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Study nursing abroad

: We maximize your chance of getting admitted to your chosen universities

The smart alternative to applying direct for nursing degrees abroad and the easy way to find programs that match your eligibility and aspirations

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.

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

How we maximize your chance of studying nursing abroad

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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

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

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    10,576 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 14,274 CAD

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

    Science In Psychiatric Nursing - BSc Brandon University, Canada

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    12,301 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 16,761 CAD

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

    Nursing - BScN Keyano College, Canada

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    10,758 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 14,658 CAD

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

    Nursing - BScN (with foundation and placement) Brenau University, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    6 years
    Annual tuition fee
    31,000 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 31,000 USD

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

    Nursing - BN University of Bridgeport, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    32,860 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 32,860 USD

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about BSN Nursing Program

Associate in nursing

  • false

    Nursing - AAS-T Lake Washington Institute of Technology, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    10,635 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 10,635 USD

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

    Licensed Vocational Nursing - ASc Cuesta College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    10,650 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 10,650 USD

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

    Nursing - ASc Contra Costa College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    10,380 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 10,380 USD

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

    Nursing - ADN South Seattle College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    9,687 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 9,687 USD

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

    Nursing - ASc St. Charles Community College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    5,520 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 5,520 USD

    Start date
    January, August
    Show program overview about Nursing

Diploma in nursing

  • false

    Nursing - Integrated Dip/undefined Gordon Institute of TAFE, Australia

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    -
    Duration
    2 years
    0 year
    Annual tuition fee
    11,115 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 17,013 AUD

    Start date
    October, February, April, July
    Show program overview about Nursing
  • false

    Practical Nursing - Dip Sheridan College, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    16,197 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 22,025 CAD

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

    Practical Nursing - Dip Stenberg College, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    18 months
    Annual tuition fee
    25,207 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 34,275 CAD

    Start date
    October, January, July
    Show program overview about Practical Nursing
  • false

    Practical Nursing - OCDip Fanshawe College, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    15 months
    Annual tuition fee
    14,316 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 19,466 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Practical Nursing
  • false

    Practical Nursing (Owen Sound Campus) - Dip Georgian College, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    30 months
    Annual tuition fee
    12,419 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 16,887 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Practical Nursing (Owen Sound Campus)

Certificate in nursing

  • false

    Nursing: Vocational Nurse - Cert Cuesta College, USA

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    10,650 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 10,650 USD

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

    Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) - Cert South Seattle College, USA

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    9,687 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 9,687 USD

    Start date
    September, January, April, June
    Show program overview about Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC)
  • false

    Nursing Assistant-Certified - Cert North Seattle College, USA

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    9,687 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 9,687 USD

    Start date
    September, January, April, June
    Show program overview about Nursing Assistant-Certified
  • false

    Practical Nursing - Cert St. Charles Community College, USA

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    5,520 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 5,520 USD

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

    Practical Nursing: Military Medic/Corpsman to LPN - Cert College of Southern Nevada, USA

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    11,048 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 11,048 USD

    Start date
    August, January, June
    Show program overview about Practical Nursing: Military Medic/Corpsman to LPN

Pathway in nursing

  • false

    Nursing (NMC registration) - FdSc Buckinghamshire New University, UK

    Program type
    Undergraduate pathway
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    15,505 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 12,500 GBP

    Start date
    September, February
    Show program overview about Nursing (NMC registration)
  • false

    Nursing Associate - FdSc University of Cumbria, UK

    Program type
    Undergraduate pathway
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    16,835 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 13,572 GBP

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Nursing Associate
  • false

    RPN Bridge Semester into Nursing (Belleville Campus) - UGP Loyalist College, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate pathway
    Duration
    6 months
    Annual tuition fee
    5,557 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 7,500 CAD

    Start date
    May
    Show program overview about RPN Bridge Semester into Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Nursing graduate programs

Master's in nursing

  • false

    Nursing (North Campus) - MHP Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    18 months
    Annual tuition fee
    23,882 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 38,002 NZD

    Start date
    February, July
    Show program overview about Nursing (North Campus)
  • false

    Mechanical Engineering (Advanced Practice) - MSc Teesside University, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    20 months
    Annual tuition fee
    11,116 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 9,000 GBP

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Mechanical Engineering (Advanced Practice)
  • false

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

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    16,374 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 16,374 USD

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

    Nursing - MSc Ulster University, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    19,660 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 15,840 GBP

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

    Nursing - Thesis Stream - MNurs Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    18 months
    Annual tuition fee
    28,504 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 38,470 CAD

    Start date
    January, September
    Show program overview about Master of Nursing (MN) - Thesis Stream

Doctorate in nursing

  • false

    Nursing - DNP University of South Alabama, USA

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    5 years
    Annual tuition fee
    13,008 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 13,008 USD

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

    Nursing - PhD RMIT University, Australia

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    11,753 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 18,000 AUD

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

    Nursing - PhD University of Nicosia, Cyprus

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    16,202 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 15,000 EUR

    Start date
    September, February, June
    Show program overview about Nursing
  • false

    Nursing - PhD London South Bank University, UK

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    17,023 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 13,780 GBP

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

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

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    19,211 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 19,211 USD

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

Diploma in nursing

  • false

    Advanced Practice in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: High Intensity IAPT - PGDip University of Cumbria, UK

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    11,232 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 9,050 GBP

    Start date
    January
    Show program overview about Advanced Practice in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: High Intensity IAPT
  • false

    Canadian Nursing (Co-op) - PGDip Stenberg College, Canada

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    27 months
    Annual tuition fee
    6,622 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 8,970 CAD

    Start date
    October, January, April, July
    Show program overview about Canadian Nursing with Co-op
  • false

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

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    16 months
    Annual tuition fee
    9,281 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 7,482 GBP

    Start date
    September, February, June
    Show program overview about Nursing
  • false

    Nursing: Adult (NMC Registration) - GDip Buckinghamshire New University, UK

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    15,505 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 12,500 GBP

    Start date
    September, February
    Show program overview about Nursing: Adult (NMC Registration)
  • false

    Specialist Community Public Health Nursing - PGDip Ulster University, UK

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    19,648 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 15,840 GBP

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Specialist Community Public Health Nursing, PgDip

Certificate in nursing

  • false

    Adult-Gerontological Nursing Nurse Practitioner - PMAdvCert College of Staten Island, USA

    Program type
    Postgraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    10,260 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 10,260 USD

    Start date
    August
    Show program overview about Adult-Gerontological Nursing Nurse Practitioner
  • 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
    28,504 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 38,470 CAD

    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, UK
    • Online
    • Part-time

    Program type
    Postgraduate certificate
    Duration
    8 months
    Annual tuition fee
    4,643 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 3,741 GBP

    Start date
    September, February, June
    Show program overview about 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.