Fully Funded Nursing Scholarships in Canada 2026: How International Students Can Study, Get Admitted, and Immigrate Successfully

Canada remains one of the most attractive study destinations for international students pursuing a nursing degree. With a shortage of healthcare workers across provinces, Canada not only offers high-quality nursing education but also scholarships, immigration pathways, and career opportunities after graduation.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore how international students can secure fully funded nursing scholarships in Canada for 2026, along with admission steps, visa application processes, and post-graduation immigration options.

Why Study Nursing in Canada?

• World-class education with accredited programs
• High demand for nurses across the country
• Post-study work and permanent residence (PR) opportunities
• Inclusive, multicultural environment
• Government and university scholarships for top-performing students

💡 Featured Scholarship: University of Alberta International Admission Scholarship (Nursing)

The University of Alberta (UAlberta) in Edmonton offers one of Canada’s top Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) programs. For 2026, eligible international applicants are automatically considered for competitive entrance scholarships.

Scholarship Overview:

• Value: Up to CAD 9,000 over four years
• Eligibility: International students with strong academic records
• Renewable: Yes (based on GPA maintenance)
• Additional Awards: Students may qualify for the International Leader Scholarship (up to CAD 15,000)

🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Secure Admission and Scholarship for Nursing in Canada (2026)

✅ Step 1: Choose a Recognized Nursing Program

While many Canadian universities offer nursing degrees, top choices for international students include:

• University of Alberta
• University of Toronto
• University of British Columbia
• McMaster University
• Dalhousie University

For illustration, we will focus on the University of Alberta’s BScN program.

📚 Step 2: Meet Academic Requirements

BSc Nursing Admission Requirements (UAlberta):

• High school certificate with strong grades in:
  • English
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
• Minimum GPA: 80% equivalent
• Proof of English Language Proficiency:
  • IELTS: Overall 6.5, no band less than 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum 90
  • PTE or Duolingo also accepted

Pro tip: Having extracurriculars, volunteer nursing experience, or a leadership background strengthens your application.

📄 Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Documents Required:

• Academic transcripts
• Copy of passport
• Proof of English proficiency
• Personal statement (if required)
• CV or résumé (optional)
• Reference letters (some programs request these)

Application Timeline for 2026 Intake:

Apply through:
👉 https://www.ualberta.ca/admissions/international/index.html

🎓 Step 4: Scholarship Consideration

You don’t need a separate application. The University of Alberta automatically assesses all international applicants for scholarships based on academic performance.

Other scholarship opportunities include:

• University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (Fully funded)
• UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (for graduate nursing)
• Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program (for graduate students)

Explore more: EduCanada Scholarships

🛂 Step 5: Apply for a Canadian Study Permit (Student Visa)

Once you receive your Letter of Admission, you can begin your visa application.

How to Apply for a Study Permit:

1. Visit IRCC Portal
2. Upload required documents:
   • Letter of admission
   • Proof of funds (scholarship award letter and/or bank statements)
   • Valid passport
   • Passport photographs
   • Statement of Purpose
3. Biometrics & medical exam (you’ll be notified)
4. Wait for decision (processing time: 8–14 weeks for most countries)

Proof of Funds:
Even with scholarships, IRCC may require you to show minimum funds of CAD 10,000/year to cover living expenses, unless fully funded.

🧳 Step 6: Travel, Register, and Settle in Canada

• Book travel early and arrive at least 2–3 weeks before classes begin
• Attend university orientation and complete health insurance registration
• Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) for work eligibility
• Open a Canadian bank account
• Apply for student housing or find affordable off-campus rental

👩‍⚕️ Work & Immigration After Graduation

1. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):

• Valid for up to 3 years after completing your degree
• Allows you to work full-time in any province
• Essential for gaining Canadian work experience

2. Permanent Residency (PR):

Graduates of nursing programs qualify for several immigration programs:

• Express Entry – Canadian Experience Class
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) for nurses (e.g., Ontario, Nova Scotia, BC)
• Atlantic Immigration Program (for East Coast provinces)
• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

With nursing being an in-demand occupation, international nursing graduates often obtain PR within 1–2 years of working.

🧠 Key Tips for Success

• Apply early. Nursing programs are competitive with limited seats.
• Have all transcripts evaluated and verified before submitting.
• Choose universities that offer automatic scholarship consideration.
• Prepare a strong statement of purpose if required.
• Budget realistically—even with tuition covered, plan for rent, transport, and food.
• Engage in student nursing groups for networking and mentorship.
• Maintain good grades to retain renewable scholarships.

📌 Final Checklist

✅ Meet admission and language requirements
✅ Submit complete application by March 1, 2026
✅ Automatically considered for entrance scholarships
✅ Apply for Canadian study permit upon receiving offer
✅ Explore PGWP and PR pathways post-graduation

📍 Conclusion

Securing a nursing scholarship in Canada is not just a dream—it’s an achievable goal with strategic preparation. Whether you’re applying to the University of Alberta or other top Canadian institutions, aligning your academic strengths, submitting early, and following the immigration process carefully can open doors to a successful nursing career in one of the world’s best healthcare systems.

Useful Links:

• University of Alberta Nursing Admission
• University Admissions Portal – Canada
• Canada Study Permit Application – IRCC
• EduCanada Scholarships

Start preparing now for 2026—Canada’s future nurses are in high demand. Make yourself one of them.