Nursing Scholarship in Canada 2026 For Nigeria Nurses | Apply Now

In this comprehensive guide, you will find a detailed breakdown of the best nursing scholarships in Canada  from national programs like the Canadian Nurses Foundation (CNF) scholarships to provincial awards, university-specific grants, and options open to international students. You will also learn about the top nursing universities in Canada, typical tuition costs, eligibility requirements, application steps, and practical tips to maximize your chances of being awarded funding.

Why Study Nursing in Canada?

Before diving into the scholarships themselves, it is worth understanding why Canada consistently ranks among the best countries in the world to study nursing — and why the demand for nursing scholarships there continues to grow.

Critical Shortage of Nurses: Canada is facing one of its most serious nursing shortages in history. According to Canada’s Job Bank, the country is projected to have 155,400 new job openings for registered nurses between 2022 and 2031 as the Canadian population ages and the healthcare system expands. This means nursing graduates in Canada — both domestic and international — enter a job market with near-guaranteed employment prospects and strong salary packages.

Competitive Salaries: Nursing in Canada pays extremely well. The average hourly rate for a registered nurse in Canada is approximately CAD $46.28, while nurse practitioners earn around CAD $69.24 per hour. At the Master’s and doctoral level, nurses who take on leadership, research, or specialized clinical roles can earn between CAD $80,000 and CAD $120,000 annually.

World-Class Universities: Canada is home to some of the most respected nursing faculties in the world. Institutions like the University of Toronto’s Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, McGill University’s Ingram School of Nursing, the University of British Columbia (UBC) School of Nursing, the University of Alberta Faculty of Nursing, and McMaster University are recognized globally for research output, clinical training quality, and graduate outcomes.

Post-Graduation Work Rights: International students who complete a nursing degree in Canada are eligible to apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation. For many international students, this is a direct pathway to permanent residency through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.

High Cost of Nursing Education: Despite all these advantages, the cost of studying nursing in Canada is not low. The average international undergraduate tuition for nursing in Canada is approximately CAD $25,809 per year, according to Statistics Canada. At leading institutions like the University of Toronto, international BScN students can pay as much as CAD $50,089 per year. This makes nursing scholarships in Canada critically important for making the dream of a Canadian nursing degree financially achievable.

Types of Nursing Scholarships in Canada

Nursing scholarships in Canada fall into several broad categories. Understanding these categories helps you identify which programs you are eligible for and where to focus your application efforts.

National Scholarships: Awarded by pan-Canadian organizations like the Canadian Nurses Foundation, these are available to nursing students at any accredited Canadian institution, regardless of province.

Provincial and Territorial Scholarships: Several Canadian provinces and territories offer nursing-specific funding programs, particularly to attract graduates to underserved rural or northern communities.

University-Specific Scholarships: Most major Canadian universities with nursing programs offer their own internal scholarships, bursaries, and entrance awards for nursing students — both domestic and international.

Government-Funded Scholarships: The Government of Canada administers several scholarship programs, including the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and the Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master’s (CGS-M), which are open to students in health sciences including nursing at the graduate level.

Private Foundation and Association Scholarships: Various nursing associations, health foundations, and private donors fund scholarships specifically for nursing students across Canada.

1. Canadian Nurses Foundation (CNF) Scholarships

The Canadian Nurses Foundation (CNF) is the most prominent national organization offering nursing scholarships in Canada, and its annual scholarship program is the first place every nursing student in Canada should look.

The CNF is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing nursing education and fostering excellence in healthcare across Canada. It is proud to offer more than 135 awards annually in support of nursing education, covering baccalaureate, Master’s, and doctoral-level students. These scholarships are awarded based on merit, and their values range from CAD $750 to CAD $10,000 depending on the level of study and the specific award criteria.

The CNF’s scholarship program is one of the most comprehensive nursing scholarship initiatives in the country, offering awards to one in five applicants who submit eligible applications each year. This is a remarkable ratio that reflects the Foundation’s serious commitment to funding as many deserving nurses as possible.

CNF Scholarship Eligibility

To be eligible for the Canadian Nurses Foundation scholarships, applicants must meet the following core requirements:

• Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. The CNF scholarships are not open to international students without permanent residency status.
• Must be enrolled in a nursing program in Canada — this includes Registered Nurse (RN), Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN), Nurse Practitioner (NP), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) programs.
• Indigenous students are also specifically welcomed and encouraged to apply.

In addition to these universal requirements, there are program-level requirements that vary depending on whether you are a baccalaureate, Master’s, or doctoral student:

Baccalaureate level: Applicants must have completed a minimum of four courses (with at least three in faculty courses), not counting courses currently in progress. They must also have a minimum of two semesters remaining after applying. Students in Accelerated Option, Advanced Standing, or Practical Nurse to RN Bridging programs must have completed a minimum of three courses and be currently enrolled and actively studying.

Master’s level: Applicants must have completed a minimum of two courses and be currently enrolled and actively studying in the program. Students in their final semester are not eligible if they received a CNF award the previous year.

Doctoral level: Applicants must have completed a minimum of two courses and have a minimum of two semesters remaining after applying.

CNF Scholarship Application Process

Applications for the 2026 CNF scholarship cycle are submitted through the CNF’s official online scholarship portal at cnf-scholarships.smapply.ca. There is a non-refundable application fee of CAD $35. Applicants can only receive one scholarship award per year, though past recipients are eligible to apply again in subsequent years.

The application deadline for the 2026 cycle is March 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered. Applicants should carefully review which specific CNF awards they meet the criteria for before applying, as the Foundation matches eligible applications against available awards during the Merit Review Panel process.

Types of CNF Awards Available

Within the CNF scholarship program, there are awards designed for a wide range of nursing students, including awards for Indigenous nursing students at the baccalaureate level, awards for students self-identifying as part of marginalized communities or conducting research in equity and diversity, support for nurses working on PhD dissertations, awards for nursing students in palliative care, mental health nursing, informatics, and nursing leadership, awards for male nursing students, awards for nurses from Canada’s North, awards for 2SLGBTQ+ nursing students (open to CNSA members enrolled in RPN, LPN, or RN programs), and awards for nurses enrolled in graduate programs dedicated to nursing leadership through the NLN.ON network.

The CNF also provides full reimbursements for CNA nursing specialty certification and renewal exams, which is an additional funding benefit for practicing nurses who are pursuing specialty credentials.

2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Nursing)

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program is one of Canada’s most prestigious graduate-level funding programs. While it is not exclusively for nursing students, it is a major funding source for nurses pursuing doctoral studies in Canada and abroad.

Vanier CGS awards are valued at CAD $50,000 per year for three years, making them among the most generous scholarships available in Canada for any field of study. The program is designed to attract and retain world-class doctoral students and to establish Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning.

To be considered for the Vanier CGS, applicants must be nominated by a Canadian university, be pursuing their first doctoral degree, and demonstrate a high standard of scholarly achievement, research potential, and leadership ability. For nursing students, this typically means an outstanding academic record in both undergraduate and Master’s studies, a well-developed research proposal, and strong letters of support from supervisors and faculty.

Both Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students are eligible to apply for the Vanier CGS, which makes it one of the very few fully funded options available to international students pursuing a PhD in nursing in Canada.

3. Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGS-M)

The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS-M) program, funded by the three federal granting councils — CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research), NSERC, and SSHRC — provides scholarships of CAD $17,500 for 12 months to support high-caliber Canadian and permanent resident students in the early stages of their research-based Master’s programs.

For nursing students, the relevant council is the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), which funds research in health sciences including nursing. Master’s nursing students with a strong academic background and a clear research focus are encouraged to apply through their university’s designated office. Applications are submitted through the institution, and universities have their own internal deadlines that typically fall in November or December for the following funding cycle.

4. University-Specific Nursing Scholarships in Canada

Beyond national programs, several Canadian universities offer their own dedicated nursing scholarships that are worth knowing about. Here is an overview of some notable university-level opportunities.

University of Toronto – Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing Scholarships

The Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto — internationally recognized as one of the top 10 nursing schools globally for teaching and research — offers a range of financial aid options for its nursing students. These include entrance scholarships for new domestic and international students, in-course bursaries based on financial need, and research fellowships for graduate-level students. The Bloomberg Faculty is one of the few nursing schools in Canada to offer a dedicated Doctor of Nursing program in addition to the standard BScN, MSN, and PhD pathways.

University of Regina – Nursing Entrance Scholarships

The University of Regina provides financial support for students entering or continuing the Bachelor of Nursing program. These awards are available to both domestic and international students, and are based on a combination of academic merit and financial need. Applications are typically submitted through the university’s financial aid office alongside the program admission application.

Red Deer Polytechnic – A & A McMullen Family Nursing Scholarship

The A & A McMullen Family Nursing Scholarship at Red Deer Polytechnic is a merit-based award designed for first-year students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. It is valued at CAD $1,250 and is one of several entrance-level scholarships available to BSN students at this Alberta institution.

University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) – Dr. Vera Elizabeth Dewar Graduate Nursing Scholarship

The Dr. Vera Elizabeth Dewar Graduate Nursing Scholarship at UPEI is awarded to a graduate of the UPEI Faculty of Nursing who is pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Nursing. It is valued at CAD $2,000 and applications are open for the 2025–2026 academic session. This award reflects UPEI’s commitment to supporting nursing excellence at the graduate level.

University of Lethbridge – SGS Tuition Grant (Prentice Graduate Research Fellowship)

The Prentice Graduate Research Fellowship at the University of Lethbridge is open to graduate students including those in nursing, valued at CAD $10,000. The university also administers the SGS Tuition Grant, which was founded in 1967 and provides support for nursing studies at the Master’s and doctoral levels. This program is available to both Canadian and international students enrolled at the University of Lethbridge.

Athabasca University – President’s Award for Rural Alberta Nursing Students

The President’s Award for Rural Alberta Nursing Students is designed to recognize and reward Bachelor of Nursing students at Athabasca University (AU) who have demonstrated commitment to improving healthcare by applying their AU credential to employment in a rural Alberta setting. It is valued at CAD $2,500 and is available to undergraduate nursing students.

Digby & Area Health Services Charitable Foundation Scholarship

The Digby & Area Health Services Charitable Foundation is committed to strengthening local healthcare by supporting the education of future nurses. This scholarship, valued at CAD $5,000, is available to undergraduate nursing students and reflects the growing trend of regional health foundations investing in the pipeline of nursing professionals.

5. Yukon Health Care and Social Services Bursary

The Yukon Health Care and Social Services Bursary supports students from Yukon pursuing education programs related to healthcare and social services, including nursing. It is valued at between CAD $2,500 and CAD $7,000 per year and is available to both Master’s and undergraduate students.

To qualify, applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents who live or have lived in Yukon, and must be pursuing a nursing or health program. Applicants must also submit a short essay detailing their study intentions, their interest in health services, and their commitment to working in Yukon upon completing their studies. This scholarship is particularly relevant for students willing to contribute to healthcare in Canada’s northern and remote communities.

6. Nursing Memorial Foundation Scholarship Programme

The Nursing Memorial Foundation Scholarship Programme was established in memory of Canadian nurses who served and lost their lives during wartime. It provides financial assistance to Canadian citizens or permanent residents enrolled in undergraduate or graduate nursing programs at a recognized Canadian college or university. The award covers tuition, books, and related expenses.

Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, and commitment to the nursing profession. This scholarship is a meaningful tribute to Canada’s nursing heritage and a practical support for the next generation of Canadian nurses.

7. MPower Nursing Programme for International Students

The MPower Nursing Programme is one of the few scholarship and financial aid options that is specifically structured for international students pursuing a full-time nursing degree at a supported institution in the United States or Canada. To be eligible, students must be accepted into or enrolled in a full-time nursing degree program at any MPower-supported institution and must be an international student who is legally permitted to study in the US or Canada.

This program is particularly valuable because it bridges the gap for international nursing students who are not eligible for most domestic scholarships but still need financial support to cover their tuition and living expenses while studying nursing in Canada.

8. Margaret Parkinson Scholarship – University of New Brunswick

International students enrolled in the undergraduate nursing program at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) are eligible to apply for the Margaret Parkinson Scholarship. This award is specifically designed for international nursing students studying at UNB and provides direct financial relief from the higher tuition costs that international students face.

UNB is one of Canada’s oldest universities, located in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and its nursing program has a strong reputation for producing practice-ready graduates. The Margaret Parkinson Scholarship is one of the more targeted international student nursing scholarships available at a Canadian university.

Top Nursing Universities in Canada for Scholarship Students

Knowing where to study nursing in Canada is just as important as knowing how to fund your studies. Here is an overview of the top nursing institutions in Canada that are most active in providing scholarships and financial support.

University of Toronto (Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing): Consistently ranked among the top 10 nursing schools globally for teaching and research. Located in downtown Toronto, it offers BScN, MSN, PhD, and Doctor of Nursing programs, plus six continuing education certificate programs. International students pay approximately CAD $50,089 per year for the BScN, with domestic tuition around CAD $11,213 per year. The faculty maintains a strong network of hospital partners including UHN, Sinai Health, and CAMH.

McGill University (Ingram School of Nursing): Located in Montreal, McGill’s Ingram School of Nursing has trained nurses since 1920. It offers bachelor, master, and doctoral-level programs with a unique Strengths-Based Approach to nursing education. First-year students have clinical studies in the community from the start of their degree. McGill also offers students the opportunity to complete a clinical internship abroad in their final year, providing international nursing exposure that very few Canadian programs can match.

University of British Columbia (UBC) School of Nursing: Based in Vancouver, UBC’s nursing program is recognized globally for its emphasis on health equity, Indigenous health, and innovative practice. The BSN is an accelerated program that students enter in their third year. Clinical partners include Fraser Health, Providence Health Care, and Vancouver Coastal Health. The Faculty of Applied Science houses the nursing school alongside medicine, pharmacy, and physiotherapy, fostering a rich interprofessional learning environment.

University of Alberta (Faculty of Nursing): Located in Edmonton, the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Nursing is one of the largest and most research-intensive in Canada. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs with strong research centers in areas including rural health, Indigenous health, and chronic disease management. International tuition is approximately CAD $32,643 per year.

McMaster University: Located in Hamilton, Ontario, McMaster is known for its problem-based, inquiry-driven approach to health education. Its nursing program has a strong clinical focus and benefits from McMaster’s world-renowned health sciences campus and partnerships with Hamilton Health Sciences.

Queen’s University, University of Calgary, Memorial University of Newfoundland: These are among the top institutions offering Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) programs, with tuition fees typically ranging from CAD $15,000 to CAD $22,000 per year.

Nursing Scholarship in Canada for International Students: Key Options Summary

While most of Canada’s dedicated nursing scholarships are designed for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, international students are not without options. Here is a summary of the most accessible funding pathways for international nursing students in Canada:

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: Open to international doctoral students in nursing. Worth CAD $50,000/year for three years. Highly competitive but the most generous option available.
• University-specific entrance scholarships: Many Canadian universities offer merit-based entrance scholarships to exceptional international students. Check the specific awards office of your target institution.
• SGS Tuition Grant at University of Lethbridge: Available to international students pursuing Master’s or doctoral degrees in nursing at the University of Lethbridge.
• MPower Nursing Programme: Provides financial support for international students in full-time nursing programs at supported Canadian institutions.
• Margaret Parkinson Scholarship at UNB: Specifically for international students in the undergraduate nursing program at the University of New Brunswick.
• Aspire Canada Scholarship Programme: Open to students of all nationalities planning to study a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, including nursing, at a Canadian university.
• Government of Canada Scholarships (EduCanada): The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) and other Government of Canada scholarships support international students from specific regions. The SEED-2 (Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development) program also supports partnerships between Canadian institutions and international students. Check educanada.ca for current opportunities.

How to Apply for a Nursing Scholarship in Canada: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for a nursing scholarship in Canada requires planning, strong documentation, and careful attention to deadlines. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility Category

First, identify whether you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or international student  as this determines which scholarships you can access. Then confirm your level of study (baccalaureate, Master’s, or doctoral) and any special criteria you may meet (Indigenous identity, rural commitment, specific nursing specialty, etc.).

Step 2: Research All Available Scholarships

Use the programs outlined in this guide, the CNF scholarship portal, your target university’s financial aid website, and government resources at educanada.ca to compile a comprehensive list of scholarships you are eligible for. Do not rely on a single scholarship  apply to as many relevant programs as possible.

Step 3: Gain or Confirm Admission

Most scholarships require that you are currently enrolled in or have been admitted to a qualifying nursing program. Secure your program admission first, as scholarship applications typically ask for your enrollment confirmation, student ID, or admission letter.

Step 4: Prepare Your Academic Documents

Gather official transcripts from all previous institutions, your nursing program enrollment confirmation or admission letter, proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency (for domestic scholarships), and any required professional registration documents (for IEN or licensed nurse scholarships).

Step 5: Write a Strong Personal Statement or Essay

Many nursing scholarships in Canada require a personal statement, letter of intent, or short essay. This is your opportunity to describe your academic journey, your passion for nursing, your career goals, your commitment to Canadian healthcare, and any unique circumstances (financial need, Indigenous background, community leadership) that make you a compelling candidate. Write specifically for each scholarship, not a single generic statement applied to all.

Step 6: Obtain Letters of Recommendation

Most graduate-level nursing scholarships require two to three letters of recommendation from academic supervisors, faculty members, or clinical supervisors. Approach recommenders who know your nursing practice and academic abilities closely, and give them at least four weeks’ notice before the deadline.

Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline

Submit all applications well before the deadline. For the CNF, the 2026 deadline is March 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. For university-specific and government scholarships, deadlines vary. Mark all your deadlines on a calendar and set reminders at least two weeks before each one.

Step 8: Follow Up and Accept Your Award

After submission, monitor your email for updates from scholarship committees. If awarded, accept promptly and follow any reporting or renewal requirements. If not selected, request feedback where possible and reapply in the next cycle.

Tips to Strengthen Your Nursing Scholarship Application in Canada

Maintain a strong GPA. Most merit-based nursing scholarships in Canada expect a high academic record. For baccalaureate applicants, a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (approximately B average or above) is typically required. For graduate-level scholarships like Vanier CGS, the bar is much higher — most successful applicants have near-perfect academic records.

Highlight clinical and research experience. For graduate nursing scholarships, clinical experience and research involvement are major differentiators. If you have worked as a registered nurse, conducted nursing research, or presented at health conferences, feature these prominently in your application.

Demonstrate commitment to Canadian healthcare. Scholarship committees in Canada are particularly interested in funding students who will contribute to the Canadian healthcare system. If your goals involve working in underserved communities, rural areas, Indigenous health, or a specialized clinical area with high demand in Canada (geriatric care, mental health nursing, pediatric nursing), articulate this clearly.

Apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously. There is no rule against applying to multiple nursing scholarships at the same time. Cast a wide net — apply to CNF, your university’s internal awards, provincial programs, and any national government scholarships you qualify for.

Meet specific criteria for niche awards. The CNF and many universities offer targeted awards for specific categories — Indigenous students, students in palliative care, students from northern communities, male nurses, and more. If you meet any of these specific criteria, apply for those targeted awards in addition to the general scholarship pool, as they are often less competitive.

Pay the CNF application fee early. The CAD $35 CNF application fee is non-refundable and must be paid before your application is reviewed. Budget for this fee and submit early to avoid last-minute issues.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Nursing Scholarship in Canada for You

Canada’s nursing sector is one of the most vibrant, well-compensated, and in-demand in the world, and the country offers a growing range of scholarships to help students access this rewarding profession. Whether you are a Canadian resident aiming to enter the workforce through a BScN, an internationally educated nurse pursuing credential recognition, a master’s student conducting health research, or an international applicant with the ambition to study nursing at one of the world’s best faculties — there is a scholarship in Canada designed for your situation.

The key is to start your research early, understand exactly which programs you qualify for, prepare strong and tailored application documents, and submit before every deadline. Programs like the Canadian Nurses Foundation scholarships — which have a deadline of March 15, 2026 — should be on every eligible student’s radar right now. University-specific awards have even earlier internal deadlines, so check your target institution’s financial aid office immediately.

A nursing scholarship in Canada is more than financial relief — it is a recognition of your commitment to healthcare, your academic excellence, and your potential to contribute to one of the most important professions in Canadian society. Apply with confidence, apply early, and apply widely. Canada’s healthcare system needs you, and its scholarship programs are ready to invest in your future.