For Nigerian students aspiring to build a global nursing career, Canada presents a compelling destination with world-class education and a welcoming environment. A recent comprehensive guide highlights the top 15 most affordable nursing schools in the country for international scholars, offering a pathway to quality education without excessive financial strain.
Affordable Pathways to a Nursing Career in Canada
The search for cost-effective nursing education has led many international students, including Nigerians, to consider Canadian institutions. These universities are not only renowned for their academic rigour but also for providing relatively accessible tuition options compared to other Western nations. The guide, updated in January 2026, provides a detailed ranking based on affordability and program quality.
The list is topped by Brandon University, widely recognised as the most budget-friendly option for aspiring nurses from abroad. Following closely are Cape Breton University and Mount Royal University, rounding out the top three most economical choices.
Key Insights from University Officials
To provide authentic information, the report includes an interview with Professor Karen Lehmann, the Associate Dean (Undergraduate) of Nursing at the University of Regina. She outlined specific initiatives to support international students financially.
Professor Lehmann explained that the University of Regina, through its UR International department, automatically considers all undergraduate international applicants for a $3,000 award if they have an admission average of at least 85%. The university also offers the Distinction Scholarship, valued at $80,000 over four years, which includes free on-campus housing for 50 top-performing international students each term.
She also cautioned students about additional mandatory expenses beyond tuition. These include fees for a bus pass, the NCLEX RN exam preparation resources, student union fees, and essential supplies like textbooks, uniforms, stethoscopes, and lab kits. CPR certification and training in transfer and lifting skills are also required and incur extra costs.
Comprehensive List of Affordable Institutions
The ranked list of the 15 cheapest nursing schools for international students is as follows:
- Brandon University (Founded: 1890)
- Cape Breton University (Founded: 1951)
- Mount Royal University (Founded: 1910)
- University of Regina (Founded: 1974)
- Memorial University of Newfoundland (Founded: 1925)
- University of Prince Edward Island (Founded: 1969)
- University of Ottawa (Founded: 1848)
- University of New Brunswick (Founded: 1785)
- Saint Francis Xavier University (Founded: 1853)
- University of Manitoba (Founded: 1877)
- University of Toronto (Founded: 1827)
- The University of British Columbia (Founded: 1908)
- Queen's University (Founded: 1841)
- Dalhousie University (Founded: 1818)
- Western University (Founded: 1878)
Several of these institutions, including the University of New Brunswick, University of Prince Edward Island, and Queen's University, offer accelerated two-year nursing programs for students who already hold a previous degree, providing a faster route to qualification.
Answers to Common Questions for Nigerian Applicants
The guide addresses several critical questions for prospective students. For those concerned about English proficiency tests, it lists universities like the University of Manitoba, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Brandon University, and the University of Regina as institutions that may accept alternatives to IELTS, such as TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, or proof of prior English-medium education.
Regarding costs, the average tuition for a one-year nursing program for international students in Canada is approximately CAD 25,000, though this varies widely. For two-year programs like Practical Nursing Diplomas, annual fees can range from CAD $15,000 to over $30,000.
The shortest nursing program is typically the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) qualification, which can be completed in about 1 to 2 years. In terms of demand, specialized fields like Oncology, Critical Care, Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Mental Health, and Cardiac Nursing are particularly sought-after in the Canadian healthcare system.
While there are no truly "free" nursing schools in Canada for international students, fully-funded scholarships and grants—such as those offered by the Mastercard Foundation for African students—can cover all costs, especially at the graduate level.
Finally, the guide confirms that some Canadian universities, like the University of Ottawa, offer online or distance education options in nursing, allowing for remote study from countries like Nigeria.
