Liberty Okechukwu

It’s crucial to be aware of the top nursing-studying countries if you’re an aspirant who wants to study abroad. Nursing is a crucial profession in the healthcare sector that prioritises the health of people, families, and communities. Nurses are essential in helping patients of all ages with a range of health issues.

In recent years, there has been a global surge in demand for nurses due to healthcare expansion, an ageing population, and other factors. According to the World Health Organization, Southeast Asia and Africa have the greatest needs-based shortages of nurses. To achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3 by 2030, the WHO anticipates a need for an additional 9 million nurses and midwives worldwide.

In this post, we will guide you as an international student on the best countries to study nursing, top healthcare universities, and more. 

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Why You Should Study Nursing Abroad

For nurses, there are lots of fantastic opportunities overseas. The following list examines seven distinct advantages of working as a nurse abroad:

#1. It makes your CV look impressive.

Professionals who have studied and worked overseas may discover that their employment prospects are better. These characteristics consist of:

• the readiness to accept new challenges
• the capacity to pick up new workflows and systems
• enormous self-assurance to function in a new environment
• the motivation to put in a lot of effort for fulfilling experiences

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#2. Create global connections and networking possibilities

Networking and the connections it can create are beneficial to many professional pursuits. Working as a nurse abroad is a great opportunity to network and create new opportunities. Developing international connections has three main advantages, including:

• Collaborating and exchanging new experiences with individuals around the globe creates a unique connection that can result in enduring friendships.
• Building relationships with individuals abroad broadens one’s view of the world and promotes a more thoughtful attitude when interacting with members of diverse groups.
• Career opportunities can be enhanced by expanding a professional network with contacts abroad.

#3. Learn new and innovative nursing techniques

Nursing-specific abilities can be expanded, and professional standards can be raised, by learning and sharing various approaches from other cultures and health systems.

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#4. Develop your foreign language abilities or pick up a new language.

It can be very alluring to pick up a new language or improve an existing one. Learning a new language has many important benefits for nurses, such as:

• Employers find it appealing.
• It facilitates communication with patients who don’t speak English well.
• It facilitates a more intimate connection with patients.
• There are health benefits to learning more languages, especially for the brain.

Before travelling, some placements would need at least some proficiency in the primary language of the nation. Depending on the kind of opportunity, this may be completely dependent.

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#5. It’s an opportunity to develop personally.

Personal development areas like resilience, adaptability, communication, responsibility, organisation, and self-confidence are just a few of the wonderful qualities that nursing can help someone develop. 

Requirements for a Bachelor of Nursing Application

There are some broad assumptions you can have about what you’d need to get into one of these disciplines, even though the admission criteria for a bachelor’s degree in nursing vary by university and by nation.

Documents needed

Numerous documents are required while applying to a study. Here are a few instances:

• Official record transcript (grade list)
• GPA ratings
• A CV that highlights significant nursing experience
• recommendation letters from previous instructors or employers
• A motivational letter or personal essay
• Evidence that you have paid the application fee, if applicable

The complete list of necessary documents can be found in the application itself or on the university website.

Grade requirements

When applying for a nursing degree overseas, you can encounter the following grade requirements:

• GPA: at least a 3 on the US 4.0 scale
• Levels of A: AAB–ABB
• IB: 34 points at HL with 655
• SQA Highers: AABB/ABBB by the end of S6 or ABBB by the end of S5. BBB must be completed in a single S4–S6 year.
• ATAR: 71 or above
• 104–112 points, with 32 points coming from a science or social science course and two A levels or their equivalent
• A secondary school “B” or higher

Nursing degrees are the most employable degree type in the UK, according to Health Education England. Many students decide to study in the UK because of its highly developed healthcare system. However, keep in mind that certain UK universities have extremely early deadlines. To avoid any last-minute issues, prepare your application well in advance for universities like Oxford and Cambridge.

English language requirements

The majority of people who study overseas will do so in English. This implies that universities have language requirements in their application process because they want to ensure that every student can keep up with the language.

The following are some examples of what to look for when applying for a nursing degree overseas:

• IELTS: a minimum score of 6.5 in the writing section and a minimum score of 7 in the speaking, listening, and reading sections.
• A score of 75 to 90 or higher on the TOEFL iBT, with potential minimum marks for each section
• PTE Academic: a score of at least 44 to 61
• C1 Advanced Cambridge English (previously CAE) or Cambridge English C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE): a score of around 176 or above

All requirements are listed on the university website, which is often also where you’ll be able to send in your application. Be sure to check this website and find their specific requirements. 

Master’s in Nursing – Application Requirements

Category	Requirements
Required Documents	• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (or related field)• Official transcript of records (grade list)• GPA scores• Resume/CV with nursing experience• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)• Recommender’s contact information• Motivation letter or personal essay• Proof of application fee payment (if applicable)• Current RN licence• Statement of essential attributes• Minimum of 1 year nursing practice as a Registered Nurse
Additional Notes (Documents)	• Work experience may be required due to the practical nature of Nursing.• Experience should demonstrate commitment to the field, shown in a resume or personal essay.
Grade Requirements	• GPA: 2.50 and above• A-Levels: BCC• IB: 30 points or more• SQA Highers: Standard – BBBB, Minimum – BBBC• GMAT: 570+• Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H2 H3 H3• English Language & Maths GCSE: A – C*
Additional Notes (Grades)	• Some universities may require an Honours degree.• Some may require additional experience or both qualifications + experience.• Always check the specific university website.
English Language Requirements	• IELTS: 6.5 – 7.0+ overall (min. 6.5 writing; 7.0 reading, listening, speaking)• TOEFL iBT: 75 – 90+• PTE Academic: 44 – 61+• Cambridge C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency: 176+
Additional Notes (English)	• Scores vary by university.• Non-native speakers must verify the exact requirements for each institution.

Best Countries To Study Nursing

#1. Canada

Canada continues to rank among the top nations for studying nursing overseas because it provides top-notch instruction and a friendly atmosphere for international students. You will have practical clinical experience in cutting-edge settings thanks to the nation’s universal healthcare system.

Furthermore, you will have multiple options for long-term residency after graduation due to the great need for nurses in all provinces. Students must fulfil provincial requirements and finish the NNAS credential evaluation before they can begin practising.

Top nursing universities in Canada include:

• University of Toronto
• McGill University
• University of British Columbia
• University of Alberta
• University of Calgary

#2. United Kingdom (UK)

In terms of nursing education, the UK is renowned for its robust academic heritage. The UK is typically given top priority by students. because it includes specialities like palliative care, research nursing, and nursing informatics, and has historical relevance in the nursing field. Clinical placements and classroom instruction are combined for students who want to study in the UK. The National Health Service (NHS), one of the biggest and most reputable healthcare systems in the world, is where these assignments take place.  

The UK’s publicly funded healthcare system, the NHS, has a significant impact on the nursing profession. The NHS is one of the biggest employers of medical professionals worldwide, with a sizeable workforce of nurses. 

A few of the top universities offering nursing programs in the UK are given below.

• University of Manchester
• King’s College London
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Oxford
• University of Glasgow

#3. Finland

Finland’s excellent educational system and low cost of living make it one of the greatest and most economical places to study nursing overseas. Finland’s nursing programmes place a strong emphasis on patient-centred care, evidence-based practices, and practical skills.

Another advantage is that you can earn 8–12 euros per hour working part-time while studying, which relieves financial strain. Strong instruction in clinical sciences, healthcare ethics, ageing, and senior care is provided by these nursing programmes.

Top nursing universities in Finland include:

• Lapland University of Applied Sciences
• Satakunta University of Applied Sciences
• Novia University of Applied Sciences

#4. United States (USA)

Due to its comprehensive and highly regarded nursing school system, the USA has some of the greatest places to study nursing overseas. International students have excellent academic and career prospects because of the country’s nursing deficit.

Depending on your level, you can select from ADN, BSN, or accelerated programmes. Furthermore, earning a US nursing degree may open doors via the VisaScreen certificate.

Community colleges and prestigious universities are among the options, and many of them provide overseas nursing students with partial scholarships.

The following list includes some of the other prestigious American universities that offer nursing programmes.

• University of Pennsylvania
• Johns Hopkins University
• University of Washington
• University of California, San Francisco
• Duke University
• Columbia University

#5. Australia

Australia’s high standard of living, cutting-edge hospitals, and state-of-the-art educational facilities make it one of the best places to study nursing overseas.

You have access to more than $200 million in scholarship funds each year as an international student, which is another fantastic perk.

Nurses are in great demand due to the ageing population, and registered nurses benefit from competitive pay, flexible schedules, and encouraging professional growth. 

Australia’s top nursing schools include:

• University of Melbourne
• University of Queensland
• Monash University
• Griffith University
• University of Technology Sydney

#6. Netherlands

Because of its reputation for patient-centred care and cutting-edge medical technology, the Netherlands is regarded as having one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Nursing students in this nation will surely obtain comprehensive and state-of-the-art instruction.

The Netherlands’ universities offer top-notch instruction with a focus on research and evidence-based practice. Additionally, nursing graduates have a plethora of employment options after completing their education.

One of the best nursing schools in the country is the Hague University of Applied Sciences, which is situated in the Hague, Netherlands. Students’ options are further expanded by Utrecht University’s Nursing Science programme, which provides a variety of nursing degrees taught in both Dutch and English.

The list below includes some of the other leading Dutch universities that offer nursing programmes.

• University of Amsterdam
• Erasmus University Rotterdam
• Fontys University of Applied Sciences

#7. Hungary

The affordability of studying in Hungary is one of its biggest benefits. International students get access to top colleges with affordable tuition and a variety of nursing programmes. Scholarships and even free education are available to international students. International students can apply for scholarships such as the Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship, the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, and the Bilateral State Scholarship.

The University of Pécs is one of the QS-ranked institutions for students who wish to study nursing in Hungary. The students receive instruction in a variety of healthcare professions, and there are several employment options. It gets them ready to work wherever in the world.

The list below includes a few more prestigious Hungarian colleges that offer nursing programmes.

• University of Pécs
• Semmelweis University
• University of Szeged

#8. Russia

Russia’s commitment to offering top-notch education in a range of professions, including nursing, has made it the largest country in the world. Its unique geographic location, which straddles both Asia and Europe and demonstrates variation, makes it an excellent choice for international students.

Russia is renowned for its exceptional blend of high-quality and reasonably priced education. The country’s universities flourish in healthcare and medical education and offer top-notch teaching and research opportunities.

Graduates from the People’s Friendship University of Russia have a history of competing internationally and making important contributions in a number of nations.

The following list includes some of the other prestigious Russian colleges that offer nursing programmes.

• Moscow State University
• Saint Petersburg State University
• Kazan State Medical University
• Perm State Medical University

#9. Sweden

Sweden’s cutting-edge healthcare system, top-notch research, and student support networks make it one of the top nations to study nursing abroad. The nation is renowned for its high-quality educational system and emphasis on medical science.

Government regulations, universal healthcare coverage, and a significant emphasis on medical research and development have all contributed to this system. Thirty percent of its space is devoted to medical teaching, while about forty percent is used for academic medical and life science research. The nation provides excellent living conditions and robust assistance for foreign students. The Karolinska Institute in Solna, Sweden, is open to students and offers a range of nursing programmes.

The University of Gothenburg, one of the biggest universities in Sweden, is another noteworthy establishment that provides courses in nursing and several related subjects.

Below are a few of the other prestigious Swedish universities that offer nursing programmes.

• Linkoping University
• Lund University
• Uppsala University
• Malmo University
• Stockholm University
• Jonkoping University

#10. South Korea

South Korea is the only country in East Asia with universal healthcare and top-notch colleges. Many competent nurses have been credentialed by South Korean nursing programs over the years.

Top-notch nursing programmes are offered by the esteemed private Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea. The top university in the country, Seoul National University, offers nursing programmes as well. International students benefit from the fact that the majority of nursing programmes at South Korea’s top universities are taught in English.

The list below includes a few more prestigious South Korean colleges that offer nursing programmes.

• Korea University
• Chung-Ang University
• Kyung Hee University
• Ewha Womans University
• Ajou University

#11.  Singapore

One of the wealthiest countries in Asia, Singapore, is well-known for its dedication to providing exceptional nursing education. In addition to offering thorough instruction, the nation makes sure that students are ready for the global workforce. Early exposure to hospital jobs and activities also helps students. It gives students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the medical setting.

The best option for those wishing to study nursing in Singapore is the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The first medical institution in the country was established in 1905 and grants undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in nursing. The university also employs highly skilled instructors to optimise their pupils’ learning capacity.

Several other prestigious universities that provide nursing programmes in Singapore are given below.

• National University of Singapore
• Nanyang technological University
• Singapore Institute of Technology
• James Cook University Singapore
• Duke-NUS Medical School

#12.  Norway

Europe’s Norway is a desirable location for people who want to become nurses. This is because it provides both a great education and reasonably priced tuition. This nation’s abundance of educational and career options draws in international students.

One well-known nursing school in Norway that provides nursing education is the University of Agder. With an emphasis on nursing, it offers thorough professional education in all of its courses. The University of Oslo Institute of Health and Society offers master’s degrees in nursing. The two master’s programmes offered here are the Master of Nursing Science and the Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Geriatric Nursing.

Several other prestigious universities that provide nursing programmes in Norway are given below.

• Ostfold University of College
• Oslo Metropolitan University Department of Nursing and Health Promotion
• Molde University College Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Care.
• Nord University
• Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.

The University of Luxembourg only accepts students for its bachelor’s and master’s programmes once a year, in September. There are multiple steps involved in applying to study at the University of Luxembourg. Continue reading to learn more about the application process. There are no intakes in the spring or summer.

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1. Select a course of study.

You must first decide on the educational programme you wish to apply for. A maximum of three programmes may be applied to.

Please be aware that once an application is generated, it cannot be changed or removed.

2. Verify your qualifying requirements.

Each programme’s exact admission requirements are listed on the page dedicated to that programme. Additionally, you must exhibit the necessary proficiency in each of the teaching languages of the programme you have selected. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) serves as the foundation for language standards. If the program’s website lists more than one language, it is multilingual, and unless otherwise specified, candidates must demonstrate their proficiency in each of the listed languages.

3. Prepare the required documents.

Before beginning your application, we advise you to get all the necessary paperwork ready. The documents required are determined by your background and the study programme you have selected. A list of the most commonly requested documents can be seen below. This list is not all-inclusive, and more documents might be needed for the programme you have selected. The system will let you know the papers you need to upload when applying for the study programme of your choice.

Additionally, note that all files must be uploaded in one of three formats: PNG, JPG, or PDF. 5 MB is the maximum size per document. Before uploading, please make sure your documents are not password-protected.

Furthermore, applicants from non-EU countries: As part of the immigration process, you will need to provide an excerpt from your criminal record if you receive a letter of entry. To avoid delaying your process with the Ministry of Home Affairs, General Department of Immigration, we highly advise requesting this paperwork from your home country beforehand. Even if you haven’t gotten your admission decision yet, we recommend requesting by the first of April.

Generally required documents for Bachelor’s applications

• An identity photo
• A copy of your identity card or passport
• A copy of your European health insurance card (both sides); non-EU students can obtain this card by paying the required fee when they arrive in Luxembourg.
• A copy of your secondary school diploma
• If your secondary school diploma was not issued by the Luxembourg Ministry of Education: a copy of the recognition of the equivalence of your diploma
• A copy of the detailed transcript of grades for the last three academic levels of your secondary school diploma
• A copy of the results obtained in previous semesters
• If the diploma and transcript of grades are in a language other than English, French, or German, an official translation for each document
• A language certificate for each teaching language of your chosen programme, demonstrating the required CEFR level in each language.

Generally required documents for Master’s applications

• An identity photo
• A copy of your identity card or passport
• A copy of your European health insurance card (both sides); non-EU students can obtain this card by paying the required fee when they arrive in Luxembourg.
• A copy of your Bachelor’s degree certificate
  (Please check the eligibility criteria for your situation.)
• A detailed transcript of all grades obtained during your Bachelor’s degree studies
• If the diploma and transcript of grades are in a language other than English, French, or German, an official translation for each document
• A language certificate attesting to the necessary CEFR level in each of the teaching languages of the programme you have selected.
• A document of the Luxembourg Ministry of Research and Higher Education’s recognition of your bachelor’s degree is required if you earned it in a non-EU member state. Once you have been admitted to the university, you must request this paperwork.

4. Create an account on the platform.

Visit the website and fill out the application. You will receive an email with a 10-character student ID when you create your account. Please remember to check your spam and inbox. During each application period, you are only allowed to create one student ID.

To access the Admission Portal, you must have the student ID.

The system will generate a temporary account if this is your first time registering. An email prompting you to reset your password through passwordreset.uni.lu will be sent to you.

5. Finish your application and pay the application fee.

You’ll be required to pay the €100 administrative charge per application and upload the necessary files through the admissions platform to complete your application. Through the site, bank card payments are made directly.

Please be aware that there are no fee waivers available. The costs are non-refundable, but for accepted candidates who complete their enrolment, €100 will be subtracted from their first semester’s tuition.

6. Submit your application online.

You must submit your application after uploading all necessary files and paying the application fees.

Note: You must click the “Send your file” button for your application to be submitted after paying the application fees.

Please be sure to check the deadline that corresponds to your applicant profile (EU or non-EU), as each programme has its own application deadline.

Note that applications will not be accepted if they are submitted after the deadline.

7. Your application is processed.

Through the admissions portal, you can directly monitor the status of your application. It’s crucial to review it frequently because it can contain more details unique to your application.

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What happens after I send in my application?

The Admission and Enrolment Office’s first evaluation
The completion of your application is confirmed by the Admission and Enrolment Office. Depending on the situation:

• It is possible to request more documents;
• Your application is sent to the programme’s selection committee;
• If your application doesn’t fit the conditions for admission, it will be refused.

The selection committee’s assessment
The appropriate programme’s selection committee reviews all applications that are eligible and complete.

Notification of the ruling
One of the following results will be sent to you:

• acceptance into the university;
• conditional admission (subject to certain conditions);
• being added to a waiting list;
• the selection committee’s denial of the application.

Enrolment and fee payment

• Only after all requirements for admission have been met may you pay the enrolment fees.
• When they arrive in Luxembourg, non-European candidates must pay the enrolment and health insurance costs in person using a bank card.
• Your enrolment is confirmed and you are granted student status for the duration of the semester upon payment of fees.

Cost of living & Budget at the University of Luxembourg

Starting Budget

You should budget at least €2,700 for the following when you first arrive:

• Registration
• Health insurance
• First rent + rent deposit guarantee + rent insurance
  • After receiving a room offer from University Housing, the guarantee deposit and the first rent must be paid in full within ten days.
• Meals

Estimated monthly budget for a student at the University of Luxembourg

Determining the whole cost of a university education is quite challenging. Certain expenses, like living in Luxembourg or the requirement to eat on or off campus, rely on each student’s circumstances, while others are required since they are directly tied to their study.

The monthly resources needed are equal to at least 80% of Luxembourg’s guaranteed minimum income, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ General Department of Immigration. In 2025, a minimum of €1,517 per month (subject to an increase in social parameters) or at least €18,211 per academic year must be demonstrated.

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Cost Overview Table – University of Luxembourg

Category	Cost	Notes
University Registration Fee	400 € / semester	Fees may vary by programme; check your specific programme webpage.
University Housing – Monthly Rent*	Minimum 450 € / month	Amount depends on residence type.
University Housing – Guarantee Deposit*	Equivalent to 2 months’ rent	Example: 900 € deposit for 450 € rent; 1500 € for 750 € rent.
University Housing – Rent Insurance*	From 55 € / year	Annual insurance cost.
Meals at University Canteen	360 € / month	Based on 5 € per meal.
Mobile Subscription	40 € / month	Average student mobile plan.
Leisure Activities	150 € / month	Includes cinema, outings, sports, etc.
Didactic Material	400 € / year	Books, photocopies, stationery, etc.