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Study Nursing Courses Abroad
for Filipino Students 2025

Study Nursing Courses Abroad for Filipino Students 2025

Turn your Study Abroad Dream to Degrees Abroad in Australia



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Study Nursing Courses Abroad for Filipino Students 2025

The global shortage of nurses and midwives is projected to reach approximately 4.8 million by 2030, with a shortage of around 4.5 million nurses alone, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The demand for qualified professionals is huge. According to major global employment websites, Filipino nurses are recognised as skilled professionals internationally, particularly in the United States. The US, UK, and Canada actively recruit Filipino nurses, valuing their good work attitude and English proficiency.

If you live in the Philippines and wish to study nursing courses abroad, there are plenty of opportunities for you. This guide will help you with all you need to know to pursue a successful nursing career abroad.

 

Benefits of Studying Nursing Courses Abroad

Some of the important benefits of studying nursing courses abroad are:

  • High-Quality Education: Foreign institutions and universities offer advanced facilities and comprehensive curricula, providing high-standard training to students.
  • Global Demand: Many countries have a high influx of Filipino nurses, who account for 4% of the nursing workforce in the US alone. They hire them because these nurses possess a high work ethic and are proficient in English.
  • Career Advancement: International special programmes, such as certification in palliative care and coronary care courses, generally give access to leadership, research, or teaching careers.
  • More Pay: Overseas jobs typically offer higher salaries and additional benefits compared to local positions.
  • Cross-Cultural Exposure: Foreign study provides opportunities for cross-cultural exposure, enhancing individual growth and adaptability.
 

Top Countries to Study Nursing Courses Abroad

Several countries provide high-quality nursing education, supported by well-developed healthcare infrastructures and international opportunities.

  • Canada: Canada provides first-rate nursing education with modern facilities.
  • United Kingdom: The UK is known for challenging nursing courses that come with clinical placements within the National Health Service (NHS).
  • United States: The USA has high-end nursing courses that have cutting-edge technological and research facilities.
  • Australia: The Australian nursing courses are globally acknowledged, and thus the curriculum focuses on clinical skills and community health.
  • New Zealand: Nursing education in New Zealand is cost-effective, with significant job security for graduates. Nursing is classified under New Zealand's Green List; thus, it is a favoured career for immigrants.
  • Singapore: Singapore is famous for its commitment to nurse education as well as extensive training for global preparedness. Schools like the National University of Singapore are top picks.
 

Popular Nursing Courses Abroad

Many nursing programmes abroad align with global health standards. Such programmes provide quality education and also enable pathways toward promising career prospects worldwide.

Nursing Programme

Duration

Overview

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

3-4 years

Undergraduate programme teaching foundational nursing knowledge and clinical skills. Popular in the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada.

Accelerated BSN

11-18 months

Intensive course for those with a bachelor's degree in another field. Enables fast transition into nursing.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

1-2 years

Postgraduate courses offering specialisations like Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator for advanced roles.

General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM)

3.5 years + 6 months internship

Diploma focusing on patient care, midwifery, and community health. Common in countries with diploma pathways.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing

3-5 years

Research-focused programme for academic, research, or senior healthcare administration careers.

 

Top Universities for Nursing Courses Abroad

Most foreign universities offer excellent nursing courses with good scholarship training and clinical exposure. These universities are famous for high standards of teaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and close connections to hospitals and healthcare organisations.

Pursuing a degree from such a top-ranked university can aid you in having a good career in nursing across the world. The top universities for nursing courses abroad as per QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 are given below:

University Name

QS Global Rank by Subject

King's College London

London, UK

#1

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, US

#2

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, US

#3

University of Toronto

Toronto, Canada

#4

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)

Hong Kong, China

#5

University of Washington

Seattle, US

#6

Duke University

Durham, US

#7

National University of Singapore (NUS)

Singapore

#8

University of North Carolina

Chapel Hill, US

#9

The University of Manchester

Manchester, UK

#10

 

Eligibility Criteria for Nursing Courses Abroad

Filipino students aspiring to pursue nursing courses abroad must meet certain eligibility criteria. These ensure that only professionally and academically qualified individuals can pursue international nursing programmes.

General Eligibility Criteria for Nursing Courses Abroad in 2025

  • Educational Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent with good scores in science subjects such as Biology and Chemistry.
  • English Competency: Most programmes require evidence of English language competency. You must provide scores for either of the following tests:
    • IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5 to 7.0 bands
    • TOEFL iBT: Score between 90 and 100
    • OET (Occupational English Test): Grade B or higher
  • Standardised Tests: Other tests, such as the SAT or ACT, may be required by some institutions, depending on the country and programme.
  • Prerequisite Courses: Completion of prerequisite courses in Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology may be required.
  • Health and Background Checks: Medical testing and background checks could be required for applicants to determine fitness for clinical placements.

Country-Specific Requirements for Nursing Courses Abroad in 2025

  • United States: Completion of prerequisite courses and successful passing of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) could be a requirement.
  • United Kingdom: The tariff points requirement using UCAS and, if required, passing the Nursing and Midwifery Council's (NMC) eligibility tests.
  • Australia: Having attained the Australian Year 12 or its equivalent and being of the desired standard specified by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
  • Canada: Meeting the provincial regulatory authorities' requirements for nursing, including credential assessments and language competency testing.

Additional Considerations for Admission to Nursing Courses Abroad in 2025

  • Financial Documentation: Evidence of possessing sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
  • Student Visa: Completion of a student visa to the targeted country, with independent requirements.

Applicants must ensure that they check specific nursing courses and the country they target, since requirements may vary.

 

Application Process for Nursing Courses Abroad

Finalising your nursing courses abroad as a Filipino student in 2025 would require a strategically planned and methodical approach. You may refer to the following step-by-step application process:

  • Step 1: Research and Programme Choice

    Determine which countries sponsor your career goals, selected specialisations, and language proficiency. Select universities renowned for their nursing institutions and global exposure.

  • Step 2: Plan Application Materials

    Gather official documents from your previous educational institutions. Submit scores of accepted tests such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL, or OET. Obtain letters from lecturers or employers who can attest to your abilities and personality.

    Prepare a compelling personal statement outlining your reasons for choosing nursing courses, professional aspirations, and rationale for finalising a specific programme and institution. Highlight academic achievement, work experience, and outside activities if relevant. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least the duration of your planned study.

  • Step 3: Submit Applications

    Most institutions also have a portal for foreign students. Be sure to check and follow the application deadlines, as these can vary by institution and programme. Note that some universities also charge a non-refundable application fee.

  • Step 4: Wait for the Admission Decision

    Institutions will inform applicants of their admission offer within a specified timeframe. If accepted, you will receive an official letter of offer outlining the terms and conditions of your acceptance.

  • Step 5: Apply for a Student Visa

    International students have specific visa requirements for every country. Typically, it includes an acceptance letter, proof of financial ability, passport photos, and a valid passport.

  • Step 6: Plan Finances

    Understand the overall cost of studying nursing courses abroad, including tuition costs, living expenses, and other additional fees and miscellaneous expenses. Plan for housing, meals, transport, and other personal expenses. Research potential scholarships, grants, or part-time work to help pay for your education.

  • Step 7: Prepare for Departure

    Plan on-campus or off-campus accommodations. Book flights and arrange for transportation to the university. Ensure that you have adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay.

 

Cost of Studying Nursing Courses Abroad

The cost of studying nursing courses abroad is a sum of tuition fees and living expenses, which vary significantly with the country, university, and programme level of your choice. Here’s an overview of average tuition fees and living expenses for Filipino students aspiring to study abroad:

Degree Level

Annual Tuition Fee Range

Annual Cost of Living Estimated

USA Nursing Courses Cost (in USD)

Bachelor's Degree

Public Universities: US $8,000 - $35,000

Private: US $25,000 - $50,000

US $10,000 - $25,000

Master's Degree

US $20,000 - $70,000

Varies widely by programme and university

UK Nursing Courses Cost (in GBP)

Bachelor's Degree

£15,000 - £35,000

£12,276 - £16,008

Master's Degree

£13,000 - £36,800

Canada Nursing Courses Cost (in CAD)

Bachelor's Degree

CA $25,809 - $49,668

CA $22,895

Master's Degree

CA $15,000 - $40,000

Australia Nursing Courses Cost (in AUD)

Bachelor's Degree

AU $25,000 - $40,000

AU $29,710

Master's Degree

AU $30,000 - $50,000

 

Nursing Scholarships and Financial Aid for Filipino Students

Filipino students who want to pursue nursing courses overseas in 2025 can get various scholarships and funding opportunities. These scholarships aim to reduce tuition and living expenses, making overseas study more accessible.

Scholarship Name

Coverage

Eligibility

Avant Healthcare Scholarship (Philippines)

Tuition fee coverage

Filipino nursing students in their final year of the BSN programme

Fulbright Programme (USA)

Full tuition, living stipend, airfare

Graduate students with strong academic records and leadership potential

Chevening Scholarship (UK)

Full tuition, living expenses, and airfare

Leaders with a strong academic background from the Philippines

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Scholarship

Full tuition, travel, and living expenses

Students from developing countries pursuing master's degrees in Europe

Australia Awards Scholarships

Full tuition, airfare, and living stipend

Filipino students pursuing master's degrees with a commitment to return to the Philippines

University of Toronto - Lester B. Pearson Scholarship

Full tuition, books, and residence support

Outstanding international students accepted to an undergraduate programme at the University of Toronto

University of Sydney International Scholarship

Up to AU $40,000 for tuition fees

High-achieving international students accepted to an undergraduate programme at the University of Sydney

 

Job Opportunities After Completing Nursing Courses Abroad

Pursuing a nursing career overseas provides Filipino graduates with diverse job opportunities in established healthcare systems. The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Germany actively recruit qualified nurses with many opportunities ranging from specialities in paediatrics to geriatrics.

Some of the top job roles where Filipino graduates get employed after completing their nursing courses from abroad universities are:

Job Role

Annual Salary in USA (in USD)

Annual Salary in UK (in GBP)

Annual Salary in Australia (in AUD)

Registered Nurse (RN)

US $60,000 - $80,000

£28,407 - £34,581

AU $70,000 - $79,550

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

US $108,000 - $150,000

£43,742 - £50,056

AU $91,698 - $101,120

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

US $61,294 - $82,794

£35,392 - £42,618

AU $110,000 - $120,000

Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

US $86,500 - $127,000

£25,654 - £35,000

AU $169,896 - $252,445

Critical Care Nurse

US $52,000 - $102,000

£29,970 - £36,483

AU $70,000 - $80,000

Pediatric Nurse

US $60,000 - $84,000

£27,055 - £34,581

AU $78,964 - $90,000

Geriatric Nurse

US $75,000 - $115,000

£31,000 - £40,000

AU $76,625 - $90,000

Please note that salaries are approximate and can vary based on country, experience, and specific healthcare facility.
 

Work Permit After Nursing Courses Abroad

Filipino nursing graduates have various pathways to work abroad post-graduation. These options depend on the country of study and specific visa regulations.

Country

Work Permit Option

Eligibility

Duration

Application Details

Canada

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Graduates from eligible Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)

Up to 3 years (based on programme length, min. 8 months for eligibility)

Apply within 180 days of receiving confirmation from the institution

Australia

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Graduates with a nursing-related degree from Australian institutions

2-3 years (depending on degree level)

Apply within 6 months of completing the course

United Kingdom

Graduate Route Visa

Graduates from UK higher education institutions

2 years (UG & Master’s), 3 years (PhD)

Apply before the student visa expires

Japan

Employment under JPEPA

Registered nurses with 3+ years of clinical experience

6-month training, 3-4 years employment

Requires training in PH and Japan, under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership

Studying nursing courses abroad offers Filipino students access to high-quality education, practical experience, and international career opportunities. You will also get opportunities to learn using state-of-the-art equipment and get training from industry leaders. It provides access to various healthcare settings and lucrative pay. If you are ready to move forward with your nursing career abroad, apply to your dream university with the expert guidance of AECC counsellors. Register now.

Study Nursing Courses Abroad FAQs
 

Popular nursing courses abroad include the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), typically lasting 3-4 years, providing foundational skills. For advanced roles, some of the common programmes are Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Nurse Practitioner. Specialised certifications in areas such as pediatric, geriatric, or critical care nursing are also highly sought-after. These programmes align with global healthcare standards and employer demands, ensuring diverse career prospects for graduates.

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