Cost of Studying Nursing in Canada for International Students: Complete Guide for 2026

The cost of studying nursing in Canada is an important consideration for international students planning to pursue a career in healthcare.

Although Canada offers high-quality nursing education, international students need to budget for much more than tuition. Your total cost can include tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, books, nursing supplies, immigration fees and other personal expenses.

The actual amount depends on the nursing program, institution, province and city you choose.

This guide explains the major expenses international students should consider when planning to study nursing in Canada in 2026.

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How Much Does It Cost to Study Nursing in Canada?

There is no single tuition price for nursing programs in Canada.

Statistics Canada’s latest available national data puts the average international undergraduate tuition for nursing at approximately CAD $26,627 for 2025/26. The figure is preliminary, and individual programs can be significantly more or less expensive.

This means international students should use the national average as a general reference rather than assuming that every nursing school charges around CAD $26,627.

For example, the University of Toronto’s Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing lists 2026/27 international BScN program fees of CAD $53,610, with total Year 1 charges of approximately CAD $57,049.72 after listed incidental and ancillary fees.

The difference demonstrates how widely nursing costs can vary.

Nursing Tuition Fees in Canada

Tuition is normally the largest academic expense.

Your tuition can depend on:

University or college
Nursing program
Program length
Province
Undergraduate or graduate level
International student status
Number of courses taken
Additional program fees

As a general national reference, the 2025/26 international undergraduate nursing tuition average was CAD $26,627.

However, students should always check the current fee schedule of their chosen institution.

Example: University of Toronto

The University of Toronto’s accelerated BScN is a two-year program.

For 2026/27, the international BScN program fee is listed at:

CAD $53,610 per year

When incidental and ancillary fees are included, the estimated total is:

Year 1: CAD $57,049.72

Year 2: CAD $56,959.44

That makes the two-year program’s listed tuition and fees roughly CAD $114,009 before living expenses.

This is an example of why international students should compare actual program fees instead of relying solely on national averages.

Cost of Living for Nursing Students

Tuition is only one part of your budget.

You also need money for everyday living expenses.

These can include:

Accommodation
Food
Transportation
Mobile phone
Internet
Clothing
Personal items
Entertainment
Household supplies
Health-related expenses not covered by insurance

Living costs vary significantly between Canadian cities.

Accommodation in a major city such as Toronto or Vancouver can be considerably more expensive than in some smaller Canadian communities.

Canada’s Study-Permit Living Expense Requirement

International students applying for a Canadian study permit must demonstrate that they have sufficient money to support themselves.

For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, IRCC requires one student outside Quebec to demonstrate CAD $23,448 for one year of living expenses.

This amount does not include tuition or transportation.

For example, a student whose first-year nursing tuition is CAD $30,000 would need to plan for at least:

CAD $30,000 tuition
CAD $23,448 living expenses
Transportation
Other applicable costs

That is already more than CAD $53,000 before adding transportation and certain additional expenses.

Importantly, IRCC states that students must demonstrate they have enough money without relying on working in Canada to cover these costs.

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation is often one of the largest expenses after tuition.

International nursing students may choose:

Student Residence

University or college residences can be convenient because they are close to campus.

However, availability can be limited, so students should apply early.

Shared Accommodation

Sharing a house or apartment with other students can reduce housing costs.

You may share:

Rent
Utilities
Internet
Household expenses

Private Rental

Renting your own apartment provides more privacy but can be considerably more expensive.

When comparing accommodation, remember to check whether the advertised rent includes:

Electricity
Heating
Water
Internet
Furniture
Laundry

Food Costs

Food expenses depend heavily on your lifestyle.

Cooking at home is generally more economical than eating at restaurants regularly.

A nursing student should budget for:

Groceries
School meals
Occasional restaurant meals
Snacks
Household food supplies

Students living with roommates can sometimes reduce costs by sharing grocery purchases and cooking.

Transportation Costs

Your transportation costs depend on where you live.

Students in cities with extensive public transportation may be able to use:

Buses
Subways
Light rail
Trains

Living closer to campus can also reduce transportation expenses.

Before choosing accommodation, calculate both the rent and the cost of travelling to campus and clinical placements.

Books and Nursing Supplies

Nursing students may have additional academic expenses.

These can include:

Textbooks
Online learning resources
Scrubs
Nursing shoes
Stethoscope
Watch
Clinical equipment
Printing
Other supplies

The exact requirements depend on your nursing school.

Do not buy expensive equipment before receiving the official list from your institution.

Health Insurance

International students generally need health coverage while studying in Canada.

The rules and costs vary by province and institution.

Some universities automatically enroll international students in a student health plan, while other institutions have different arrangements.

When calculating your budget, check:

Whether health insurance is mandatory
Whether it is included in student fees
What the plan covers
Whether dependants need separate coverage

Application and Immigration Costs

Your education budget should also include costs associated with applying to study in Canada.

These can include:

University application fees
Study-permit application fees
Biometrics fees, where applicable
Medical examination, if required
English-language testing, if required
Document certification or translation
Courier expenses
Flight to Canada

These costs vary depending on your circumstances.

Cost of Studying Nursing in Canada: Example Budget

Consider an international student whose nursing tuition is approximately CAD $30,000 per year.

A simplified first-year planning budget could look like this:

Expense	Example amount
Nursing tuition	CAD $30,000
Living expenses	CAD $23,448+
Transportation	Varies
Books and supplies	Varies
Health insurance	Varies
Immigration/application costs	Varies
Flights	Varies

This means the student should plan for more than CAD $53,448 for the first year once tuition and the current IRCC living-expense benchmark are combined.

This is an illustration, not a universal price.

If your tuition is CAD $50,000 or more, your total first-year budget will obviously be much higher.

Is Nursing Expensive in Canada for International Students?

Nursing can be expensive for international students, particularly at universities with high international tuition.

However, the cost should be evaluated alongside:

Program quality
Program length
Clinical training
Location
Career objectives
Provincial registration pathway
Potential post-graduation opportunities

A shorter program with higher annual tuition may sometimes have a different overall cost from a longer program with lower annual tuition.

Always calculate the total cost of the entire program, not just the annual tuition.

How to Reduce the Cost of Studying Nursing in Canada

International students can take several steps to manage expenses.

Choose Your Location Carefully

Housing costs vary across Canada.

A school in a smaller city may have lower living costs than a school in one of Canada’s most expensive metropolitan areas.

Compare Multiple Nursing Programs

Do not apply to the first program you find.

Compare:

Tuition
Program length
Student fees
Location
Accommodation
Clinical requirements

Consider Shared Accommodation

Sharing accommodation can significantly reduce monthly housing expenses.

Cook at Home

Preparing your own meals can help control food costs.

Look for Scholarships

Research:

International student scholarships
Entrance awards
Nursing awards
Faculty scholarships
Merit-based scholarships

Eligibility varies, so check whether international students are eligible.

Create a Monthly Budget

Track your:

Rent
Food
Transportation
Phone
School expenses
Personal spending

Small expenses can add up quickly.

Can International Students Work While Studying Nursing?

Eligible international students may be allowed to work during their studies, subject to their study-permit conditions and current Canadian immigration rules.

However, students should not depend on future employment to satisfy the financial requirements for their study permit.

IRCC specifically requires proof that students have sufficient funds without working in Canada to cover tuition, living expenses and transportation.

Nursing can also be academically demanding, with lectures, assignments, exams and clinical placements.

Employment should therefore be treated as a possible way to supplement your finances rather than the foundation of your education budget.

Cost of Studying Nursing in Canada After Graduation

Your costs do not necessarily stop when you finish your nursing program.

Depending on your situation, you may have additional expenses associated with:

Professional registration
Licensing examination
Registration fees
Professional membership
Additional documentation
Immigration applications
Relocation

Nursing is regulated provincially and territorially, so requirements and associated fees vary depending on where you intend to practise.

What If You Are Already a Nurse?

If you are already a qualified nurse in Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria or another country, you may not need to pay for another complete Canadian nursing degree.

You may instead qualify as an internationally educated nurse (IEN) and pursue credential assessment and provincial registration.

The appropriate route depends on your education, nursing registration, professional experience and the province where you want to practise.

Before paying for another nursing degree, investigate whether the IEN pathway is appropriate for you.

How Much Money Should You Have to Study Nursing in Canada?

There is no single amount that applies to every student.

Your required budget depends primarily on:

Tuition + living expenses + transportation + other education/personal costs.

As a starting point for a student outside Quebec applying on or after September 1, 2026, the IRCC living-expense benchmark is CAD $23,448 for one student, excluding tuition and transportation.

If your nursing tuition is:

CAD $25,000: plan for at least CAD $48,448 before transportation and other additional costs.
CAD $30,000: plan for at least CAD $53,448.
CAD $40,000: plan for at least CAD $63,448.
CAD $50,000: plan for at least CAD $73,448.

These figures are simple planning examples, not IRCC’s total financial requirement. Your actual budget should include transportation and the other costs associated with your circumstances.

Cost of Studying Nursing in Canada: Checklist

Before applying, calculate:

Annual tuition
Total program tuition
Student fees
Accommodation
Food
Transportation
Health insurance
Textbooks
Nursing equipment
Application fees
Study-permit expenses
Medical examination if required
Flight
Emergency savings
Other personal expenses

Final Thoughts

The cost of studying nursing in Canada varies significantly depending on your university, program and location.

Statistics Canada’s national average for international undergraduate nursing tuition was approximately CAD $26,627 for 2025/26, but individual programs can be much more expensive.

The University of Toronto provides a good example of this variation. Its 2026/27 international BScN program fee is CAD $53,610 per year, with listed Year 1 charges totaling approximately CAD $57,049.72 after incidental and ancillary fees.

International students must also plan for living expenses. For study-permit applications submitted from September 1, 2026, IRCC’s living-expense requirement for one student outside Quebec is CAD $23,448 per year, excluding tuition and transportation.

Therefore, the right question is not simply “How much is nursing tuition in Canada?”

You should ask:

“How much will my entire nursing education cost, including tuition, accommodation, food, transportation, healthcare, study materials and immigration expenses?”

Creating this complete budget before applying can help you choose a nursing program that is financially realistic and avoid unexpected costs after arriving in Canada.

Ready to explore your options for studying in Canada?

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