Nursing remains a high-demand profession worldwide. The World Health Organization’s 2025 nursing workforce update projected a global shortage of 4.1 million nurses by 2030. If you want a career as a registered nurse (RN), strong education and clinical experience can help prepare you for professional practice. The universities below are top nursing schools to consider.
Top Nursing Schools in the World
1. University of Pennsylvania
Part of the Ivy League, the University of Pennsylvania is currently ranked first in the world for nursing in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. Penn Nursing combines classroom learning with clinical education and offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral pathways.
Undergraduate students can pursue the traditional four-year BSN or the Nursing and Healthcare Management Coordinated Dual Degree, offered with the Wharton School. The coordinated dual degree awards a BSN and a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a concentration in Healthcare Management and Policy. Penn Nursing also offers master’s programs, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, and a PhD in Nursing.
2. King’s College London
King’s College London is ranked second in the world and first in the United Kingdom for nursing in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. Its Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care is directly descended from the Nightingale Training School for Nurses, which was established at St Thomas’ Hospital in 1860. King’s describes the earlier school as the first non-religious institution to provide professional nurse training.
The Faculty organizes its study opportunities into pre-registration education, post-qualification study, and postgraduate research. Its pre-registration courses prepare students for nursing and midwifery practice, while its post-qualification courses support professionals who want to continue their education. Postgraduate research opportunities are available in nursing, midwifery, and palliative care.
3. Johns Hopkins University
The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing offers graduate-level and pre-licensure master’s pathways for students entering nursing and for nurses seeking advanced education.
Its master’s options include the MSN Entry into Nursing, MSN Healthcare Organizational Leadership, and MSN Healthcare Organizational Leadership/MBA. Doctoral options include the DNP Advanced Practice, DNP Post-Master’s, and PhD, along with dual-degree options such as the DNP Post-Master’s/MBA, DNP Post-Master’s/MPH, and DNP Advanced Practice/PhD.
4. University of Washington
Founded in Seattle in 1861, the University of Washington offers undergraduate and graduate nursing programs through its School of Nursing.
The Seattle-campus BSN is a two-year professional program that prepares students for registered nursing careers. The School also offers a 12-month Accelerated BSN for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, an MS in Clinical Informatics and Patient-Centered Technologies, DNP pathways, and a PhD in Nursing Science.
5. University of Manchester
The University of Manchester traces part of its history to Owens College, which became the first constituent part of the Victoria University, England’s first civic university, in 1880. Manchester’s nursing subject is ranked tenth worldwide in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
Manchester offers undergraduate BNurs routes in Adult Nursing, Children’s Nursing, and Mental Health Nursing. Midwifery is offered as a separate degree. The University also offers pre-registration and post-registration postgraduate courses, continuing professional development units, and research degrees. Available study modes, including full-time, part-time, in-person, and distance-learning options, vary by program.
FAQS About Studying Nursing
What Qualifications Are Needed to Become a Nurse?
Requirements for becoming a registered nurse vary by country and jurisdiction. In the United States, common entry routes include a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program, followed by licensure. In the United Kingdom, all nurses must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council after completing an approved nursing education program and meeting the regulator’s requirements. Prospective students should check the rules in the jurisdiction where they plan to practice.
High-quality healthcare helps prevent disease and improve the quality of life of people who are ill. Demand for nurses remains substantial worldwide. A nursing degree from a well-regarded school can help prepare you for professional practice. You can also check out our article on free nursing schools to help in your search for a nursing school that best suits you.
We hope this article on the best nursing schools in the world was informative and insightful. To learn more about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
