Masters in Nursing in Canada: Top Universities, Costs, Eligibility & Salary (2025)

Masters in Nursing in Canada: Top Universities, Costs, Eligibility & Salary (2025)

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Manik Study Abroad Content Specialist

Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated On - Jul 18, 2025

Masters in nursing in Canada is one of the most preferred streams by international students. Canada offers globally ranked universities, high healthcare standards, and promising job market. A masters degree in nursing Canada leads to roles such as Registered Nurse (RN), Nurse Practitioner (NP), or Nursing Manager, with salaries averaging CA$6,200 per month (₹3.78 lakhs).

Top nursing programs are offered at institutions like the University of Toronto, McGill, and UBC, with annual tuition fees ranging from ₹4.7L to ₹25L and living costs between CA$11,000 to CA$28,000. Applicants generally need a relevant bachelor’s degree, English language proficiency scores (TOEFL or IELTS), letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume to get into these programs.

Scholarships such as Mitacs, Trudeau Foundation, and Queen Elizabeth II further ease the financial burden for eligible candidates.


Top Universities for Masters in Nursing in Canada

Here are the leading institutions offering a masters degree in nursing Canada, ranked by the QS World Rankings 2025 for Nursing:

QS Rank (2025) University Name Location Top Course Application Deadline
4 University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario M.N April 30, 2026 (tentative)
14 University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta M.N April 1, 2026 (tentative)
=16 University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC M.S Nursing TBA
30 McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario M.N January 31, 2026 (tentative)
41 McGill University Montreal, Quebec M.A.Sc Nursing January 15, 2026 (tentative)
51–100 Queen's University at Kingston Kingston, Ontario M.N February 1, 2026 (tentative)
51–100 University of Calgary Calgary, Alberta M.N August 1, 2025
51–100 University of Ottawa Ottawa, Ontario M.S February 1, 2026
51–100 Western University London, Ontario M.S Nursing March 1, 2026 (tentative)
101–150 Université de Montréal Montreal, Quebec M.N February 1, 2026 (tentative)

Read More: Nursing Colleges in Canada


Why Study Masters in Nursing in Canada?

Canada offers globally recognized nursing education, competitive salaries, and excellent post-study work options. Here are the key reasons:

  • 7 Canadian universities ranked in QS Top 100 for Nursing (2025)
  • Average RN salary: CA$84,000 per year (₹51.2 LPA)
  • High employability: Most graduates find jobs within 3–6 months
  • Strong clinical training via top hospitals and health centers
  • 800,000+ international students in Canada ensure a diverse academic environment

Admission Requirements for Masters in Nursing in Canada

To apply for a masters degree in Nursing Canada, international students must meet both academic and language proficiency requirements. While criteria can vary slightly between universities, the following are commonly expected:

Academic Requirements for Masters in Nursing in Canada:

To be eligible for a Master’s in Nursing in Canada, applicants generally need:

  • A 4-year Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or a related field from a recognized university
  • A minimum B+ average (70–79% or 3.0/4.0 GPA) in the final year or last 60 credits
  • Valid RN registration (in home country or Canada, depending on the program)
  • At least 2 years of full-time clinical experience for some programs.

English Language Proficiency Requirements:

Most universities require proof of English proficiency through one of the following exams:

  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum overall score of 93, with at least 22 in each section
  • IELTS: Minimum overall score of 7.0, with no band less than 6.5
  • Duolingo/PTE/GRE: Accepted by select institutions as listed below

Documents Required:

A standard application to a master of nursing in Canada for international students generally includes:

  • Academic transcripts with full subject-wise mark details
  • Resume/CV outlining academic background and experience
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP) – 1–2 pages detailing career goals, research interests, and motivation
  • Three Letters of Recommendation (at least two academic)
  • English language test scores (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo)
  • Undergraduate degree (typically in nursing or health sciences)
  • Work experience (preferred but not mandatory)

University-wise Eligibility Overview:

University Course Minimum Requirement
University of Toronto M.N TOEFL: 93
University of Alberta M.N Duolingo: 120, TOEFL: 100, PTE: 68
University of British Columbia M.S Nursing IELTS: 7.0
McMaster University M.N GRE: 304, TOEFL: 88, PTE: 60
McGill University M.A.Sc Nursing IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 65
Queen’s University M.N TOEFL: 88
University of Calgary M.N Duolingo: 120, IELTS: 7.5, PTE: 59
University of Ottawa M.S IELTS 6.5
Western University M.S Nursing Duolingo 115, TOEFL 92
Université de Montréal M.N GPA 3.0 out of 4.3, BSc. Nursing

Cost of Studying Masters in Nursing in Canada

The cost of masters in nursing in Canada includes both tuition fees and living expenses, which vary based on the university, location, and your lifestyle. Below is a breakdown of annual tuition fees and estimated living costs at top Canadian universities offering nursing programs:

University-wise Tuition & Living Cost:

University Top Course Tuition Fees/Year Estimated Living Cost/Year
University of Toronto M.N ₹23.69L (CA$37,696) ₹14.43L (CA$22,953)
University of Alberta M.N ₹4.78L (CA$7,604) ₹9.80L (CA$15,600)
University of British Columbia M.S Nursing ₹6.21L (CA$9,883) ₹7.14L (CA$11,353)
McMaster University M.N ₹25.92L (CA$41,247) ₹8.15L (CA$12,970)
McGill University M.A.Sc Nursing ₹18.72L (CA$29,780) ₹15.18L (CA$24,160)
Queen’s University M.N ₹8.12L (CA$12,927) ₹12.12L (CA$19,280)
University of Calgary M.N ₹14.93L (CA$23,756) ₹7.88L (CA$12,534)
University of Ottawa M.S ₹22.61 (CA$35,972) ₹12.19L (CA$19,400)
Western University M.S Nursing ₹18.64(CA$29,656) ₹11.56L (CA$18,400)
Université de Montréal M.N ₹13.69(CA$21,786) ₹59.7K (CA$950)

Cost of Living in Canada

International students pursuing a masters in nursing in Canada should budget CA$1,100–CA$2,300 per month for living expenses, including housing, food, transport, and insurance. Costs vary by city, with Toronto and Vancouver being more expensive than others.

Breakdown of Living Costs in Canada (Monthly Estimates):

Expense Type Average Monthly Cost (CA$)
Housing & Accommodation CA$500 – CA$2,000
Food & Groceries CA$240 – CA$480
Utilities & Cable CA$100+
Internet CA$50 – CA$100
Mobile Phone CA$60+
Health Insurance CA$75 – CA$120
Entertainment & Leisure CA$120+
Public Transportation Pass CA$80 – CA$156

Depending on the city and your lifestyle, total monthly living expenses range between CA$1,100 and CA$2,400, translating to approximately CA$13,000 to CA$28,000 per year.

Read More: Cost of Studying in Canada for Indian Students


Scholarships for Masters in Nursing in Canada

Pursuing a master's degree in nursing in Canada can be expensive, but several merit-based and research-oriented scholarships ease the financial burden for international students. Below are five prominent scholarships specifically relevant to graduate nursing students, especially from India:

Scholarship Name Funded By Award Amount Eligibility Type
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship Government of Canada Tuition + living + travel Master's students in public health, research, or leadership roles Academic Exchange
Mitacs Accelerate International Mitacs From CA$15,000 (min CA$10,000 stipend) Nursing students in university–industry research collaborations Research-Based
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation CA$50,000/year + CA$20,000 for research/travel Graduate students with leadership in policy, health, or community Fellowship
QS Scholarship for Academic Excellence QS Quacquarelli Symonds CA$10,000 (~₹6.3 L) High-achieving Indian students pursuing master's abroad Merit-Based
Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Variable (loan + grant model) Indian students admitted to globally ranked master’s programs Merit + Need

Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship is available in McMaster University. QS Scholarship for Academic Excellence is available in McGill University, Montreal.

Also Read: Scholarships in Canada


Masters in Nursing in Canada Placement & Salary

Graduates with a Masters in Nursing in Canada are well-positioned for rewarding careers in clinical, administrative, and research roles. Canada’s strong demand for healthcare professionals translates into competitive salaries, permanent residency pathways, and long-term employment stability.

Average MSc Nursing Salary in Canada Per Month:

The average hourly pay for a Registered Nurse (RN) in Canada is CA$37.22, which equates to approximately CA$6,200/month or CA$74,400/year. However, salary varies significantly by role, specialization, and experience.

Below is a list of estimated average salaries for various nursing roles in Canada:

Job Title Average Annual Salary (CAD) Equivalent Annual Salary (INR)
Registered Nurse (RN) CA$84,000 ₹51.24L
Registered Nurse (Emergency Room) CA$80,000 ₹48.80L
Labor and Delivery Nurse CA$85,000 ₹51.85L
Long Term Care Nursing Director CA$93,000 ₹56.70L
Nursing Supervisor CA$73,000 ₹44.52L
Nursing Manager CA$61,880 ₹37.78L
Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) CA$65,000 ₹39.65L
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) CA$53,000 ₹32.34L
Maintenance Manager (non-nursing role) CA$53,740 ₹32.80L

Check: Top Paying Professions in Canada


A Masters in Nursing in Canada combines world-class education, affordable costs, and strong job prospects. With salaries reaching over ₹50 LPA and high demand across provinces, it’s a smart choice for international students pursuing advanced roles in healthcare.


FAQs

Ques: What is the average MSc Nursing salary in Canada per month?

Ans: The average monthly salary for a registered nurse (RN) in Canada is around CA$6,200, which equals approximately ₹3.78 lakhs (based on CA$1 = ₹61).

Ques: What are the top universities for masters in nursing in Canada?

Ans: Some of the best universities include the University of Toronto, University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, McMaster University, and McGill University, all ranked in the QS Top 100 for Nursing in 2025.

Ques: What is the cost of studying masters in nursing in Canada?

Ans: Tuition fees range from ₹4.78L to ₹25.92L per year, depending on the university. Living costs typically fall between CA$11,000 and CA$28,000 per year.

Ques: What are the eligibility requirements for master of nursing in Canada for international students?

Ans: Applicants need a relevant undergraduate degree, a minimum TOEFL score of 93 or IELTS 7.0, a resume, SOP, letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts.

Ques: Are scholarships available for masters in nursing in Canada?

Ans: Yes. Scholarships like the Queen Elizabeth II Scholarship, Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship, and various Mitacs programs offer funding, research support, and stipends up to CA$60,000/year.

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