Study Nursing Abroad: Top Countries, Universities, Courses & Fees

Did you know that above 94% of nursing graduates across the world get employed upon graduation? While there is no denying that studying nursing can be a tad challenging, no two days at a nursing job is ever the same. With a blend of theory in the classroom and practice and test on clinical placement, a nursing degree aims to cover all major fields and also prepare you for the shift work you are likely to enter once you graduate.

A degree in nursing can put you in huge demand due to the ever increasing need for skilled and degree-trained medical experts all around the globe. Although studying nursing in India is also a popular choice, pursuing it abroad can open several employment opportunities that are both diverse and rewarding.

With an average annual salary of $36.84 per hour in theUS, there has been no better time to study nursing abroad. Learn all about studying nursing abroad, from what is nursing to what is the career scope of a nursing graduate.

What is Nursing?

Revolving around promotion of health, care of the ill, prevention illness, nursing is considered an integral part of the healthcare system. This rather broad spectrum of healthcare deals with the human responses to transition from an episode of illness to attaining good health for lifetime. Nurses play a crucial role in shaping the health policy, managing patient and health systems management, promotion of a safe and healthy environment and eventually promoting long-term health of a population.

As Virginia Avenel Henderson, an influential nurse, said, a nurse has the unique function to assist a person, sick or well, in their performance of activities that promote health and recovery that they can otherwise perform without help.

Why Study Nursing Abroad?

Wondering why you should study nursing abroad? Well, you are not alone. Here are the few reasons why you should consider pursuing a nursing degree abroad:

Cultural Awareness

Studying in a foreign country lets you explore and embrace different cultures, customs and history and traditions. While meeting academic goals is extremely important, it is also necessary for you, a nursing student, to get to know people from different parts of the world and better appreciate the similarities and differences between the host country and home country.

Personal Growth

Whether you are studying nursing or management, studying abroad will lead to you discovering a lot of things about yourself. There is no better way to explore new cultures and be out of your comfort zone than to be in a foreign environment for an extended period of time. While you might feel overwhelmed at times, it will eventually lead to a life-changing experience that is always beneficial to stand out in the healthcare market.

More Career Opportunities

Try putting yourself who has a foriegn nursing degree and someone with an Indian nursing degree at the same spot, you would always find yourself with an edge over them. Employers today value candidates with global experiences and education. There are a lot of skills gained through international exposure which eventually improves a nurses knowledge, confidence and communication. They also become culturally aware, sensitive and competent- which make them better candidates for nursing positions.

Exposure to Regional Diseases/Health Conditions

Travelling to a foriegn country lets you see physical living conditions and diseases in the country that are usually not encountered in the home country. These may include diseases such as Chikungunya, polio, Raynauds syndrome, osteomalacia and so on.

Also Read: Tips for Indian Students to Deal With Competition for Graduate Programs in US in 2021

Top 3 Countries for Nursing Degrees

Now comes the question - which is the best country to study nursing in? Mentioned below are the top three countries for nursing degrees, the programs they offer along with their entry requirements:

USA

Demand for skilled nurses in the US exceeds supply, providing excellent opportunities to nursing graduates. According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021, the United States houses the majority of the universities, making it the top choice to study nursing. Of the top, the most common employment opportunities for nurses in the US include hospital nurses, office nurses, public health nurses and long-term care nurses.

Nursing Programs in the US

Entry Requirements for Undergraduate Programs

In addition to all required application documents, international applicants must submit one of the following transcript evaluations:

• A World Education Services (WES) International Credential Advantage Package

• A full education course-by-course report for all transcripts from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) Credentials Evaluation Service.

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Those applying to a Masters degree in nursing in the US must fulfil the following criteria:

• Must have completed a BSN at an accredited college or university and a statistics course.

• Competitive applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their BSN program.

• Must also submit GRE scores, resume, three references, transcripts, and an essay.

UK

In the UK, a fully qualified nurse has a starting salary of 24,214, making it one of the most popular professions. A nursing degree in the UK means spending the first year studying a number of core modules and then specialising in the specific areas of nursing that you may be interested in. According to Nursing Times, the country offers diverse study options of which the most popular include adult nursing, children's nursing, learning disability nursing, and mental health nursing adult nursing, learning disability nursing, children's nursing, and mental health nursing.

As a nursing student, you will be able to avail financial support and scholarships of around 5000. Apart from that, reasons such as a stable and dynamic career, worldwide degree and practical knowledge make the UK a good choice for nursing students.

Nursing Programs in the UK

Entry Requirements for Undergraduate Programs

• Must have passed high school with at least one science-related subject including Biology, Psychology or Chemistry, each with a grade of 5.

• Must have studied English in high school.

• Must also have relevant work experience.

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

• Must hold an honours degree in nursing.

• Must have studied English in high school and undergraduate study.

Canada

Canada, with a huge population of old people, has an increasing demand for qualified nurses that fill the gap in the healthcare sector. Unlike many countries, Canada offers a broad future of nursing in aspects of promoting community health, making decisions, educating patients and helping patients realize their health goals by developing therapeutic relationships. While pay scales in Canada will vary depending on the area of expertise, the country ensures that every nurse receives decent payrolls.

Nursing Programs in Canada

In Canada, nursing includes three regulated nursing groups including Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN). These are as follows:

Entry Requirements for BSc in Nursing

• Must have passed 10+2.

• Must have obtained at least an average of C grade in subjects like Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics.

Entry Requirements for Practical Nurse Professional Diploma Program

• Must be 19 years of age or older.

• Must be out of high school for one year.

• Must have studied English, Math and Biology in 10+2.

Entry Requirements for Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing

• Must be 19 years of age or older.

• Must have graduated from Grade 12 with at least C+ average .

• Must have studied English, Math, Science and Biology in 10+2.

Top Universities in the World Offering Nursing Degrees 2021

Check out the top 15 universities in the world that offer nursing programs at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels:

Career Scope After Completing Nursing Abroad

Around 84% of nursing graduates from top universities abroad are usually employed and only 10% of them are midwives. The top five jobs held by them include paramedics, nursing auxiliaries, health professionals and nursing assistants.

Find out what nursing graduates across the world do:

Also Read: Documents Required for Education Loan to Study Abroad

Source: www.prospects.ac.uk

Early in the profession, you will be able to earn a monthly salary between Rs. 8,000 and Rs. 15,000 per month. On gaining experience, you can expect somewhere within the range of Rs.48,000 to Rs. 72,000 per month. In countries such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, USA, nurses earn anywhere between USD $50,000 and $65,000 per year. In the Middle East and Gulf Countries, the average annual wage offered to a nurse is around USD $25,000.