Canada is known globally for its high‑quality healthcare system and world‑class nursing education. Whether you’re an international student or a Canadian resident, studying nursing in Canada offers strong clinical training, research prospects, supportive learning environments, and excellent career pathways. Nurses trained in Canada are in high demand both domestically and internationally — opening doors to careers in clinical practice, public health, research, education, and leadership roles.
This article highlights the 10 best universities to study nursing in Canada — focusing on academic excellence, accreditation, practical training, student support, and overall reputation.
How We Ranked These Universities
We considered the following criteria:
✔ Accreditation and recognition of nursing programs
✔ Comprehensive clinical placements and simulation labs
✔ Research output and faculty expertise
✔ Graduate employment rates
✔ Student support and international student services
✔ Reputation in the healthcare and nursing community
1. University of Toronto — Toronto, Ontario
The University of Toronto (U of T) consistently ranks as one of the best universities in Canada for nursing and health sciences. Its Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing is highly regarded for academic rigor, research contributions, and clinical excellence.
🧠 Key Features
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) with optional direct entry for students without a nursing background.
- Master of Nursing (MN) and PhD in Nursing programs focusing on leadership, education, and advanced clinical practice.
- Extensive clinical placements with world‑class hospitals in Toronto.
- Strong emphasis on research — mental health, aging, evidence‑based practice, and healthcare systems.
🎯 What Sets It Apart
U of T provides unparalleled access to teaching hospitals, research institutes, and interprofessional learning — making it ideal for students who want robust clinical and academic training.
💼 Career Outcomes
Graduates enter roles as registered nurses, nurse educators, researchers, policy advisors, or healthcare administrators — both in Canada and internationally.
2. McMaster University — Hamilton, Ontario
McMaster University’s School of Nursing is known for innovative curriculum design, evidence‑based practice, and strong integration of research into clinical training.
📌 Program Highlights
- Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) focusing on evidence‑based care.
- Master of Health Sciences (Nursing) with specializations in leadership, advanced practice, and research.
- Collaboration with nearby healthcare facilities such as Hamilton Health Sciences.
🧠 Why It Matters
McMaster emphasizes interprofessional education — allowing nursing students to learn alongside medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and other health disciplines.
🎓 Career Prospects
Graduates are well‑prepared for diverse roles including clinical nursing, community care, research, and policy.
3. University of British Columbia (UBC) — Vancouver, British Columbia
The University of British Columbia offers one of Canada’s most comprehensive nursing programs — combining strong theory with extensive clinical and simulation‑based education.
🔍 Program Details
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with integrated clinical experiences.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and PhD in Nursing with research streams in population health, critical care, and health systems.
- A large network of partner hospitals and community health organizations.
🌱 Strengths
UBC is particularly noted for its work in indigenous health, global health nursing, health promotion, and advanced clinical practice.
💼 Career Outcomes
Graduates go on to leadership roles in hospitals, community care settings, research institutions, and public health agencies.
4. McGill University — Montreal, Quebec
McGill University — one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious universities — offers nursing education distinguished by academic excellence and international perspectives.
📌 Program Features
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) with foundational and advanced practice study.
- Master of Science (MSc) and PhD in Nursing with emphasis on research, education, and leadership.
- Multilingual opportunities (English & French) — particularly beneficial for bilingual students.
🧠 Research Focus
McGill’s research includes quality and safety in healthcare, nursing education, clinical decision‑making, and health equity.
🎓 Career Opportunities
Graduates often work across Canada, Europe, and Africa in clinical, academic, and research roles.
5. University of Alberta — Edmonton, Alberta
The University of Alberta’s Faculty of Nursing is a leader in research, advanced practice education, and community‑focused nursing programs.
✔ Program Overview
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing with strong clinical components.
- MN and PhD programs emphasizing research, clinical leadership, and advanced practice.
- Specialized areas such as critical care, mental health, community nursing, and health systems.
🩺 Key Strengths
Extensive use of simulation labs and clinical placements across urban and rural healthcare settings.
💼 Career Paths
Graduates serve as registered nurses, clinicians, educators, researchers, and healthcare leaders.
6. University of Calgary — Calgary, Alberta
The University of Calgary Faculty of Nursing is recognized for its research strengths and innovative, community‑engaged nursing education.
📌 Program Highlights
- Bachelor, Master’s, and PhD programs with strong emphasis on clinical reasoning and evidence‑based practice.
- Unique opportunities in rural and Indigenous health.
- Partnerships with Alberta Health Services for diverse clinical placements.
🧠 Why It’s Great
Calgary’s program prioritizes community health, leadership, and innovation — preparing graduates for diverse nursing roles.
📈 Career Outcomes
Graduates work in hospitals, community clinics, Indigenous health programs, and research organizations.
7. Western University — London, Ontario
Western University’s Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing offers strong undergraduate and graduate nursing programs grounded in research and evidence‑based practice.
🌟 Program Features
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) with integrated clinical experiences.
- Graduate programs with focus on healthcare innovation, community care, and leadership.
- Emphasis on interprofessional learning.
📌 Strengths
Western is known for its strong support systems, research collaborations, and dedication to improving healthcare outcomes.
💼 Career Outcomes
Graduates find roles as clinical nurses, policy analysts, nursing educators, and healthcare leaders.
8. Queen’s University — Kingston, Ontario
The School of Nursing at Queen’s University is recognized for its excellence in teaching, research, and leadership development.
📌 Program Offerings
- Bachelor of Nursing (BN) with strong focus on clinical care, research, and ethics.
- Master’s programs with expertise in health promotion, nursing education, and advanced practice.
- A range of clinical, community, and global health placements.
🎓 Why It Stands Out
Queen’s emphasizes holistic care, evidence‑based practice, and personalized mentorship for students.
💼 Career Prospects
Graduates pursue roles in hospitals, research, community health, and education.
9. Dalhousie University — Halifax, Nova Scotia
Dalhousie University offers a strong nursing program with a focus on rural and community health — reflecting Canada’s diverse healthcare needs.
📌 Program Features
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) focusing on clinical excellence.
- Master’s and PhD programs in nursing research and leadership.
- Interprofessional learning and simulation‑enhanced education.
🧠 Strengths
Dalhousie’s focus on community health, primary care, and interprofessional training makes it ideal for those interested in holistic practice.
💼 Career Opportunities
Graduates work in hospitals, community care, rural health organizations, and research settings.
10. University of Manitoba — Winnipeg, Manitoba
The University of Manitoba Rady Faculty of Health Sciences — Nursing Program combines strong clinical training with research and community engagement.
✔ Program Highlights
- Bachelor of Nursing (BN) degree with robust clinical placements.
- Graduate programs in advanced practice, education, and research.
- Opportunities for rural health focus and community engagement.
🧠 Why It’s Notable
Manitoba’s nursing program emphasizes diversity, Indigenous health, and community care, preparing students for meaningful contributions to public health and healthcare systems.
💼 Career Outcomes
Graduates work across clinical settings, Indigenous health programs, and community nursing organizations.
Steps to Study Nursing in Canada (International Students)
If you’re an international student considering nursing in Canada, here’s a quick step‑by‑step guide:
1. Choose a Recognized Program
Pick a university with accreditation recognized by Canadian nursing regulatory bodies.
2. Meet Admission Requirements
Requirements usually include:
- Secondary education completion (high school diploma)
- English proficiency tests (IELTS, TOEFL)
- Prerequisite courses (biology, chemistry)
3. Apply Through University Portals
Submit transcripts, test scores, personal statements, and references.
4. Apply for a Study Permit
Once accepted, apply for a Canadian study permit (student visa).
5. Complete Clinical Training
Most programs include supervised clinical placements — often arranged by the university.
6. Register With a Nursing Regulatory Body
After graduation, you must pass the NCLEX‑RN (for several provinces) and register with provincial nursing regulators.
Conclusion — Choosing the Best Nursing University in Canada
Studying nursing in Canada means gaining a world‑class education, excellent clinical experience, and strong career prospects. Universities like University of Toronto, McMaster, UBC, McGill, and Alberta provide comprehensive programs backed by research excellence, industry integration, and support for students.
Whether your goal is clinical practice, research, leadership, or global healthcare, Canada’s top nursing schools prepare you to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare system.