Studying nursing in Canada can help students from Lesotho develop professional knowledge, clinical skills and international educational experience. However, tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation and other expenses can make studying abroad financially challenging.
Scholarships, bursaries and university awards may help reduce these costs. Some awards are available to international nursing students already studying in Canada, while others support eligible graduate students or high-achieving applicants entering specific programmes.
This guide explains nursing scholarship opportunities worth investigating in 2026, how Basotho students can search for funding, the documents they may need and how to plan for the remaining costs.
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1. Can Students from Lesotho Get Nursing Scholarships in Canada?
Yes. Students from Lesotho may qualify for selected Canadian university scholarships and awards if they meet the individual eligibility requirements.
However, not every nursing scholarship is open to international students, and some awards are restricted to students who are already enrolled at a Canadian institution.
Funding may be available through:
- University entrance scholarships.
- Nursing faculty scholarships.
- Academic merit awards.
- Graduate scholarships for master’s and doctoral students.
- Financial-need bursaries.
- External scholarships and sponsorship programmes.
Before applying, check whether the award accepts international students, whether Lesotho citizens are eligible, and whether you must already be enrolled in a nursing programme.
2. Nursing Scholarships in Canada to Investigate in 2026
The following opportunities are based on published university and Canadian government information. They have different eligibility rules, so treat them as research starting points rather than guaranteed funding offers.
1. University of Manitoba Nursing Students’ Association International Scholarship
The University of Manitoba lists Nursing Students’ Association scholarships for international students enrolled full-time in its Bachelor of Nursing programme.
Published eligibility criteria include:
- International student status.
- Full-time enrolment, with at least an 80% course load.
- A minimum cumulative degree GPA of 3.0.
The university lists four awards worth CAD $1,500 each, with an annual application deadline of May 31. Because that deadline has passed for 2026, students planning ahead should check the next application cycle and confirm the current requirements.
This award is particularly relevant to international students already studying nursing at the university, rather than applicants seeking funding before admission.
Official information: University of Manitoba nursing scholarships.
2. Thomas and Helen Smerchanski Nursing Scholarship
The University of Manitoba also lists the Thomas and Helen Smerchanski Nursing Scholarship, valued at CAD $1,000 in its published award information.
The listed criteria include:
- Enrolment in the third or fourth year of the Bachelor of Nursing programme.
- A minimum degree GPA of 3.0.
- High academic standing and demonstrated potential to contribute to the nursing profession.
- Submission of an application letter.
The university’s awards database identifies international students among the eligible categories. Basotho students who meet the requirements should confirm the current application procedure and deadlines with the university.
Official information: Thomas and Helen Smerchanski Nursing Scholarship.
3. University of Alberta Faculty of Nursing Scholarships and Awards
The University of Alberta offers a range of nursing awards, including awards for continuing students and international students studying on a student permit.
Depending on the specific award, eligibility may be based on academic achievement, programme enrolment or other criteria.
Students from Lesotho should explore the university’s undergraduate nursing funding information and ask the relevant student services team which awards are open to international applicants in their intended programme.
Not all awards are available to new applicants, and eligibility differs by scholarship.
Official information: University of Alberta nursing scholarships and awards.
4. Alice R. Thomas and Bryan Campbell-Hope International Graduate Scholarship in Nursing
The University of Alberta lists this scholarship for eligible international graduate nursing students.
The published award value is CAD $3,900. The criteria include superior academic standing, with a GPA equivalent to at least 3.5 on the university’s scale.
Important details include:
- It is intended for eligible international students in graduate nursing programmes.
- It may be available to students in master’s and doctoral programmes.
- Selection is by nomination rather than an unrestricted direct application.
- Students should contact their department for the internal nomination process and current deadlines.
This opportunity is worth investigating for Basotho students considering postgraduate nursing education, rather than an initial undergraduate nursing degree. Award values and deadlines may change.
Official information: Alice R. Thomas and Bryan Campbell-Hope International Graduate Scholarship in Nursing.
3. Are Canadian Government Scholarships Available to Students from Lesotho?
Students should investigate government-funded opportunities, but they must check the eligible countries and programme conditions carefully.
The Canadian government’s Study in Canada Scholarships programme supports selected short-term study or research exchanges through participating Canadian institutions. It is not a general scholarship for every international student undertaking a full nursing degree.
The published 2026–2027 country list includes several African countries, such as Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, but does not list Lesotho. Therefore, students from Lesotho should not assume they qualify for this particular scholarship call.
The programme’s published deadline for Canadian institutions was March 31, 2026, which has also passed. Future eligibility and deadlines may differ.
Check the official Study in Canada Scholarships programme and scholarships for international applicants for current opportunities.
4. What Types of Nursing Scholarships Should Basotho Students Search For?
Beyond the specific awards above, several types of funding may be worth exploring.
Entrance Scholarships
Some universities award scholarships to eligible students entering their first year. These may consider academic grades, programme of study or other selection criteria.
Ask whether international applicants from Lesotho are eligible and whether you will be considered automatically or must submit a separate application.
Academic Merit Scholarships
Merit scholarships recognise strong academic performance. Some are available only after a student has completed part of a programme and achieved the required GPA.
Keep your academic records organised and check whether awards require a minimum course load.
Graduate Nursing Scholarships
Students pursuing a master’s degree or doctorate in nursing may find funding through faculty awards, research funding or departmental nominations.
Contact the graduate programme coordinator to ask about international student funding, research opportunities and application deadlines.
Need-Based Bursaries
A bursary may provide financial assistance to students who demonstrate financial need. Eligibility can depend on enrolment, academic standing, the university’s financial assessment and the terms of the award.
Do not assume that a bursary is available to international students. Confirm the rules directly with the institution.
5. How to Apply for Nursing Scholarships in Canada from Lesotho
A clear application plan can help you identify suitable opportunities and avoid missing deadlines.
Step 1: Choose a Nursing Programme
Decide whether you want to study for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Practical Nursing, or a postgraduate nursing qualification.
Admission requirements differ. Some programmes require specific secondary-school science subjects, language proficiency and other prerequisites.
Step 2: Research Eligible Institutions
Search official university websites for nursing programmes and financial assistance.
Confirm that the programme accepts international students and that the scholarships you identify are open to applicants with your citizenship and immigration status.
Step 3: Check Scholarship Conditions
For each award, record:
- The scholarship value.
- Whether international students qualify.
- Whether applicants from Lesotho are eligible.
- The minimum GPA or academic requirements.
- Whether admission or enrolment is required first.
- The application deadline.
- Whether the award is renewable.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Depending on the scholarship, you may need:
- Academic certificates and transcripts.
- An admission letter or proof of enrolment.
- A personal statement.
- Reference letters.
- A CV or résumé.
- Proof of financial need, where applicable.
- A valid passport or other requested identification.
- Research information or a proposal for some graduate awards.
Follow each scholarship’s instructions because document requirements vary.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
Some scholarships are awarded automatically when you apply for admission. Others require a separate application, an essay or a departmental nomination.
Submit complete documents on time and retain confirmation of your application.
Step 6: Confirm the Award Details
If you receive an offer, check the amount, payment schedule, renewal conditions and whether the scholarship is applied directly to tuition or paid to the student.
A partial award may leave a substantial balance to finance.
6. How Much Can a Nursing Scholarship Cover?
The amount depends on the award. The examples in this guide range from CAD $1,000 to CAD $3,900, while the University of Manitoba’s international Nursing Students’ Association award is listed at CAD $1,500 per recipient.
These amounts can contribute towards tuition, books or living costs, but they may not cover the full cost of an international nursing programme.
Build a budget that includes:
| Expense | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Tuition | International student fees for the programme |
| Accommodation | Residence fees or rent |
| Food | Groceries and meals |
| Transportation | Local travel and flights |
| Books and supplies | Textbooks, uniforms and required equipment |
| Health insurance | Coverage required by the province or institution |
| Clinical placement expenses | Travel, supplies or other programme-related costs |
| Immigration costs | Study permit and other applicable fees |
Ask the institution for a current estimate of total annual costs before accepting an offer.
7. Can You Get a Nursing Scholarship Before Applying for a Study Permit?
Possibly. Some entrance scholarships are assessed during the admission process, while other awards are only available after you have enrolled and completed part of your programme.
If you receive a scholarship, obtain official documentation showing the award amount, duration and applicable conditions. This may help demonstrate part of your financial resources when preparing your study permit application.
However, a scholarship does not automatically satisfy all Canadian immigration financial requirements.
For study permit applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, a single student studying outside Quebec must demonstrate CAD $23,448 for one year of living expenses, in addition to tuition and transportation. Other amounts apply when eligible family members accompany the student.
Read the current IRCC proof-of-funds requirements before applying.
8. Other Ways to Reduce Nursing Study Costs
If you do not receive a full scholarship, consider additional ways to manage your education expenses.
- Compare tuition and mandatory fees across eligible institutions.
- Apply for multiple awards when their rules allow it.
- Ask about payment schedules and tuition deposits.
- Investigate legitimate sponsorships or education loans available to you.
- Prepare a realistic accommodation and food budget.
- Avoid paying scholarship agents who promise guaranteed awards or study permits.
Students should not depend on future earnings from employment in Canada to satisfy the initial proof-of-funds requirement.
9. Career Opportunities After Nursing Studies in Canada
A nursing qualification may lead to opportunities in hospitals, community health services, long-term care, clinics and other healthcare settings, depending on the qualification and local requirements.
However, completing a nursing programme does not automatically authorise a graduate to practise as a nurse. Registration and licensing requirements vary by province or territory and by nursing category.
If your long-term goal is to become a registered nurse, research the relevant provincial regulator before choosing a programme. If you are already a qualified nurse in Lesotho, the process for internationally educated nurses may differ from the pathway for someone completing their first nursing qualification.
Also verify whether your selected programme qualifies for a Post-Graduation Work Permit if you intend to explore employment after graduation. Not every programme offered by a Designated Learning Institution qualifies.
10. Explore Study Opportunities with Canadian Vocational Institute
Canadian Vocational Institute (CVI) provides information for prospective international students researching career-focused education in Canada.
If you are specifically seeking nursing education, contact CVI directly to confirm whether it currently offers a nursing programme suitable for international students before applying. Review the available courses, entry requirements, tuition and scholarship information carefully.
Start your admissions enquiry here:
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Conclusion
Nursing scholarships in Canada can help students from Lesotho reduce some of the costs of international education. Opportunities worth researching include the University of Manitoba’s international nursing awards and selected undergraduate or graduate awards at the University of Alberta.
Eligibility is not automatic, and several awards are restricted to students who are already enrolled or who meet specific academic requirements. Check the official scholarship pages for current deadlines and conditions, prepare your documents early and develop a financial plan that covers expenses not met by funding.
With careful research, Basotho students can make better-informed decisions about nursing education and funding options in Canada.
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