Can International Students Study Nursing in the USA? (2027 Guide)

Every year, thousands of young people around the world dream of studying nursing in the United States. The appeal is clear: world-class training, advanced technology, and a profession with strong demand and high earnings. But can international students actually study nursing in the USA? Yes, they can. Many universities and colleges admit international nursing students on F-1 student visas. However, the path is more competitive, more expensive and more complicated than for US residents, and studying in the US does not automatically lead to the right to work there after graduation.

This 2027 guide explains the programme options, admission requirements, costs, visas, work rights, licensure and the realistic routes to a US nursing career, so you can decide whether studying in the US is the right move or whether another path makes more sense.

The short answer

• International students can study nursing in the USA at schools certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enrol F-1 students.
• Nursing programmes are highly competitive, and some public schools give priority to state residents.
• International students are generally not eligible for US federal financial aid, so you must show you can pay.
• After graduating from an approved programme, you can take the NCLEX-RN and apply for a state licence.
• Working in the US after graduation requires separate work authorisation, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT), and then usually an employer-sponsored visa or green card.

Types of nursing programmes in the USA

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

An ADN usually takes about two to three years at a community college and prepares you to take the NCLEX-RN. It is cheaper than a bachelor’s degree, but:

• Many community college nursing programmes have limited places and long waiting lists.
• Some restrict nursing places to in-district or in-state residents.
• Many US employers, especially large hospitals, increasingly prefer nurses with a BSN.
• Some immigration routes after graduation favour bachelor’s-level qualifications.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

A BSN usually takes four years at a university. Most international students choose this route. The first one to two years usually cover general education and science prerequisites, followed by competitive entry into the upper-division nursing programme at some universities. Other universities offer “direct admission”, where you are admitted to the nursing major from the start, which reduces uncertainty.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another subject, an accelerated BSN can lead to RN eligibility in about 12 to 18 months. These programmes are intense and expensive, and international students should check whether the school issues I-20s for them.

Direct-entry master’s (MSN or MEPN)

Some universities offer master’s-level entry programmes for graduates of other disciplines, leading to RN licensure and a master’s degree.

Graduate programmes for registered nurses

If you are already a nurse in your home country, you might apply for a master’s or doctoral programme. However, many US graduate nursing programmes require a US RN licence before clinical courses, so check carefully. Some nurses pass the NCLEX and obtain a state licence first.

Admission requirements

Requirements vary by school, but international applicants typically need:

• Strong secondary school results, especially in biology, chemistry and mathematics.
• Credential evaluation of foreign transcripts by an approved evaluation service, if required by the school.
• English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test or another accepted test, unless exempt. Nursing programmes often require higher scores than general university admission.
• Prerequisite courses such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, statistics and psychology, often with minimum grades.
• Nursing entrance exams such as the ATI TEAS or HESI A2 at some schools.
• Personal statement and references.
• Proof of finances covering at least the first year of study and living costs, required for the I-20.

Before clinical placements, you will also need immunisations, health checks, background checks, drug screening, CPR certification and health insurance.

The F-1 student visa process

1. Apply and be admitted to an SEVP-certified school.
2. Provide proof of funds; the school issues Form I-20.
3. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
4. Complete the DS-160 visa application and schedule an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
5. Attend the interview with your passport, I-20, financial documents, academic records and evidence of ties to your home country.

Visa interview waiting times vary by country and can be long. US visa policies and screening procedures have been tightened in recent years, so check the latest guidance from the US Department of State and your embassy before planning dates.

How much does it cost?

Costs vary greatly by school and location. As a rough guide:

• Community colleges: international tuition often ranges from about US$8,000 to US$20,000 per year.
• Public universities: international (out-of-state) tuition often ranges from about US$25,000 to US$50,000 per year.
• Private universities: tuition often ranges from about US$40,000 to more than US$65,000 per year.
• Living costs: housing, food, transport and insurance can add US$12,000 to US$25,000 or more per year.
• Nursing-specific costs: uniforms, equipment, clinical fees, simulation fees, background checks and NCLEX preparation.

A four-year BSN can therefore cost well over US$150,000 in total, and sometimes far more. Always check each school’s official cost of attendance for international students.

Scholarships and funding

International students are generally not eligible for US federal grants or loans. Options include:

• University merit scholarships for international students, usually based on academic results.
• Need-based aid at a small number of well-funded universities.
• Home government or employer scholarships in some countries.
• Private loans, which may require a US co-signer.
• Foundations and community organisations that support students from particular countries.

Scholarships for undergraduate nursing specifically are limited for international students, so plan your finances conservatively.

Can you work while studying?

F-1 students have limited work rights:

• On-campus employment: generally up to 20 hours a week during term and full-time during official breaks.
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): work that is an integral part of your programme, authorised by your school.
• Off-campus work: generally not allowed without specific authorisation.

Clinical placements are part of your course, not paid jobs. Nursing programmes are demanding, so even on-campus work can be difficult to balance.

After graduation: licensure and work

Taking the NCLEX-RN

Graduates of approved US nursing programmes apply to a state board of nursing and register for the NCLEX-RN. Some boards require a Social Security Number for licensure; F-1 students with authorised employment may be able to obtain one. Check your board’s rules. Read our guides on what 150 NCLEX questions means and NCLEX retake rules.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Most F-1 graduates can apply for up to 12 months of OPT to work in their field. Nursing is generally not on the list of STEM degrees eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, so most nurses have 12 months. During OPT, you can work as an RN once licensed.

Longer-term work options

• H-1B visa: available for “specialty occupations” that require a bachelor’s degree. Many staff RN roles do not qualify because they accept an associate degree, but some specialised or leadership roles may. The H-1B is subject to an annual lottery for most employers and can involve substantial costs.
• Employer-sponsored green card: registered nursing is on the Department of Labor’s Schedule A shortage list. Employers can sponsor nurses for permanent residence, but waiting times depend on your country of birth and visa availability.
• Other routes: family-based immigration or other categories, depending on your circumstances.

Speak to your university’s international student office and a licensed immigration attorney well before graduation.

Challenges international nursing students face

• Competition for places: nursing is one of the most competitive majors.
• Cost: high tuition with limited aid.
• Clinical placement requirements: background checks, immunisations and documents can take time for international students.
• Cultural adjustment: US healthcare emphasises patient autonomy, direct communication and documentation.
• Language: fast-paced clinical English, abbreviations and slang.
• Uncertain work rights: the transition from student to worker is not guaranteed.

Is it better to study at home and then move?

For many people, studying nursing in their home country and then applying for a US licence as an internationally educated nurse is cheaper and more predictable. This route involves credential evaluation, the NCLEX, English tests and VisaScreen. Our guide on whether a Philippine nursing degree is valid in the USA explains the process in detail, and much of it applies to nurses from other countries.

Comparing the two routes:

• Studying in the US: higher cost, US clinical experience, familiarity with the system, a strong network with US employers, and OPT after graduation.
• Studying at home: lower cost, local experience, but more credential steps and possibly a longer visa wait.

Alternatives to consider

If the cost or uncertainty is too high, other countries also welcome international nursing students, often with clearer post-study work routes, such as Canada, Australia, the UK and Ireland. Compare destinations in our guide to the best countries to work as a nurse.

How to choose a US nursing school

1. Check accreditation: the programme should be approved by the state board of nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
2. Check NCLEX pass rates: state boards publish first-time pass rates by programme.
3. Confirm international admission: make sure the nursing programme admits F-1 students.
4. Ask about direct admission: know whether you are guaranteed a nursing place or must compete after prerequisites.
5. Review clinical partners: strong hospital partnerships improve learning and job prospects.
6. Compare full costs for all years, including summer sessions.
7. Look at support: international student offices, tutoring and mentoring.

A timeline for starting in 2027 or 2028

• 12 to 18 months before: research schools, take English tests, and prepare finances.
• 9 to 12 months before: submit applications, transcripts and evaluations.
• 4 to 8 months before: receive decisions, accept an offer and obtain the I-20.
• 3 to 6 months before: pay the SEVIS fee, apply for your visa and attend the interview.
• 1 to 2 months before: arrange housing, insurance, immunisations and travel.

What studying nursing in the USA is really like

US nursing education combines classroom learning, laboratory practice and supervised clinical experience. A typical BSN student will:

• Attend lectures and seminars in subjects such as pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, adult health, maternal and newborn care, paediatrics, mental health, community health, leadership and research.
• Practise in skills and simulation labs, using mannequins that breathe, bleed and respond to treatment, and taking part in scenarios with actors playing patients.
• Complete clinical rotations in hospitals, clinics and community settings, usually starting in the second half of the programme. Rotations may begin very early in the morning and can require travel.
• Sit regular exams written in a style similar to the NCLEX, with many schools using standardised tests to track readiness.
• Finish with a capstone or preceptorship, working alongside an experienced registered nurse for a full schedule of shifts.

Most programmes have strict progression rules. Failing a nursing course, sometimes with a grade as low as a C-plus, can mean repeating the course or leaving the programme. For F-1 students, falling behind can also affect visa status, so take academic support seriously from the first semester.

Tips for a strong application

• Excel in sciences. High grades in biology, chemistry and mathematics matter more for nursing than for many other majors.
• Score well on English tests. Aim above the minimum; nursing programmes look for strong communication skills because patient safety depends on them.
• Show genuine interest in nursing. Volunteering in a hospital, clinic, care home or community health project gives you real stories for your personal statement.
• Write a personal statement that is yours. Explain why nursing, what experiences shaped you and what you hope to contribute. Admissions staff read thousands of generic essays.
• Get strong references from teachers or supervisors who know you well.
• Apply widely. Include a mix of highly competitive, moderately competitive and realistic options.
• Apply early. International applications take longer to process, and some nursing programmes fill quickly.

Keeping your student status safe

F-1 students must follow rules to maintain their status. In general, you must:

• Enrol full-time each academic term, unless your school authorises a reduced course load.
• Make normal progress towards your degree.
• Work only as authorised.
• Keep your passport, I-20 and visa documents valid and up to date.
• Report changes of address and programme to your school’s designated school official within the required time.

Breaking these rules can lead to loss of status and serious immigration consequences. When in doubt, ask your international student office before acting.

Living in the USA as a nursing student

Life as an international nursing student is demanding but rewarding. Plan for:

• Housing: on-campus housing is often easiest in the first year. Off-campus housing may be cheaper but requires credit checks, deposits and transport.
• Health insurance: most universities require international students to buy the school’s health plan or an equivalent.
• Transport: clinical placements may be far from campus and start early. Public transport is limited in many US towns, so ask how students reach placements.
• Weather: winters can be very cold in many states. Budget for warm clothing.
• Community: international student associations, cultural groups and faith communities can help you feel at home.
• Wellbeing: most universities offer free or low-cost counselling. Use it early if you feel overwhelmed or homesick.

Family conversations to have before you go

Studying nursing abroad is a family decision as much as a personal one. Before committing, talk openly about:

• How the full four-year cost will be paid, including unexpected expenses.
• What happens if a sponsor’s circumstances change midway through the course.
• Whether loans will be needed and how they will be repaid if you cannot work in the US after graduation.
• How often you will be able to travel home.
• Plans if you do not secure a long-term US work visa, such as returning home or moving to another country.

Having these conversations early prevents painful surprises later and helps everyone support your studies with realistic expectations.

Specific questions to ask admissions offices

Before applying, email the admissions office and the nursing department with specific questions. Their answers will tell you a lot about how welcoming the programme is to international students:

1. Does the nursing programme admit F-1 international students, and how many are currently enrolled?
2. Is admission to the nursing major direct, or competitive after prerequisites? What percentage of pre-nursing students are accepted?
3. Do any clinical partners have requirements that international students find difficult, such as a Social Security Number?
4. What scholarships are open to international students, and are any specific to nursing?
5. What is the programme’s first-time NCLEX pass rate for the last three years?
6. What support does the school offer for OPT applications and NCLEX registration?

Keep a simple comparison sheet for each school. Clear, prompt answers are a good sign; vague replies may suggest the programme rarely admits international students.

Transferring credits from your home country

If you have already completed some university study at home, you may be able to transfer credits towards general education or science prerequisites. US universities decide individually which credits they accept, usually after a course-by-course evaluation of your transcript. Nursing courses themselves rarely transfer, because they must meet the programme’s approval and accreditation standards, but subjects such as English, mathematics, chemistry, psychology and sociology often do. Transferring credits can shorten your degree and save tens of thousands of dollars, so request a credit evaluation early, keep detailed course descriptions and syllabi from your home institution, and ask whether science courses must have been taken within a certain number of years. Some nursing programmes only accept anatomy, physiology and microbiology completed recently.

Frequently asked questions

Can international students get into US nursing schools?

Yes, many US universities admit international students to nursing programmes, but admission is competitive and some programmes favour residents.

Is nursing school free for international students in the USA?

No. International students usually pay full tuition and are not eligible for federal aid, although some scholarships exist.

Can I work as a nurse in the USA after studying there?

After passing the NCLEX and obtaining a licence, you can usually work on OPT for up to 12 months. Longer-term work requires a visa such as the H-1B or a green card.

Is an ADN or a BSN better for international students?

A BSN is usually better for long-term career and immigration options, though it costs more.

Do I need the SAT for nursing school?

Many US universities have made standardised tests optional, but some still require or recommend them. Check each school.

But is it worth the money?

It can be, if you have secure funding, strong grades and a clear plan for life after graduation. US nursing salaries are among the highest in the world, and US-trained nurses are attractive to employers. But the cost is high and work rights are not guaranteed. Be honest about your finances, compare alternatives, and choose the path that leads to a nursing career without leaving your family in unmanageable debt.

Related: Is a Philippine nursing degree valid in the USA? · The hardest nursing exams in the world

Sources: US Department of State (student visas), US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Student and Exchange Visitor Program, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (OPT, H-1B), US Department of Labor (Schedule A), National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Check official sources for current rules and costs.