COUNTRIES

Top Nursing Colleges in the UK 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Admission Process & Scholarships

JI
Jyoti • 14 Mins read • 6 Feb 26
Nursing Colleges in UKNursing Colleges in UK

Nursing Colleges in the UK are well known for providing high quality education, advanced hospital training and globally recognised nursing degrees. The UK offers a 3 to 4-year BSc Nursing program and a 1 to 2-year MSc Nursing program. The UK major intakes are September, October, January and March. 

The tuition fee is £14950- £32250 per annum and it will cost ₹17.3 -₹37.3 lakh for Indian students. The fee may vary based on the top nursing colleges in the UK.  Nursing in the UK admissions are based on students' last qualification; you must be 10+2 with 60% to 70% marks. An  IELTS and TOEFL score is required to get into UK nursing universities. 

The top nursing colleges in the UK include King’s College London, University of Nottingham and University of Birmingham, which offer admission based on 12th marks. 

Dont Miss:Nursing in UK

Top Nursing Colleges in UK

Here is the list of the top nursing colleges in UK for Indian students.

Top Colleges

QS Ranking 2026

King’s College London

31

The University of Manchester

35

University of Southampton

87

The University of Edinburgh

34

Queen’s University Belfast

199

University of Birmingham

76

University of Glasgow

79

University of Leeds

86

University of Liverpool

147

University of Nottingham

97



Also Check:

Other Nursing Colleges by Country

Nursing Colleges in Hungary

Nursing Colleges in France


List of Government Nursing Colleges in UK

Many top nursing government colleges of UK offer nursing programs with a fee range between ₹17 lakh and ₹38 lakh per year. Here is the list of government nursing colleges for Indian students.  

University

Type

NMC Approved

Annual Fee 

Why Students Choose It

University of Edinburgh

Public

Yes

₹37.5 lakh

Top-ranked university with strong nursing reputation

King’s College London

Public

Yes

₹37.5 lakh

Located in London with excellent NHS hospital exposure

University of Manchester

Public

Yes

₹31.8 lakh

Good placements and strong job opportunities

University of Glasgow

Public

Yes

₹32.6 lakh

Quality education with lower living costs

University of Sheffield

Public

Yes

₹24.4–31.4 lakh

Lower fees compared to top UK universities

University of Nottingham

Public

Yes

₹30.8 lakh

Balanced fees and strong clinical training

University of Liverpool

Public

Yes

₹29.3 lakh

Affordable option with good hospital training

Queen’s University Belfast

Public

Yes

₹22.4 lakh

Low fees and low living cost

Birmingham City University

Public

Yes

₹17.3 lakh

Budget-friendly ₹17 lakh and ₹38 lakh per year only with NHS placements

University of Hertfordshire

Public

Yes

₹19.1 lakh

Close to London with lower tuition fees

Leeds Beckett University

Public

Yes

₹17.2 lakh

Affordable and placement-focused nursing program


List of Private Nursing Colleges in UK

In the UK, public universities offer recognised nursing degrees; there are very few private institutions that offer recognised nursing degrees. These are the top private universities listed below: 

Private Institution

Nursing Program

Flexibility

Intake

Why Students Choose It

BPP University

BSc Nursing (Adult & Mental Health)

High 

January  and September 

Popular for career-focused programs and a private university environment

University of Buckingham

BSc Nursing (Adult)

High, accelerated courses available

Flexible

Popular for faster completion and personalised teaching

Arden University

Health & Social Care (related to nursing)

Very high, online and blended learning

Multiple intakes

Popular among working professionals and international students


Best Nursing Colleges for Indian Students

Many top universities of UK offer bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing for international students. Here are the top universities for Indian students: 

  • King’s College London (KCL)
  • University of Manchester
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Southampton
  • University of Glasgow


Partner Nursing Colleges in UK 

Anglia Ruskin University is one of the featured partner nursing colleges in the UK with a well renowned practice-based nursing education and good NHS clinical placements. The university has BSc Nursing programs with NMC accreditation and Anglia Ruskin University focuses on both practical and academic learning. It is famous among foreign students because of the learning atmosphere, affordable fees and career prospects of its graduates in the UK medical field.


Also Check:

Other BSC Nursing Destinations - Quick Reference Links

Country/Region

Select Your University Link

Canada

BSc Nursing in Canada

Australia

BSc Nursing in Australia


Nursing Programs Offered by Colleges in UK 

The top nursing university of UK offers BSc, MSc and a diploma program.  Learn about the variety of nursing programs provided by top nursing colleges in the UK. 


Bachelor of Science in Nursing

To get admission in BSc Nursing, you must be 10+2 with 70% to 80% score and must have an IELTS and TOEFL score. 

College

Minimum 12th Class Score Required

English Proficiency Test Requirement

King’s College London

73% in Class 12 (CBSE & CISCE only)

IELTS 7.5; TOEFL; Cambridge C1/C2; Trinity ISE; Oxford Test

University of Manchester

80% in Class 12 (CBSE or ISC)

IELTS 7.0

University of Southampton

75% in Class 12 (CBSE, CISCE, or selected State Boards)

IELTS 7.0 or 70% in English (CBSE/ISC)

University of Edinburgh

Overall 80% with 75% in three subjects (CBSE/CISCE)

IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 100 (25 each); Trinity ISE; Oxford ELLT; Cambridge C1/C2

Queen’s University Belfast

70% in Class 12 (CBSE or CISCE)

IELTS 7.0 or 70% in English in Class 12

University of Birmingham

75% (CBSE, ISC, Maharashtra, West Bengal); 80% (other boards)

IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 95; PTE 67

University of Glasgow

75% (ISC/CISCE) or 80% (State Boards)

IELTS 7.0

University of Leeds

75% in Class 12

IELTS 7.0

University of Liverpool

70% in Class 12

IELTS 7.0

University of Nottingham

80% (CBSE, Maharashtra); 70% (West Bengal); 85% (other State Boards)

IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 90; PTE 71


Post-Basic Nursing Programs

UK nursing universities offer a Top-Up nursing program with a 1 to 2-year duration. 

College 

Program Name

Duration

Mode

University of Salford

BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Top-Up)

1 year

Full-time, On-campus

University of Derby

BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Top-Up)

1–2 years

Part-time, Online

University of Sunderland (London campus)

BSc (Hons) Nursing (Top-Up)

Around 1 year

Full-time, On-campus

University of Chester

BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (International Top-Up)

1 year / 2 years

Full-time or Part-time

University College Birmingham (UCB)

Adult / Mental Health Nursing BSc (Hons) Top-Up

12–18 months

Full-time, On-campus

University of Wolverhampton

BSc (Hons) International Nursing Studies (Top-Up)

1 year

Full-time, On-campus

Swansea University

BSc Nursing (Hons) Top-Up

Around 1 year

Full-time, On-campus


Master’s in Nursing Programs

The table given below has the details about MSc nursing in the UK with eligibility criteria and specialisation. 

College

Minimum Qualification Required

English Proficiency Test

Specialization 

King’s College London

60% in a Bachelor’s degree or 7.5 CGPA

IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 92, PTE 62

  • Adult Nursing
  • Mental Health
  • Critical Care
  • Community Nursing

University of Manchester

60% in a Bachelor’s degree

IELTS 7.0

Adult Nursing

University of Southampton

60% in a Bachelor’s degree

IELTS 7.0

Adult Nursing

University of Edinburgh

60% in a Bachelor’s degree or 8.0 CGPA

IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 92, PTE 62

Advanced Nursing Practice

Queen’s University Belfast

Honours degree

IELTS 7.0

Adult Nursing

University of Birmingham

Bachelor’s degree (60%) + 2 years work experience

IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 88

Advanced / Clinical Nursing

University of Glasgow

Honours degree + 1 year work experience

IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 79, PTE 59

Advanced Nursing

University of Leeds

60% in Bachelor’s degree

IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 88, PTE 64

Clinical Nursing

University of Nottingham

60% in Bachelor’s degree

IELTS 7.0

  • Mental Health
  • Child Nursing


Bridging and Accelerated Nursing Programs

Bridging and Accelerated nursing programs are short-duration courses that enable internationally qualified nurses to fulfil UK standards and qualify to be registered by the NMC.

Programme Type

Eligibility

Duration

Course Focus

Outcome

ONP / Bridging Programme

Internationally registered nurses

10–12 weeks 

UK nursing standards, NMC requirements, clinical practice

Eligibility for NMC registration

Accelerated BSc Nursing

Graduates (non-nursing background)

2 years 

Intensive nursing education, clinical placements

Registration as a UK nurse (NMC)

Nursing Top-Up / Specialist Course

Qualified nurses

1 year 

Advanced practice, leadership, specialisation

UK-recognised qualification


How to Choose the Right Nursing College?

If you want to get admission in top nursing colleges in UK, you must consider some factors like fee, admission intake and college location. Check the tables given below for all the important factors you must consider before getting admission in the nursing university. 


Colleges by Tuition Fees

Check the list of UK nursing colleges categorized by their annual tuition fees.

Fee per year

Colleges

Low (£24,000–£26,000)

  • University of Liverpool
  • University of Birmingham
  • University of Sheffield
  • University of Leeds
  • Queen’s University Belfast

Medium (£26,000–£29,000)

  • University of Manchester
  • University of Southampton
  • University of Glasgow
  • University of Edinburgh

High (£30,000–£33,000)

King’s College London (KCL)


Colleges by Intake 

The nursing colleges' admission intakes are different based on the university. Here are the intake month details. 

University

Intake Month 

King’s College London

September (Fall)

University of Edinburgh

September (Fall)

University of Manchester

September (Fall)

University of Southampton

September (Fall)


Colleges by Location / State

Take a look at the table given below, which has the details about the college location and state. 

University

City

State

King’s College London

London

England, UK

The University of Manchester

Manchester

England, UK

University of Southampton

Southampton

England, UK

The University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Scotland, UK

Queen’s University Belfast

Belfast

Northern Ireland, UK


Colleges by Accreditation

Here is the top nursing college and the list of accreditations:

College

Accreditation 

King’s College London

NMC

The University of Manchester

NMC

University of Southampton

NMC

The University of Edinburgh

NMC 


Colleges Accepting Indian Students

These are the top 5 nursing colleges in the UK that accept Indian students:

  • King’s College London
  • The University of Manchester
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Glasgow
  • Queen’s University Belfast


Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students Applying to Nursing Colleges in UK

Indian students will have to complete science in the 12th-grade along with good academic results and have to qualify in English proficiency, such as  IELTS or TOEFL iBT. 


Academic Requirements

These are the academic requirements for Indian students to get admission in nursing colleges in the UK:

  • Class 12th Marksheet
  • English Proficiency Test Score (IELTS / TOEFL / PTE)
  • Resume / CV
  • Letters of Recommendation 
  • Admission Essay 


English Language Requirements (IELTS / OET)

Here is the IELTS and OET score requirement for Indian student: 

Test Module

Minimum IELTS Academic Score

Minimum OET Score

Listening

7.0

B (350 or above)

Reading

7.0

B (350 or above)

Writing

6.5

C+ (300 or above)

Speaking

7.0

B (350 or above)

Overall

7.0

B


Entrance Exams Required

These are the entrance exams required in the UK for nursing programs. 

Exam

Score Requirement

IELTS Academic

7.0 overall 

OET (Nursing)

B (350 or above)

CBT (Computer-Based Test)

Pass (No band score; Part A – Numeracy, Part B – Clinical)


Work Experience 

If you are applying for BSc Nursing, you do not need to have work experience, but for postgraduate work, experience is required. 

Course Level

Work Experience

BSc Nursing

Not required 

MSc Nursing

1–2 years required


Admission Process for Nursing Colleges in UK 

If you are willing to apply for nursing in UK and struggling with the admission process, check the process given below: 

  • Step 1:  Select the Nursing program that you want to study.
  • Step 2: The applicants need to possess 5 or more GCSEs with Grade C/4 or higher, including the compulsory one, which are English, Maths and Science, and 2 to 3 A-levels or similar qualifications.
  • Step 3: You have to fill the application through the UCAS portal
  • Step 4: Submit all the required documents with your application. 

 

Application Timeline for Indian Students

These are the application timelines for Indian students for nursing colleges in UK:

  • September
  • October
  • January
  • March 


Documents Required for Indian Students

These are the important documents Indian students need to submit in Nursing college in UK:

  • 10th and 12th Mark Sheet 
  • BSc degree or Mark Sheets for PG
  • IELTS / OET Scorecard
  • Personal Statement (SOP)
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation
  • Updated CV 
  • Passport 
  • Passport-size Photographs
  • Bank Statement (6–12 months)
  • Application Form
  • Application Fee Receipt


Offer Letter and Acceptance Process

These are the important points about the Nursing college in UK offer letter: 

  • Nursing UK universities offer letters that are conditional or unconditional to students.
  • Indian students have to accept the offer through UCAS or the university portal.
  • Indian students have to make the tuition fee deposit to reserve the seat.
  • Submit all your necessary documents in case conditional.
  • After getting an offer letter, apply for a UK student visa and get a CAS. 


Tuition Fees and Cost of Studying Nursing in UK 

The tuition fee is £14950- £32250 per annum and it will cost ₹17.3 -₹37.3 lakh for Indian students. The nursing college's fee can vary as per the university. Check the table given has the tuition fees and cost of studying based on the university and program. 


Tuition Fees for Bachelor’s in Nursing in the UK

Here is the nursing Bachelor's tuition fee in a UK college.

Colleges

Fees in GBP

Fees in INR

King’s College London

£31,600

₹37 Lakhs

The University of Manchester

£29,500

₹35 Lakhs

The University of Southampton

£30,000

₹36 Lakhs

The University of Edinburgh

£34,800

₹41 Lakhs

Queen’s University Belfast

£20,800

₹25 Lakhs

The University of Birmingham

£28,130

₹33 Lakhs

The University of Glasgow

£31,800

₹38 Lakhs

University of Leeds

£32,250

₹38 Lakhs

University of Liverpool

£27,200

₹32 Lakhs

University of Nottingham

£30,750

₹36 Lakhs


Tuition  Fees for Master's courses in Nursing in the UK

Check the nursing master’s tuition fee in a UK college.

Colleges

Fees in GBP

Fees in INR

King’s College London

£29,472

₹34.5 Lakh

The University of Manchester

£25,000

₹29 Lakh

The University of Southampton

£26,100

₹30.6 Lakh

University of Edinburgh

£28,800

₹33.8 Lakh

Queen’s University Belfast

£26,000

₹30 Lakh

University of Birmingham

£25,000

₹29 Lakh

University of Glasgow

£28,260

₹33 Lakh

University of Leeds

£26,000

₹30 Lakh

University of Liverpool

£26,400

₹31 Lakh

University of Nottingham

£28,600

₹33.5 Lakh


Cost of living in the UK

If you have decided to study abroad, you must know the cost of living in the UK. The cost can be different as per the student's lifestyle and city. 

Expenses Type

In GBP

In INR

Meals

£100–250

₹11,700–29,300

Others

£50–200

₹5,876–23,000

Rent

£400–1,500

₹47,000–1.7 Lakh

Travel

£40–400

₹4,700–47,000

Books

£20–50

₹2,350–5,876


Scholarships Offered by Nursing Colleges

The nursing colleges in UK offer scholarships to Indian students. Check the table given below for the scholarship details. 

Scholarship

Eligibility

Benefits

Florence Nightingale Foundation

Registered nurse

Supports professional development and research

Chevening Scholarship

  • Enrolled in a Master’s in Nursing
  • Relevant work experience
  • Commit to return home for at least 2 years after the degree

Full tuition fees. Living expenses covered

Commonwealth Scholarship

  • Age below 40
  • Minimum 12th pass for undergraduate / graduation for postgraduate
  • Full tuition fees
  •  Living expenses covered
  • Warm clothes allowance
  • Return airfare to home country

International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship

Self-funded international students

25% fee reduction 


College-Specific Scholarships in UK 

The UK offers scholarships to international students and the scholarship is available for both bachelor's and postgraduate studies. 

University

Scholarship Name

Amount (£)

Leeds Beckett University

Postgraduate Scholarship

3,000

University of East Anglia

UEA India Award

4,000 – 5,000

Leeds Beckett University

Undergraduate Scholarship

1,000

University of East Anglia

Actuarial Science Scholarship

6,000

Lancaster University

Global Scholarship for all UG courses

5,000


Merit-Based Scholarships in UK 

These are the merit based scholarships in UK for nursing students: 

  • International Excellence Scholarships
  • Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship
  • Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship
  • Perseverance Trust Undergraduate Scholarship


Also Read: MBBS Scholarship In UK


 Accreditation and Recognition of Nursing Colleges in UK 

These are the NMC approved UK nursing colleges for Indian students. 

University Name

Accreditation

King’s College London (KCL)

NMC-approved

University of Manchester

NMC-approved

University of Edinburgh

NMC-approved

University of Southampton

NMC-approved

University of Birmingham

NMC-approved


National Nursing Councils and Boards

Here are some important bullet points about NMC: 

  • NMC is the only body that approves UK nursing degrees.
  • There are BSc and MSc degrees that are NMC-approved 
  • The UK government recognises that colleges are mandatory for degree validity.


Recognition in India (INC / State Councils)

  • INC verifies UK nursing degrees.
  • State councils register after INC approval.
  • Some states may require extra training or exams.
  • INC approval is needed before state registration.
  • NMC-approved UK degrees alone don’t allow work in India.


Licensing Eligibility After Graduation

  • A NMC approved degree is needed for a UK license.
  • Students must pass CBT with OSCE to get the NMC PIN.
  • INC with State registration required in India.
  • NMC approval helps for licensing abroad (USA, GCC, Australia).
  • Non-NMC courses cannot be used to work as a nurse anywhere.


 Nursing Colleges Accepting Indian Students

These are the top nursing colleges offering high quality education and NMC-approved programs. 

College

International Tuition Fee (GBP/year)

King’s College London

31,600

University of Manchester

29,500

University of Southampton

30,000

University of Edinburgh

34,800

Queen’s University Belfast

25,000

University of Birmingham

28,000

University of Glasgow

30,000

University of Leeds

29,000

University of Liverpool

28,500

University of Nottingham

30,000


 Colleges Without IELTS

If you have a low IELTS score and you are unable to meet the English proficiency eligibility, then you can explore these universities that give admission without IELTS, but the university accepts TOEFL, PTE, as alternative tests that may replace IELTS.

  • University of Bristol
  • University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
  • University of Sunderland
  • University of Northampton
  • University of Greenwich


Colleges with High Acceptance Rate

Here is the list of nursing colleges with a high acceptance rate in UK. 

University Name

Admission Rate

University of East London (UEL)

High

University of Roehampton

High

University of Greenwich

Medium

London Metropolitan University

High

University of South Wales

High

Teesside University

Medium

Glasgow Caledonian University

Medium

Middlesex University London

High

Ulster University

Medium

Birmingham City University

High


Colleges with Clinical Placement Support

  • King’s College London
  • University of Sheffield (Health Sciences/Nursing)
  • Wrexham University (Wales)
  • University of East London (UEL)


Career Outcomes from Nursing Colleges in UK

Some of the nursing college outcomes achieved through the UK career outcomes are registered nurses, nurse specialists, midwives, researchers, and healthcare leaders.


Job Opportunities After Graduation

  • Registered Nurse (Adult)
  • Registered Nurse (Children’s / Paediatric)
  • Mental Health Nurse
  • Learning Disability Nurse
  • Community Nurse / District Nurse
  • Health Visitor

the

Average Salary Outcomes for Nursing Graduates in the UK

Check the table given below about nursing roles after graduation and the average salary in UK.

Role

Average Annual Salary 

Newly Qualified Nurse 

£31,000 – £38,000

Entry-Level Nurse 

£24,000 – £28,000

Senior Nurse / Specialist 

£38,000 – £46,000

Advanced Practice / Senior Nurse

£47,000 – £60,000+

Nurses in London 

+£3,000 – £6,000 supplement


Entrance Exam Preparation Tips for NMC CBT & OSCE

International nurses are required to pass the CBT (theory based MCQs) and OSCE (practical clinical skills) exams of NMC through systematic studies, mocks, materials and an appropriate attitude.

  • You must know the exam pattern to make a study plan. 
  • Focus on weak areas, revise strong topics regularly.
  • NMC question banks, mock tests, OSCE scenario books, peer practice.
  • Timed CBT and OSCE tests; track mistakes, improve speed and accuracy.
  • Sleep well, manage stress, improve your English, use mnemonics, confirm exam logistics.


Apply to Nursing Colleges in UK 

If you want to apply to nursing colleges in UK you must consider some important pointers about the admission. 


Compare Nursing Colleges

Before processing your admission application, you must look at these  pointers:

  • Tuition Fees: Students must choose a college that has affordable fees.
  • Living Costs: You must look at the city expenses as well.
  • Course: Check programs like adult nursing, mental health, pediatric or critical care.
  • Placements: Look for NMC-approved colleges that offer strong hospital training and placement support.


Shortlist Colleges Based on Profile

These are the best nursing colleges for Indian students  who are looking for budget-friendly nursing colleges:

  • Birmingham City University
  • Leeds Beckett University
  • Queen’s University Belfast
  • University of Liverpool


Get Free Counseling for Indian Students

Need help choosing the best Nursing college? Our Expert counseling for Indian students can help you. Connect with our counsellor to select your university!


FAQs 


Ques: What are the top Nursing universities in the UK?

Ans: The top Nursing university in the UK: 

  • University of Manchester
  • University of Southampton
  • University of Edinburgh


Ques: What are the top Nursing universities in India?

Ans: AIIMS, Delhi, PGIMER, Chandigarh and CMC Vellore are the top medical colleges in India that offer high quality education with government approved degrees. 


Ques: What is the tuition fee of Nursing in UK?

Ans: The tuition fee for BSc Nursing is  £14,950 – £32,250 per year and for MSc Nursing fee is £25,000 – £29,472 per year.  


Ques: What is the cost of living in UK for Indian students?

Ans: The cost of living in UK for Indian students is £1,505, but the cost can vary as per the students' lifestyle. 


Ques: What is the average salary package after graduation?

Ans: After completing the degree, newly qualified nurses typically earn around £31,000–38,000 per year, while freshers can get £24,000–28,000.