Study Nursing Courses Abroadfor Filipino Students 2025
Study Nursing Courses Abroad for Filipino Students 2025
Turn your Study Abroad Dream to Degrees Abroad in Australia
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:
- 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 |
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.