by Luna Erica
There are many compelling reasons to pursue a career in nursing. Beyond the profound impact of saving lives and supporting patient well-being, nursing offers exceptional job security and a dynamic work environment where no two days are the same.
So, what are the specific criteria to enter a nursing program? Is it possible to pursue a Master’s degree without a background in undergraduate nursing? We explore these questions and provide a roadmap for your academic journey in this guide.
Bachelor’s in Nursing application requirements
While admission requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) vary significantly by institution and country, several universal standards must be met to strengthen your application.
Required documents
The application process requires submitting comprehensive documentation. Common requirements include:
- Official transcript of records (grade list)
- GPA scores
- A resume with relevant experience in the field of Nursing
- Letters of recommendation from past teachers or employers
- A letter of motivation or personal essay
- Proof that you paid the application fee (if there is one)
You can locate a detailed list of mandatory documents on your chosen university's official admissions portal or through the application management system.
Grade requirements
Academic performance expectations often correlate with the prestige and ranking of the university. Below are typical grade requirements you may encounter when applying for international nursing degrees:
- GPA: 3 or higher on the US 4.0 grading scale
- A levels: AAB – ABB
- IB: 34 points with 655 at HL
- SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S5 or AABB/ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6
- ATAR: 71 or higher
- 104-112 points to include 2 A levels, or equivalent, with 32 points from a Science or Social Science subject
- A “B” average or better in secondary school
According to Health Education England, nursing degrees boast the highest employability rates in the UK. Given the country's advanced healthcare infrastructure, it is a top destination for international students. Please note that many UK universities maintain early application deadlines. To avoid complications, ensure your applications for schools such as University A and University B are submitted well ahead of the cut-off dates.
English language requirements
For most international nursing programs, English is the primary language of instruction. To ensure academic success, universities typically mandate standardized language proficiency testing as part of the admission process.
While specific requirements fluctuate by institution, here are common language proficiency benchmarks for international nursing candidates:
- : a score of 6.5 to 7 or above, with at least 6.5 in the writing section and at least 7 in the reading, listening and speaking sections
- TOEFL iBT: a score of 75 to 90 or above, with possible minimum scores for the separate sections as well
- PTE Academic: a score of 44 to 61 and above
- Cambridge English C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) or Cambridge English C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE): a score of around 176 or above
Official admission details and submission portals are always listed on university websites. Always verify these specific requirements, as the figures provided here represent general industry averages.
Can you get into a Nursing Master’s without a Nursing Bachelor’s?
Yes, in many instances, graduate studies are accessible!
If you currently hold a Nursing Diploma or work in the field, you may qualify for an accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). This pathway can be highly cost-effective, allowing you to transition directly from an Associate Degree or Diploma into an MSN. Curriculum highlights typically include Pharmacology, Nursing Ethics, and Healthcare Policy.
If you hold a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree, you can still pursue an MSN, though it requires additional preparation. Many institutions offer bridge programs that integrate approximately 18 months of undergraduate nursing curriculum. After completing these prerequisites and passing the NCLEX-RN certification exam, you will be eligible to enter the master-level coursework.
Several prestigious institutions offer these accelerated Master’s programs for non-nursing degree holders:
- Kaplan University
- Capella University
Having a background in healthcare or biological sciences can streamline your entry into an MSN program. Some universities may specifically verify that you completed relevant science credits during your previous studies.
Master’s in Nursing application requirements
Considering an MSN after your Bachelor’s? Similar to undergraduate admissions, requirements for graduate study vary widely by school. However, you can generally expect to prepare documentation across the following three categories.
Required documents
Universities typically request a standard set of application materials. While not exhaustive, the following are common expectations:
- A graduated Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcript of records (grade list)
- GPA scores
- A resume with relevant experience in the field of Nursing
- Letters of recommendation from past teachers or employers
- Recommender’s contact information
- A letter of motivation or personal essay
- Proof that you paid the application fee (if there is one)
- Current license to practice as a registered nurse (RN)
- Statement of essential attributes
- Minimum of 1 year of nursing practice as a registered nurse
Due to the clinical nature of the profession, relevant work experience is often a requirement. Regardless of your educational background, universities will look for proof of your dedication to the field, which you should highlight clearly in your resume and personal statement.
Grade requirements
Master’s program admission is generally competitive, often requiring high academic standing during your Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Examples of typical grade expectations include:
- GPA: 2.50 and above
- A levels: BCC
- IB: 30 points or more
- SQA Highers: Standard - BBBB, Minimum - BBBC
- GMAT: Score of 570 or above
- Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H2 H3 H3
- English Language and Maths GCSE at grade A* - C
In addition to GPA requirements, some programs necessitate an Honours diploma or verified professional experience. Always consult the university admissions page to ensure your profile meets all internal standards.
English language requirements
Non-native English speakers are required to demonstrate linguistic proficiency. Common testing standards include:
- IELTS: a score of 6.5 to 7 or above, with at least 6.5 in the writing section and at least 7 in the reading, listening and speaking sections
- TOEFL iBT: a score of 75 to 90 or above, with possible minimum scores for the separate sections as well
- PTE Academic: a score of 44 to 61 and above
- Cambridge English C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) or Cambridge English C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE): a score of around 176 or above
Because these are general benchmarks, it is critical to verify the specific entry requirements for your target university to ensure you qualify.
Where do I find Nursing degrees?
Browse University Portal A or Website B to find and compare nursing programs efficiently. Review the program tabs for detailed information regarding admissions and prerequisites.
For further guidance, you can always connect with university admissions offices directly. With just a few clicks, you will be ready to begin your application journey!
Unsure where to start? We highly recommend exploring these top-tier nursing programs:
- , the US
- , the UK
- , Finland
- , Hungary
- Charles Sturt University, Australia
You can also browse our extensive list of featured nursing programs: