Nursing Scholarships for International Students
Are you looking for Nursing scholarships for international students? Various colleges, universities, private organizations, and professional associations offer financial aid to assist international nursing students in financing their education. Aspiring nurses from around the globe can access scholarships, grants, and even work-study opportunities while pursuing their degrees in the U.S.
Although all international students must hold a student visa to study in the U.S., the process for acceptance into undergraduate or graduate nursing programs is generally similar to that for U.S. citizens. Applicants must formally apply to an accredited program, complete the necessary courses and clinical hours, and pass the appropriate NCLEX to obtain licensure.
This overview highlights some of the many nursing scholarships available for international students.
Slippery Rock University International Student Tuition Waiver
Eligibility: International undergraduate students newly enrolled at Slippery Rock University, including those majoring in nursing, can apply. The scholarship covers the full out-of-state tuition cost and is renewable.
Award Amount: $3,500 + $1,500 for maintaining a “B” average
Nurses Make a Difference Scholarship
Eligibility: Offered by Cascade Healthcare Solutions, this scholarship is for students accepted into or currently enrolled in undergraduate nursing programs at accredited colleges or universities. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and either U.S. residency status or a valid student visa.
Award Amount: $1,000
Geraldine “Polly” Bednash Scholarship
Eligibility: This scholarship is for students admitted or enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program at an institution affiliated with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Applicants must have a 3.2 GPA in their current or most recent educational institution. Two scholarships are awarded four times each year.
Award Amount: $5,000
R&D Systems Scholarship
Eligibility: Open to students globally, this scholarship supports those pursuing associate, undergraduate, or graduate degrees in nursing or related scientific fields. The application includes writing two short essays about nursing as a career and the applicant’s professional goals.
Award Amount: $1,500
University of Illinois at Chicago Laurette Kirstein Scholarship
Eligibility: This scholarship supports international students enrolled full-time in undergraduate or graduate programs at UIC, including nursing. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
Award Amount: $5,000
A Nurse I Am Scholarship
Eligibility: Provided by Cherokee Uniforms, this scholarship is available to students currently enrolled in accredited LVN/LPN, RN degree (ADN or BSN), diploma, or RN-to-BSN programs. Winners also receive a gift package of medical apparel and accessories, and unlicensed students get a one-year membership in the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL).
Award Amount: $3,000
East Tennessee State International Students Academic Merit Scholarship
Eligibility: International students with a strong academic record, equivalent to a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, are eligible to apply if they plan to attend ETSU and hold an F-1 or J-1 student visa.
Award Amount: Up to $12,500 for undergraduates; $5,000 for graduates; $9,000 for doctoral students
Graduate International Nursing Scholarships
Emergency Nurses Association Foundation Non-RN Scholarship
Eligibility: This scholarship is for students working towards an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing. The nursing program must be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA and two recommendation letters.
Award Amount: Varies
Emergency Nursing Foundation/Sigma Theta Tau International Grant
Eligibility: This scholarship is open to graduate students worldwide who are underrepresented and interested in research to advance emergency nursing practices and influence healthcare policy.
Award Amount: $6,000
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Merit Scholarship
Eligibility: This merit-based scholarship is available to both U.S. and international students applying to Johns Hopkins graduate nursing programs. It is awarded based on leadership potential, academic excellence, and community service.
Award Amount: $5,000-$25,000
Deborah E. Trautman Future Nurse Leadership Scholarship
Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited master’s or doctoral nursing program at a school affiliated with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and be members of the AACN Graduate Nursing Student Academy.
Award Amount: $3,500
Advanced Practice Healthcare Scholarship Grant
Eligibility: This renewable grant is for graduate students in advanced practice healthcare programs. Recipients must work full-time in direct patient care at a qualifying California facility for 12 months post-graduation.
Award Amount: $25,000
Oncology Nursing Foundation and the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation Master’s Scholarship
Eligibility: This scholarship supports RNs pursuing master’s degrees in oncology nursing. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing.
Award Amount: $5,000
Epsilon Sigma Alpha Alice/Jeanne Wagner Memorial Endowment
Eligibility: This scholarship is available to U.S. and international students planning to attend undergraduate or graduate nursing programs in the U.S. Applicants must show academic achievement, leadership, and financial need.
Award Amount: $1,300
Association of periOperative Registered Nurses Foundation (AORN) Scholarship
Eligibility: This scholarship is for students pursuing careers in perioperative nursing, including those seeking master’s or doctoral degrees. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Award Amount: Varies
March of Dimes Graduate Nursing Scholarship
Eligibility: This scholarship supports RNs enrolled in graduate programs focused on maternal-child nursing. Applicants must be members of a professional organization related to women’s health, obstetrics, or neonatal care.
Award Amount: $10,000
MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship
Eligibility: Female international or DACA students enrolled in full-time STEM degree programs, including nursing, are eligible for this scholarship.
Award Amount: $1,000-$6,000
The National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration Stephanie Carroll Scholarship
Eligibility: This scholarship supports students planning to specialize in long-term care or geriatrics. Both U.S. and international students in accredited U.S. nursing programs can apply.
Award Amount: $1,000-$5,000
Northern Illinois University School of Nursing
Eligibility: The Northern Illinois School of Nursing offers $130,000 in scholarships annually to undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students. Scholarships are based on academic performance or financial need, with some available to part-time students.
Award Amount: Varies
Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
Eligibility: U.S. citizens without federal judgment liens or debts can receive funding for tuition, eligible fees, and other reasonable costs in exchange for working at a critical shortage facility post-graduation.
Award Amount: Varies
Pursuing a nursing degree in the U.S. is an achievable goal for international students, thanks to the numerous financial assistance options available. By securing scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities, aspiring nurses from around the world can overcome financial barriers and focus on their education. With determination and support, these students can successfully navigate the application process, complete their required courses, and achieve their dream of becoming licensed nurses in the U.S.