Train for one of Canada's most in-demand professions. A regulated nursing degree with extensive clinical placements — and one of the clearest routes from graduation to permanent residency.
4 years
Full-time duration
CA$49,000
Tuition / year (intl.)
Sep 2026
Next intake
IELTS 6.5
English requirement
Overview
✓ Study at a university ranked in the world top 40(QS 2026)
✓ Nursing is on Canada's in-demand occupation lists — strong job security
✓ Qualify for a 3-year PGWP and one of the most direct paths to PR
This degree blends rigorous science — anatomy, physiology and pharmacology — with hundreds of hours of supervised clinical placement in hospitals and community settings. You'll graduate eligible to register as a nurse and ready for a profession in constant demand.
Because nursing appears on Canada's in-demand occupation lists, graduates have strong employment prospects and one of the most direct routes from study to permanent residency — often within months of graduating.
Immunisation & background check before clinical placement
💡
Missing a science prerequisite? We offer pre-nursing and pathway routes into regulated Canadian nursing programs — your counsellor will map the right one.
What you'll study
Core courses
01 Anatomy & Physiology
02 Pharmacology
03 Health Assessment
04 Mental Health Nursing
05 Community & Public Health
06 Clinical Practicum (1,300+ hrs)
After you graduate
Career outcomes
CA$75,000
Median starting salary for registered nurses
3-year PGWP
Open work permit — pathway to PR
In demand
On Canada's skilled-occupation shortage lists
PR pathway
One of the fastest routes to permanent residency
How to apply
Application timeline
September – December 2025
Prepare your application
Gather transcripts (biology, chemistry, English), take IELTS/TOEFL, write your personal statement. Your counsellor reviews everything free of charge.
January 15, 2026
Submit via UBC portal
UBC's nursing application deadline for international students is January 15. The programme is competitive — apply early and ensure all prerequisites are met.
March – May 2026
Receive your offer
UBC releases decisions in spring. Your counsellor follows up and helps you compare offers if you applied to multiple programmes.
May – August 2026
Accept & study permit
Accept your offer, pay your deposit (CA$1,000), receive your LOA, apply for your Canadian study permit, provide biometrics, and arrange immunisations.
September 2026
Orientation & start
Arrive in Vancouver for nursing orientation, meet your cohort, and begin your BSN programme — clinical placements start from first year.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees & costs
Tuition (international)
Per annum
CA$49,000
Total degree cost
4 years × CA$49,000
CA$196,000
Enrolment deposit
Required before LOA/visa
CA$1,000
Study permit fee
IRCC application
CA$150
Scholarships
Funding you may be eligible for
UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship
UBC · Merit-based
CA$10,000
Coverage: Annual tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: International undergrads with outstanding academics
Duration: Renewable for 4 years
Deadline: Automatic consideration on admission
Source: you.ubc.ca scholarships, 2026
UBC Outstanding International Student Award
UBC · Academic excellence
CA$5,000–$25,000
Coverage: Significant tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: Top-performing international applicants
Duration: Renewable
Deadline: December 1 (early consideration)
Source: you.ubc.ca scholarships, 2026
Government Scholarships (home country)
Saudi SACM, Kuwaiti MOHE, etc.
Full award
Coverage: Tuition + living expenses + flights
Eligibility: Varies by country — healthcare fields often prioritised
Duration: Full degree
Deadline: Varies — your counsellor checks eligibility
Loans & financing
Alternative funding options
MPOWER Financing
International student loan · No cosigner · Up to $100,000
Available for international students at UBC. No cosigner, collateral, or Canadian credit history required.
Work during studies
Study permit holders · Up to 24 hrs/week
Work up to 24 hrs/week during term and full-time during breaks. Nursing students can also do paid clinical placement work in later years — BC's healthcare system actively hires nursing students.
Living costs
Monthly budget in Vancouver
Vancouver is one of Canada's most expensive cities — but the stunning natural setting, mild climate, and quality of life make it a top choice for international students. Sharing accommodation is essential.
Rent (shared apartment)CA$900–$1,400
Food & groceriesCA$300–$500
Transport (U-Pass)CA$41
Health insurance (iMED)CA$75
Books & suppliesCA$50–$100
Personal & leisureCA$200–$400
Estimated totalCA$1,566–$2,516/month
IRCC financial proof: CA$20,635/year (or CA$1,720/month) in living expenses in addition to tuition — via bank statements or GIC.
Study permit
Canadian study permit requirements
Permit type
Canadian Study Permit
LOA required
Letter of Acceptance from UBC (DLI)
Application fee
CA$150
Biometrics fee
CA$85
Financial proof
Tuition + CA$20,635/year living (or GIC)
Post-graduation (PGWP)
3-year open work permit — nursing is priority for Express Entry PR
Student stories
Hear from our students
"Nursing at UBC gave me 1,300+ hours of clinical placement — I felt completely ready to practise when I graduated. Vancouver's healthcare system is desperate for nurses, so I had a job offer within a week of passing the NCLEX. My counsellor handled everything from prerequisites to the study permit."
HN
Hana N.
BSN Nursing, UBC — Class of 2026 · 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
"I chose nursing in Canada specifically for the PR pathway — it's one of the fastest routes to permanent residency. Vancouver is expensive but beautiful, and the U-Pass makes transport almost free. My counsellor found me a CA$10,000 entrance scholarship."
YA
Yasmine A.
BSN Nursing, UBC — Class of 2025 · 🇪🇬 Egypt
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I work as a nurse in Canada after graduating?
Yes. After graduating, you'll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to register as a nurse in British Columbia (or any other province). With your PGWP, you can work as a registered nurse for up to 3 years — and nursing is on Canada's in-demand occupation list, which gives you priority for permanent residency through Express Entry.
What is the NCLEX-RN and is it hard?
The NCLEX-RN is the standardised licensing exam for registered nurses in Canada (and the US). UBC's curriculum is designed to prepare you for it — the pass rate for UBC nursing graduates is consistently above 90%. Your clinical placements give you the hands-on experience the exam tests.
Is nursing really a fast track to permanent residency?
Yes — nursing is one of the fastest paths to Canadian PR. Registered nurses are classified under NOC 31301, which is on the Express Entry priority list and most Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams. With 1 year of Canadian work experience on your PGWP, you can apply for PR — many nurses get it within 6–12 months of starting work.
Is Vancouver too expensive for students?
Vancouver is expensive but manageable with planning. Shared accommodation near UBC runs CA$900–$1,400/month, and the U-Pass gives you unlimited transit for just CA$41/month. Many nursing students also earn income through paid clinical placements in later years. The investment pays off — BC nursing salaries start at CA$75,000+.
What prerequisites do I need?
You need senior-level biology, chemistry, and English with an 85%+ average. If you're missing a prerequisite, pre-nursing pathway programmes can fill the gap — your counsellor will map the right route based on your current qualifications.
