Top Nursing Schools & Programs

Below are some of the world's top nursing schools and programs. These institutions are recognized not only for their comprehensive academic offerings but also for their commitment to advancing nursing practice, health policy, and patient care on a global scale.

1. Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, United States

Ranked as one of the top nursing schools globally, the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (JHUSON) in Baltimore, Maryland, has built a strong reputation for excellence in nursing education, research, and practice. Johns Hopkins consistently ranks among the top nursing schools in the U.S. and the world, with its graduate programs in nursing repeatedly topping the U.S. News & World Report rankings. JHUSON offers a comprehensive range of programs, including undergraduate nursing, Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Ph.D. programs.

The school's faculty includes leading researchers who are advancing knowledge in a variety of fields, including maternal-child health, geriatric care, cancer nursing, and health policy. The university is known for its commitment to evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and interprofessional collaboration. Through its partnerships with top hospitals and health systems, students at Johns Hopkins gain unparalleled access to clinical placements and real-world experiences, preparing them for leadership roles in healthcare.

2. University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, United States

The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (Penn Nursing), based in Philadelphia, is consistently ranked among the top nursing schools in the world. Penn Nursing is renowned for its innovative approach to nursing education and research. As the first nursing school in the U.S. to offer a Ph.D. in nursing, the institution has a long history of shaping the nursing profession and advancing healthcare. Penn Nursing is also home to one of the largest and most well-funded nursing research programs globally.

The school offers a broad range of programs, including BSN, MSN, DNP, and Ph.D. programs, as well as specialized programs in clinical practice, leadership, and education. Penn Nursing is particularly well-regarded for its work in nursing leadership, public health, and community health nursing. Through its partnerships with the Penn Medicine health system and other clinical affiliates, students at Penn Nursing have access to a wide range of clinical and research opportunities.

3. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Nursing, United States

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Nursing is another leading institution in nursing education. UCSF's nursing programs are ranked among the top nursing schools in the U.S. and globally, particularly in specialties such as family nurse practitioner (FNP), nurse-midwifery, and gerontological nursing. UCSF is renowned for its commitment to improving healthcare through nursing research, patient care, and advocacy.

UCSF offers a variety of advanced practice programs, including the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Ph.D. in Nursing. The school is recognized for its contributions to nursing science, including research in chronic illness, aging, health disparities, and health systems. With its strong focus on innovation and leadership in healthcare, UCSF provides students with the tools needed to become leaders in nursing practice, education, and policy development.

4. King’s College London, United Kingdom

King’s College London’s Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care is one of the oldest and most prestigious nursing schools in the world. The faculty’s nursing programs are consistently ranked among the best in the world, with a focus on research, clinical practice, and professional development. King's College London offers a variety of nursing degrees, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs.

The faculty is known for its interdisciplinary approach to nursing education, collaborating with medical, social work, and public health departments to provide a well-rounded education. King’s College London’s research in nursing has had a profound impact on health policies and practices, especially in the areas of public health, mental health, and palliative care. As part of a world-leading university, the Florence Nightingale Faculty provides students with access to cutting-edge research and clinical opportunities, positioning them for leadership roles in the healthcare sector.

5. University of Sydney, Australia

The University of Sydney is Australia’s leading university for nursing and midwifery studies, offering a range of programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The university’s School of Nursing and Midwifery is known for its commitment to nursing education, practice, and research, making it one of the top nursing schools globally. The school offers undergraduate nursing degrees, Master’s of Advanced Nursing, and Ph.D. programs, with a focus on developing clinical leaders and nurse researchers.

The University of Sydney is renowned for its research in areas such as nursing practice, chronic disease management, indigenous health, and healthcare policy. The school’s emphasis on interprofessional collaboration allows nursing students to engage with other healthcare disciplines, preparing them for collaborative roles in diverse healthcare settings. The university also has strong links with major hospitals and healthcare organizations, providing students with valuable clinical placement opportunities.

6. National University of Singapore (NUS) Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Singapore

The National University of Singapore (NUS) Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies is the leading nursing school in Singapore and one of the top nursing schools in Asia. NUS offers a comprehensive range of nursing programs, including Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Ph.D. in Nursing. The Alice Lee Centre is known for its research in areas such as healthcare delivery, nursing education, and patient safety.

NUS has earned international recognition for its innovative approaches to nursing education and its research contributions to the healthcare system. The school works closely with local and international healthcare institutions to ensure that its programs are aligned with the latest developments in nursing practice and health systems. NUS nursing students have access to cutting-edge clinical facilities, research opportunities, and a diverse healthcare environment, making it an attractive option for those seeking to study nursing in Asia.

7. The University of Toronto, Canada

The University of Toronto’s Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing is the leading nursing school in Canada and consistently ranks among the best in the world. Known for its comprehensive approach to nursing education, research, and practice, the University of Toronto offers a range of programs, including undergraduate nursing, MSN, DNP, and Ph.D. programs.

The faculty is renowned for its research in areas such as aging, mental health, primary healthcare, and nursing education. It also has a reputation for producing leaders in nursing practice, research, and healthcare policy. Students at the University of Toronto benefit from strong connections with the Toronto healthcare system, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers and healthcare professionals in Canada and internationally.

8. University of Melbourne, Australia

The University of Melbourne is one of Australia’s most prestigious universities, and its Melbourne School of Health Sciences offers a world-class nursing program. The university provides a comprehensive nursing curriculum that prepares students for a variety of roles in clinical care, leadership, and research. Melbourne’s nursing programs are renowned for their emphasis on evidence-based practice, healthcare leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The University of Melbourne is particularly well-regarded for its research output, which has a significant impact on nursing practices in Australia and internationally. Research areas include aging, chronic disease management, healthcare systems, and nursing education. The university is also a key player in shaping nursing policies and practices, particularly in the context of Australia’s evolving healthcare needs.