Nursing schools in Canada for international students

If you have decided to pursue your nursing program in Canada, I can confirm to you that, you made a great choice.

The country is one of the best study destinations in the world, and its nursing schools are top-notch.

No matter what your interest is in the nursing space, you’ll find a school in Canada that fits your choice.

If you do not know the school to choose, we have here, the best nursing schools in Canada for international students.

You can pick anyone that suits your target.

Best nursing schools in Canada for international students

The first on our list is:

• University of Toronto (Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing)

Currently, the University of Toronto’s Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing is ranked #1 in Canada and #6 worldwide according to the QS World University Rankings.

This reflects its excellence in nursing education and research. It was established in 1920 and therefore, has shaped future nursing leaders for over 100 years and counting.

The school’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program blends evidence-based practice, clinical excellence, and leadership development.

Students in the school have access to more than 700 clinical placement sites across Ontario.

This includes world-renowned hospitals like Toronto General Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital, and The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids).

Each student completes an average of 1,200 clinical hours throughout the program, this ensures that they have the right experience to perform in real situations.

In terms of funding, the University of Toronto’s nursing faculty secures over $20 million annually in research funding.

The money supports groundbreaking studies in patient care, public health, and nursing innovations.

With more than 200 active research projects at any given time, students are exposed to the latest advancements in healthcare.

Graduates of this program boast a remarkable 96% employment rate within six months of graduation.

And many of them are in top healthcare institutions across Canada and globally.

• University of British Columbia (UBC) – School of Nursing

University of British Columbia’s School of Nursing holds the #2 spot in Canada and ranks #18 worldwide.

The school is known for blending advanced research with community health practice and collaborates with over 800 healthcare organizations worldwide.

It was established in 1919 and therefore has over 100 years of experience in developing skilled nursing professionals.

Its state-of-the-art simulation labs are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including high-fidelity mannequins, augmented reality tools, and advanced patient simulators.

As a student here, you’ll be trained by some of the best nurses in the world.

• McGill University – Ingram School of Nursing

McGill is located in Montreal and its bilingual (English and French) nursing programs attract students from over 150 countries.

The school focuses on holistic care, addressing physical, emotional, and social health.

The school’s nursing curriculum is designed to combine research with practical applications for dynamic healthcare roles.

They have small class sizes that support personalized learning for international students.

The school has strong ties with the World Health Organization, which enriches its curriculum with current global health strategies and prepares students for real-life situations.

To find out more about McGill University – Ingram School of Nursing, click here.

• University of Alberta – Faculty of Nursing

Ranked #4 nationally, the University of Alberta in Edmonton has one of Canada’s largest nursing programs with extensive resources.

The school boasts over 1,300 clinical partners, that help students get trained in different nursing practices.

Students enjoy a curriculum that balances theory with practical skills and focuses on patient-centred care.

They have high-tech simulation labs that mimic real healthcare settings which makes learning easier.

Students engage in healthcare innovation projects through the faculty’s research focus.

Edmonton is a multicultural community which means students are exposed to diverse patients.

Get more details about the University of Alberta – Faculty of Nursing here.

• McMaster University – School of Nursing

Famous for pioneering problem-based learning (PBL), McMaster offers an innovative curriculum that fosters critical thinking.

The school maintains a 98% NCLEX-RN pass rate, and its simulation labs are among the best in Canada.

• Western University – Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing

Located in London, Ontario, Western emphasizes leadership and research in nursing.

The school’s undergraduate program integrates technology-driven simulations, and 92% of graduates secure employment within three months.

• Queen’s University – School of Nursing

Queen’s offers an accelerated BScN program that can be completed in two years. Its small class sizes (an average of 40 students) ensure personalized attention.

Queen’s graduates consistently achieve high NCLEX-RN pass rates, around 96%.

• Dalhousie University – School of Nursing

Dalhousie is based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The school focuses on community health in its nursing program.

With a curriculum structured in a way that encourages health promotion and disease prevention, students complete clinical placements across Atlantic Canada, including rural and Indigenous communities.

They also have research centres on health equity, ageing, and chronic disease.

As an international student here, you’ll receive support through orientation and advising.

In addition, you’ll be part of the school’s community outreach projects

• University of Ottawa – School of Nursing

As a bilingual institution, the University of Ottawa offers programs in both English and French.

The curriculum emphasizes interprofessional education, preparing students to work in diverse healthcare teams.

The school boasts a strong research focus with over $5 million in annual funding.

• University of Calgary – Faculty of Nursing

UCalgary’s program stands out for its focus on mental health nursing and Indigenous health.

The school has a 95% graduate employment rate and strong ties with Alberta Health Services for clinical placements.

• York University – School of Nursing

York offers a Direct-Entry BScN program with a global health specialization.

Its diverse student body and partnerships with international health organizations provide a multicultural learning environment.

The program has a high NCLEX-RN pass rate of 93%.

• University of Manitoba – College of Nursing

UM’s nursing program is known for its emphasis on rural and indigenous health.

The program offers robust clinical placements across Manitoba, and 90% of graduates find employment within six months.

• University of Saskatchewan – College of Nursing

This program integrates community-based education with clinical practice.

The school is a leader in distance nursing education, offering hybrid learning options.

Its employment rate post-graduation is 91%.

• Ryerson University (Toronto Metropolitan University) – Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing

Ryerson offers a unique collaborative nursing program with Centennial and George Brown Colleges.

The urban setting provides diverse clinical opportunities.

Graduates report a 95% employment rate within one year.

• Laurentian University – School of Nursing

Located in Sudbury, Ontario, Laurentian offers a bilingual nursing program. Its curriculum focuses on community health and primary care.

The school maintains strong partnerships with healthcare providers in Northern Ontario, ensuring comprehensive clinical exposure.

Conclusion

Interest may differ but one thing is certain, Canada has the right nursing school for whatever your interest in the nursing space is.

Whether it’s research-intensive programs at U of T or community-focused education at Dalhousie, each school provides you with the right opportunities to excel in nursing.

Go through what makes each school unique and choose the one that suits your area of interest.

Good luck!