Are you ready to embark on an exciting and fulfilling journey into nursing? Canada is home to some of the best nursing programs in the world and top-notch training programs, and the options available are endless for students interested in nursing careers.
Choosing the best nursing program in Canada is a high impact decision that leads directly to your future path as a healthcare professional. With Canada’s aging population and growing demand for nursing talent, pursuing a nursing degree here offers strong career prospects, practical experience, and high academic standards.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the top programs, admission requirements, financial considerations, and career outcomes so you can find a nursing route that fits your goals. From the University of Toronto to the University of British Columbia, discover the best programs to become a nurse in Canada.
Top Nursing Programs in Canada (Best Universities for Nursing in Canada) 🏆
How were these programs sekected? The ranking criteria include academic excellence, clinical placement quality, faculty expertise, research output, and student outcomes (graduation rate, employment rate): all key indicators to identify the best universities for nursing in Canada.
1. University of Toronto
2. University of Alberta
3. University of British Columbia
4. McMaster University
5. McGill University
1. University of Toronto (UofT)
Program Highlights
UofT’s Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing offers an intensive full-time two-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program that emphasizes research, clinical immersion, and leadership development. The Bloomberg School of Nursing is a leader in nursing education at the baccalaureate level and is internationally recognized as one of the top 10 nursing schools in teaching and research. According to CourseCompare, UofT’s nursing program appears at the top of Canadian nursing‐school lists.
The BScN focuses on theory, research, and practice for the appropriate and ethical care of patients, families, and communities. It offers clinical courses introducing students to nursing practice in elderly populations, individuals with mental health issues, and families. Clinical training occurs in hospital, pediatric, adult medical-surgical, labor and delivery, and postpartum settings.
This hands-on approach to education allows students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations and gain valuable clinical experience. Furthermore, you will find other nursing programs for professionals in Toronto to upgrade your nursing skills and find better job opportunities.
Admission Requirements
At least two years of study from a recognized undergraduate college program, equivalent to 10.0 U of T credits, a minimum of 4.0 credits, and at least a B average (approximately 75% or 3.0 on a 4.0 GPA scale) in most recent 5.0 credits. Course requirements include Human Physiology, Human Physiology, Human Anatomy, Statistics, Life Sciences or Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
Tuition Fees
- Domestic Tuition Fees: 11,213.90 CAD (First year).
- International Tuition Fees: 50,089.90 CAD (First year).
Location
155 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1P8. Urban campus, vibrant city life, rich hospital partner network.
2. University of Alberta (U Alberta)
Program Highlights
U Alberta’s Faculty of Nursing is ranked #1 in Canada for nursing according to the 2025 edition of Maclean’s — for both program reputation and research reputation. U Alberta's Faculty of Nursing offers multiple undergraduate programs leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree, a BSc.N bilingual/B.Sc.Inf. bilingue degree, or a BScN Honors degree. They include:
- BScN Collaborative Program
- BScN Bilingual Program / Programm B.Sc.Inf. bilingue
- BScN Honors Program
- BScN After Degree Program
Admission Requirements
Applicants coming direct from high school must have credits in English, Biology, Science, Chemistry, and Mathematics, plus an elective in an area like Fine Arts or Humanities.
Tuition Fees
Domestic students can expect to pay approximately $11,579.74, while international students can anticipate tuition costs of $32,643.
Location
116 St. & 85 Ave (Edmonton, AB). Large metropolitan campus with advanced simulation labs and strong research focus.
3. University of British Columbia (UBC)
Program Highlights
The UBC School of Nursing offers an innovative program to educate professionals in nursing practice through theoretical study and clinical practice in acute care and community settings. The program emphasizes health equity, Indigenous health, leadership, and innovative practice, and is ranked globally in the top tier for nursing/health.
The University of British Columbia prepares you to practice as a registered nurse in Canada through its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Admission Requirements
Applicants typically need completion of a bachelor’s degree (for accelerated track) or strong undergraduate performance for standard entry; required courses often include sciences and social sciences.
- Completed Bachelor's degree: Minimum of 48 non-nursing university transferable credits toward a Bachelor's degree in another field, first-year English, and Human Anatomy and Physiology.
- Minimum 70% GPA: Or a grade point average of 2.8 (calculated on a 4.0 point scale). The minimum 2.8 GPA / 70% average is the minimum required to be eligible to apply to the BSN program.
The program is is highly competitive, and the acceptance rate is significantly lower than the university's overall acceptance rate.
Tuition Fees
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and refugees can expect tuition costs of $6,079.20 CAD. International students can expect fees of $49,642.50.
Location
2329 West Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4. Beautiful setting, large research-intensive campus, strong clinical partnerships.
One of the main reasons nursing programs in Vancouver stand among the best in Canada is the ample hands-on experience students can gain at world-class healthcare facilities, including Vancouver General Hospital and St. Paul's Hospital.
4. McMaster University
Program Highlights
McMaster blends innovation with practice. Its nursing program emphasizes problem-based learning, integration of theory and hands-on practice. McMaster offers three options for prospective nurses: Basic Stream, Accelerated Stream and Post-RPN Stream.
Admission Requirements
Admission into McMaster's nursing program is competitive, and criteria will vary depending the selected program.
- Basic Stream: A minimum average of 85% in the six (6) prerequisite courses is typically required for consideration (for students applying from high school. Required courses include senior level English, Biology, and Chemistry, and one of: Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, and Data management.
- Accelerated Stream: Completion of at least two years (a minimum of 54 units) of university-level study in a science program.
- Post-RPN Stream: designed for college-trained Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs).
Tuition Fees
Tuition costs per unit (each course is typically 3 units, though some courses in nursing are weighted more) depend on whether you are an Ontario resident, an out-of-province resident, or an international student. For example, an Ontario resident may pay $201.42 per unit, an out-of-province resident may pay $252.15 per unit, and an international student may pay $1724.48 per unit.
Location
1280 Main St West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8. Urban-adjacent campus with strong clinical networks in Hamilton and beyond.
5. McGill University
Program Highlights
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) is a 3-4-year program focused on fundamental nursing knowledge, skills, and critical thinking. A significant advantage of the BScN is that successful graduates can sit for licensing exams in Quebec, Canada, as the Canadian Association of Colleges of Nursing accredits it upon completing this program. In addition, during your final term, you can complete a five-week international clinical internship.
You will also find highly standard nursing programs in Montreal offering diverse educational opportunities and hands-on experiences. In addition to these well-established programs, several smaller nursing schools and colleges in Montreal offer diploma and certificate programs specialized in gerontological nursing, mental health nursing, or palliative care.
Admission Requirements
These requirements may change for fall, winter, and summer term admissions.
Language Proficiency: Diplôme d'études en langue française/Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DELF or DALF), TCF or TEF.
General Admissions: Physics, General Chemistry, Calculus with Precalculus, Calculus 1, Biology. McGill University's overall acceptance rate is around 42%, but it can vary depending on the specific program. Programs in medicine and health sciences, such as nursing, are highly competitive and have much lower acceptance rates
Tuition Fees
- Quebec Residents: 9,000 CAD - 11,000 CAD per year.
- Canadian Residents (outside Quebec): 12,000 CAD - 14,000 CAD per year.
- International Students: 30,000 CAD - 35,000 CAD per year.
Location
680 Sherbrooke St West, Montreal, QC H3A 2M7. Urban, bilingual city environment, rich cultural diversity.
In addition to the quality of the faculty and hands-on training, comprehensive nursing Ottawa programs provide students with skills and a wide range of resources and support services to help them succeed.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Nursing Program
Accreditation
Ensure the program is accredited by the relevant provincial nursing association and recognized by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN). Accreditation ensures licensure eligibility and quality of education.
Clinical Placement Opportunities
Hands-on experience counts: look for variety in clinical settings (hospitals, community health, long-term care). Programs that partner with major health centres give you real-world exposure and improve employment prospects. For example, studies cite clinical opportunity as a key differentiator in ranking the best nursing schools.
Specializations
Some programs offer tracks or electives in mental health nursing, community/public health, gerontology, or Indigenous health—important if you have a specific interest.
Location and Campus Life
Consider cost of living (Toronto vs Edmonton vs Vancouver), the campus vibe (urban vs suburban), support services, language requirements (e.g., French in Quebec). You will want to be learning in a place where getting around will be relatively easy, and you will be in an environment where you can enjoy the lifestyle you want.
You can also find other nursing programs in Calgary with hands-on learning opportunities, research emphasis, and a solid foundation on basic principles of patient care and cutting-edge healthcare technology.
Admission Process and Requirements
General Admission Criteria
- High school diploma (or equivalent) with strong grades (often in the 80-90% range in Ontario) in science, math, English.
- For accelerated tracks: previous bachelor’s degree (in non-nursing discipline) or relevant credits.
- English (or French) language proficiency for international students.
- Some programs require tests like CASPer or interview assessment.
Application Deadlines
Each university has its own deadline, often in January or February for fall intake. Set reminders and mark your calendars early, and start planning how you will gather and develop the required documents (ex. transcripts, references, personal statement).
Tips for a Successful Application
- Craft a compelling personal statement: emphasize your commitment to nursing and caregiving, prior volunteer/clinical exposure, and alignment with the program’s values.
- Prepare for an interview or situational judgment test (if required).
- Showcase leadership, community service, and empathy, qualities nursing programs value.
- Ensure all prerequisite courses are completed and grades meet minimum thresholds.
Financial Considerations
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Many universities offer bursaries, entrance scholarships, and international student awards. Check each nursing faculty’s website for specific awards. Some provinces also offer learn-and-stay grants for nursing students committing to work in under-served areas.
Cost of Living in Different Cities
- Toronto: Higher cost of housing and transit.
- Vancouver: Among the highest cost in Canada for living.
- Edmonton/Hamilton/Montreal: Relatively lower cost of living.
When budgeting, include housing, transit, textbooks, clinical uniforms, and health insurance.
Career Prospects After Graduation
Job Market Outlook
Canada is experiencing continued demand for registered nurses across provinces. Graduates from strong programs are well-positioned to secure roles in hospitals, community health, and speciality areas.
Licensing and Certification
After your BScN or nursing diploma, you must register with the provincial regulatory body (e.g., College of Nurses of Ontario) and pass the national RN exam (NCLEX-RN or CRNE depending on province) to practice.
Continuing Education Opportunities
Many nurses return for advanced degrees such as the Master of Nursing (MN), Nurse Practitioner (NP), or PhD to specialise or move into leadership, research, or education. Good programs build a foundation that supports lifelong learning.
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