
Study nursing abroad
An in-depth guide to studying nursing as an international student.
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
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
-
University & program search
Find the right program for you and your career aspirations -
Application guidance
We'll get you to the right place to start your application -
Visa & travel advice
Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university
Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.
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
-
Nursing - BSN Duquesne University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
38,178 USD
Fee in university's local currency 38,178 USD
- Start date
- August, January
-
Learning Disability Nursing - BSc (Hons) University of Northampton, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
21,664 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,750 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Children's and Young People's Nursing - BSc (Hons) Bournemouth University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
18,913 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,750 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Children's Nursing - BSN London South Bank University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
18,954 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
-
27,510 USD
Fee in university's local currency 20,000 GBP
- Start date
- September
Associate in nursing
-
Nursing - AASc Southwestern Oregon Community College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
10,791 USD
Fee in university's local currency 10,791 USD
- Start date
- January, September, June, March
-
Nursing - ASc Merritt College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
7,950 USD
Fee in university's local currency 7,950 USD
- Start date
- August, June, 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, June, February, January, September
-
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 Campbellsville University, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
25,400 USD
Fee in university's local currency 25,400 USD
- Start date
- January, August, October
Diploma in nursing
-
Children's Nursing - HDip Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
13,157 USD
Fee in university's local currency 11,004 EUR
- Start date
- September
-
Practical Nursing - Dip Stenberg College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 18 months
- Annual tuition fee
-
27,321 USD
Fee in university's local currency 34,275 CAD
- Start date
- October, July, January
-
Practical Nursing - Dip Sheridan College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,556 USD
Fee in university's local currency 22,025 CAD
- Start date
- September, May, January
-
Practical Nursing - UGDip Northern Lights College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
6,941 USD
Fee in university's local currency 8,708 CAD
- Start date
- October
-
Practical Nursing - UGDip Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
12,285 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,412 CAD
- Start date
- September
Certificate in nursing
-
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, June, April, January
-
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
-
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
- August, January
Pathway in nursing
-
Nursing (NMC registration) - FdSc Buckinghamshire New University, UK
- Program type
- Undergraduate pathway
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,194 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,500 GBP
- Start date
- September
Nursing graduate programs
Master's in nursing
-
Advanced Practice - MSc University of Dundee, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 42 months
- Annual tuition fee
-
24,965 USD
Fee in university's local currency 18,150 GBP
- Start date
- September, January
-
Leadership and Administration in Nursing - MSN Texas State University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
15,034 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,034 USD
- Start date
- January, August
-
Nursing - MSN University of Gloucestershire, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
18,156 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,200 GBP
- Start date
- September, January
-
Dance: Advanced Practice - MFA University of Chichester, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,001 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,360 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Advancing Practice - MSc University of Stirling, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
19,670 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,300 GBP
- Start date
- September
Doctorate in nursing
-
Nursing - PhD London South Bank University, UK
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
18,954 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,780 GBP
- Start date
- February, October, September, April, January
-
Nursing - PhD University of Tasmania, Australia
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
27,833 USD
Fee in university's local currency 36,422 AUD
- Start date
- July, February
-
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 RMIT University, Australia
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
13,755 USD
Fee in university's local currency 18,000 AUD
- Start date
- July, February
-
Nursing - PhD University of Gloucestershire, UK
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
18,156 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,200 GBP
- Start date
- September, January
Diploma in nursing
-
Canadian Nursing with Co-op - PGDip Stenberg College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 27 months
- Annual tuition fee
-
7,150 USD
Fee in university's local currency 8,970 CAD
- Start date
- October, July, April, January
-
Nursing - PGDip University of Essex Online, UK
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 16 months
- Annual tuition fee
-
10,291 USD
Fee in university's local currency 7,482 GBP
- Start date
- June, February, September
-
Nursing: Mental Health (NMC Registration) - GDip Buckinghamshire New University, UK
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,194 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,500 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
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
- April, January
-
Practical Nursing - OCDip Fanshawe College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 15 months
- Annual tuition fee
-
15,516 USD
Fee in university's local currency 19,466 CAD
- Start date
- September
Certificate in nursing
-
Clinical Nursing - PGCert University of Newcastle, Australia
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
13,461 USD
Fee in university's local currency 17,615 AUD
- Start date
- July, February
-
Nursing - PGCert University of Essex Online, UK
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 8 months
- Annual tuition fee
-
5,146 USD
Fee in university's local currency 3,741 GBP
- Start date
- February, September, June
-
Nursing (Overseas Registration) - PGCert University of Tasmania, Australia
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
12,838 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,800 AUD
- Start date
- July, February
-
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
- April, January

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.
