Two Year Nursing Programmes in Canada for International Students
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What you'll learn in this article
Healthcare careers are highly sought after, not only in Canada but globally. Nursing is a medical field with significant potential, offering rewarding work and competitive salaries. This makes it a preferred choice for both local and international students. The tuition costs for nursing programmes in Canada are generally reasonable, making it an attractive option for international students. Pursuing 2 year nursing programmes in Canada is advisable, as it allows for a quicker entry into the job market.
Studying abroad provides opportunities to attend top-ranked universities and enjoy a higher quality of life. If you're considering nursing programmes in Canada, you've come to the right place. This blog provides essential information, international students need to enrol in 2 year nursing programmes in Canada and qualify to work in Canada subsequently.
Start your 2-year nursing programme in Canada — get expert guidance today
Types of 2 Year Nursing Programmes in Canada
There are three types of 2 year nursing courses in Canada, and you can choose the one that best suits you based on your interests and tastes. Based on your qualifications, you can choose to study any of the following programmes.
- Certification Courses (1-2 years)
- Diploma Courses (1-2 years)
- Masters Programmes (2 years)
Subjects Covered in 2 Year Nursing Programmes in Canada
The subjects covered for 2 year nursing programmes in Canada vary based on the university, level of study, and type of programme you choose. While each institution offers a unique blend of nursing subjects, we have highlighted the common subjects that will be covered.
| 2 Year Nursing Programme Subjects | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing | Human Anatomy and Physiology | Midwifery and Gynaecology |
| Paediatric Nursing | Sociology | Psychology |
| Medical-Surgical Nursing | Genetics | Health Education and Communication Skills |
| Nutrition | Fundamentals of Nursing | Microbiology |
| Pharmacology | Personal Hygiene | Community Health Nursing |
Explore the different subjects and topics covered by specific 2 year nursing programmes with AECC experts, who will provide you with a tailored guidance experience.
Top Universities for 2 Year Nursing Programmes in Canada
There is a wide range of colleges and universities that offer 2 year nursing programmes in Canada. The country is popular for its Medical-related courses, which is one of the top reasons why several students from across the globe study in Canada. Tabulated below are the popular colleges and universities in Canada, along with the cost to study nursing programmes in Canada.
| Name of University | QS Ranking by Subject: Nursing 2025 | Average Annual Tuition Fees (in CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto, Toronto | #4 | CA $36,000 - $40,000 |
| University of Alberta, Edmonton | #14 | CA $10,000 - $14,000 |
| University of British Columbia, Vancouver | #16 | CA $20,000 - $21,000 |
| McMaster University, Hamilton | #30 | CA $27,000 - $28,000 |
| McGill University, Montreal | #41 | CA $20,000 - $35,000 |
| Queen's University at Kingston, Kingston | #51-100 | CA $15,000 - $16,000 |
| University of Calgary, Calgary | #51-100 | CA $11,000 - $30,000 |
| University of Ottawa, Ottawa | #51-100 | CA $23,000 - $24,000 |
| Western University, London | #51-100 | CA $58,000 - $60,000 |
| University of Montreal, Montreal | #101-150 | CA $26,000 - $27,000 |
Note: The costs listed above are subject to global market changes. Therefore, candidates are advised to check the registrar's office of the individual institution where they wish to study. Or, get expert guidance to study nursing in Canada this year with the help of expert counsellors.
Entry Requirements to Study 2 Year Nursing Programmes in Canada
The entry requirements to study 2 year nursing programmes in Canada vary based on the university and study programme you choose. Though it is not easy to state a set of definite requirements asked by the university, we can give you a set of general guidelines, as highlighted below. It is also advisable to visit the official website of the university for all the updated information if you wish to study nursing in Canada.
- For Master's or Graduate Diplomas, the applicant must hold a Bachelor's degree in nursing, such as a BSc in Nursing or related courses.
- Some universities demand English, Math, or Science as compulsory subjects in your 10 + 2 qualifications.
- The students also require good scores in English language proficiency tests such as IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT
- You must complete the CASPer test.
- You need official academic transcripts and a resume.
- You will also need to provide a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LORs) in the format prescribed by your university.
- You need a curriculum vitae for your Master's.
- You must have a year of clinical experience (for Master's).
- You also need a valid nursing licence, i.e. a Registered Nurse (RN) license, to practice nursing in Canada (for a Master's too).
- You need a police certificate stating that you do not have any criminal charges against you.
Career Scope of 2 Year Nursing Programmes in Canada
Nursing in Canada has always been a preferred career path among international students. Students seek this career because there is a massive scope in the healthcare industry in Canada. Students get an easy ticket into the medical and healthcare sector through the 2 year nursing programmes in Canada. We have given a list of possible career scopes after this degree below. However, it goes beyond this list.
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (in CAD) |
|---|---|
| Nurse Manager | CA $45,000 - $115,000 |
| Certified Nurse Midwife | CA $80,000 - $140,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner | CA $90,000 - $120,000 |
| Forensic Nurse | CA $32,000 - $104,000 |
| Clinical Information Specialist | CA $79,000 - $140,000 |
| Clinical Research Manager | CA $76,000 - $110,000 |
| Nurse Educator | CA $86,000 - $107,000 |
| Critical Care Nurse Supervisor | CA $82,000 - $105,000 |
| Psychiatric Nurse | CA $60,000 - $106,000 |
| Nursing Professor | CA $37,000 - $110,000 |
Source: Glassdoor, Indeed, Payscale, ZipRecruiter
Nursing is one of the most rewarding career paths in Canada, and you are sure to find a suitable job and enjoy a higher standard of living after you complete your Nursing in Canada. Through this article on 2 year nursing programmes in Canada for international students, you should be equipped with enough information to begin the decision-making process to study nursing in Canada.
For further assistance, register with us and connect with AECC counsellors who are trained to provide you with the latest information regarding studying abroad.
2 Year Nursing Programmes in Canada FAQs
You can apply for 2 year nursing programmes in Canada directly from the official websites of the universities. Or, you can connect with AECC’s expert team of study abroad counsellors trained to provide you with all the information you need to apply to your desired courses and universities abroad.
An MSc Nursing course in Canada takes around 2 years to complete. However, there are various universities and colleges that offer PG Nursing courses in Canada, including Master's in Nursing that can be completed within 1 year, qualifying you to work as a nurse after graduation in Canada.
The cost of a 2 year nursing programme in Canada for international students can range from CA $10,000 to $40,000 per year. The tuition fees for a nursing course in Canada will vary between universities, as well as the degree programme. However, many universities in Canada also offer scholarship opportunities for international students to help reduce their financial commitments.
To study nursing in Canada, candidates must have achieved high scores in their previous academic level. For 2 year nursing courses, i.e. Master’s or MSc in Nursing courses, candidates must possess a valid undergraduate degree in nursing or related fields that is recognised by the institute they wish to study. Additionally, some universities and provinces may require you to attempt a test as well.
Yes, you can become a Nurse in Canada in 2 years if yoYes, you can become a Nurse in Canada in 2 years by pursuing either a Master’s or MSc in Nursing programme. Across the country, universities offer these courses 2 year nursing programmes in Canada for students from around the world. However, a master’s may usually take 1 year to complete, whereas an MSc in Nursing may take 2 years to complete.
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About the Author
Published and reviewed by AECC counsellors who guide students through every step of their study-abroad journey.
Published by Anuj Gupta
ICEF Canada Certified Education Specialist | 15 Years Advising International Students
Anuj Gupta holds ICEF Canada certification, one of the most widely recognised professional credentials in international student recruitment, and has been advising students on Canadian and European university pathways for 15 years.
Since Canada introduced its study permit cap in 2024, Anuj has spent a significant part of his time helping students work through the implications. Some are proceeding with Canada on adjusted timelines. Others are considering Germany, Ireland or the Netherlands, where English-taught programmes are available and post-study work routes are more predictable. He advises students on both options without steering them towards one by default.
The conversations he has with students tend to be specific: which course gives the best return on a particular budget, which province currently has faster processing times, and whether a diploma-to-degree pathway makes financial sense given the student's long-term goals. That is what his articles are written around. He holds an MBA in Finance and is based at AECC's Ahmedabad office.
