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.
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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 - BSN Keele University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
27,315 USD
Fee in university's local currency 20,000 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Nursing: Mental Health - BSc (Hons) Ulster University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
19,776 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,480 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
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
- January, August
-
Psychiatric Nursing - BSc Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Canada
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
16,831 USD
Fee in university's local currency 21,383 CAD
- Start date
- May
-
Nursing - Advanced Standing - BSN University of New Brunswick, Canada
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
13,662 USD
Fee in university's local currency 17,357 CAD
- Start date
- September
Associate in nursing
-
Nursing - AASc Mohawk Valley Community College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
6,892 USD
Fee in university's local currency 6,892 USD
- Start date
- January, September
-
Nursing - ASc 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
-
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, January, June
-
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
- January, August
-
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
Diploma in nursing
-
Practical Nursing - UGDip Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
12,131 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,412 CAD
- Start date
- September
-
Practical Nursing - UGDip Northern Lights College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
6,854 USD
Fee in university's local currency 8,708 CAD
- Start date
- October
-
Practical Nursing - Dip Stenberg College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 18 months
- Annual tuition fee
-
26,979 USD
Fee in university's local currency 34,275 CAD
- Start date
- January, July, October
-
Practical Nursing - Dip Sheridan College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,337 USD
Fee in university's local currency 22,025 CAD
- Start date
- September, January, May
-
Practical Nursing (Williams Lake campus) - Dip Thompson Rivers University, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
11,870 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,080 CAD
- Start date
- September
Certificate in nursing
-
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
-
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
- September, January, April, June
Pathway in nursing
-
Nursing (NMC registration) - FdSc Buckinghamshire New University, UK
- Program type
- Undergraduate pathway
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,072 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,500 GBP
- Start date
- September
Nursing graduate programs
Master's in nursing
-
Advanced Practice Leadership (Advanced BSW Holders) - MSW 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: Family Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care - MSN William Paterson University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
20,454 USD
Fee in university's local currency 20,454 USD
- Start date
- January, September
-
Nursing - MNurs Thompson Rivers University, Canada
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
12,594 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,000 CAD
- Start date
- September
-
Nursing - MSN Trinity Western University, Canada
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,522 USD
Fee in university's local currency 22,260 CAD
- Start date
- September, January
-
Nursing for non-nurses - MSc DePaul University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
24,320 USD
Fee in university's local currency 24,320 USD
- Start date
- January, March, September
Doctorate in nursing
-
Nursing - PhD RMIT University, Australia
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
13,916 USD
Fee in university's local currency 18,000 AUD
- Start date
- February, July
-
Nursing Practice - DNP Keiser University, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
18,912 USD
Fee in university's local currency 18,912 USD
- Start date
- January, August
-
Nursing Practice - Nurse Anesthesia - PhD Fairfield University, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
47,650 USD
Fee in university's local currency 47,650 USD
- Start date
- January, September
-
Professional Doctorate in Nursing - DNP University of Portsmouth, UK
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
9,765 USD
Fee in university's local currency 7,150 GBP
- Start date
- October
-
Nursing (Nurse Anesthesia) - PhD University of Southern Mississippi, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
10,770 USD
Fee in university's local currency 10,770 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Diploma in nursing
-
Practical Nursing - OCDip Fanshawe College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 15 months
- Annual tuition fee
-
15,322 USD
Fee in university's local currency 19,466 CAD
- Start date
- September
-
Canadian Nursing with Co-op - PGDip Stenberg College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 27 months
- Annual tuition fee
-
7,061 USD
Fee in university's local currency 8,970 CAD
- Start date
- January, April, July, October
-
Nursing: Mental Health (NMC Registration) - GDip Buckinghamshire New University, UK
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,072 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
- January, April
Certificate in nursing
-
Advanced Practice in District Nursing with Specialist Practitioner Qualification - PGCert Glasgow Caledonian University, UK
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,728 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,980 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Nursing - PGCert University of Tasmania, Australia
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
12,988 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,800 AUD
- Start date
- February, July
-
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
-
Clinical Nursing - PGCert University of Newcastle, Australia
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
13,618 USD
Fee in university's local currency 17,615 AUD
- Start date
- February, July, September

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.
