Nursing degrees cost an international student about CAD 30,668 a year on average in 2026/27, and a nursing degree (BScN, BSN, BNSc, BN) is on IRCC’s list of professional degrees that let a spouse apply for an open work permit. A degree does not need a field of study on the PGWP list, but you still need CLB 7. Becoming a licensed nurse is a separate step set by each province’s regulator (IRCC).
Read this with our costs and proof of funds page and our PGWP page.
Key Takeaways
- Average cost: CAD 30,668 a year for international nursing students (Statistics Canada, 2026/27).
- Spouse permit: nursing degrees are on IRCC’s professional degree list.
- PGWP: no field list for degrees, but CLB 7 and an eligible school are required.
- Licence: each province’s nursing regulator decides who can practise.
- Express Entry: a healthcare and social services category runs in 2026.
Table of Contents
How much does a nursing degree cost in Canada?
Statistics Canada reports an average of CAD 30,668 a year for international students in nursing in 2026/27. Your own cost depends on the province and school. Average international undergraduate tuition ranges from CAD 18,911 in Newfoundland and Labrador to CAD 50,088 in Ontario.
| Province | Average international undergraduate tuition (CAD per year) |
|---|---|
| Ontario | 50,088 |
| British Columbia | 40,314 |
| Alberta | 36,369 |
| Saskatchewan | 33,496 |
| Nova Scotia | 31,057 |
| Manitoba | 23,160 |
| Prince Edward Island | 22,067 |
| New Brunswick | 20,029 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 18,911 |
These are averages for all undergraduate programs, not nursing prices. See our Study in Canada costs guide for budgets.
How does the PGWP work after a nursing degree?
A degree does not need to appear on IRCC’s field of study list. You still need an eligible school, CLB 7 in all four skills for a university program, and an application within 180 days of finishing.
A 4-year degree can give a PGWP of up to 3 years, limited by your passport expiry date. See our PGWP eligible programs guide and our PGWP rules guide.
Can your spouse work while you study nursing?
Yes, in many cases. IRCC lists Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN), Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) and Bachelor of Nursing (BN) among the professional degrees that let a spouse or common-law partner apply for an open work permit.
Check the rules and the application steps on our spousal open work permit page.
Does a nursing degree make you a licensed nurse?
No. A nursing degree is an education step. Each province or territory has a nursing regulator that sets exams, language checks and registration rules, and these differ by province.
Check the regulator in the province where you plan to work before you pay a deposit, so you know which exams and registration steps apply.
Where does nursing fit in Express Entry?
Express Entry runs a healthcare and social services category in 2026, one of ten category-based selections. IRCC may skip a category round if enough top-ranking candidates are invited through other rounds.
You normally need Canadian work experience in an eligible occupation, so study alone does not qualify you. Read our category-based selection page.
What this means for you
If you are comparing schools
Ask each school for a written fee schedule and confirm that it is PGWP eligible. Compare provinces, not only prices.
If you are moving with a spouse
Confirm that your degree name matches IRCC’s list so your spouse can apply for an open work permit.
If you want to work as a nurse
Contact the nursing regulator in your target province early and keep a record of what each step requires.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a nursing degree cost for international students in Canada?
Statistics Canada reports an average of CAD 30,668 a year for international students in nursing in 2026/27. Your cost depends on the province and school.
Can my spouse get an open work permit if I study nursing?
Possibly. IRCC lists BScN, BSN, BNSc and BN degrees at a university among the professional degrees that let a spouse or common-law partner apply for an open work permit.
Do I need a field of study for my PGWP after nursing?
No. Degrees do not need a field of study on IRCC’s list. You still need an eligible school, CLB 7 and an application within 180 days.
Does a nursing degree let me work as a nurse in Canada?
Not by itself. Each province’s nursing regulator sets the exams and registration rules, so check the regulator in the province where you plan to work.
Is there an Express Entry category for nurses?
Express Entry runs a healthcare and social services category in 2026. You normally need Canadian work experience in an eligible occupation.
Related guides
- Study in Canada 2026 costs
- PGWP eligible programs 2026
- Why study a master’s in Canada
- Spousal open work permit Canada 2026
To plan your nursing studies and PR path, Book a Strategy Consultation.
Amir Ismail is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R412319) who has been associated with the immigration consulting industry since 1991.
Access more Study in Canada resources by Amir Ismail
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