The best UK universities for nursing in 2027 are York St John University, Birmingham Newman University and the University of Edinburgh, according to the Guardian University Guide 2027. International fees for undergraduate nursing range from around £14,000 to £33,500 a year among the top 10. Most nursing degrees take three years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or four years in Scotland, and lead to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
- Top-ranked: York St John University, Birmingham Newman University and the University of Edinburgh (Guardian University Guide 2027).
- International fees: Around £14,000 to £20,000 a year at most of the top 10, and £31,000 to £33,500 at York, Liverpool and Exeter.
- Entry requirements: Typically BBC to BBB at A Level (or IB Diploma 26 to 32 points), an interview and IELTS 6.5 to 7.0.
- Course length: Three years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or four years in Scotland.
- After graduation: Register with the NMC and apply for Band 5 nursing roles.
What Are the Best Universities for Nursing in the UK?
These are the top 10 UK universities in the Guardian University Guide 2027 subject table for general nursing.
Fees are for undergraduate adult nursing and usually rise each year. Looking to study in the capital? Compare the best universities for nursing in London.
Top 10 UK Universities for Nursing 2027
1. York St John University
York St John University tops the Guardian 2027 nursing table, with near-perfect scores for teaching satisfaction and feedback. Alongside adult nursing, it offers mental health nursing and a combined adult and mental health degree.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult).
- Entry requirements: An interview, a criminal record check and a health check.
- International fee: £14,000 for the first year.
2. Birmingham Newman University
Birmingham Newman University is a small university with high satisfaction scores in the Guardian table. Its School of Nursing and Allied Health offers adult and mental health nursing, plus an adult nursing route with a foundation year.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing.
- Entry requirements: 112 UCAS points, GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths, vaccinations and an interview.
- International applicants: Check eligibility and fees with a StudyIn consultant.
3. University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh’s Nursing Studies department has one of the highest entry tariffs in the table and a strong research focus. Its BN (Hons) Nursing Studies is a four-year degree, with placements that extend into the summer.
- Suggested course: BN (Hons) Nursing Studies (four years).
- Entry requirements: Typically AAB at A Level, or IB Diploma 34 to 37 points.
- Application deadline: 13th January 2027 through UCAS.
- International fee: Check with a StudyIn consultant.
4. Oxford Brookes University
Oxford Brookes University combines simulation training with placements in hospital and community settings, and students can focus on a field of practice in their second year. It also offers children’s and mental health nursing.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult).
- Entry requirements: BBC at A Level, or IB Diploma 27 points, plus relevant experience and an interview.
- English: IELTS 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each skill.
- International fee: £19,300 for 2027/28.
5. University of York
The University of York’s Department of Health Sciences offers adult, child and mental health nursing, plus four-year MNurs options. It also lists an international nursing scholarship.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult).
- Entry requirements: BBB at A Level, or IB Diploma 31 points.
- English: IELTS 7.0, with at least 7.0 in each skill.
- International fee: £33,500 for 2027/28.
6. Kingston University
Kingston University offers nursing in all four fields, with students from each field learning together in shared modules and simulation. It’s one of the highest-ranked London universities for nursing.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing.
- Entry requirements: 112 to 128 UCAS points, or IB Diploma 26 to 28 points.
- International fee: £18,800 for 2025/26, rising each year of the course.
7. University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield’s adult nursing degree is a three-year Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSci), taught at its main campus and with high entry standards. A version with a foundation year is also available.
- Suggested course: BMedSci (Hons) Nursing (Adult).
- Entry requirements: BBB at A Level, or IB Diploma 32 points.
- International applicants: Check eligibility and fees with a StudyIn consultant.
8. University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool’s School of Health Sciences scores highly for career outcomes, with 100% of graduates in work or further study after 15 months in the Guardian data. International applicants can apply until 30th June 2027.
- Suggested course: Nursing BN (Hons).
- Entry requirements: BBC at A Level including a science or social science, or IB Diploma 26 points.
- English: IELTS 7.0, with at least 6.5 in writing and 7.0 in reading, listening and speaking (taken in person).
- International fee: £33,000 for 2027/28.
9. University of Exeter
The University of Exeter teaches nursing at its St Luke’s Campus and earns the highest value-added score in the Guardian top 10. Students can also transfer to its MSci Nursing pathway.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing.
- Entry requirements: BBB at A Level, or IB Diploma 30 points with 5, 5, 5 at Higher Level.
- International fee: £31,500 for 2027 entry.
10. University of West London
The University of West London (UWL) offers a wide nursing portfolio at its West London and Reading campuses, and 97% of graduates are in work or further study after 15 months in the Guardian data.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing.
- Entry requirements: 112 UCAS points from Level 3 qualifications.
- English: IELTS 7.0 in speaking, reading and listening, and 6.5 in writing.
- International fee: Check with a StudyIn consultant.
Expert View
“The ranking gap between first and tenth is small, but the fees aren’t. York St John costs well under half of what York charges, and Oxford Brookes and Kingston are around £14,000 a year cheaper than York or Liverpool for the same NMC registration, so weigh total cost and placement locations alongside the ranking.” – Priyanka Baruah, Counsellor, StudyIn.
How Much Does It Cost to Study Nursing in the UK as an International Student?
International fees for undergraduate nursing vary widely. Among the top 10, they range from £14,000 for the first year at York St John to £33,500 a year at York. Fees are usually higher at Russell Group universities and rise each year of the course. On top of tuition, budget for:
- Living costs for your visa: £1,570 a month in London or £1,203 a month elsewhere, for up to nine months (applications from 30th November 2026).
- Visa fees: £558 for the Student visa, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 a year.
- Course extras: Uniforms, occupational health checks, vaccinations, criminal record checks and placement travel.
NHS bursaries, training grants and tuition fee loans are generally only available to home students, so international students usually fund their course through savings, family support, loans or scholarships for international students. See the full cost of studying in the UK.
What Are the Entry Requirements for Nursing in the UK?
Requirements vary by university, but most ask for:
- Academic qualifications: Typically BBC to BBB at A Level, or IB Diploma 26 to 32 points. Edinburgh asks for higher grades.
- GCSEs or equivalent: English, Maths and often a science.
- English language: Usually IELTS 6.5 to 7.0, with high minimum scores in each skill.
- Interview and experience: Most universities interview applicants, and some ask for relevant care experience.
- Checks: A criminal record check (or overseas police certificate), occupational health clearance and vaccinations.
Most universities offer adult nursing, and many also offer children’s, mental health or learning disabilities nursing. Compare the different types of nursing specialisms before you choose a field, and see the English language requirements for UK universities.
How Do You Become a Registered Nurse in the UK?
- Complete an NMC-approved nursing degree: Graduate from an approved adult, children’s, mental health or learning disabilities nursing programme.
- Register with the NMC: Apply to join the Nursing and Midwifery Council register.
- Apply for nursing roles: Newly registered nurses usually start at NHS Agenda for Change Band 5.
After graduating, you can stay in the UK for 18 months on the Graduate Route visa without needing a sponsor. Many nurses then move onto the Health and Care Worker visa, which needs a job offer from an approved employer such as an NHS trust. If you plan to work as a nurse in your home country, check its nursing regulator’s requirements before you choose a course.
Already have a degree? Compare the top UK universities for a master’s in nursing, which can lead to NMC registration in two years.
Study Nursing in the UK With StudyIn
Choosing a nursing course means balancing rankings, fees, placements, fields of nursing and demanding English requirements. StudyIn has over 20 years of experience helping international students study in the UK and across multiple destinations.
Our counsellors help you shortlist nursing courses that match your grades and budget, prepare your application and interview, and support you through financial evidence, your Student visa and pre-departure. Our service is free throughout the process.
FAQs
Which is the best university for nursing in the UK?
York St John University ranks first for nursing in the Guardian University Guide 2027, followed by Birmingham Newman University and the University of Edinburgh.
How long is a nursing degree in the UK?
Most nursing degrees take three years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and four years in Scotland. A master’s route for graduates usually takes two years.
Which is the cheapest university in the UK for nursing?
Among the Guardian top 10, York St John has the lowest published international fee, at £14,000 for the first year, followed by Kingston and Oxford Brookes.
Is IELTS required to study nursing in the UK?
Most international students need to show their English with IELTS or an accepted alternative. Nursing courses usually ask for IELTS 6.5 to 7.0, with high minimum scores in each skill.
Can international students get an NHS bursary for nursing?
Generally no. NHS bursaries, training grants and tuition fee loans are usually only available to home students.
Can I work as a nurse in the UK after graduating?
Yes. Once you’re registered with the NMC, you can work on the Graduate Route for 18 months and then move to a Health and Care Worker visa with a sponsoring employer.
