The best universities for nursing in Canada in 2027 are the University of Toronto, the University of Alberta and the University of British Columbia, followed by McMaster University and McGill University. Each offers strong clinical placements, research-active faculty, and graduates employers trust.
Choosing the right nursing school can shape your clinical training, your path to licensure and your long-term career. This guide compares 25 Canadian universities on the quality of their clinical placements, faculty strength, research activity and how well they prepare graduates for practice. For overall university quality, see the UM World University Rankings methodology and our rankings.
Where it helps, we cite the QS World University Rankings by Subject for nursing, which is a separate global ranking. Nursing graduates in Canada must meet provincial licensing rules, so always confirm accreditation with the school and your regulator.
The Best University for Nursing in Canada 2027
1. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is the top choice for nursing in Canada, anchored by the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing. Nursing education here dates to 1920, and the current school took shape in 1933. It hosted Canada’s first four-year BScN program and ranks 4th in the world for nursing in the 2026 QS subject rankings.
The faculty offers a BScN, a Master of Nursing, a nurse practitioner diploma, a PhD and a Doctor of Nursing. A $10 million gift from Lawrence Bloomberg in 2007 led to its naming. Students train across Toronto’s large hospital network, which gives them early exposure to complex, real-world patient care.
2. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta runs one of Canada’s most respected nursing programs through its Faculty of Nursing. It ranks 9th in the world and 2nd in Canada for nursing in the 2026 QS subject rankings, behind only Toronto.
Students get clinical experience in acute care, community health and rural practice across Alberta. The faculty is research-active, so classes often draw on current evidence in leadership, patient-centred care, and nursing innovation. Employers across Western Canada know the degree well, and Edmonton’s large health system provides plenty of placement options for undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants should check current admission averages and prerequisites on the faculty site.
3. University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia offers a highly competitive nursing education through its School of Nursing, with programs on its Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. It is tied for 22nd in the world for nursing in the 2026 QS subject rankings and 3rd in Canada.
Students benefit from early clinical exposure, simulation labs and placements across British Columbia’s health system. The curriculum emphasizes public health, Indigenous health, and evidence-informed practice. UBC’s nursing roots reach back to 1919, so the school has a long record of shaping the profession, and graduates are well recognized by employers across the country. Applicants should review prerequisites and admission steps for each campus before applying.
4. McMaster University
McMaster University is known worldwide for problem-based learning, and its School of Nursing applies that approach to patient care. McMaster ranks 24th in the world and 4th in Canada for nursing in the 2026 QS subject rankings.
Students work in small groups to solve realistic clinical problems, which builds critical thinking and teamwork. The BScN is delivered in collaboration with Mohawk College and Conestoga College, and placements cover hospitals, community clinics and specialized care settings. McMaster is a strong match for students who learn best by working through cases rather than only sitting through lectures. Applicants should check how the collaborative program works at each partner site before choosing.
5. McGill University
McGill University teaches nursing through the Ingram School of Nursing in Montreal. It is tied for 50th in the world for nursing in the 2026 QS subject rankings and is known for academic rigour and a strong global reputation.
The program pairs a solid theoretical base with clinical training in major Montreal health institutions. Because care in Quebec is delivered in both French and English, students get real exposure to bilingual practice, which is a real advantage when working with diverse patients. Research opportunities and a leadership focus round out the experience for students who want to move into advanced roles.
6. Queen’s University at Kingston
Queen’s University delivers nursing education through the Queen’s School of Nursing in Kingston, Ontario. It lands in the 51 to 100 band for nursing in the 2026 QS subject rankings, 6th in Canada, and is known for hands-on preparation and academic rigour.
Students complete placements in hospitals, community settings and specialized care environments, with a curriculum that stresses patient safety, leadership and evidence-informed practice. Kingston is a mid-sized city with a major academic health sciences centre, so students get close faculty contact and a tight-knit campus. Queen’s suits applicants who want serious clinical training in a smaller university town. Applicants should check current prerequisites and application steps on the school site.
7. University of Calgary
The University of Calgary offers nursing through its Faculty of Nursing, which is known for innovation and applied learning. It lands in the 51 to 100 band worldwide for nursing in the 2026 QS subject rankings and is 7th in Canada.
Students complete clinical work across Alberta’s health system, supported by simulation labs and research-informed teaching. The program stresses leadership, health systems thinking and patient-centred care. Calgary’s large urban hospitals and growing community health services give students a wide range of placement settings, and the strong employer links help graduates move into jobs in Alberta and beyond. Applicants should review current entry requirements and program options on the faculty site.
8. University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa teaches nursing through its School of Nursing, with English and French program options. It lands in the 51 to 100 band for nursing in the 2026 QS subject rankings and is 8th in Canada.
Students complete placements in hospitals, public health organizations and community care settings in the National Capital Region. The curriculum covers professional ethics, cultural competence and evidence-based practice. Bilingualism is a major advantage in Ontario’s health system, where French-language services are needed, so Ottawa is a natural fit for students who want to build a career working in both languages. Applicants should check which language options and program streams are open for the year they plan to start.
9. University of Victoria (UVic)
The University of Victoria delivers its nursing degree through the School of Nursing, which is known for holistic care and a focus on health equity. The BSN is offered in collaboration with Camosun College and other partner colleges.
Students complete clinical placements across hospitals, Indigenous health services, and community organizations on Vancouver Island. The curriculum blends research, leadership and hands-on practice. Victoria is a smaller city with a close-knit community, so students tend to work directly with faculty. UVic is a strong choice for those who care about equity, community health and a West Coast lifestyle. Applicants should check which partner college sites offer the first years of the degree.
10. Western University
Western University teaches nursing through the Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing in London, Ontario. It lands in the 51 to 100 band for nursing in the 2026 QS subject rankings and is 9th in Canada.
Students gain hands-on experience through hospital placements, community health settings and simulation training. The program stresses critical thinking, patient advocacy and professional leadership. London has two large teaching hospitals and a strong regional health network, so placements are varied. Western’s size and research strength also open doors to graduate study, which makes it a solid pick for students who plan to keep studying after the BScN.
11. Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University offers a well-established nursing program through the Dalhousie School of Nursing in Halifax, with a focus on clinical preparation and community engagement. The BScN is also offered at its Yarmouth campus in southwestern Nova Scotia.
Students complete placements in hospitals, public health agencies and rural care settings across Nova Scotia. The curriculum emphasizes patient safety, interprofessional collaboration and evidence-informed practice. Dalhousie also trains medicine, pharmacy and other health students on the same campus, so nursing students learn alongside future colleagues. It remains a strong option in Atlantic Canada for undergraduate and graduate nursing study. Applicants should check which campus offers the program stream they want.
12. Université de Montréal
Université de Montréal offers a leading French-language nursing education through its Faculty of Nursing. It lands in the 101 to 150 band for nursing in the 2026 QS subject rankings, and 10th in Canada.
Students benefit from hospital placements, community health experience and advanced clinical training in Quebec’s health network. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based care, public health and professional autonomy. It is the best fit for students who want to practise in French, and Montreal’s large academic hospitals offer plenty of opportunities to learn, specialize, and eventually move into advanced practice roles. Applicants should check language requirements and current admission steps on the faculty site, since French proficiency is expected.
13. University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba provides comprehensive nursing education through the College of Nursing in Winnipeg, known for clinical depth and community-based learning. It sits within the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, alongside medicine and other health fields.
Students gain experience in hospitals, long-term care facilities and public health settings across Manitoba. The curriculum stresses patient-centred care, professional ethics and evidence-based practice. Because the province has large Indigenous and rural populations, students see a wide range of care needs. The college is a solid choice for students who want to work in Prairie communities after graduation. Applicants should review current admission requirements on the college site before applying.
14. University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan offers a well-regarded nursing program through the College of Nursing, emphasizing practical skills and community engagement. The Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing is delivered with Saskatchewan Polytechnic and runs in several cities.
Students complete clinical placements in urban hospitals, rural clinics and Indigenous health settings. The curriculum focuses on patient safety, cultural competence and evidence-informed care. The province’s provincial health partnerships give students a clear path into local jobs, and the college is a good fit for those who want training that reaches beyond the big city. Applicants should check which site offers the years they plan to take, since delivery is shared with a partner.
15. Université Laval
Université Laval offers French-language nursing education through its Faculty of Nursing in Quebec City, known for academic rigour and clinical excellence. It is one of Canada’s main French-language nursing schools.
Students benefit from placements in major hospitals, community health centres and public health organizations. The curriculum emphasizes professional autonomy, research and patient-centred practice. Laval’s campus is large and has a lively student life, and Quebec City offers a distinct cultural setting. It is an excellent choice for students who want to study and work in French in a historic city. Applicants should check language requirements and admission steps on the faculty site.
16. University of Windsor
The University of Windsor delivers nursing education through its Faculty of Nursing, focusing on hands-on clinical preparation and patient-centred care. The BScN is offered in collaboration with St. Clair College.
Students complete placements in hospitals, community clinics and the cross-border health region around Windsor and Detroit. The curriculum stresses professional ethics, clinical judgment and evidence-based practice. Simulation facilities let students practise skills before they reach the bedside. Windsor is a good option for students who want practical training in a smaller Ontario city with strong local health partnerships. Applicants should check how the collaborative program splits time between the two institutions.
17. Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto Metropolitan University offers nursing through the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing in downtown Toronto. It is known for applied learning and strong ties to city employers.
Students complete extensive clinical placements across the city’s hospital network and community health agencies. The program emphasizes applied learning, patient safety and health equity. The BScN is delivered in collaboration with Centennial College and George Brown College. TMU is a fine choice for students who prefer a practical, city-based program with strong ties to employers in the Greater Toronto Area. Applicants should check current admission requirements, placement locations and how the collaborative program is split between partners before applying.
18. MacEwan University
MacEwan University offers nursing through its Faculty of Nursing in Edmonton, known for small class sizes and close clinical supervision. It is a degree-granting university focused on undergraduate teaching.
Students complete placements in hospitals, long-term care facilities and community health settings. The curriculum focuses on patient-centred care, communication skills and professional practice, and simulation labs help students build confidence before entering clinical sites. Because the faculty is close to its students, supervisors get to know them well. MacEwan is a smart fit for those who value personal attention in a downtown Edmonton setting. Applicants should review current entry requirements on the faculty site before applying.
19. Laurentian University
Laurentian University offers bilingual nursing education through its School of Nursing in Sudbury, serving both English- and French-speaking students. It also focuses strongly on northern and Indigenous health.
Clinical placements span hospitals, rural health centres and northern communities. The curriculum emphasizes cultural competence, patient safety and community-based care. Regional healthcare partnerships help students find jobs in Northern Ontario, where nurses are in high demand. Laurentian is especially good for students who want to build skills for rural and remote practice and who like a smaller campus. Applicants should check which language streams and sites are open before applying.
20. Trinity Western University
Trinity Western University offers a faith-based nursing program through its School of Nursing in Langley, British Columbia, blending academic rigour with ethical practice.
Students gain hands-on experience in hospitals, community clinics and long-term care facilities. The curriculum emphasizes compassionate care, clinical competence and leadership development. With small class sizes and supportive faculty, students receive steady guidance throughout the program. TWU suits applicants who want a Christian university setting and a close community while still preparing for the same licensing exams as nurses at any other Canadian school. Applicants should review the school’s current admission and community requirements before applying. They should also confirm clinical placement locations.
21. University of New Brunswick
The University of New Brunswick offers nursing through its Faculty of Nursing, known for strong clinical preparation and academic depth. The program is delivered at multiple sites in the province, including Fredericton and Saint John.
Students complete placements in hospitals, community health centres and rural settings across New Brunswick. The curriculum emphasizes patient safety, clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice. Simulation labs prepare students for the clinical floor, and provincial health partnerships help graduates find work close to home. UNB is a good option for students who want a regional program with a clear path into Atlantic Canada’s workforce.
22. Memorial University
Memorial University delivers comprehensive nursing education through its Faculty of Nursing in St. John’s, with a strong focus on community and rural health. It also offers a regional program in Corner Brook on the province’s west coast.
Students gain hands-on experience in hospitals, public health units and remote care settings. The program emphasizes clinical competence, leadership and culturally responsive care. Newfoundland and Labrador has many small, isolated communities, so graduates learn to work with limited resources and a wide scope of practice. Memorial is a great fit for students who want meaningful rural and remote experience. Applicants should check which campus offers the program stream they want.
23. St. Francis Xavier University
St. Francis Xavier University offers nursing in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, with strong partnerships with regional healthcare institutions. It is known for a small, friendly campus where students get to know their professors.
Students benefit from small class sizes, personal instruction and clinical placements across Nova Scotia. The curriculum emphasizes patient-centred care, ethical practice and professional communication. StFX has a strong sense of community and high student satisfaction, which helps first-year nursing students settle in. It is a good choice for those who prefer a close-knit university in a small town. Applicants should check current admission requirements and placement locations on the school site.
24. University of Regina
The University of Regina offers nursing through its Faculty of Nursing, with a focus on practical training and community engagement. Like Saskatoon, Regina delivers the Saskatchewan Collaborative BScN with Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
Students complete clinical placements in hospitals, Indigenous health settings and community care facilities. The curriculum emphasizes cultural safety, evidence-based practice and patient advocacy. Regional healthcare partnerships and experienced faculty help graduates enter the workforce in Saskatchewan. Regina is a strong pick for students who want to focus on community care and Indigenous health in the Prairies. Applicants should check which site offers the years they plan to take, since delivery is shared with a partner.
25. Trent University
Trent University offers nursing through the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing in Peterborough, Ontario, combining academic rigour with hands-on clinical experience. The program is delivered in partnership with Fleming College.
Students complete placements in hospitals, community health organizations and long-term care settings. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, compassionate care and professional readiness. Small classes and dedicated faculty make the learning experience personal, and Trent’s modern learning spaces support skill practice. Trent is an appealing option for students who like a smaller campus with a strong sense of community. Applicants should check how the program splits classes between Trent and the partner college.
What Makes a University Best for Nursing in Canada
The best nursing schools combine accredited programs, extensive hands-on placements, modern simulation labs and close ties to hospitals and community health systems. Faculty expertise, research activity and student support also matter, since they shape how well graduates are prepared for licensing and for the job. Look for a school that gives you early clinical exposure and a variety of placement settings.
Nursing Accreditation and Licensing in Canada
Baccalaureate nursing programs in Canada are accredited through the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN), the national body that sets education standards. Outside Quebec, graduates write the NCLEX-RN licensing examination to register as nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best university for nursing in Canada?
The University of Toronto tops our 2027 list, followed by the University of Alberta and the University of British Columbia. Toronto’s Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing ranks 4th in the world for nursing in the 2026 QS subject rankings.
Are Canadian nursing degrees accredited?
Canadian baccalaureate nursing programs are accredited through the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN). Accreditation matters because graduates must meet education standards to register as nurses. Always confirm a specific program’s status with the school and your provincial regulator.
Which exam do nursing graduates write in Canada?
Outside Quebec, graduates write the NCLEX-RN to become registered nurses. Quebec uses its own licensing process through the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec.
Is it hard to get into nursing school in Canada?
Yes. Admission is competitive, and most programs consider grades, science prerequisites, and sometimes a supplemental application. Requirements vary by school, so check each program’s current entry rules.
Which universities offer nursing in French?
Université de Montréal and Université Laval teach nursing in French. McGill, the University of Ottawa and Laurentian University also offer bilingual options or serve French-speaking students in some form.
How were these universities ordered?
The order follows the list supplied for this article, with remaining schools from our earlier nursing guide added after. UM World University Rankings uses a published methodology for overall quality, but it does not rank nursing programs by school. QS subject rankings are cited where available.
Top 25 Best Universities for Nursing in Canada 2027: Ranked List
- University of Toronto
- University of Alberta
- University of British Columbia
- McMaster University
- McGill University
- Queen’s University at Kingston
- University of Calgary
- University of Ottawa
- University of Victoria (UVic)
- Western University
- Dalhousie University
- Université de Montréal
- University of Manitoba
- University of Saskatchewan
- Université Laval
- University of Windsor
- Toronto Metropolitan University
- MacEwan University
- Laurentian University
- Trinity Western University
- University of New Brunswick
- Memorial University
- St. Francis Xavier University
- University of Regina
- Trent University
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