Cyclosporin A (CyA), a potent immunosuppressive drug used in allogeneic transplants and autoimmune disease, is a typical water-insoluble drug. Recently, nanoparticle carriers were investigated to improve the intestinal absorption of drugs. In this study, CyA-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were prepared from a hot o/w emulsion using the high pressure homogenization method. The NLCs were consisted of cationic lipids, solid lipids, liquid lipids (oils), surfactant and stabilizer. Encapsulation efficiency of CyA in NLCs was approximately 71%. The average particle size and zeta potential of NLCs were below 250 nm and above +40 mV, respectively. The morphology of NLCs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Compared to the CyA powder, higher in vitro release of CyA from NLCs was observed after burst release within 30 min. Thus, CyA-loaded NLCs could be applied not only for parenteral route but also for gastrointestinal administration, which needs further investigation.