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Study nursing abroad

Find programs that match your eligibility and aspirations then apply with reduced application fees, a free assessment and access to a dedicated advisor.

Find your perfect nursing programs abroad

Find nursing programs you love that match your needs & aspirations, where you stand a high chance of acceptance.

Find other programs in nursing

Nursing degrees abroad

Nurses and healthcare professionals are always in high demand, all over the world. A degree in nursing will give the skills you need to look after the needs of patients, both physical and psychological. It is a key role that is an essential part of every country’s health service.

Many countries have a shortage of nurses, so your skills will be in high demand. Choosing to study nursing abroad means gaining access to world-class programs and giving yourself the best chance to reach your potential.

Why use Studee?

We maximize your chance of being admitted with our free, 48 hour fast-track assessment (worth $185*)
  1. Find your ideal program

    Filter 10,000s of programs down to a shortlist perfect for you, where you have a strong chance of getting admitted

  2. Apply online via Studee

    Complete our application form and enjoy reduced application fees and access to unique Studee scholarships for many universities

  3. We assess within 48hrs

    We complete an 85-point assessment within 2 business days, help you with improvements then submit to your university

  4. University offer in 2-4 weeks

    We chase the university for your admission decision and keep you updated. We all celebrate your admission!

Carbon compensation - We'll plant trees in your name to compensate for the carbon generated by all your flights to and from university.

All our services are 100% free as we're funded by universities. You pay deposits and tuition fees directly to the university.

* Price based on similar application assessment services from other providers

Nursing program structure

The structure, content and length of a nursing program will depend on the university and country you are studying in. It’s possible to become a registered nurse in two years in certain countries, and in others you’ll need to study for at least three years to qualify.

Many programs include hospital placements, where you’ll be able to work in a range of areas like surgery, accident and emergency, medicine and critical care.

You can spend up to 50% of your time in placement, and the rest of your learning will be made up of lectures, practical classes and independent study.

You’ll be assessed through written and practical exams, coursework and your performance while on placement.

If you are studying at bachelor’s level, you’ll learn the theory behind nursing, clinical skills and develop your understanding through teaching and hospital placements. Common modules and areas of study include:

  • Foundations of nursing
  • Person-centered nursing
  • Communication skills
  • Therapeutic approach and practice
  • Global health issues
  • Introduction to professional practice
  • Research methods
  • Healthcare sciences
  • Medicine management
  • Medicine management
  • Practical nursing skills

Types of nursing degrees

There are several different specializations of nursing you can choose from that focus your studies in a certain area, and will shape your future career:

  • Adult nursing
  • Child nursing
  • Mental health nursing
  • Learning disability nursing
  • Midwifery

Think about what area of nursing you want to go into when choosing which program you’d like to study.

Why study nursing abroad

Choosing to study nursing abroad means you can access some of the best programs from around the world and great career opportunities after graduation.

If you dream of working as a nurse in a certain country, studying and earning your degree there will make it much easier. Most nursing programs will be accredited in that country, and allow you to work there once you have the relevant work permit.

Studying abroad has many other benefits that make it a worthwhile experience. You’ll get to learn all about another culture, improve your language skills, make new friends from all over the world and get a fantastic education. Learn more about the benefits of studying abroad here.

Where to study nursing abroad

There’s plenty to think about when you’re deciding where you should study nursing abroad. Here’s some of the things that are worth considering to help you make your decision:

  • Where you want to work

    Studying in the same country you want to work in will make getting a nursing role much easier, so think about where you want to live after graduation.

  • How quickly you want to qualify

    The length of you studies can vary depending on the country you study in. For example, it’s possible to become a registered nurse in two years in the US, but it usually takes three years in the UK.

  • Where you want to live

    Think about things like the climate, culture and politics of where you want to live and study. Remember you’ll be living there for several years, so it needs to be somewhere you’ll be happy.

Here’s how you can choose where to study abroad.

Best countries to study nursing

If you want to attend one of the top nursing schools, then you could look to study in the US, or the UK. Not only do they have some of the best programs, but both these countries are in need of more nurses, so you’ll have strong career prospects if you choose to stay and work.

Other countries that offer well respected nursing programs include Canada and Australia. These countries offer degrees that are recognized all over the world, but you may need to do some additional courses and exams if you want to work in another country after graduation.

Best universities to study nursing

In order to find the best university to study nursing, there are several things you should think about outside of which are the highest ranked programs.

Make sure you look at the program curriculum and what else the university offers, and think about things like:

  • What placements the program offers
  • What teaching methods are used, for example, does the program involve more lectures or practical work?
  • What the university offers outside the classroom, e.g. student clubs, sports and social activities

You can study nursing at universities, medical schools or specialist nursing schools and colleges from all over the world, so take your time to make the right decision for you.

See all universities offering nursing programs

Nursing study abroad programs

Nursing programs are offered at several different levels, and qualifications can differ depending on what country you are studying in. For example:

  • In the UK

    You can study a BSc or BNurs at undergraduate level. These courses last three years full time and you qualify as a registered nurse when you graduate. You can also study an MNurs, which is four years and will earn you a master’s qualification.

  • In the US and Canada

    You can study an associate degree in nursing (ADN), which can take up to two years to complete. You can also study a bachelor’s in nursing (BSN), which takes four years. You can also convert an ADN to a bachelor’s by taking a two year RN to BSN program.

  • In Australia and New Zealand

    You can study a diploma of nursing, which lasts two years, or a three year bachelor of nursing which lasts three years. If you study a diploma you’ll qualify as an enrolled nurse, but you’ll qualify as a registered nurse if you study a bachelor’s degree.

It’s also possible to study master’s degrees in nursing, usually offered as an MSc and MSN. If you want to study at the highest level, many universities offer PhD in nursing. Many nurses that study a PhD do so part time over five or more years while working, with the aim of becoming a nurse researcher.

Nursing undergraduate programs

Bachelor's in nursing

  • false

    Accelerated Science in Nursing - BScN University of Prince Edward Island, Canada

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    14,274 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • false

    Nursing - BN Brandon University, Canada

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    17,072 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Bachelor Of Nursing
  • false

    Nursing - BN RMIT University, Australia

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    38,400 AUD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    July, February
    Show program overview about Bachelor of Nursing
  • false

    Nursing - BN Mount Royal University, Canada

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    23,100 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Bachelor of Nursing
  • false

    Nursing - BN University College of the North, Canada

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    14,412 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Bachelor of Nursing (UM Bachelor of Nursing - Collaborative University College of the North Cohort)

Associate in nursing

  • false

    Nursing - AASc Campbellsville University, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    25,600 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
  • false

    Nursing - ADN Big Bend Community College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    29,789 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about ASSOCIATE IN NURSING DTA/MRP DEGREE (SELECTIVE ADMISSIONS PROCESS)
  • false

    Nursing: LPN to RN - AASc College of Southern Nevada, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    11,048 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    June, August, January
    Show program overview about Nursing: LPN to RN
  • false

    Nursing - ASc Cuesta College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    12,288 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about Nursing
  • false

    Nursing - ASc Midway University, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    25,480 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about Nursing

Diploma in nursing

  • false

    Nursing - Dip Gordon Institute of TAFE, Australia

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    19,690 AUD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    July, February, April
    Show program overview about Nursing

Nursing graduate programs

Master's in nursing

  • false

    Nursing - MAppSc McGill University, Canada

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    28,362 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    January, September
    Show program overview about Nursing (M.Sc.A.)
  • false

    Business Administration and Nursing - Dual MBA/MSN University of Nebraska Omaha, USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    17,281 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    May, August, January
    Show program overview about Business Administration, MBA and UNMC Nursing (MBA/MSN)
  • false

    Nursing - MNurs/PGCert Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada

    Program type
    Master's/Postgraduate certificate
    Duration
    18 months
    Annual tuition fee
    38,470 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    January, September
    Show program overview about Nursing
  • false

    Health Science: Nursing - MHSc Massey University, New Zealand

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    18 months
    Annual tuition fee
    40,870 NZD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    July, November, February
    Show program overview about Health Science: Nursing
  • false

    Health Sciences Professional Practice: Nursing - MHealSCProfPr University of Canterbury, New Zealand

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    39,000 NZD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    July, February
    Show program overview about Health Sciences Professional Practice: Nursing

Doctorate in nursing

  • false

    Nursing - PhD London South Bank University, UK

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    16,900 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September, January, April
    Show program overview about Nursing
  • false

    Nursing (BSN-Prepared RNs) - DNP University of South Alabama, USA

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    15,593 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about Nursing
  • false

    Nursing - PhD Duquesne University, USA
    • Online
    • Part-time

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    22,890 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    August, January, May
    Show program overview about Nursing (Online)
  • false

    Nursing - PhD University of Manitoba, Canada

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    8,859 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Nursing (PhD)
  • false

    Nursing - PhD University of Nicosia, Cyprus

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    15,000 EUR

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    June, September, February
    Show program overview about Nursing (PhD, 3 Years)

Diploma in nursing

  • false

    Nursing - GDip Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    18 months
    Annual tuition fee
    6,390 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Nursing
  • false

    Nursing - PGDip University of Essex International College, UK
    • Online
    • Part-time

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    16 months
    Annual tuition fee
    8,285 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    July, September, October, January, April
    Show program overview about PG Dip Nursing

Certificate in nursing

  • false

    Nursing/Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner - Dual MNurs/PGCert Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada

    Program type
    Master's/Postgraduate certificate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    38,470 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    January, September
    Show program overview about Combined Master of Nursing/Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate (MN/PHCNP)
  • false

    Nursing - PGCert University of Essex International College, UK
    • Online
    • Part-time

    Program type
    Postgraduate certificate
    Duration
    8 months
    Annual tuition fee
    4,143 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    July, September, October, January, April
    Show program overview about PG Cert Nursing

Entry requirements to study nursing abroad

To be accepted into a nursing program abroad, you’ll need to meet the university’s entry requirements. Although each university and program will have its own specific requirements, here is what you will probably need to study nursing:

To achieve the secondary education grades required for the nursing program (e.g. a GPA of 3.0 or higher, 3 Bs at A-Level, or an IB Diploma score of 34) A personal statement that outlines your interest in the nursing Good English language proficiency test scores Relevant academic references

Always check the entry requirements and carefully and make sure you can meet them before you apply. Here is more on how to study abroad.

Future nursing careers

Nursing is a truly vocational course, and if you achieve a degree it’s very likely you will go on to become a professional registered nurse. However, there are different nursing roles you can pursue, including:

  • Registered nurse
  • Mental health nurse
  • Pediatric nurse
  • Learning disability nurse
  • Care worker
  • Midwife
  • Paramedic

If you know which nursing role you want to perform after graduation, make sure you choose a program that will help you achieve your aims.