Last Updated on July 28, 2023
Masters in Nursing (MSN) in Canada is a 2-year long full-time course that offers applicants a holistic approach in Nursing and its chosen area of specialization. The total cost of studying MSN in Canada for international students is around 37,000 USD per annum. The program is available in more than 20 universities in Canada, including some of the top Canadian universities like UToronto, University of Alberta, UBC, etc.
More and more international students are opting for MSN in Canada because nurses make up the maximum workforce in the healthcare department. The starting salary is close to 65,000 USD per annum and it is expected that multifold requirements in the field of nursing in Canada would be seen by 2026.
Why Study Masters in Nursing in Canada?
- 10 nursing colleges in Canada rank in the top 100 nursing colleges globally, in the QS World Rankings of 2020.
- Nursing jobs in Canada are expected to rise by 3.4% by 2035. The number of nurses required by 2026 will go up by 71% in Canada.
- The number of internationally educated nurses has grown by 7.8%, representing almost 8.5% of the total Canadian registered nurses population.
- The average annual salary for nursing jobs in Canada starts from 104,000 CAD and can go up as high as 201,000 CAD.
- According to Statistica, the number of graduates in nursing who registered for studying in Canada has increased by almost 30% in the 2007-2017 stretch.
- Canadian Universities offer approximately 10 popularly chosen specializations like a family practitioner, critical care nursing, gerontology, community mental health, etc.
Best Colleges for Masters in Nursing in Canada
The number of nurses working in Canada has grown by 33% over the last 5 years. It is assumed, that with this kind of growth more and more nurses will be required and so will the salaries go up. With more around 10 Canadian universities ranking gloablly for masters in nursing, listed below are these nursing colleges of Canada. The table also gives their global ranks (QS subject-wise ranking) and the program fees.
| University Name | QS Subject-Wise Rankings | Approx. Program Fees (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | #7 | 39200 |
| McMaster University | #15 | 25600 |
| McGill University | #21 | 19600 |
| University of Alberta | #23 | 15150 |
| University of British Columbia | #38 | 7280 |
| Western University | #45 | 41750 |
| University of Calgary | #51-100 | 11656 |
| University of Ottawa | #51-100 | 47800 |
Nursing colleges in Canada offer a master’s degree as a normal MSc course or a research-based MSN course. These popular graduate programs in Canada ensure that the student can work as a registered nurse in Canada.
What is Masters in Nursing in Canada all About?
Before choosing MSN in Canada, the applicants must be aware of the course curriculum and the different specializations offered by each university. Masters in Nursing in Canada is a 2-year long program that covers different areas of study. The second-year usually includes a study in the area of specialization along with a thesis submission at the end of the course.Looking for Admissions here? or need Help?Register Now
Term 1 | Term 2 |
|---|---|
| Foundations of Nursing Knowledge | Learning/Teaching in Nurse Education |
| Knowledge Synthesis | Perspectives on Nursing Leadership |
| Nursing Inquiry | Skills in Nursing Leadership |
| Healthcare Policy | Healthcare Ethics & Decision Making |
| Perspectives on Nursing Education | Theses |
MSN Specializations in Canada
The following set of specializations are offered by top Canadian Universities and, chosen by international students widely:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Practical Nursing
- Critical Care Nursing
- Community Mental Health
- General Nursing
- Nursing Administration
Masters in Nursing in Canada: Admissions
Not a lot of seats are offered to international students in the MSN program in Canada. Yet universities receive applications in abundance. like UBC received around 60 applications, out of which only 45 were accepted for 2018 admissions.
Masters in Nursing in Canada: Eligibility
To be eligible for admission, international students must fulfill the following requirements:
- 4 years of a bachelor’s degree is mandatory. Overall 10+2+4 years of education must be attained by the applicant willing to pursue MSN in Canada.
- 1 year of clinical experience is highly recommended for admission to the course for the applicants.
- A criminal record verification should also be cleared before attending the university.
- Applicants would also require a valid nursing license for practicein Canada.
- In addition to the above requirements, there are some additional requirements that must be fulfilled in order to secure admission in Masters in Nursing in Canada:
| University | GPA/Percentage | LORs | SOP | Resume | Transcripts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U of T | B+ | 2 | Required | Required | Required |
| McMaster University | B+ | 3 | Required | Required | Required |
| McGill University | B | 2 | Required | Required | Required |
| UAlberta | B | 2-3 | Required | Not mandatory | Required |
| UBC | 76% | 3 | Required | Required | Required |
| UWO | 78% | 2 | Required | Not Mandatory | Required |
| University of Calagry | B | 2 | Required | Not Mandatory | Required |
| University of Ottawa | 70% | 2 | Not Mandatory | Not Mandatory | Required |
English Language Proficiency
International applicants are required to submit either of the tests- TOEFL or IELTS or others along with their minimum scores, to be eligible for admission to the MSN program in Canada:
| University | TOEFL | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| U of T | 93 | 7.0 |
| McMaster University | 92 | 7.0 |
| McGill University | 100 | 7.5 |
| UAlberta | 97 | 7.0 |
| UBC | 100 | 6.5 |
| UWO | 100 | 7.0 |
| University of Calagry | 97 | 7.0 |
| University of Ottawa | 97 | 7.0 |
Cost of Studying Masters in Nursing in Canada
Approximately 37,300 USD is required for one year to study Masters in Nursing in Canadian Universities for international students, all expenses included. This cost also includes one-time payments that are not required to be paid in the second year of study.
Pre-Arrival Expenses
When applying for a Masters in Nursing in Canada, the international applicants will have to spend on the given requirements to be eligible for MSN admission.
| Expenses | Cost (in USD) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 68-113* |
| Health Insurance | 401-607 |
| Visa Application Fee | 235 |
| Transcript Evaluation | 160 |
* Varies with each university.
Post-Arrival Expenses
These expenses are usually incurred on the regular requirements of an applicant while they stay in Canada. Some of the costs incurred on a monthly basis by applicants pursuing Masters in Nursing are as follows:
| Expenses | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Airfare | 1,400 |
| Hotel Accommodation | 200-800 |
| Meals | 45 (per meal in a day) |
| Travel | 25 (per day) |
| Financial Statement | 10,000 |
Masters in Nursing in Canada: Tuition Fees
The tuition fees is one of the major expense for an international student. Given below is a graph representing the annual tuition fees for some of the popular universities.
Cost of Living in Canada
The cost of living in Canada includes accommodation, food, transport, beverage, etc. The description of expenses are tabulated below:
| Type of Expense | Cost in USD/year |
|---|---|
| Books and Material | 756-1510 |
| Food and Beverage | 3000-4000 |
| Accommodations | 4,500-15,000 |
* Overall a 2-5% increase in tuition fee has been recorded for the 2018-2019 admission session, due to a hike in the inflation rate for the current fiscal year.
Masters in Nursing in Canada with Scholarships
International students who wish to study nursing in Canada can apply for various scholarships. Nursing colleges in Canada, like McMaster, McGill, Calgary, etc offer a variety of scholarships to its nursing students. As the cost of studying in Canada can cost an international stduent a hefty amount, they can apply for scholarships & loans available to study in Canada. International students looking for scholarships offered to study masters programs in Canada, click here.
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Masters in Nursing in Canada: Scope
Masters in Nursing has witnessed a sudden surge in enrolments due to a predicted growth in the field. Nursing is both challenging yet a highly paid job, with an average starting salary of 53,000 USD.
- Salaries of Registered Nurses (RNs) licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) range from about $40,000 to $80,000 depending on location, education and level of responsibility.
- According to job bank Canada, over the period 2017-2026, new job openings for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses are expected to total 157,100.
- Employment growth in the nursing industry in Canada is expected to be among the highest of all occupations, accounting for more than 40% of all job openings
The following table shows the different specializations that can be opted by students and their job descriptions along with the annual salaries:
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Critical Care Nursing | Responsible to treat critically ill patients and look after them emotionally. | 78,400 |
| Gerontology | Responsible for assisting senior citizens who are severely ill and bedridden | 63,300 |
| Nursing Leadership & Management | Devise strategies to tackle cases and patients and treat them with understanding. | 60,710 |
| Palliative Care | Help in recovering from stress and serious illness that a patient suffers. | 58,650 |
| Coronary Care Nursing | These nurses have specialized knowledge in cardiovascular care. | 56,400 |
| Community Mental Health | This deals with the mental healthcare of the patient. | 40,000 |
Overall despite low application acceptance by Canadian Universities, students are applying for MSN in Canada due to increasing demand for specialized nurses. Nursing degree in Canada is profitable for an international student as the return on investment is high. Due to the demand in the nursing industry, students can get placed just after their graduation. With a predicted 71% surge till 2026 in requirement of nurses, this can be considered as a competitive option for applicants.
MASTERS IN NURSING IN CANADA FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Nursing is becoming a very demanding job in the health care sector nowadays. Mostly, it is the high salary package that attracts many people into the field of nursing. But still, the proportion of male nurses is very low compared to female nurses. A master’s degree in nursing can increase your career opportunities as well as knowledge. Getting a masters in Nursing in Canada is not a big task. There are many good universities providing the Masters in Nursing in Canada at a very low fee. Also, the cost of living and other expenses are very low in Canada. This is one of the biggest reasons why Canada is the most preferred study abroad location for many international students. There are various master’s degrees in Nursing in Canada. You can get your Masters degree in Canada for the Master of Nursing(MN) or the Master of Science in Nursing (MSc Nursing). You can also get the Ontario graduate school certificate for post-degree diploma and bridging courses in Canada. These graduate certificate programs are for those who have completed nursing and want to work as a registered nurse in Canada. The program duration for all these courses are for one to two years and are delivered in On-campus mode.
LIST OF UNIVERSITIES OFFERING MASTERS IN NURSING IN CANADA:
The following are the list of Universities offering Masters in Nursing in Canada:
- University of British Columbia Vancouver, British Columbia
- Course: Master of Science in Nursing
- Admission Requirements:
- IELTS: Overall 7; Reading 6.5; Writing 7; Listening 7.5; Speaking 7
- TOEFL: Overall 100 ; Reading 22 ; Writing 21; Listening 22; Speaking 21
- Tuition fee: CAD 8,776.74 per year
- Study requirements:
- A recognized Bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 8 out of 10
- University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta
- Course: Master of Nursing
- Admission Requirements:
- IELTS: Overall 7; Reading 6.5; Writing 7; Listening 7.5; Speaking 7
- TOEFL: Overall 97; Reading 22; Writing 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22
- Tuition fee: CAD 10,500 per year
- Study requirements:
- A recognized Bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3 out of 4
- Thompson Rivers University Kamloops, British Columbia
- Course: Master of Nursing
- Admission Requirements:
- IELTS: Overall 7; Reading 6.5; Writing 7; Listening 7.5; Speaking 7
- TOEFL: Overall 100; Reading 20; Writing 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20
- Tuition fee: CAD 17,847 per year
- Study requirements:
- A recognized Bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3 out of 4
- McGill University Montreal, Quebec
- Course: Master of Science, Applied- Nursing
- Admission Requirements:
- IELTS: Overall 6.5
- TOEFL: Overall 86; Reading 20; Writing 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20
- Tuition fee: CAD 11,138.89 per year
- Study requirements:
- A recognized Bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3 out of 4
- University of Windsor Windsor, Ontario
- Course: Master of Science in Nursing
- Admission Requirements:
- IELTS: Overall 7
- Tuition fee: CAD 16,740.11 per year
- Study requirements:
- A recognized Bachelor of Nursing degree with a minimum average of 70%
- University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Course: Master of Nursing
- Admission Requirements:
- IELTS: Overall 5.5
- TOEFL: Overall 70; Reading 16; Writing 16; Listening 16; Speaking 16
- Tuition fee: CAD 9,250 per year
- Study requirements:
- A recognized Bachelor of Nursing degree with a minimum average GPA of 3
- A minimum 2 years of clinical practice
- University of Calgary Calgary, Alberta
- Course: Master of Nursing
- Admission Requirements:
- IELTS: Overall 7
- TOEFL: Overall 97
- PTE: Overall 68
- Tuition fee: CAD 14,538 per year
- Study requirements:
- A recognized 4 year Bachelor of Nursing degree with a minimum average GPA of 3 out of 4
- Ryerson University Toronto, Ontario
- Course: Master of Nursing
- Admission Requirements:
- IELTS: Overall 7
- TOEFL: Overall 93
- PTE: Overall 63
- Tuition fee: CAD 18,146.37 per year
- Study requirements:
- A recognized 4 year Bachelor of Nursing degree with a minimum average GPA of 3 out of 4
- Memorial University St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Course: Master of Nursing
- Admission Requirements:
- IELTS: Overall 7
- TOEFL: Overall 92-93
- Tuition fee: CAD 9,666 per year
- Study requirements:
- A recognized Bachelor of Nursing degree with a minimum of 70%
- University of Ottawa Ottawa, Ontario
- Course: Master of Science in Nursing
- Admission Requirements:
- IELTS: Overall 7; Reading 7; Writing 7; Listening 7; Speaking 7
- TOEFL: Overall 100; Writing 25
- Tuition fee: CAD 11,638.48 per year
- Study requirements:
- A recognized Bachelor of Nursing degree with a minimum of 70%
- University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario
- Course: Master of Nursing
- Admission Requirements:
- IELTS: Overall 7; Reading 6.5; Writing 6.5; Listening 6.5; Speaking 6.5
- TOEFL: Overall 93; Reading 22; Speaking 22
- Tuition fee: CAD 23,770 per year
- Study requirements:
- A recognized Bachelor of Nursing degree
- Queen’s University Kingston, Ontario
- Course: Master of Science in Nursing
- Admission Requirements:
- IELTS: Overall 7
- TOEFL: Overall 88; Reading 22; Writing 24; Listening 20; Speaking 22
- PTE: Overall 65
- Tuition fee: CAD 13,781.24 per year
- Study requirements:
- A recognized Bachelor of Nursing degree with a minimum average of 70%
- Langara College Vancouver, British Columbia
- Course: Post degree Diploma in Nursing Practice
- Admission Requirements:
- IELTS: Overall 6.5; Reading 6; Writing 6; Listening 6; Speaking 6
- TOEFL: Overall 90 ; Reading 21; Writing 21; Listening 22; Speaking 21
- Tuition fee: CAD 15,956 per year
- Study requirements:
- A recognized Bachelor of Nursing degree or diploma in Nursing
- Dalhousie University Saint John, New Brunswick
- Course: Master of Science in Nursing
- Admission Requirements:
- IELTS: Overall 7
- TOEFL: Overall 92
- PTE: Overall 65; Reading 64; Writing 64; Listening 64; Speaking 64
- Tuition fee: CAD 21,875.19 per year
- Study requirements:
- A recognized Bachelor of Nursing degree with a minimum average GPA of 3 out of 4
- University of New Brunswick Saint John, New Brunswick
- Course: Master of Nursing
- Admission Requirements:
- IELTS: Overall 6.5
- TOEFL: Overall 85
- PTE: Overall 59
- Tuition fee: CAD 10,765 per year
- Study requirements:
- A recognized Bachelor of Nursing degree with a minimum average GPA of 3.3
- University of North British Columbia Prince George, British Columbia
- Course: Master of Science in Nursing
- Admission Requirements:
- IELTS: Overall 7; Reading 6.5; Writing 7; Listening 7.5; Speaking 7
- TOEFL: Overall 100 ; Reading 22; Writing 21; Listening 22; Speaking 21
- Tuition fee: CAD 8,776.74 per year
- Study requirements:
- A recognized Bachelor of Nursing degree
- Trinity Western University Vancouver, British Columbia
- Course: Master of Science in Nursing
- Admission Requirements:
- IELTS: Overall 7.5
- TOEFL: Overall 105
- Tuition fee: CAD 22,260 per year
- Study requirements:
- A recognized Bachelor of Nursing degree with a minimum average GPA of 3
- Centennial College Toronto, Ontario
- Course: Bridging to University Nursing
- Admission Requirements:
- IELTS: Overall 6; Reading 5.5; Writing 5.5; Listening 5.5; Speaking 5.5
- TOEFL: Overall 80
- PTE: Overall 51
- Tuition fee: CAD 16,481 per year
- Study requirements:
- College diploma in practical nursing with a minimum average GPA of 3
- Durham College Toronto, Ontario
- Course: Practical Nursing
- Admission Requirements:
- IELTS: Overall 6; Reading 5.5; Writing 5.5; Listening 5.5; Speaking 5.5
- TOEFL: Overall 80; Reading 20; Writing 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20
- PTE: Overall 50-57
- Tuition fee: CAD 16,490 per year
- Study requirements:
- A recognized Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and a relevant work experience as a Nurse
- Nursing Manager – CAD 85k per year
- Nurse Practitioner (NP) – CAD 94k per year
- Family Nurse Practitioner (NP) – CAD 100k per year
- Clinical Informatics Specialist – CAD 75k per year
- Clinical Research Manager – CAD 89k per year
