Nursing is one of the best fields for international students to study in Canada in 2026. Canada faces a severe and well-documented nursing shortage projected to persist for the next decade, creating exceptional employment security, competitive salaries ($75,000–$110,000/year for RNs), and one of the most direct PR pathways available through targeted Express Entry healthcare draws. This guide covers everything international students need to know about studying nursing in Canada. StudentBuddy helps nursing students find the right Canadian university, scholarships, and student accommodation in Canada.
Studying nursing in Canada (BScN — Bachelor of Science in Nursing) takes 4 years. After graduation, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and register with the provincial nursing regulatory body. Registered Nurses (RNs) are NOC TEER 1, fully qualifying for Express Entry CEC, and healthcare workers have been specifically targeted in Express Entry draws with lower CRS thresholds. Starting salary for RNs in Canada is CAD $75,000–$95,000.
Top BScN programmes for international students
| University | Province | Annual tuition (intl CAD) | Strengths | NCLEX-RN pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Ontario | $40K–$50K | Research-intensive, largest hospital network | Very high |
| University of Alberta | Alberta | $28K–$36K | Large health system, strong clinical placements | High |
| Dalhousie University | Nova Scotia | $22K–$30K | Atlantic Immigration Program access, clinical excellence | High |
| McMaster University | Ontario | $35K–$43K | PBL approach, strong health sciences tradition | Very high |
| University of Manitoba | Manitoba | $15K–$22K | Most affordable, MPNP PR access | High |
| Cape Breton University | Nova Scotia | $18K–$25K | AIP access, smaller cohorts, affordable | High |
The nursing PR pathway — step by step
- Complete BScN at a Canadian DLI
4-year programme. Maintain strong academic standing throughout — clinical placements are assessed holistically.
- Apply for PGWP immediately after graduation
You receive up to 3 years of open work rights to work as a nurse in Canada.
- Register with provincial nursing body and pass NCLEX-RN
Apply to your provincial regulatory body (CNO in Ontario, BCCNP in BC, CARNA in Alberta). Pass the NCLEX-RN national licensing examination.
- Work as a Registered Nurse (TEER 1)
All RN positions are NOC TEER 1 — immediately qualifying for Express Entry CEC after 1 year.
- Apply to Express Entry (CEC or healthcare targeted draw)
With Canadian nursing education, NCLEX-RN, RN licence, and 1 year of work experience, you have one of the strongest Express Entry profiles available.
Credential recognition for internationally trained nurses
If you are already a trained nurse from another country, you can apply for credential recognition through the provincial nursing regulatory body rather than completing a full BScN. The process involves document assessment, English proficiency testing (CELBAN is preferred for nurses), and potentially a competency assessment or bridging programme. The NCLEX-RN exam is required regardless. Many internationally trained nurses from the Philippines, India, Nigeria, and other countries complete this pathway and achieve RN registration in Canada more quickly than completing a full 4-year BScN.
Studying nursing in Canada? Find accommodation near your hospital placements.
Nursing students need to live near both their university campus and their clinical placement hospitals. Browse StudentBuddy for verified accommodation near all major nursing schools and hospital districts in Canada.
Find student accommodation in Canada →Frequently asked questions
Excellent — one of the best. Nursing is TEER 1, faces critical shortages, and has been specifically targeted in Express Entry healthcare draws with CRS thresholds below general draws. Many provincial nursing-specific PNP streams also exist.
4 years for BScN, plus NCLEX-RN preparation and examination (typically 3–6 months after graduation), plus provincial registration process. Total from starting degree to RN licence: approximately 4.5 to 5 years.
Yes. Philippine nursing degrees are well-regarded in Canada. The process involves document assessment by the provincial regulatory body, CELBAN or IELTS English test, and the NCLEX-RN. Most well-trained Filipino nurses achieve full RN recognition, sometimes requiring a bridging course.
The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination — Registered Nurse) is the standardised licensing examination required in Canada (and the US) to practice as an RN. It tests clinical judgment across patient care scenarios. The Canadian pass rate is approximately 85–90% for first-time writers from Canadian BScN programmes.
Starting RN salary ranges from approximately CAD $55,000 (smaller facilities, rural areas) to $85,000 (major hospital networks, Ontario). With 5+ years of experience and shift differentials (evenings, nights, weekends), many RNs earn $90,000–$110,000+. Nurse practitioners (NP) with Masters-level training earn $105,000–$145,000.
