Let’s discuss some of the Perks of studying abroad: is this a good idea? There’s great nursing in India — with wonderful professionals taking care of our families and providing life-saving care every day.
The reality about working in India can be different, though. The hours are long, starting salaries are low (around ₹20,000-₹40,000 ), and options for advancement may be few. As a consequence, many nurses are looking abroad. According to some recent rumblings, more and more Indian nurses are finding jobs abroad.
There is an increasing demand for healthcare workers around the world (due to both aging populations and shortages), and with countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom offering student visas, work permits, and pathways to permanent residency, interest in studying nursing abroad seems to grow by the day.
For those coming from a non-nursing background (whether it is a BTech in biotech/engineering, a BCom, etc.), do not fear. There are a number of Perks of studying abroad .
There are accelerated programs for people changing careers that you might consider as well. These are meant to leverage your current degree and allow you to move into nursing expeditiously, rather than build a new degree in nursing.
If you have decided to change direction after an engineering or commerce degree, studying abroad may be your answer. Studying nursing abroad is not only about getting a nursing degree – it is also about the upgrading of your quality of life. What are the Perks of studying abroad? Better income, new experiences and hopefully good work-life balance
Why study abroad for nursing: Advantages to Your Career
Why study abroad for nursing as an indian student? We’ll explain why. Indian nurses pursuing their studies abroad will also gain access to areas of specialization.
If you wish to engage in more specialized fields such as critical care, pediatrics, or head space or mental health nursing, programs offered in Canada or the UK support studies in obtainable masters or post-graduate diplomas to help you find your niche.
Speaking of immersing in your role and niche, both countries have been exciting nursing job markets. In Canada, nurses can take gigs in hospitals, clinics, or work in remote settings, and it is common to switch settings as needed. The nursing job prospect in the UK is also sound, as the NHS trusts have a high demand for skilled nurses who train abroad.
After completing either program and returning to the work force, you will have the chance to earn an upscale nursing salary over and above what is offered in India. In Canada, some experienced nurses can earn over CAD 70.000, which competes with over £30,000 for nurses in the beginning of their career.
Study abroad courses after BTech/BCom
Now, for those who hold government-recognized BTech or BCom credentials: accelerated nursing programs are truly a ticket to opportunity. Institutions across Canada, such as the University of Toronto’s Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, provide programs such as the 2-year accelerated BScN program where you build on your previous degree.
Individuals with no nursing background but with prerequisites like anatomy or statistics taken as a part of your BTech, will qualify for such programs. For example, McMaster University in Hamilton also offers a fast-track 20 month program in nursing.
In the UK, you can choose to take a 2-year MSc in Nursing, or an accelerated BSc – adults looking to get into nursing can apply with prior degrees and are welcomed into adult nursing programs (examples of universities welcoming students from all over with unrelated degrees includes Cardiff University).
These accelerate program options cut years off your degree and allow you a closer pathway to a nursing license. Professionally, this is a worthwhile pivot: the skills of an engineering mindset (or smarts from having earned a commerce degree), which holds value in any position in the realm of healthcare administration or even nursing positions that integrate technology into practice.
Moreover, exposure to international contexts will enrich your network – become a part of international conferences and collaborate with professionals from around the world to enhance your resume.
Indian nurses who work abroad often find themselves climbing to leadership positions faster than their peers, as our training and proficiency in English is an advantage. In summary, not only will your career progress, you will take off.
Cultural Advantages
Studying abroad is not just about textbooks and scrubs, it’s a cultural experience that will only improve your selfhood and professionalism.
As an Indian nurse, you will arrive in multicultural centers where diversity is the status quo. Canada is very much rooted in inclusivity; you will embrace holistic care and give care and respect to all backgrounds.
You can imagine celebrating Diwali while being classmates with someone from China or Mexico, eye-opening!
The UK is a similar space: vibrant cities like London or Manchester are filled with international culture.
The best aspect of UK education is how that culture uniquely presents itself. You will experience British humor, new food (of course, there is curry, but killer Indian cuisine is also very accessible), local history, and the unpredictable weather. Ultimately, and most tangibly, you will undergo personal growth and become resilient, both culturally and personally. Homesickness is real, and it builds empathy, which is an asset in nursing and in your future work life.
Overall, you will personally grow as well; many Indian students leave with more confidence, adaptability, and worldly knowledge. Access to travel, i.e., weekends in Europe from the UK or road tips through Canada, is another cultural experience you are participating in.
So your entire experience is not just a set of studies, it is a full life lived, with measured life-long friendships and a global and critical outlook on your general place in it. BTech/BCom switchers will adopt this vulnerability and develop their soft skills, more appropriately patterns of communication, in ways engineering or commerce have likely not taught them before.
Financial Considerations
Let’s talk about financial matters, because who doesn’t like money? You may be thinking studying abroad will be very expensive, which may initially be true, but the return on your investment is staggering!
Tuition for nursing in Canada can range from CAD 20,000-40,000/year, and there may be scholarships available for international students that would greatly diminish (if not entirely eliminate) this cost.
In the UK, international students can anticipate paying tuition fees of £15,000-25,000/year, but you could be eligible for NHS bursaries that would waiver tuition costs altogether for eligible programs.
During your studies in Canada, international students are allowed to work part-time and can work up to 20 hours/week, making an average of CAD 15-20/hour of work!
In the UK, international students are also allowed to work part-time while studying, and can work up to 20 hours/week at a wage of £10-15/hour.
After graduation, your economic benefits will begin to flow much faster than before! After working a few years, the average wage for nurses in Canada increases to about CAD 80,000-100,000/year, especially if you include opportunities for overtime and benefits.
After graduating, sitting in the right department and not taking long to develop your skills and gain experience, you can easily enhance your overall compensation to an average of £40,000 or more per year after graduation from a few specialties. In comparison, the average nurse will earn somewhere in the ballpark of ₹3-6 lakhs in India.
Moreover, post-study work visas: Canada’s PGWP allows you to work 1-3 years, and commonly brings PR and citizenship benefits such as risk-free healthcare. The UK’s Graduate Route grants you two years to seek employment.
Regarding accelerated pathways after BTech/BCom, shorter programs lead to less debt because they are only 2 years compared to 4.
You can acquire a loan to cover costs from any Indian bank, and increased salaries abroad will be able to cover them in time. In the long haul, you can manage remittances home, financial savings for your family and even starting your own clinic. You’re not just living, you’re thriving financially.
Country Spotlights: Why study abroad for nursing
Country Spotlights: Why study abroad for nursing
Canada
We love this country and it could be a nurse’s dream! Universities such as Toronto or UBC (University of British Columbia) offer excellence with high-quality programs and advanced facilities, and excellent research opportunities.
Canada sees two year diplomas or even accelerated BSNs for international students. Bonus – easier immigration path – study, work, and stay! Canada is quite multicultural, so you’ll be feeling right at home.
Because of the demand for nurses, jobs are plentiful especially in Ontario or British Columbia! What is the downside? The winters can be cold, but that’s why we have chai!
UK
A world-class education system with a practical focus on clinical placements in NHS hospitals. The UK offers a variety of programs such as BSc Nursing, or even 2-year accelerated Master’s courses in nursing for those who do not have a nursing degree.
Great factors – international reputation, good pay, and a wide variety of specializations. When looking at applying for a visa, the post-study path would be the Skilled Worker. Living in London is exciting, but the cost of living is high (budget well!).
Conclusion
That was a hefty amount of information; however, we hope it has got you excited about studying nursing abroad. As an Indian registered nurse (or BTech/BCom switcher), studying nursing abroad opens the door to amazing career prospects, cultural exposure, big salaries and so much more. Whether it is a welcoming Canada, or prestigious England, the pros outweigh the cons. Yes, paperwork is a pain; yes you will miss homemade food; but the growth is priceless. If you are sitting on the fence of applying , check out universities, and speak to Affiniks consultants .You (and your future self) will be thankful for it.What is holding you back?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I study nursing in Canada?
Studying nursing in Canada offers globally recognized degrees, advanced clinical training, and excellent career opportunities in Canada and abroad.
Is Canada good for international nursing students?
Yes! Canada is one of the best countries for international nursing students due to its world-class universities, affordable education, and high demand for nurses.
What are the job opportunities after studying nursing in Canada?
After graduation, students can work as registered nurses, clinical specialists, or healthcare administrators. Canada also offers work permits and pathways to permanent residency.
Can I study nursing in Canada without IELTS?
Yes, some Canadian colleges accept alternative English tests or offer admission through language pathway programs making it possible to study nursing without IELTS.
