The best universities for nursing in 2026 are Johns Hopkins University (USA), University of Pennsylvania (USA), and King’s College London (UK). Nursing is one of the world’s most in-demand professions, with the WHO projecting a global shortage of 13 million nurses by 2030. According to QS World University Rankings 2026, the USA, UK, and Australia lead globally in nursing education.
What Are the Top Universities for Nursing in 2026?
According to the QS World University Rankings 2026 and Times Higher Education subject rankings, the following institutions represent the world’s leading programs. Rankings are based on academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations, and international faculty and student diversity.
| # | University | Location | Global Ranking | Degrees Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, USA | #1 QS Nursing | BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD |
| 2 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, USA | #2 QS Nursing | BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD |
| 3 | King’s College London | London, UK | #3 QS Nursing | BSc, MSc, PhD |
| 4 | University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, USA | #4 QS Nursing | BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD |
| 5 | University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh, UK | #5 QS Nursing | BN, MSc, PhD |
| 6 | University of Toronto | Toronto, Canada | #6 QS Nursing | BScN, MN, PhD |
| 7 | University of Sydney | Sydney, Australia | #7 QS Nursing | BN, MN, PhD |
| 8 | Duke University | Durham, USA | #8 QS Nursing | BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD |
| 9 | Columbia University | New York, USA | #9 QS Nursing | BS, MS, DNP, PhD |
| 10 | University of Queensland | Brisbane, Australia | #10 QS Nursing | BN, MN, PhD |
| 11 | University of British Columbia | Vancouver, Canada | #11 QS Nursing | BSN, MSN, PhD |
| 12 | University of Amsterdam | Amsterdam, Netherlands | #12 QS Nursing | BSc, MSc |
| 13 | Karolinska Institute | Stockholm, Sweden | #13 QS Nursing | BSc, MSc, PhD |
| 14 | Charité – Universitätsmedizin | Berlin, Germany | #14 QS Nursing | BSc, MSc |
| 15 | University of Melbourne | Melbourne, Australia | #15 QS Nursing | BN, MN, PhD |
| 16 | National University of Singapore | Singapore | #16 QS Nursing | BN, MN, PhD |
| 17 | University of Cape Town | Cape Town, South Africa | #17 QS Nursing | BCur, MCur, PhD |
| 18 | Seoul National University | Seoul, South Korea | #18 QS Nursing | BSN, MSN, PhD |
| 19 | University of São Paulo | São Paulo, Brazil | #19 QS Nursing | BSN, MSN, PhD |
| 20 | Peking Union Medical College | Beijing, China | #20 QS Nursing | BSN, MSN, PhD |
Source: Compiled from QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, Times Higher Education Subject Rankings 2026, and Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). Last updated: February 2026.
What Are the Best Countries to Study Nursing?
The choice of country significantly impacts your education quality, career opportunities, and post-graduation prospects. Here are the top destinations based on program quality, affordability, and career outcomes:
| Country | Why Study Here |
|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | Highest nursing salaries globally ($80,000–$130,000/year RN); NCLEX licensure; 3 million job openings projected |
| 🇬🇧 UK | NHS clinical placements; tuition-fee loans available; NMC registration; competitive salaries post-Brexit |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | Critical shortage of nurses; AHPRA registration; skilled visa pathways; AU$65,000–$95,000/year |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | Nursing shortage across all provinces; NCLEX-RN accepted; pathway to permanent residency |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | Acute nursing shortage; Pflegestärkungsgesetz reforms; €30,000–50,000/year; EU residency rights |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden | Excellent work-life balance; competitive salaries; free tuition for EU students; 18-month post-study work permit |
What Are the Career Prospects for Nursing Graduates?
Registered nurses are among the most in-demand healthcare professionals worldwide. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% job growth through 2032, with over 200,000 new nursing positions annually in the USA alone. Specializations in ICU, oncology, midwifery, and nurse practitioner roles command higher salaries. Advanced Practice Nurses (NPs, CRNAs) earn $120,000–$200,000+/year in the USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best country to study nursing?
The USA offers the highest salaries and most advanced healthcare system. Australia and Canada have critical nursing shortages and clear immigration pathways for international nurses. The UK provides NHS placement experience. Germany and Scandinavia offer work-life balance and affordable tuition.
How long does a nursing degree take?
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) typically takes 4 years in the USA, 3 years in the UK (BN), and 4 years in Australia and Canada. Accelerated programs for graduates with prior degrees can be completed in 12–18 months in the USA.
Can I work as a nurse in another country with a foreign degree?
International nurses typically need to complete a licensing exam in their target country: NCLEX-RN (USA/Canada), NMC registration (UK), AHPRA registration (Australia). Most countries require English proficiency (IELTS 7.0+ or OET Grade B) and document verification.
What are the highest-paying nursing specializations?
The highest-paid nursing roles globally include Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA, USA: $170,000–$220,000/year), Nurse Practitioner ($120,000–$150,000/year), Clinical Nurse Specialist ($90,000–$120,000/year), and ICU/NICU nurses.
Is nursing in demand internationally?
Yes. The WHO projects a global shortage of 13 million nurses by 2030. Countries with the most acute shortages include the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, and many Southeast Asian nations. International nurses with recognized qualifications can find employment across all high-income countries.
Do nursing programs require clinical placement hours?
Yes. Accredited nursing programs require clinical placements. The UK requires 2,300 hours, Australia 800+ hours, the USA varies by state (typically 600–900 clinical hours for BSN). These placements are arranged by the university in hospitals, clinics, and community settings.
Data and rankings on this page are based on the latest available figures from QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education, and subject-specific accreditation bodies. Last verified: February 2026.
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