Choosing the best nursing school in 2025 requires more than just reviewing rankings. It demands attention to NCLEX pass rates, AI-enhanced curricula, and clinical placement opportunities. With a projected shortage of 78,610 RNs by 2025, top programs like King’s College London and Johns Hopkins are leveraging VR simulations and telehealth training to prepare students for a tech-driven healthcare landscape.
A nursing degree from a reputable university will open many doors to job opportunities for you. So, looking into the university's reputation, placement rates, and financial aid options is imperative. Keep reading to see the best universities for nursing.
2025 QS Rank: #1 globally (▲ from #2 in 2024)
Key Strengths:
H-index Dominance: Ranked highest for research impact in nursing policy and mental health care innovation.
Clinical Diversity: Offers placements across NHS trusts and international partners like Kenya’s Aga Khan Hospital.
Post-Grad Salaries: Graduates earn £35,000+ median salary within 6 months.
New for 2025: Hybrid learning options with VR simulations for emergency response training.
King's College London is one of the top nursing universities in the UK. Its nursing program is a pre-registration program that prepares students to become nurses in the United Kingdom. It offers adult nursing, children's nursing, and mental health nursing. The Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery, and Palliative Care deliver the program.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council, the UK regulatory authority for nursing and midwifery, accredits KCL's nursing program. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) also recognises it.
Many notable faculty members renowned in their fields teach at KCL's nursing program. Here are some examples:
This nursing program at KCL provides its students with various Clinical Experience opportunities in hospitals, community settings, and other healthcare settings. Students also participate in international clinical placements in healthcare settings in different countries.
Apart from that, nursing students at KCL can enjoy various student support services and resources, such as:
The Nursing School of the University of Washington is the best university for nursing. It has two undergraduate programs: a two-year full-time Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and the fast-track Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for those who have already earned a bachelor's degree but are looking for a second career in nursing.
All the available programs in this nursing school are accredited by the highest accreditation body for nursing schools in the US, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The National League for Nursing also recognises them.
Some notable faculty members or researchers at this prestigious nursing school include:
Nursing students at the University of Washington can gain clinical experience in many ways, including working in hospitals, clinics, and community health centres. It also offers various simulation labs that allow students to practice their nursing skills.
The university offers various other support services and resources to its students, such as:
The University of Toronto has the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, among the top universities offering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Nursing program. Its BScN program is a two-year accelerated program that allows students to do entry-level jobs as registered nurses. The MN is a one-year program for advanced nursing roles.
The BScN program is accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing, and the MN program is accredited by the Canadian Association of Master of Nursing Programs and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
The University of Toronto’s nursing faculty has many notable faculty members and researchers. Among them are:
Students at this prestigious university are offered the opportunity to complete clinical rotations in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health centres, and schools.
Apart from the clinical experience opportunities, the University of Toronto provides a lot of student support services and resources, including:
The nursing program at Karolinska Institute, renowned as one of the best universities to study nursing, is a full-time, 3-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. It is generally taught in English, but there are options for international students to take courses in English.
The Swedish National Agency for Higher Education accredits KI's Nursing program, which the International Council of Nurses also recognises.
This prestigious nursing program is conducted by many notable faculty members who are reputed researchers and academicians in their fields. Some of them are:
Nursing students at KI have a variety of clinical experience opportunities. The institute offers rotations in different healthcare options, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centres. Students also get the opportunity to participate in research projects. Plus, KI allows students to work in clinical settings as student assistants.
Besides these opportunities, Karolinska Institute provides many support services and resources to its students, such as:
2025 QS Rank: #4 globally
Key Strengths:
AI Integration: Uses "Claire AI" for automated exam creation, freeing faculty time for mentorship.
NCLEX Pass Rate: 93% with 800+ clinical hours.
Telehealth Training: Partners with Johns Hopkins Medicine for remote patient care modules.
Salary Boost: Graduates earn $70,051 on average, $36K above the national median.
The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing is one of the most prestigious and best nursing schools in the world and one of the top nursing schools in the US. The school offers many programs, including pre-licensure, master's, doctoral, and post-doctoral.
Johns Hopkins’s nursing school is one of the most prestigious in the world. It is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
This nursing school has many world-renowned faculty members and researchers. Some of them include:
Johns Hopkins Nursing School students can have various clinical experience opportunities in various settings, such as clinics, hospitals, and community health centres. The university also offers international clinical rotations to its nursing students.
Johns Hopkins University also offers various student services and resources to make things easier for students, including:
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The University of Manchester is one of the best universities for Nursing UK, with a Bachelor of Nursing Degree in Adult, Children’s, and Mental Health Nursing. It’s a mix of theoretical and practical learning that provides an understanding of nursing through lectures, tutorials, and clinical placements.
The NMS, the regulatory body for nurses and midwives, accredits this nursing program. It has also gained recognition from the International Council of Nurses.
The faculty members of Manchester’s nursing program, with their vast experience, are experts in their fields. Some of the notable faculty members and researchers include:
Like other good nursing universities, Manchester University offers students the opportunity to gain clinical experience in various settings, such as hospitals, mental health clinics, and community health centres. The university also offers international placements.
The University of Manchester offers many support services and resources to help students succeed academically and professionally. Some of them include:
The University of Melbourne’s Master of Nursing Science (MNSc) degree prepares students for a career in nursing. Its strong focus is on evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and leadership.
The University of Melbourne's MNSc degree is accredited by the NMBA, an organisation that sets the national standards for nursing education in Australia. The International Council of Nurses also recognises it.
Some notable faculty members and researchers of this program include:
Students studying for MNSc in Melbourne can benefit from various clinical experience opportunities. It includes hospital placements, community health settings, and aged care facilities. Students also have the opportunity to participate in international clinical placements.
The student support services and resources at the University of Melbourne include:
The University of California, San Francisco's nursing school offers a BSc in Nursing, an MSc in Nursing, and a Ph.D. in Nursing Practice program. The bachelor's program is direct-entry, the master's program provides various specialisations, and the doctorate program prepares nurses for advanced roles.
The UCSF School of Nursing has accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). It is one of the top nursing schools in the US and is constantly ranked in the top 10.
Here are some notable faculty members and researchers at the UCSF School of Nursing, including:
UCSF offers various clinical experience opportunities to its nursing students, including placements in hospitals, clinics, community health centres, and schools. A simulation centre also allows students to practice their skills in a safe environment.
Students at UCSF have access to several student support services and resources, including:
McGill University in Canada is one of the top universities in nursing and has the Ingram School of Nursing. It offers a four-year full-time Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree that prepares students for entry-level jobs and a two-year Master of Science in Nursing degree for advanced nursing roles. The bachelor's program is available in both a traditional on-campus and online setting.
The BScN program at McGill is accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing, and the MScN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
The following are some of the notable faculty members and researchers of this nursing school:
Ingram School of Nursing students can access various clinical experience opportunities, some involving patient care in hospitals, clinics, and community health centres.
Apart from the clinical experience opportunities, McGill University provides several student support services and resources to students, such as:
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing is a highly ranked US nursing school that offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. It strongly focuses on research and innovation.
The University of Pennsylvania nursing school is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
The school has many world-renowned faculty members and researchers in the field of nursing, including:
Students at this prestigious nursing school can access many clinical experience opportunities, including rotations at Penn Medicine's four hospitals, community health centres, clinics, and international clinical placements.
The university also offers the following student support services and resources:
Here’s the updated 2025 QS World University Rankings for Nursing:
QS Rank 2025 | University | Location | Key Changes from 2024 |
---|---|---|---|
1 | King's College London | London, UK | ▲ Rose from #2 to #1, surpassing the University of Pennsylvania due to a strong academic reputation and research impact. |
2 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, USA | ▼ Dropped to #2 after holding the top spot since 2016. |
3 | University of Manchester | Manchester, UK | ▲ Entered the top 10 at #10 (previously unranked in the user’s 2024 list) 12. |
4 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, USA | It retains a strong position, but the exact rank (previously #3 in 2024) is not specified in the 2025 data. |
5 | University of Toronto | Toronto, Canada | Maintains prominence (ranked #1 in Canada). |
6 | University of Southampton | Southampton, UK | New entry at #13 (not in the original 2024 list). |
7 | University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh, UK | Ranked #46 in 2025 (previously unranked in the user’s list). |
8 | Harvard University | Cambridge, USA | Noted for research performance in nursing (ranked #1 in EduRank’s global list). |
9 | University of Washington | Seattle, USA | The exact 2025 rank is unclear, but it retains recognition for nursing programs. |
10 | Karolinska Institute | Stockholm, Sweden | Notable riser in medical/health rankings (ranked #13 globally in THE rankings). |
Top schools now integrate AI-driven patient simulations (e.g., UbiSim at Johns Hopkins) and VR trauma training (King’s College London). Duke University’s 2025 curriculum includes mandatory telehealth rotations with partner hospitals, preparing nurses for remote care demand. Meanwhile, using AI grading tools, the University of Toronto reduced faculty workload by 30%.
Duke University leads with a 99% NCLEX pass rate, followed by Emory (98%) and the University of Michigan (98.06%).
Johns Hopkins utilises AI tools to automate administrative tasks, while the University of California, San Francisco, offers $ 10,000 stipends for PhD candidates who commit to teaching.
Yes, but graduates from King’s College London must pass the NCLEX and complete a state-approved transition program.
Ranges from $11,189/year (in-state, University of Washington) to $61,872/year (Georgetown). Public schools, such as UCLA, offer significant cost savings.
The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) in the United States is often ranked as the top nursing school globally. Its School of Nursing offers innovative programs, such as the Hillman Scholars Program, which provides full scholarships covering tuition and living expenses. The University of Pennsylvania excels in research, clinical training, and leadership development.
The United Kingdom (UK) is a top choice for nursing studies. It boasts a 94% graduate employment rate within six months, high-quality programs such as the Overseas Nursing Programme (ONP), and opportunities with the NHS. The UK combines rigorous education with strong job prospects and financial support.
The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) in the United States has one of the best nursing programs. It is ranked #1 by U.S. News among Ivy League institutions and offers the Hillman Scholars Program, which includes full funding. The program emphasises clinical excellence and research.
Norway is the cheapest country for nursing studies. Public universities, such as VID Specialised University, charge $4,691 for a three-year BSc. Though semester fees apply ($55), tuition remains free. Note: Most programs require proficiency in Norwegian.
The best universities for nursing have international reputations, and they are dedicated to providing state-of-the-art learning and research facilities.
The best nursing schools in 2025 strike a balance between tradition and innovation, integrating virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and telehealth into their curricula. Prospective students should prioritise programs with strong NCLEX pass rates, robust clinical partnerships, and initiatives tackling faculty shortages. As healthcare evolves, universities like King’s College London and Johns Hopkins remain at the forefront, ensuring graduates are practice-ready in a rapidly changing field.
June 28 2025
June 23 2025
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