Nursing is a beautiful profession. You help people heal. You save lives. And in the USA, nurses are respected and well-paid. But if you are an international student, studying nursing in America can feel confusing. Where do you start? Which universities accept international students? How much does it cost?
This guide answers all those questions. We use simple English and short paragraphs. You will learn the Top 10 universities for healthcare & nursing in USA for international students. You will also find out about 2 year nursing programs in USA for international students, cheapest nursing schools in USA for international students, and even free 2 year nursing programs in USA for international students.
Let us begin your journey to becoming a nurse in America.
Why Study Nursing in the USA?
The USA has a shortage of nurses. Hospitals are always hiring. After graduation, you can get a work visa and stay in America. Salaries for registered nurses start around $60,000 to $80,000 per year. With experience, you can earn over $100,000.
American nursing degrees are respected everywhere. If you return to your home country, you will find good jobs easily.
But there is one challenge. Nursing programs for international students can be expensive. And admission requirements are strict. That is why this guide focuses on affordable options and scholarships.
Requirements to Study Nursing in USA for International Students
Before we look at universities, let us understand the Requirements to study nursing in USA for international students. You need to prepare these things:
1. High School Diploma – You need good grades in biology, chemistry, and math.
2. English Language Test – TOEFL (minimum 80–90) or IELTS (minimum 6.5–7.0). Some schools accept Duolingo.
3. Prerequisite Courses – Many nursing programs require you to complete anatomy, physiology, and microbiology before applying. Some schools offer these courses in the first year.
4. Immunization Records – You need proof of vaccines (hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, etc.). This is very important for nursing.
5. Background Check – Most nursing programs require a criminal background check. Some offenses can disqualify you.
6. Student Visa (F-1) – After admission, you apply for a US student visa. You must show proof of funds for tuition and living costs.
Each university has different requirements. Always check the official website of the school you want to apply to.
Top 10 Universities for Healthcare & Nursing in USA for International Students
Here are the best nursing schools that welcome international students. These universities offer bachelor’s, master’s, and even 2 year nursing programs in USA for international students (accelerated programs for students who already have a degree).
1. Johns Hopkins University (Maryland)
Johns Hopkins is the #1 nursing school in the USA. It is famous for research and clinical training. International students are welcome. They offer scholarships based on merit.
Annual Fees (approx.): $55,000
Scholarships Available: Yes, partial to full merit scholarships.
2. University of Pennsylvania (Penn Nursing)
Penn Nursing is Ivy League. It is one of the Best nursing schools in USA for international students. Graduates work at top hospitals like Massachusetts General and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Annual Fees (approx.): $60,000
Scholarships Available: Yes, limited.
3. University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA is a public university with a strong nursing program. International students can apply to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). UCLA is very competitive but more affordable than private schools.
Annual Fees (out-of-state, approx.): $48,000
Scholarships Available: Few, but external scholarships exist.
4. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Michigan’s nursing school is top-ranked. They offer a traditional BSN and an accelerated second-degree BSN (2 years). International students are accepted.
Annual Fees (out-of-state, approx.): $55,000
Scholarships Available: Limited for international students.
5. New York University (NYU) Rory Meyers College of Nursing
NYU is in the heart of New York City. Their nursing program is very international-friendly. They offer an accelerated 15-month program for students who already have a bachelor’s degree.
Annual Fees (approx.): $58,000
Scholarships Available: Yes, merit-based.
6. University of Washington (Seattle)
UW has a top nursing school. Seattle is a great city for healthcare jobs. They offer a BSN and an accelerated BSN. International students are welcome.
Annual Fees (out-of-state, approx.): $52,000
Scholarships Available: Few, but ask the international student office.
7. University of Texas at Austin
UT Austin offers a BSN program that accepts international students. Texas has a low cost of living compared to New York or California. This makes UT Austin one of the Cheapest nursing schools in USA for international students among top universities.
Annual Fees (out-of-state, approx.): $42,000
Scholarships Available: Limited, but tuition is lower overall.
8. Ohio State University
Ohio State has a strong nursing program. They offer a traditional BSN and an accelerated BSN. Columbus is an affordable city. International students find it easier to manage living costs here.
Annual Fees (out-of-state, approx.): $40,000
Scholarships Available: Yes, some international scholarships.
9. University of Florida
UF is a public university with low tuition. It is one of the Cheapest nursing schools in USA for international students on this list. Their nursing program is highly respected in the southern United States.
Annual Fees (out-of-state, approx.): $35,000
Scholarships Available: Very limited.
10. Arizona State University (ASU)
ASU is known for innovation. They accept many international students. Their nursing program is good, and tuition is reasonable. Phoenix has many hospitals where you can work after graduation.
Annual Fees (out-of-state, approx.): $33,000
Scholarships Available: Yes, ASU offers some international merit scholarships.
2 Year Nursing Programs in USA for International Students
Not everyone wants to study for four years. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field (like biology or psychology), you can do an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) . This is a 2 year nursing programs in USA for international students (sometimes even 12-18 months).
Here are universities offering 2-year ABSN programs for international students:
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Johns Hopkins University – 12-month ABSN
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University of Pennsylvania – 12-month ABSN
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New York University (NYU) – 15-month ABSN
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University of Washington – 12-month ABSN
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Northeastern University – 16-month ABSN (Boston campus)
These programs are intense. You study year-round. But you finish faster and start working sooner.
Important: You need to have completed prerequisite courses (anatomy, physiology, microbiology, nutrition) before applying. Some universities let you take these prerequisites at a community college to save money.
2 Year Nursing Programs in USA for International Students Fees
The 2 year nursing programs in USA for international students fees vary widely. Here is a rough estimate:
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Private universities (Johns Hopkins, UPenn, NYU): $60,000–$80,000 total for the program
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Public universities (out-of-state): $40,000–$60,000 total for the program
These fees do not include living costs, health insurance, books, or uniforms. You should budget an additional $15,000–$20,000 per year for living expenses.
Cheapest Nursing Schools in USA for International Students
If cost is your biggest concern, here are the Cheapest nursing schools in USA for international students among accredited programs:
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University of Florida – $35,000 per year (out-of-state)
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Arizona State University – $33,000 per year
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University of Texas at Arlington – $30,000 per year (estimate)
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California State University system (Fresno, Long Beach, etc.) – $20,000–$25,000 per year
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Florida International University (FIU) – $28,000 per year
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University of North Carolina – Greensboro – $25,000 per year
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Texas State University – $27,000 per year
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University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee – $30,000 per year
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University of Missouri – Kansas City – $30,000 per year
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Wichita State University (Kansas) – $22,000 per year
These are public universities. They are more affordable than private schools. But remember: cheaper does not mean bad. Many of these schools have excellent nursing programs.
Free 2 Year Nursing Programs in USA for International Students
The honest truth: Free 2 year nursing programs in USA for international students are extremely rare. Free programs usually exist only for US citizens or permanent residents. They are funded by government grants or the military.
However, there are ways to get close to free:
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Full scholarships: Some private universities offer full scholarships to a few outstanding international students. Johns Hopkins and UPenn have such scholarships. They are very competitive.
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External scholarships: Organizations like the Peace Corps (if you are a US resident), some religious groups, or your home country’s government may sponsor you.
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Work-study: On-campus jobs can help cover living costs, but rarely tuition.
Do not trust anyone who promises you a completely free nursing program in the USA as an international student. It is almost never true. Instead, look for low tuition and partial scholarships.
Nursing Schools in USA for International Students with Scholarship
Some universities specifically offer scholarships to international nursing students. Here are Nursing schools in USA for international students with scholarship options:
1. Johns Hopkins University – Offers merit-based scholarships. Some cover 50-100% of tuition.
2. University of Pennsylvania – Offers the Penn Nursing International Scholarship. Very competitive.
3. New York University (NYU) – Offers the NYU Nursing Global Scholarship.
4. University of Michigan – Limited international scholarships; ask the nursing school directly.
5. Arizona State University – ASU offers the New American University Scholarship for international students.
How to find scholarships:
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Visit the university’s financial aid website
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Search for “international student scholarship” + university name
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Apply early (deadlines are often months before the start date)
Nursing Schools in USA for International Students (Complete List)
Here are more Nursing schools in USA for international students that are good but less famous:
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University of Alabama – Birmingham (UAB)
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University of Illinois – Chicago
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University of Colorado – Denver
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University of Utah
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University of Kentucky
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University of South Carolina
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University of Iowa
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University of Kansas
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San Diego State University
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University of Hawaii – Manoa (good for Asian students)
These schools have strong nursing programs and accept international students. Many have lower tuition than top 10 schools.
Best Nursing Schools in USA for International Students (Overall Ranking)
If you want a simple list of the Best nursing schools in USA for international students, here it is:
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Johns Hopkins University
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University of Pennsylvania
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University of Michigan
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New York University (NYU)
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University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA)
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University of Washington
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University of Texas at Austin
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Ohio State University
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University of Florida
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Arizona State University
This list balances quality, international student support, and cost.
Admission Tips for International Nursing Students
Follow these steps to get into any nursing school in the USA.
Step 1: Prepare Your Transcripts
Get your high school or university transcripts translated into English. Some schools require a course-by-course evaluation from services like WES (World Education Services).
Step 2: Take the English Test Early
TOEFL or IELTS scores take 2-3 weeks to arrive. Take the test at least 4 months before the application deadline.
Step 3: Complete Prerequisites
Many nursing programs require specific science courses. If you have not taken them, find a local community college or online course that is accepted by your target university.
Step 4: Write a Strong Personal Statement
Explain why you want to be a nurse. Share a personal story. For example, “I watched my grandmother recover because of a kind nurse. That inspired me.”
Step 5: Apply to Multiple Schools
Apply to 2-3 affordable public schools, 2-3 scholarship-offering private schools, and 1-2 reach schools. This gives you options.
Step 6: Show Financial Proof
For your F-1 visa, you must show bank statements proving you can pay tuition and living costs for at least one year.
Cost of Living for Nursing Students
Tuition is only part of the cost. You also need money for:
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Housing: $600–$1,500 per month depending on the city
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Food: $300–$500 per month
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Health insurance: $1,000–$3,000 per year (mandatory for most universities)
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Books and supplies: $500–$1,000 per year
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Nursing uniforms and equipment: $200–$500
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Transportation: $50–$200 per month
Total living costs: $15,000–$25,000 per year.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Nursing Students
Here are real places to find scholarships:
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The university itself – Always check first. Many top schools have international scholarships.
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The Fountainhead – Offers scholarships for international students in healthcare.
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AAUW International Fellowships – For women (including nursing students).
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Your home country’s government – Some countries sponsor students to study abroad.
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Private foundations – Search for “nursing scholarship international students” online.
Never pay anyone to find scholarships for you. Legitimate scholarships are free to apply.
After Graduation: Working in the USA
After completing your nursing degree, you can work in the USA. Here is the path:
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Apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) – As an international student, you get 12 months of work permission after graduation. STEM-designated nursing programs may give 24-36 months.
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Pass the NCLEX-RN exam – This is the national nursing licensing exam. You must pass it to work as a registered nurse.
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Find an employer – Many hospitals sponsor work visas (H-1B or green cards) for nurses because there is a shortage.
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Get a work visa – Your employer helps you apply. Nurses are on the “Schedule A” shortage list, which makes the process faster.
Conclusion
Becoming a nurse in the USA as an international student is hard but possible. The Top 10 universities for healthcare & nursing in USA for international students like Johns Hopkins and UPenn are expensive but offer scholarships. The Cheapest nursing schools in USA for international students like University of Florida and Arizona State University are more affordable.
If you want a faster path, look at 2 year nursing programs in USA for international students (accelerated BSN). Understand the 2 year nursing programs in USA for international students fees before applying. And remember, Free 2 year nursing programs in USA for international students are almost impossible to find. Instead, focus on Nursing schools in USA for international students with scholarship.
Meet all the Requirements to study nursing in USA for international students (English tests, prerequisites, background check). Apply to multiple schools. And never give up. America needs more nurses. You could be one of them.
Good luck with your nursing journey in 2026.
Bonus: 5 Quick Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I work as a nurse in the USA after graduating?
Yes. You need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and get a work visa. Many hospitals sponsor international nurses.
Q2: Is it hard for international students to get into nursing school?
Yes, nursing programs are competitive. But if you have good grades and meet all requirements, you have a chance.
Q3: Do I need to know medical English?
Yes. The TOEFL or IELTS is not enough. You need to understand medical terms. Some schools offer a “pre-nursing” year to help.
Q4: Can I bring my family while I study nursing?
Yes, with an F-1 visa, your spouse and children can come on F-2 visas. But they cannot work. You need to show extra funds.
Q5: Which US city is best for international nursing students?
Boston (many hospitals), New York (diverse patients), Houston (low cost of living, Texas Medical Center), and Seattle (good quality of life).