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What is Nursing?
Quick read
- Nursing abroad is offered as pre-registration degrees (to become a nurse) and post-registration master's (for nurses who are already qualified).
- To work as a nurse you must register with the regulator in that country, such as the NMC in the UK or the NMBA through Ahpra in Australia.
- Nurse registration bodies usually ask for higher English scores than universities, around IELTS 7.0; check the exact rules.
- Newly qualified NHS nurses in England start on Band 5: £31,049–£37,796 a year (2025/26).
- Not every country on our list teaches nursing in English; the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada are the main options.
Nursing degrees prepare you to care for patients across hospitals and communities. Pre-registration programmes combine university teaching with supervised clinical placements, and lead to eligibility to register as a nurse in that country.
If you are already a registered nurse in India with a BSc Nursing, you can either apply for registration abroad through the regulator's route for overseas nurses or take a master's in advanced practice, leadership, education or a speciality. A master's on its own does not always give registration, so check the course carefully.
Why study Nursing abroad
Clinical placements
Pre-registration courses include hundreds of hours of supervised practice in local health services.
Advanced practice
Master's programmes open routes into specialist, education and leadership roles.
Clear registration rules
Regulators publish exactly what you need to register, including English scores.
Demand for nurses
Health services in several destinations recruit internationally educated nurses.
Specialisations you can choose
- Adult nursing
- Mental health nursing
- Children's nursing
- Critical care
- Advanced clinical practice
- Nursing education
- Healthcare leadership
- Community and public health nursing
Degree options
| Programme | Duration | Typical entry | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's (BSc/BN Nursing, pre-registration) | 3–4 years | Class 12 with biology for many universities; interview and checks | Students after Class 12 who want to register as a nurse abroad |
| Pre-registration master's (UK, Australia) | 2 years | Bachelor's in a related subject | Graduates of other health or science subjects |
| Post-registration MSc (advanced practice, leadership) | 1–2 years | BSc Nursing and registration, often with experience | Registered nurses from India |
Best countries to study Nursing
United KingdomMany pre-registration and advanced nursing degrees; NHS is a large employer.Study in the UK
AustraliaBachelor and master's nursing degrees, with registration through the NMBA and Ahpra.Study in Australia
IrelandNursing master's and a clear registration process with NMBI.Study in Ireland
New ZealandNursing degrees and registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.Study in New Zealand
CanadaNursing degrees and college programmes; registration is with each province's regulator.Study in Canada
Nursing: costs and work rights in 13 countries
The table compares typical international tuition per year in each country (a range across subjects, from our country guides), how long a master's usually takes, and the post-study work route. Notes specific to Nursing are added where they matter.
| Country | Bachelor's / year | Master's / year | Post-study work | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £15,000–40,000≈ ₹18.3 lakh – ₹48.8 lakh | £17,000–36,000≈ ₹20.7 lakh – ₹43.9 lakh1–2 years | Graduate visa: 2 years (18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027) Details | One-year taught master's are common. | |
| A$30,000–50,000≈ ₹19.5 lakh – ₹32.5 lakh | A$32,000–55,000≈ ₹20.8 lakh – ₹35.8 lakh1–2 years | Temporary Graduate visa (485): usually 2–3 years; Indian graduates up to 3 years after a master's Details | Many master's are 1.5–2 years; credit for related degrees can shorten them. | |
| C$20,000–60,000≈ ₹13.4 lakh – ₹40.2 lakh | C$10,000–50,000≈ ₹6.7 lakh – ₹33.5 lakh1–2 years | PGWP: up to 3 years, depending on programme length Details | Colleges also offer postgraduate diplomas; check the field-of-study rule for PGWP. | |
| €16,000–30,000≈ ₹17 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh | €16,000–30,000≈ ₹17 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh1–2 years | Stamp 1G: 12 months, up to 24 months after a master's Details | Most taught master's take 1 year. | |
| Up to €20,000up to ≈ ₹21.2 lakh | Up to €25,000up to ≈ ₹26.5 lakh1.5–2 years | 18-month job-seeker residence permit Details | Nursing is mainly vocational training in German; not a usual degree route for international students. | |
| NZ$36,000–55,000≈ ₹19.4 lakh – ₹29.7 lakh | NZ$40,000–60,000≈ ₹21.6 lakh – ₹32.4 lakh1–2 years | Post Study Work Visa: up to 3 years after a master's Details | Includes 1-year and 1.5–2 year master's. | |
| €9,000–20,000≈ ₹9.5 lakh – ₹21.2 lakh | €12,000–30,000≈ ₹12.7 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh1–2 years | Orientation year: 1 year Details | Nursing programmes are mostly taught in Dutch. | |
| AED 44,000–165,000≈ ₹11 lakh – ₹41.3 lakh | AED 42,000–181,000≈ ₹10.5 lakh – ₹45.3 lakh1–2 years | No dedicated route: employer work visa or a 60–120 day Job Seeker visa Details | Limited nursing programmes at branch campuses. | |
| €1,000–27,000≈ ₹1.1 lakh – ₹28.6 lakh | €2,700–43,000≈ ₹2.9 lakh – ₹45.6 lakh1–2 years | Job-search authorisation: 24 months Details | Nursing programmes are mostly taught in Spanish. | |
| €7,000–15,000≈ ₹7.4 lakh – ₹15.9 lakh | €8,000–20,000≈ ₹8.5 lakh – ₹21.2 lakh1–2 years | Post-study permit: up to 9 months Details | Limited places for international students. | |
| €6,800–12,000≈ ₹7.2 lakh – ₹12.7 lakh | €4,000–18,000≈ ₹4.2 lakh – ₹19.1 lakh1–2 years | Up to 12 months after a master's; none after a bachelor's Details | Some English-taught nursing at private universities. | |
| €3,000–10,000≈ ₹3.2 lakh – ₹10.6 lakh | €3,500–12,000≈ ₹3.7 lakh – ₹12.7 lakh1–2 years | Up to 9 months after a master's or PhD Details | Limited English-taught nursing options. | |
| €2,500–10,000≈ ₹2.6 lakh – ₹10.6 lakh | €2,300–12,000≈ ₹2.4 lakh – ₹12.7 lakh1.5–2 years | 12-month job-search permit Details | Limited English-taught nursing options. |
Nursing tuition sits within or above the ranges shown in most countries because of clinical placements. Ask us for current fees for specific courses. Ranges are typical yearly international tuition across subjects; lab-based and professional courses often sit at the upper end. Living costs, visa and health cover are extra. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Not sure which country suits Nursing?Share your marks, budget and goals and we'll compare countries and universities for you.
Universities to consider for Nursing
Universities on our list known for Nursing & Allied Health, ordered by global ranking, with no more than two per country. Entry rules and fees differ by course, so check the university page or ask us.
Deakin UniversityMelbourne and Geelong, AustraliaQS 2027: 227
University of LimerickLimerick, IrelandQS 2027: =388
Cyprus University of TechnologyLimassol, CyprusQS 2027: 701-710
University of HertfordshireHatfield, UKQS 2027: 851-900
Rīga Stradiņš UniversityRiga, LatviaQS 2027: 1001-1200
Lithuanian University of Health SciencesKaunas, LithuaniaTHE 2027: 1001-1200
Griffith UniversityBrisbane, Australia
Conestoga CollegeKitchener, Canada
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)Auckland, New Zealand
Otago PolytechnicDunedin, New Zealand
Admission requirements
Bachelor's
- Class 12, usually with biology and English
- Minimum marks set by each university; places are competitive
- Interview, health checks and a police clearance before placements
- English test with high scores
Master's
- BSc Nursing (for post-registration master's) and current registration in India
- Clinical experience, often 1–2 years
- Bachelor's in a related subject for pre-registration master's
Documents you will usually need
- Mark sheets and certificates
- Nursing registration certificate (post-registration)
- Experience letters
- Statement of purpose
- References
- English test score report
- Police clearance
English test scores
| Level | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| University entry | IELTS Academic 6.5–7.0 overall is typical, with high minimums in each band |
| Registration as a nurse | Regulators set their own scores, around IELTS 7.0 or OET grade B; check the NMC, NMBA/Ahpra, NMBI or provincial rules |
| OET | The Occupational English Test is accepted by many nursing regulators and some universities |
Typical ranges; each university and course sets its own scores. Prepare with our IELTS and PTE classes.
Professional recognition
NMC (UK)
Nurses must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council to practise in the UK. It publishes accepted English tests and the route for nurses trained overseas.
NMBA and Ahpra (Australia)
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia sets registration standards, including English language skills.
Working in India
A nursing degree from abroad needs registration with the Indian Nursing Council or a State Nursing Council to practise in India. Check their rules first.
Skills you will build
- Clinical assessment
- Patient safety
- Medication management
- Communication with patients and families
- Teamwork
- Record keeping
- Cultural awareness
- Resilience
Careers and salaries after Nursing
| Job role | UK salary guide | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse (NHS Band 5) | £31,049–£37,796 a year | NHS Employers, Agenda for Change pay scales 2025/26 (England) (opens in a new tab) |
| Experienced or specialist nurse (Band 6) | £38,682–£46,580 a year | NHS Employers, Agenda for Change pay scales 2025/26 (England) (opens in a new tab) |
| Senior or advanced nurse (Band 7) | £47,810–£54,710 a year | NHS Employers, Agenda for Change pay scales 2025/26 (England) (opens in a new tab) |
UK salary guides are shown so all courses use the same comparison. Pay elsewhere differs, and a job offer abroad is never guaranteed.
Planning a career in Nursing?Our counsellor can map courses to the jobs and countries you're aiming for.
Study Nursing abroad: FAQs
Can Indian nurses work abroad without studying again?
Often yes, through the regulator's route for overseas-trained nurses, which usually includes English tests and competence assessments. A degree abroad is one option, not the only one.
Does an MSc Nursing abroad give me registration?
Not always. Post-registration master's assume you are already a nurse. Pre-registration master's lead to registration. Check which type the course is.
What English score do nurses need?
Universities and regulators set separate scores. Regulators usually ask for around IELTS 7.0 or OET grade B. Check the regulator's current rules.
Which country is easiest for nursing?
There is no easy route; each regulator has clear requirements. Compare course type, registration route and costs with us before deciding.
Can I study nursing in Germany in English?
Generally no. Nursing in Germany is mainly vocational training in German.
Explore other courses
Business and finance
Computing and data
Engineering and architecture
Health and life sciences
Hospitality and social sciences
Sources
- NHS Employers: pay scales for 2025/26 (opens in a new tab)
- NMC: English language requirements (opens in a new tab)
- NMBA: English language skills registration standard (opens in a new tab)
- Indian Nursing Council (opens in a new tab)
- Prospects: adult nurse job profile (opens in a new tab)
Researched 23 Oct 2026. Fees, rules and salaries change; confirm with the university or official source before you apply.