Best Colleges in Canada for Nursing Courses

Below, you can check the list of best nursing universities in Canada

The University of Toronto is a public research university founded by the royal charter in 1827. It is one of the top universities in Canada that offers nursing courses. The institution has three campuses: Mississauga, St. George, and Scarborough. Students can find a Nursing course at the St. George campus. It has a long history of challenging the impossible and transforming society through ingenuity. Also, it believes in preparing its students for success through an outstanding global education rooted in excellence, inclusion, and learning communities.

The graduates of the Nursing course at the university will be able to practice the field safely and competently with the university's leading faculty researchers. At the end of the course, students can examine, synthesise and incorporate multiple pieces of knowledge to provide care in the healthcare sector.

The University of Alberta is a research-focused public university in Alberta, Canada. It is ranked among the top 5 universities in Canada. It is home to more than 40,000 students from 156 countries, promoting cultural diversity on the university campus. It has a mission to discover, spread, and apply new knowledge through teaching and learning, research and creative activity. The four-year nursing program at the university will give you the most comprehensive training possible to prepare you for an exciting career in the field. Also, you'll receive practical training in a world-class clinical setting using the latest technology.

The University of British Columbia is a public university established in 1908. The university ranks among the top nursing schools in Canada. It has two campus locations, one in Okanagan and another in Vancouver. UCB drives innovation and believes in transforming ideas into action with a vision to shape a better world. The university has a proud community of over 375,000 alumni from 160 countries. A fantastic 20-month Bachelor of Nursing programme is available at UBC's Vancouver campus. Students who wish to pursue a four-year nursing program can study at the Okanagan campus of the university. 

McMaster University is a public research university in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It was founded in 1887. It is one of just four Canadian institutes listed in the top 85 worldwide by major global ranking systems. The university takes pleasure in being a hub of innovation, discovery, and growth, with over 60 research institutes and more than 32,000 students from different parts of the world. McMaster offers a four-year nursing course to all international students.

The university's stream program stands out because it stresses person-centred learning within a problem-solving framework, employs tutorial classes, and promotes self-directed learning. The curriculum is structured so that nursing, humanities, physiological, psychological, and social sciences are interconnected and threaded throughout the degree.

McGill is a popular public research university based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It was founded in 1821 by royal charter. The university bears the name James McGill, a Scottish merchant whose bequest in 1813 established the University of McGill College. It is one of the best institutions for you if you are planning to become a skilled and knowledgeable nurse practitioner. The Ingram School of Nursing aims to inspire and challenge its students as they pursue their educational goals of becoming healthcare professionals.

The BSc. nursing program at the university provides unique courses that enhance core nursing competence and abilities while also preparing students for a number of fascinating employment prospects. As the foundation for a nursing career, the curriculum spans three years (including summer sessions), with general and professional courses offered each year, and provides you with the competence and confidence to cope with difficult and modern nursing concerns.

Queen's University at Kingston, also known as Queen's University or just Queen's, is a public research university based in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.  It was established around 182 years ago, on 16th October 1841. The Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) program at the university provides two full-time degree tracks. BNSc four-year degree and two-year accelerated program for people with prior university experience. Both streams provide hands-on training in a range of responsive clinical and community settings, resulting in seasoned, confident nurses.

The University of Calgary is a research-based public university based in Alberta, Canada. While enrolled in the nursing program at the university, you will engage in active learning in the classroom, in small clinical groups in a range of off-campus nursing practice settings, and in simulated clinical laboratories.

The University of Ottawa is the largest bilingual (English-French) university in the world and is based in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. The university proudly stands out as it has a 97% employment rate for graduates. Apart from this, the university invests around 60 million CAD per year in student scholarships and bursaries. The university's nursing program prepares enrolled nurses for advanced practice roles and/or doctoral study. Graduates of the program are ready to take on leadership positions in increasing the quality of nursing care in diverse healthcare settings. The curriculum offers rigorous academic preparation based on theory and research to address health-related problems affecting individuals, families, groups, aggregates, and communities.

The Western University is a research-based public university established on 7th March, 1878. It is based in Ontario, Canada. According to the Centre of World University Rankings 2023, Western University comes in the top 1% of the universities in the world. Currently, the university hosts around 34,917 students, including 4,698 international students from 118 countries, making it a culturally diverse place to live and enjoy your student life. Enrolling in the university's nursing program allows students to critically study the historical history of nursing and the foundation for registered nursing practice, which includes the role's philosophical, theoretical, and ethical principles. Using several conceptual frameworks, students learn how individual values, beliefs, perceptions, and experiences shape perspectives and nursing practice.

The University of Manitoba attracts people worldwide who share its values and vision for positive change. They believe in accepting difficulties and taking action. Its students, researchers, and alumni contribute their distinct voices to learning and discovery, influencing new ways of doing things and participating in critical conversations on various issues from human rights to global health to climate change. The institution has a vision to create a vibrant and thriving community enriched by indigenous knowledge and perspectives.

The university appreciates nurses' vital contributions to providing high-quality, compassionate care and ensuring patient safety. With a career path that involves clinical practice, education, research, leadership, and policy change, the institution is here to assist you in pursuing a profession that has a daily impact on people's lives.

Here are some other Nursing colleges in Canada for international students. 

• Brock University

• Cape Breton University (CBU)

• Thompson Rivers University (TRU)

• Nipissing University

• Trent University

• University of Alberta

• University of Windsor

• University of Saskatchewan

• University of Regina

• Dalhousie University, Haliflax

You must meet the university's entrance standards to apply for nursing courses in Canada. Though this may vary by program and university, we have compiled a list of general eligibility criteria and a document checklist to keep in mind when applying for nursing courses in Canada:

• The applicant must complete their 12th from Science Bio with Mathematics as all of the universities ask for Mathematics for Nursing stream if they are applying for a bachelor’s degree. If they are applying for a Master’s degree, they must complete their bachelor’s degree in Nursing or any related field. 

• Students must prove their English proficiency skills through any one of the proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo. 

• A good statement of purpose stating motivation is required when applying for both bachelor’s and master's degree courses. 

• Score of standardise admission test if required by the university 

• Letter of Recommendation

• Financial documents to prove the stability 

• Updated Resume

We hope you have a knowledge of the best colleges in Canada for Nursing courses. You can easily find several nursing courses and specialisations at the Bachelor’s as well as Master's level in Canada. But before enrolling at the university, it is very important to thoroughly research and gain knowledge about the course curriculum of that particular university.

However, if you would like to know more about nursing courses in Canada or want to study in Canada, then we encourage you to speak with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). Our counsellors will provide you with guidance throughout your study abroad. Get help with the application process, SOPs, and filing for a visa. Visit us and get one-to-one counselling, or avail yourself of free video counselling via our website. We will be happy to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.

Question: What are some of the top colleges in Canada for nursing courses?

Answer: Some of the top colleges in Canada for nursing courses include the University of Toronto, McGill University, the University of British Columbia, McMaster University, and the University of Alberta.

Question: Can international students apply for nursing programs in Canada?

Answer: Yes, many Canadian nursing programs welcome international students. However, they may have specific requirements for English language proficiency and may require additional documentation.

Question: What factors should I consider when selecting a nursing college in Canada?

Answer: Consider factors such as program accreditation, reputation, faculty expertise, clinical opportunities, facilities, location, and cost.

Question: How long does it typically take to complete a nursing program in Canada?

Answer: Nursing programs in Canada typically take around four years to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The Master's program generally lasts around two years. However, there are also accelerated programs and options for further specialisation, whose durations might differ.

Question: What are the job prospects like for nursing graduates in Canada?

Answer: Job prospects for nursing graduates in Canada are generally excellent. There is a huge demand for qualified nurses in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities as well as community health organisations.

Question: Are there scholarships available for nursing students in Canada?

Answer: Yes, many colleges and universities in Canada offer scholarships, grants, and bursaries specifically for nursing students. Additionally, external scholarships and funding opportunities are available.

Question: How much IELTS score is required to study nursing in Canada? 

Answer: In general, top-notch universities require a score of 6.5 bands or above to enrol students for Nursing courses in Canada. 

Question: Do nursing programs in Canada offer clinical placements?

Answer: Yes, most nursing programs in Canada encompass clinical placements where students acquire hands-on experience in real healthcare centres under the supervision of qualified professionals.

Question: Can nursing graduates from Canadian colleges work internationally?

Answer: Yes, nursing graduates from Canadian colleges often have opportunities to work internationally, although specific requirements and licensing procedures may vary between countries.

Question: What average income can a nurse earn in Canada?

Answer: On an average, nurses in Canada can earn around CAD 81,000 per year, depending upon the skills and experience.