScN program which prepares students to think critically and creatively by providing a sound education in nursing science, related sciences, and the humanities.

Average Tuition Fee: CAD 13,970

Admission Requirements to apply to St. Francis Xavier University School of Nursing

• No lower than a “C” in prerequisites and General Education requirements
• TOEFL Score - 92/120
• IELTS - 6.5/9

Start Application Process

 

16. University of New Brunswick (UNB)

The UNB Faculty of Nursing which is accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing and approved by the Nurses Association of New Brunswick offers some of the top nursing programs in Canada.

The university offers a four-year Bachelor of Nursing program at the Fredericton campus and a two-year Advanced Standing program in Moncton for those with a minimum of 60 credit hours of university courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Average Tuition Fee: CAD 8,838

Admission Requirements to apply to University of New Brunswick School of Nursing

• Transfer and mature applicants must have received a minimum grade of 70% on each of the following grade 12 high school courses (or equivalent) with an overall average of 75% on the four: Biology, Chemistry, English, Pre-calculus 110 or Foundations of Math 120

• Minimum TOEFL (paper based) score of 600

• Minimum TOEFL (IBT) score of 100

• Minimum IELTS score of 7.0

• UNB Fredericton English Language Program (ELP) Assessment score of 85 with no sub score less than 85

• Equivalent results of a UNB approved standardized proficiency test

Start Application Process

 

17. University of Saskatchewan

University of Saskatchewan have two nursing degree programs available for students. The Bachelor of Science nursing program at the University of Saskatchewan consists of a pre-professional year followed by three years of nursing education.

The first year which is one of the best pre nursing programs in Canada, builds the nursing program’s foundation and includes courses in the humanities, natural, social and health sciences.

Average Tuition Fee: CAD 22,954

Admission requirements to apply to University of Saskatchewan Nursing School

• Acceptance into the BSN program is competitive and based on: The calculated average of pre-professional classes (60% weighting), Situational Judgement test score (40% weighting), Completion of all other admission requirements

• Applicants may be considered for admission with a deficiency in any of the following pre-professional year courses: Nutrition, Social Science, Indigenous Studies, or Statistics.

• TOEFL - 90/120

• PTE - 63/90

• IELTS - 7/9

Start Application Process

 

18. Ryerson University

The Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing offers several options for obtaining a registered nursing degree, which happens to be some of the best nursing programs Ontario has recognized.

Ryerson University which is one of the top nursing schools in Ontario also offers a collaborative four-year nursing program with George Brown College and Centennial College. A program which is committed to prepare nursing leaders who are highly competent, knowledgeable and committed to playing an integral role in shaping the future of health care.

Average Tuition Fee: CAD 29,987

Admission Requirements to apply to Ryerson University School of Nursing

• Applicants must have their Senior School Certificate

• Applicants presenting Year 12 State Board Exams with high academic standing will also be considered

• Subject required-English, Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics

• TOEFL - 92/120

• PTE - 60/90

• IELTS - 6.5/9

Start Application Process

 

19. Brock University

Brock University's Faculty of Applied Health Sciences which is one of the top nursing schools in Ontario, offers a 4 year full time undergraduate degree program with demanding standards.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is offered in collaboration with Loyalist College. You will need to complete your first two years at the Loyalist College campus in Belleville, Ontario, before you will be admitted to the third and fourth years of the program at the Brock University campus.

Average Tuition Fee: CAD 27,885

Admission Requirements to apply to Brock University School of Nursing

• Applicants must have their Senior School Certificate with a minimum A+ average

• Prerequisites subjects required: English, Biology, Chemistry, and Math with a minimum 75%

• TOEFL - 88/120 with minimum 21 on speaking and 21 on writing

• PTE - 58/90

• IELTS - 6.5/9 with no band below 6.0

Start Application Process

 

20. Laurentian University

Laurentian University’s School of Nursing which is one of the best Nursing schools in Ontario Canada, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) in both French and English.

The four-year program leads to an Honors Bachelor of Science in nursing degree, and Laurentian University is also known to have one of the top recognized practical nursing programs Ontario has produced.

Average Tuition Fee: CAD 18,483

Admission Requirements to apply to Laurentian University School of Nursing

• No lower than a “C” in prerequisites and General Education requirements
• TOEFL Score - 88/120
• IELTS - 6.5/9

Start Application Process

 

Conclusion

If you are looking to attend the best nursing universities in Canada, the compiled list of top nursing schools in Canada for international students we have given in this article, should be your guide in making a decision on which Canadian institution you should apply to for a promising professional nursing career.

 

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