
Study nursing abroad
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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.
How to study 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
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Learning Disability Nursing - BSc (Hons) University of Northampton, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
19,841 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,750 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Learning Disabilities Nursing - BSc (Hons) University of Cumbria, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
16,125 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,800 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Children's Nursing - BSN London South Bank University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,359 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,780 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Children's Nursing - BSN Keele University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
30,486 USD
Fee in university's local currency 24,200 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
General Practice Nursing - PBD Alytaus Kolegija University of Applied Sciences, Lithuania
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 42 months
- Annual tuition fee
-
3,210 USD
Fee in university's local currency 3,000 EUR
- Start date
- September
Associate in nursing
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Health Sciences with Nursing Assistant - 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
-
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
-
Nursing - ADN Midway University, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
24,500 USD
Fee in university's local currency 24,500 USD
- Start date
- August, January
-
Nursing - AASc Elgin Community College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
9,510 USD
Fee in university's local currency 9,510 USD
- Start date
- August, January, June
-
Nursing - AASc College of Staten Island, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
18,600 USD
Fee in university's local currency 18,600 USD
- Start date
- August, January
Diploma in nursing
-
Children's Nursing - HDip Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
11,777 USD
Fee in university's local currency 11,004 EUR
- Start date
- September
-
Nursing - Integrated Dip/undefined Gordon Institute of TAFE, Australia
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- -
- Duration
- 2 years
- 0 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
12,074 USD
Fee in university's local currency 17,013 AUD
- Start date
- October, February, April, July
-
Practical Nursing - UGDip Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
12,023 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,412 CAD
- Start date
- September
-
Practical Nursing - Dip Sheridan College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,183 USD
Fee in university's local currency 22,025 CAD
- Start date
- September, January, May
-
Practical Nursing - Dip Stenberg College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 18 months
- Annual tuition fee
-
26,740 USD
Fee in university's local currency 34,275 CAD
- Start date
- October, January, July
Certificate in nursing
-
General Practice Nursing - Cert Ulster University, UK
- Program type
- Undergraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
19,350 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,360 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Nursing Assistant - 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
-
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
-
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
- January, April, June, September
-
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
Pathway in nursing
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Nursing (NMC registration) - FdSc Buckinghamshire New University, UK
- Program type
- Undergraduate pathway
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
15,747 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,500 GBP
- Start date
- September, February
-
Nursing Associate - FdSc University of Cumbria, UK
- Program type
- Undergraduate pathway
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
16,125 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,800 GBP
- Start date
- September
Nursing graduate programs
Master's in nursing
-
Advanced Nursing Practice - MHSc Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
24,646 USD
Fee in university's local currency 38,002 NZD
- Start date
- February, July
-
Aerospace Engineering (Advanced Practice) - MSc Teesside University, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 20 months
- Annual tuition fee
-
9,448 USD
Fee in university's local currency 7,500 GBP
- Start date
- September, January
-
International Business: Data Anlytics and Advanced Practice - MSc Ulster University, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
16,692 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,250 GBP
- Start date
- September, January, May
-
Learning Disability Nursing - MSc Keele University, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
30,486 USD
Fee in university's local currency 24,200 GBP
- Start date
- April
-
Health Science: Nursing - MHSc Massey University, New Zealand
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 18 months
- Annual tuition fee
-
26,506 USD
Fee in university's local currency 40,870 NZD
- Start date
- November, February, July
Doctorate in nursing
-
Nursing - PhD MAHSA University, Malaysia
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
6,300 USD
Fee in university's local currency 6,300 USD
- Start date
- January, April
-
Nursing - PhD University of Nicosia, Cyprus
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
4,816 USD
Fee in university's local currency 4,500 EUR
- Start date
- September, February, June
-
Nursing - PhD University of Tasmania, Australia
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
25,849 USD
Fee in university's local currency 36,422 AUD
- Start date
- February, July
-
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
-
Nursing - PhD London South Bank University, UK
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,359 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,780 GBP
- Start date
- September, October, January, February, April
Diploma in nursing
-
Advanced Practice in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: High Intensity IAPT - PGDip University of Cumbria, UK
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
10,749 USD
Fee in university's local currency 8,533 GBP
- Start date
- January
-
Canadian Nursing with Co-op - PGDip Stenberg College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 27 months
- Annual tuition fee
-
6,998 USD
Fee in university's local currency 8,970 CAD
- Start date
- October, January, April, July
-
Nursing - PGDip University of Essex Online, UK
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 16 months
- Annual tuition fee
-
9,425 USD
Fee in university's local currency 7,482 GBP
- Start date
- September, February, June
-
Nursing: Adult (NMC Registration) - GDip Buckinghamshire New University, UK
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
15,747 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,500 GBP
- Start date
- September, February
-
Pediatric Nursing - PGDip MAHSA University, Malaysia
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
7,100 USD
Fee in university's local currency 7,100 USD
- Start date
- January, April
Certificate in nursing
-
Adult-Gerontological Nursing: Clinical Nurse Specialist 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
-
Nursing: Overseas Registration (Specialisation) - PGCert University of Tasmania, Australia
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
6,369 USD
Fee in university's local currency 8,975 AUD
- Start date
- February
-
Nursing - PGCert University of Essex Online, UK
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 8 months
- Annual tuition fee
-
4,712 USD
Fee in university's local currency 3,741 GBP
- Start date
- September, February, June
-
Renal Care Nursing - PGCert MAHSA University, Malaysia
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 6 months
- Annual tuition fee
-
4,800 USD
Fee in university's local currency 4,800 USD
- Start date
- January, April
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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.
