If you are planning to study nursing in Canada as an international student, tuition is likely to be one of your biggest expenses.
However, there is no single nursing tuition fee that applies to every Canadian university or college. Costs vary according to the institution, program, province, level of study and whether you are studying at the undergraduate or graduate level.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, Statistics Canada reported an average international undergraduate tuition fee of CAN$26,627 for nursing programs across Canada. The latest 2026/2027 Statistics Canada release provides updated tuition data by field of study and student status.
If you are searching for nursing tuition fees in Canada for international students, this guide explains what you can expect to pay and the other costs you need to include in your budget.
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How Much Is Nursing Tuition in Canada for International Students?
The cost depends on the nursing program and institution.
As a national benchmark, the average international undergraduate nursing tuition was CAN$26,627 in 2025/2026according to Statistics Canada. This is a weighted national average, so it should not be treated as the actual fee for a particular university.
Individual institutions can charge considerably more.
For example, the University of Toronto’s Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing lists the following 2026/2027 international tuition for its BScN:
| Nursing program | 2026/2027 international cost |
|---|---|
| BScN program fee | CAN$53,610 per year |
| Incidental fees | CAN$2,076.65 |
| Ancillary fees | CAN$1,363.07 |
| Year 1 total | CAN$57,049.72 |
| Year 2 total | CAN$56,959.44 |
These figures are specific to the University of Toronto and should not be assumed to apply to other Canadian nursing schools.
Average Nursing Tuition in Canada
Statistics Canada’s tuition data provides a useful national benchmark.
For international undergraduate nursing programs, the reported average increased from CAN$26,047 in 2024/2025 to CAN$26,627 in 2025/2026. The 2025/2026 figure is preliminary.
This means international students should be prepared for nursing tuition that can range from around the mid-CAN$20,000s to more than CAN$50,000 per year, depending on the school.
The higher end is particularly important when researching major universities and competitive professional programs.
Nursing Tuition Fees by Level of Study
The cost can also depend on the level of nursing education.
Undergraduate Nursing
Undergraduate programs such as a Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing are generally priced according to the institution’s international undergraduate fee structure.
The national Statistics Canada average for international undergraduate nursing was CAN$26,627 in 2025/2026.
Graduate Nursing
Graduate nursing programs can have different fee structures.
Statistics Canada’s international graduate tuition data shows an average of CAN$21,756 for nursing in 2025/2026.
However, graduate nursing fees can vary significantly according to the university, program type and registration structure.
For example, the University of Toronto lists 2026/2027 international tuition of CAN$40,200 for its MN Clinical & HSLA and MN Nurse Practitioner programs, with additional fees.
What Is Included in Nursing Tuition?
Do not assume that the tuition figure you see online represents your entire school bill.
Depending on the institution, you may also have to pay:
- Incidental fees
- Ancillary fees
- Student services fees
- Health-related fees
- Technology fees
- Clinical or laboratory-related costs
- Books and supplies
For example, the University of Toronto publishes its BScN program fee separately from incidental and ancillary fees.
Always look for the university’s official fee schedule before calculating your budget.
Other Costs of Studying Nursing in Canada
Tuition is only one part of the cost.
International nursing students should also budget for:
Accommodation
You may need to pay for:
- Student residence
- Shared accommodation
- Private rental
- Utilities
- Internet
Housing costs vary substantially between Canadian cities.
Food
Budget for groceries, meals and household supplies.
Cooking at home and sharing accommodation can help reduce monthly expenses.
Transportation
Nursing students may need transportation to:
- Campus
- Clinical placements
- Hospitals
- Healthcare facilities
- Part-time employment
Clinical placement locations should therefore be considered when choosing a school.
Books and Nursing Supplies
Depending on the program, you may need:
- Textbooks
- Scrubs
- Clinical shoes
- Stethoscope
- Medical or clinical equipment
- Laptop or other technology
These expenses can vary by program.
Study Permit Financial Requirements
International students also need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources when applying for a Canadian study permit.
For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, a single student studying outside Quebec must show CAN$23,448 for first-year living expenses, excluding tuition and transportation.
This amount is not the total cost of studying nursing.
For example, if your annual nursing tuition is CAN$30,000, you would need to account for:
CAN$30,000 tuition + CAN$23,448 living expenses + transportation
You also need to consider books, supplies, accommodation deposits and other personal expenses.
Example: First-Year Nursing Budget
Suppose an international student receives an offer from a nursing school charging CAN$30,000 in annual tuition.
A basic planning budget could look like this:
| Expense | Example |
|---|---|
| Nursing tuition | CAN$30,000 |
| Required living funds | CAN$23,448 |
| Transportation | Additional |
| Books and supplies | Additional |
| Accommodation deposits | Additional |
| Health/insurance costs | Additional |
| Study permit and related expenses | Additional |
This is an illustrative budget, not a fee quotation from a particular nursing school.
Your actual tuition should always be taken from your school’s current official fee assessment.
Nursing Tuition Fees in Canada for Nigerian Students
For Nigerian students, Canadian nursing tuition can represent a significant investment because tuition and living expenses are paid in Canadian dollars.
When planning your finances, calculate your budget in Canadian dollars first.
For example, don’t simply think:
“How much is nursing school in Nigerian naira?”
Instead, calculate:
- Canadian tuition
- Canadian living expenses
- Transportation
- Study-permit expenses
- Books and supplies
- Emergency funds
Then convert the total into naira using the current exchange rate when planning your finances.
Exchange rates can change, so Nigerian students should leave some flexibility in their budget.
How to Reduce the Cost of Nursing School in Canada
There are several ways to manage your costs.
Compare Several Schools
Don’t assume the most expensive university is automatically the best option.
Compare:
- Tuition
- Program length
- Location
- Clinical training
- Student fees
- Accommodation
- Career and registration considerations
Consider Lower-Cost Locations
Major cities can have higher accommodation and living costs.
A school outside Canada’s largest metropolitan areas may offer a different overall cost structure.
Look for Scholarships
Check whether your chosen institution offers scholarships or financial support for international students.
Scholarship eligibility varies by institution and program.
Share Accommodation
Sharing a home or apartment can reduce housing costs significantly.
Create a Monthly Budget
Track your spending on:
- Rent
- Food
- Transportation
- Phone
- Internet
- School supplies
- Personal expenses
Small recurring expenses can add up quickly.
Can You Pay Nursing Tuition in Installments?
Some Canadian institutions allow tuition to be paid according to their published payment schedule rather than requiring the entire program cost upfront.
However, payment arrangements vary by school.
Before accepting an offer, check:
- Tuition deposit
- Payment deadlines
- Refund policy
- Instalment options
- International-student payment procedures
Do not assume every Canadian nursing school follows the same payment schedule.
Should You Choose a Nursing School Based Only on Tuition?
No.
The cheapest nursing program may not necessarily be the best option for your career goals.
Before choosing a school, consider:
- Admission requirements
- Program duration
- Clinical opportunities
- Location
- Total tuition
- Living costs
- Professional registration requirements
- DLI status
- Current PGWP eligibility, if relevant to your plans
The Canadian government maintains an official DLI list, and students should verify the institution and relevant program before applying.
What If You Are Already a Nurse?
If you are already a qualified nurse in Nigeria or another country, don’t automatically assume that you need to pay for another full nursing degree in Canada.
Internationally educated nurses may have a separate pathway toward Canadian nursing registration. Requirements depend on the province or territory and the applicant’s education and experience.
Research the relevant nursing regulator before deciding whether to enrol in another Canadian nursing program.
Is Nursing in Canada Worth the Tuition?
For the right student, nursing can be a valuable Canadian education pathway.
But you should make the decision based on your complete financial and career plan, not tuition alone.
Ask:
- Can I afford the full program?
- Can I cover my living expenses?
- Do I have a plan for future years of study?
- Does the program accept international students?
- Have I checked professional-registration requirements?
- Have I checked current post-graduation work-permit rules?
- Does the program fit my long-term career goals?
Answering these questions before paying a deposit can help you make a more informed decision.
Final Thoughts
Nursing tuition fees in Canada for international students vary widely.
Statistics Canada’s national average for international undergraduate nursing was CAN$26,627 for 2025/2026, while individual institutions can charge substantially more. For example, the University of Toronto lists a 2026/2027 international BScN Year 1 total of CAN$57,049.72, including its published incidental and ancillary fees.
International students also need to budget for accommodation, food, transportation, books, clinical supplies and other expenses. For study-permit applications submitted from September 1, 2026, a single student outside Quebec must show CAN$23,448 for first-year living expenses, separate from tuition and transportation.
The best approach is to compare several nursing schools and calculate the total cost of studying and living in Canada, rather than choosing a program based only on its advertised tuition.
If you are ready to explore your options for studying in Canada, Canadian Vocational Institute can help you take the next step.
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