| Updated On - Aug 2, 2024
Masters in nursing in Canada is a two-year program. You have to be a registered nurse (RN) in Canada to pursue masters in nursing. To be an RN, you need to take the licensure exam, NCLEX.
A GPA of 3.0 out of 4 (81-85%) in a 4-year BSc Nursing is required for admission (and to be eligible for NCLEX). Other requirements include an undergraduate course in statistics with a grade of 'C' or better, and a minimum IELTS score of 7.0.
If you have a 4-year bachelor’s in nursing degree from a recognized nursing school in India, the first step to doing an MSN in Canada is to contact the Registered Nurse Association in your province. You will be directed to the next steps, which vary according to the province. They typically include acquiring clinical experience in Canada and then preparing to write the registration exam (NCLEX-RN).
The total cost of studying MSc in Nursing in Canada for Indian students is around 10,000 - 30,000 CAD per annum. University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia are some of the universities popular among Indian students.
The starting salary of a licensed nurse in Canada is close to 43,000 CAD per year, with job roles including clinical nurse, caregiver, and administrative roles in hospitals.
Top Universities for Masters in Nursing in Canada
Among the top universities for nursing in Canada, the University of British Columbia is the most popular among Indian students.
| QS Ranking 2024 (Nursing) | University Name | Program | Application Deadline | Annual Tuition Fees (CAD) | Annual Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | University of Toronto | Masters of Nursing | 30 April 2025 | 37,696 | 23.80 Lakh |
| 33 | McMaster University | MSc Nursing | 15 January 2025 | 20,622 | 13.02 Lakh |
| =44 | McGill University | MSc (Applied) Nursing | 15 January 2025 | 19,600 | 12.37 Lakh |
| 7 | University of Alberta | Masters of Nursing | 15 January 2025 | 15,150 | 9.56 Lakh |
| 13 | University of British Columbia | MSc Nursing | 15 November 2024 | 9,690 | 6.11 Lakh |
| 51-100 | Western University | MSc Nursing | 1 February 2025 | 31,000 | 19.57 Lakh |
| 51-100 | University of Calgary | Masters of Nursing | 1 June 2025 | 11,656 | 7.35 Lakh |
| 51-100 | University of Ottawa | MSc Nursing | 1 February 2025 | 29,985 | 18.94 Lakh |
Why Study Masters in Nursing in Canada
Apart from increased standard of living and international career opportunities, some reasons to pursue MSc Nursing in Canada include:
- A masters in nursing in Canada allows you a post-graduation work permit of up to three years, so you can gain clinical experience there and network internationally. Some students also get PR, though the number is quite limited (about 30%).
- The average annual salary for nursing jobs after a few years of work experience in Canada is $72,934 (INR 44 lakh), whereas in India, a registered nurse earns from ₹ 0.8 lakh to ₹ 14.4 lakh per year. After purchasing power parity conversion, the Canadian salary is equivalent to 13.5 LPA.
Admission Requirements for Masters in Nursing in Canada
To be eligible for admission to masters in nursing in Canada, Indian students need:
- A 4-year Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from a recognized university
- 3.0 GPA out of 4 (81-85%)
- IELTS score of at least 7.0
- Statistics course in undergraduate with grade C or above
- NCLEX-RN (licensing exam)
Some top universities, including University of Alberta, University of Calgary, and University of Ottawa have additional admission requirements.
University of Alberta: RN registration and clinical experience in Canada
University of Calgary: Registered Nurse with
- Advanced Nursing Practice I and II Graduate Certificates with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- One undergraduate course in statistics with a grad of 'C' or better
- Evidence of active nursing registration in Alberta through the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) or active nursing registration in their province or territory of employment.
University of Ottawa: Have successfully completed an introductory statistics course (or equivalent) within the last six (6) years
As it is a much sought-after course with significant responsibility, the admission requirements for the course are stringent, and acceptance rates for Indian students at the best colleges are low.
Cost of Studying Masters in Nursing in Canada
Tuition Fee: The tuition fees for Masters in Nursing in Canada varies approximately between 9,000 CAD - 30,000 CAD (refer to the table above).
Cost of Living: The average annual cost of living ranges between 3,350 CAD to 4,250 CAD (2.03 to 2.58 lakh INR). Your location within the nation will also affect your living expenses. Toronto, Vancouver, and Victoria are the most expensive cities in Canada.
| City | Estimated monthly costs (CAD) | Accommodation (1-bedroom apartment) |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | 4,640 | 2,521 |
| Vancouver | 4,307 | 2,700 |
| Victoria | 3,878 | 2,178 |
| Calgary | 3,517 | 1,708 |
| Ottawa | 2,958 | 2,226 |
| Montreal | 3,102 | 1,741 |
Masters in Nursing in Canada: Placement
The three types of regulated nursing professions in Canada are Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN).
Students with a master’s degree become Registered Nurse, and a practical nursing diploma leads to LPN.
| The steps to becoming a licensed registered nurse in Canada are as follows: Choose province > Register with National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) > Provincial assessment > Pass the NCLEX |
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Some common job roles after masters in nursing in Canada are provided below.
| Job Profile | Average Salary (CAD) | PPP Equivalent (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Manager | 86,750 | 16 lakh |
| Registered Practical Nurse | 71,253 | 13 lakh |
| Nurse Practitioner | 97,308 | 18 lakh |
| Senior Caregiver | 43,173 | 8 lakh |
Admission to masters in nursing in Canada is competitive, but can lead to a rewarding and lucrative career. About 30% of students actually get PR after masters in nursing in Canada, but the degree can help enhance your profile for future immigration.
FAQs
Ques. Do we need to acquire a Canadian license before enrolling in an Msc nursing program?
Ans. Yes, you have to take the licensure test NCLEX-RN to become a registered nurse before you can get admitted to a masters in nursing program.
Ques. Do I need work experience before applying for Masters in Nursing?
Ans. Yes, 3-5 years of clinical experience is recommended before going for a masters in nursing in Canada. In some universities, like University of Alberta, work experience in Canada is a requirement for admission to nursing programs.
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