How to Study Nursing in Canada as an International Student

One of the most respected, stable, and immigration-friendly careers for international students in Canada is nursing. Canada faces a nationwide shortage of healthcare professionals, and qualified nurses are essential, regulated health professionals in most provinces.

Obtaining an education in nursing in Canada as an international student provides you not only with a degree but with an opportunity to become professionally licensed, gain long-term employment, obtain a post-graduate work permit and/or apply for permanent residency.

This guide will provide a step-by-step overview of the admission process, tuition fees, licensing exams, and potential pathways to permanent residency (PR) in 2026, and will include expert information from Glommi.co, a global immigration agency assisting nursing entrants to Canada.

Why You Should Study Nursing in Canada as an International Student

Canada offers a unique combination of academic excellence and immigration opportunities for international students pursuing nursing studies. The following items are available to international students who enroll in nursing programs in Canada; they are:

• Accredited and globally recognized Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) programs
• Structured clinical placements and practicums
• A clear pathway to nursing licensure and registration
• Post-graduate employment rights
• Robust permanent residency options through Express Entry

The nursing profession continues to experience strong demand in Canada due to an aging population and workforce shortages in many communities. With an aging population and a shortage of workers in the field, there is a growing demand for nurses across Canada, making it one of the top countries in which to pursue nursing as an international student looking for long-term job security.

Canadian Nursing Programs for International Students

As an international student pursuing a career in nursing through study at a Canadian institution, you will likely enter a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program, which requires four years of study and combines academic courses with hands-on hospital-based clinical training.

Types of Nursing Degrees Available

The BScN is often the most common route to becoming a registered nurse if you have completed FSc or the 12th grade (science background).

Top International Nursing Schools in Canada

Several internationally ranked Canadian institutions offer accredited nursing programs. Some of the best institutions are:

• University of Toronto
• University of British Columbia
• McGill University

These institutions are located in Ontario and other Canadian provinces and offer highly competitive nursing programs with access to state-of-the-art simulation labs and leading hospitals. Tuition at prestigious universities is typically higher, but students who earn degrees from these institutions will present stronger applications for future public relations positions due to their international recognition.

Nursing Admission Requirements for International Students

International student nurses must meet both academic and language requirements to be admitted to a nursing program. The academic program requirements vary by institution:

Admission to the diploma program is competitive due to the limited number of clinical seats.

IELTS Requirement for Nursing Abroad

Because nursing is a regulated field of practice, all nursing students must demonstrate proficiency in English by one of three standardized tests:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• PTE-Academic (Pearson Test of English: Academic)
• CELBAN (Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses)

Most schools require an overall band score of 6.5 or higher on the IELTS, with no individual section score below 6.0.

Nursing Without IELTS for International Students

While some universities will accept international nursing program applicants' proof of completing secondary education in an English-speaking country in lieu of the IELTS, it is strongly preferred that all applicants take the IELTS due to the stringent communication standards required to practice nursing.

Students are encouraged to visit Glommi.co for assistance with meeting the IELTS requirement or to learn whether any acceptable alternatives are available. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Credential Evaluation

All internationally educated nurses must apply through:

National Nursing Assessment Service

Applying to NNAS for your credential assessment before graduating from your nursing program as an internationally-educated nurse in order to assess your qualifications.

Step 2: Take the NCLEX-RN

All graduates of nursing schools must pass this examination. Passing the NCLEX exam is required for any international nurse who will practice in Canada or the United States.

Step 3: Obtain Provincial Registration

Once a nurse passes the NCLEX-RN, the next step is to apply for registration to obtain their provincial nursing license. This establishes that the nurse is an internationally recognized, regulated health care professional in Canada.

Nursing Tuition Rates for International Students

The cost of studying nursing in Canada can vary depending on which province in Canada you will be attending school in. The Provincial Nursing Tuition for international students is as follows:

While Canada is not the cheapest country to study nursing abroad, it offers immigration pathways that are stronger than those of many other countries.

Nursing Scholarships for International Students

One of the most significant barriers for international students looking to study nursing in Canada is financing their education. While full scholarships for international students are limited due to federal funding, there are several financial aid options available to nursing students attending schools across Canada.

The following are the four types of scholarships available:

In addition to university scholarships, provincial governments and private foundations are providing grants specifically for health-related careers, given Canada's nursing shortage.

Because scholarship application deadlines often precede general admission deadlines, it is important to begin researching scholarships well in advance. Glommi.co helps international students find appropriate nursing scholarships, guides them through the application process, and aligns their scholarship strategy with their admission process.

Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP) for Nursing Graduates in Canada After Graduation

One of the most significant considerations for international students considering nursing in Canada is the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). A PGWP allows an international graduate to work in Canada for up to 3 years after successfully completing an approved nursing program. A PGWP is an open work permit and allows someone to:

1. Work full-time at hospitals/healthcare facilities in Canada.
2. Gain valuable Canadian experience working as a nurse.
3. Enhance their immigration profile.
4. Earn income while they prepare to apply for Permanent Residency.

For nursing graduate students, this time is especially significant because it improves your eligibility for skilled immigration programs by adding Canadian work experience to your application. Many students will move directly from PGWP employment to a permanent residency application. Glommi.co offers post-study immigration planning to help ensure that you maximize the period allowed for your PGWP.

Nursing Study Permit and Visa Process

To study nursing as an international student in Canada, you will need a nursing study permit and a visa. The Canadian government will process your application through the following agencies:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Once you have received your official Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian nursing school, your next step is to apply for your nursing study permit to be able to attend school in Canada. The following is a list of steps you will need to follow from your official Letter of Acceptance to receiving a decision on your visa and work permit:

While you are studying, you can work part-time or full-time during the holidays.

Express Entry & Permanent Residency Pathway for Canada

Nurses are classified by the Canadian government as a high-demand profession and are given favourable treatment under the federal skilled worker program for immigration to Canada. Through Express Entry, you can apply to become a permanent resident of Canada as a nurse using one of the federal skilled worker categories.

Express Entry uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank your application based on the following points:

• Canadian Education
• Canadian Work Experience
• Language Ability
• Age
• A Job Offer

The work experience that you gain while working on PGWP will greatly increase your total CRS score, making studying nursing as a foreign student in Canada more appealing than studying nursing as a foreign student in other countries that offer little or no pathway to permanent residency.

In addition to the Express Entry system, many provinces have provincial nominee programs (PNPs) that prioritize healthcare professionals for faster immigration. Glommi.co can provide a comprehensive assessment of your pathway to permanent residence to ensure your study plan aligns with your long-term immigration goals.

Job Prospects for Nurses After Studying Abroad

Canada is experiencing critical workforce shortages in its healthcare system, particularly in rural communities and long-term care facilities. As such, the job market is excellent for new nurses coming out of school. Graduates who complete their BScN and pass the NCLEX-RN have great job opportunities.

The average salary for registered nurses ranges from $60,000 to $90,000, with rates varying by province, experience, and specialty. Nurses who specialize in certain areas, such as the ICU or Emergency, may earn even more.

Nurses work in many different places, some of which include:

• Public Hospitals
• Community Health Clinics
• Long Term Care
• Private Health Care Facilities
• Home Health Care

Because nursing is a regulated health profession, nurses are stable in their employment and continually in demand. The strong employment outlook in nursing is one of the many reasons thousands of international students choose to study nursing in Canada.

Step-By-Step Process: How To Study Nursing In Canada As An International Student

Below is a detailed outline of the process from Admission to PR.

Every stage of the application process must be well documented, organized in a timeline, and compliant with the applicable immigration regulations for each applicant. Glommi.co helps international students through every stage of the application process, including choosing universities for study, preparing required visa files and processing post-graduation PR applications.

Conclusion: Nursing in Canada from Pakistan

If you are an international student from Pakistan considering applying to a BSc Nursing program in Canada, there are some important things to consider:

Firstly, you will require a minimum of a High School Certificate/Secondary School Credential and have completed your FSc Pre-Medical (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) coursework. In addition, having a strong academic record can improve your ability to get into these competitive nursing university programs.

Secondly, you will need to demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English. Most Universities in Canada require prospective nursing students to take the IELTS exam so applicants meet the communication level required by the nursing program. The financial document requirements for applying for a study permit to attend a post-secondary institution in Canada are set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and must be met before you can apply.

Lastly, you are encouraged to apply early to secure both admission to the nursing program and a scholarship. There are limited clinical placements available for nursing students.

If you're looking for a professional study visa consultant to assist you with applying to nursing school abroad, Glommi.co can provide you with structured advice on admission requirements; prepare all documents needed for admission; assist you with the visa filing process; and assist you with creating a long-term PR plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nursing Programs in Canada

Q. Are international students able to apply to nursing programs in Canada?

A. Yes, International students may apply to accredited nursing programs in Canada as long as they meet the academic and English language requirements and are granted a valid study permit.

Q. How much does nursing school cost in Canada?

A. Tuition fees for nursing programs in Canada range from CAD 20,000 to CAD 30,000+ per year, depending on the institution. In addition, students should budget for living expenses, insurance, textbooks, and other fees.

Q. What is the acceptance rate for nursing programs in Canada?

A. Acceptance rates to nursing programs vary by school. Many schools have low acceptance rates due to high applicant volumes. Detailed application statistics for each school can be found on the school's website.

Q. Is there a shortage of nurses in Canada?

A. There is currently a significant nursing shortage in Canada. The Government of Canada estimates there are up to 60,000 unfilled nursing vacancies across the country.

Q. How long does it take to become a nurse in Canada?

A. Most Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) programs take four years to complete, while Bridge to BScN programs typically take three years or less.

Q. Are nursing programs in Canada competitive?

A. They certainly are! Many schools use a combination of criteria to evaluate applicants for admission. Some schools will give priority admission to students who are eligible for auxiliary nursing credentials based on previous education and experience.

Q. When do I need to submit my nursing program application?

A. An application to a nursing program should be sent no later than November 15 for September admission, although you may apply up to one year in advance of your planned start date.

Q. Can I work while studying nursing in Canada?

A. Yes! Most international students are allowed to work on or off campus while studying full-time. However, restrictions apply based on your student visa type.