Are you a foreign or international student searching for the best nursing schools in Ontario to apply to? If yes, then today is your lucky day.
This article is aim at discussing some of the top nursing schools in Ontario to apply to as a foreign or international student. Hence, read through this article to the end.
In the meantime, Ontario is the second-largest province in Canada. It is also the most populous state, housing one-third of the country’s population.
The capital of Ontario is Toronto and it’s the main source of the country’s wealth. In addition, Ontario houses some of the best nursing schools in Canada. You can take a wide range of nursing courses at these schools.
Plus, it is easy to migrate to Canada, and you can work and study as an international student. The time frame for courses in this state ranges from 2 to 4 years, depending on your program.
For instance, a master’s takes 2 years, while a doctorate takes 5 years. Then, specialization and a diploma in nursing take only one year.
After completing your one-year program, you can decide to further your studies in the state or work in their health care centers as a nurse. But first and foremost, you need to find the best nursing school to apply to. Check out the next outline.
5 Best Nursing Schools in Ontario
We understand that searching for the best nursing school in Ontario, Canada, can be challenging and even daunting, especially for newbies. This is because there are several options to choose from.
But not to worry; we’ve got you covered. To make the journey easier and faster, we’ve compiled the top 5 nursing schools in Ontario. Check out the list below:
1 West Coast University
West Coast University is currently one of Ontario’s top nursing schools. This institution offers a conducive learning environment and quality education alongside excellent facilities, faculty, and a vibrant student community.
In addition, they practice a student-centered approach to learning, thereby enabling students to cultivate analytical minds. And also have hands-on experience that will hone their practical skills to solve future issues in their respective fields. West Coast University has campuses for students in Texas, Miami, Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County.
Meanwhile, their nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. It is one of the best programs for nursing students. However, the program costs US$116,900 for undergraduates, US$31,500 for master’s degrees, and US$35,400 for doctorates.
2 The University of Toronto
Another excellent nursing school in Ontario to consider is the University of Toronto and which is among the top universities in Canada. It was first founded in 1827. Ever since its inception, the institution has been providing the best learning services to its students in various parts of the country. It is among the research-intensive universities in Canada that are at the forefront of innovative educational approaches.
In addition, they have international partnerships with other institutions and agencies that participate in student and faculty exchange programs and educational tours. Their campuses can be found in Mississauga, St. George, and Scarborough.
The University of Toronto nursing program is, however, offered in the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, and it currently ranks as one of the top nursing schools in all of Canada.
Meanwhile, tuition fees for undergraduate nursing cost about US$6,400 per year, while their master’s and Ph.D. cost US$9,600 and US$11,800, respectively.
The institution is committed to providing its students with the best education and has put in place a memorandum that enables students without financial means to pursue and achieve their vocation and continue their education through scholarships and other means.
3 The University of Windsor
The University of Windsor is another excellent nursing school in Ontario that was founded as Assumption College in 1857. However, it officially became the University of Windsor in 1863 with the incorporation of various colleges. Some of these include Essex College, Canterbury College, Iona College, and Holy Redeemer College.
Meanwhile, the University Of Windsor School Of Nursing was established in 1954 and offered diploma certificates to its graduates in 1963. However, the institution started offering degree programs in nursing on top of its diploma and certificate courses.
Undergraduate nursing programs are offered in collaboration with St. Clair College and Lambton College. The average cost of tuition per semester is US$2,300 for local students and US$14,500 for international students.
On the other hand, the Master’s program is categorized into three specialization options, including the Advanced Clinical Practice Nursing Field, the Nursing Leadership Field, and the Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Field.
While the Ph.D. program is thesis-based and placed under the supervision of the faculty, Master’s and Ph.D. local students are expected to pay US$1,900 per semester, while international students are to pay US$6,000 per semester.
4 The McMaster University
Founded in Toronto in the year 1887, McMaster University is another excellent nursing school in Ontario. It was, however, moved to its main campus in Hamilton in 1930. In 2021, the institution ranked fourth in Canada in the Times Higher Education Ranking.
And then it took the sixteenth position in the world. In addition, the university is known for providing world-class nursing programs in Ontario.
The Nursing School was founded in 1934 and is offered in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Meanwhile, graduate courses were first offered in 1973.
Over the years, McMaster University has grown to become a renowned nursing school that is ranked third in Canada and fifteenth in the world. This is due to the quality of nursing education it offers.
Their undergraduate nursing program has been in collaboration with the Mohawk and Conestoga Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs since 2004.
Most of its students currently receive practical training through community healthcare agencies in Hamilton, Halton, Brantford, Niagara, and nearby areas. The cost of tuition fees per year for local and international students is US$4,800 and US$34,200, respectively.
5 The University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa came into existence in 1848 as a Catholic college offering courses in French and English. However, the university is currently a prestigious nursing institution in Ontario.
It is the largest bilingual university in the world and currently ranks as the top university in Canada with a French immersion program.
Meanwhile, their nursing program is offered under the School of Nursing in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Nursing can be studied in both French and English.
However, English courses are offered in collaboration with other colleges, including Algonquin College (Woodroffe) and Algonquin College (Pembroke).
On the other hand, their French course is offered in collaboration with La Cites College. The University of Ottawa provides students the opportunity to get hands-on experience in the university’s various institutional partnerships with community agencies, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, primary hospitals, and others.
The average cost of tuition fees for local students per semester is US$2,900 for undergraduate nursing. And then for Master’s and Ph.D. local students, you are expected to pay US$2,700 and US$2,200, respectively.
International students are expected to pay an average fee of US$17,600 for undergraduate nursing, US$8,900 for a Master’s, and US$2,500 for a Ph.D. per semester.
You can select any university from the list above if you wish to study nursing in Ontario, Canada. The above-listed universities are the best nursing schools for undergraduate, graduate, or Ph.D. students.
How do I study Nursing in Ontario?
As previously stated, Ontario has some of the best nursing schools worldwide. So, to study nursing in the state, you need to meet the standard requirements, especially if you are a prospective international student.
In other words, you will need to follow specific steps to achieve your goal of becoming a registered nurse in Ontario. Firstly, research the institution you would like to apply to.
Next, know and note down their requirements, and then research their courses and duration as well as their school fees. Once you follow these steps, you can become a registered nurse in Ontario.
You will then be provided with the opportunity to work in a nursing home, hospital, or family clinic. Finally, you can grow your career and even earn a mouth-watering paycheck annually.
Steps for Studying Nursing in Ontario
Below is an easy way to migrate to Ontario as a nursing student and achieve your dream of becoming a registered nurse;
- Get a diploma certification.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.
- Master’s Degree in Nursing.
- Lastly, a Ph.D. in nursing
Requirements Needed to Study Nursing in Ontario
As an international student, you need to have some qualifications, credentials, and documents to be approved. Here are the general requirements needed by diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. students:
- A high school certification with credits in English, mathematics, biology, and chemistry.
- Certification of Proficiency in the English Language.
- Proficiency in French is optional.
- Also, you need a recommendation letter from your former school.
- Statement of Purpose or Motivational Letter.
- Lastly, you need other supporting documents as requested by your school of choice.
Once you meet the above requirements, you can start your application process. Note: You will have to apply for a student visa to Canada and be approved before you can study nursing in Ontario as an international student.