Best Countries to Study Nursing Abroad in 2026
Nursing is one of the most in-demand professions globally, and studying nursing abroad can open doors to immigration pathways that other fields cannot. Several countries actively recruit international nursing students because of chronic workforce shortages. Here are the best destinations — ranked by the combination of education quality, affordability, registration pathway, and post-study work/immigration options.
The ranking
| Rank | Country | Tuition/yr | Post-Study Visa | Key advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | AUD 28,000–38,000 | 2–4 years | Skills shortage list, PR pathway |
| 2 | UK | £12,000–22,000 | 2 years | NHS recruitment pipeline |
| 3 | Canada | CAD 20,000–35,000 | Up to 3 years | Strong PR pathway via healthcare |
| 4 | New Zealand | NZD 25,000–35,000 | 1–3 years | Green List occupation |
| 5 | Germany | €0 (Ausbildung model) | 18 months | Free training + salary during study |
1. Australia — strongest immigration pathway
Nursing is on Australia's Skills Shortage list, which means nursing graduates get priority for post-study work visas and permanent residency. The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) lasts 2–4 years, and registered nurses can apply for PR through the Skilled Occupation List.
Tuition is high (AUD 28,000–38,000/year), but Australian nursing graduates earn AUD 65,000–85,000 in their first year. To practice, you must pass the NCLEX (replacing the old ANMAC pathway from 2025) and register with AHPRA.
Best for: Students from Philippines, India, Nigeria who want a clear path to permanent residency through healthcare.
2. UK — NHS is actively hiring
The UK's National Health Service faces a chronic nursing shortage — over 40,000 vacancies. International nursing graduates can transition from the Graduate Route (2 years) to a Health and Care Worker visa, which has a lower salary threshold and faster processing than other Skilled Worker routes.
To register, you must pass the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) test of competence, including a CBT exam and an OSCE practical assessment.
3. Canada — PGWP plus healthcare PR boost
Despite study permit cuts, healthcare programmes have been largely exempted from restrictions. Nursing graduates are eligible for the 3-year PGWP and receive bonus points under Express Entry's healthcare worker category. Provincial Nominee Programs in provinces like Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan actively target nurses.
4–5. New Zealand and Germany
New Zealand placed registered nurses on its Green List, offering a direct pathway to residency. The 49% surge in international students includes a significant healthcare component.
Germany offers a unique pathway: the Ausbildung (vocational training) model, where you study nursing for free and receive a salary of €1,000–1,300/month during training. After qualifying, the 18-month job seeker visa and 2-year PR pathway apply. You must learn German to B2 level.
What about the Philippines and Nigeria?
Filipino and Nigerian students are among the most common international nursing students worldwide. Both countries have strong nursing education traditions, and graduates are actively recruited by Australia, UK, Canada, and the Gulf states.
If you are a Filipino nurse, Australia and Canada offer the clearest paths. If Nigerian, the UK's NHS pathway and Germany's free Ausbildung model are worth serious consideration.
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