To help international nursing students finance their education, colleges and universities, private organizations, and professional associations offer financial assistance. Aspiring nurses who come to the U.S. from all over the world can often find scholarships, grants, and even work study opportunities while earning their degrees.
All international students must hold a student visa to study in the U.S., but their acceptance into undergraduate or graduate nursing programs generally follows the same steps as U.S. citizens. Applicants must formally apply to an accredited program, complete all required courses and clinical hours, and pass the appropriate NCLEX exam to obtain licensure. This overview provides details on just some of the many nursing scholarships available to international students.
Undergraduate International Nursing Scholarships
A Nurse I Am Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Cherokee Uniforms, a major medical apparel company, provides funding for up to five nursing scholarships each year. Candidates must be currently enrolled in an accredited LVN/LPN, RN degree (ADN or BSN), diploma, or RN-to-BSN program.
Amount: $2,500
East Tennessee State International Students Academic Merit Scholarship
Who Can Apply: International nursing students interested in attending ETSU may apply for this award if they can demonstrate a record of academic achievement comparable to a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 U.S. scale. Recipients must have an F-1 or J-1 student visa.
Amount: $12,500
Emergency Nurses Association Foundation Non-RN Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This scholarship supports students pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing. Applicants must attend a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Amount: Varies
Geraldine “Polly” Bednash Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This award is restricted to students admitted or enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program at institutions affiliated with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Applicants must demonstrate a 3.2 GPA in their current or last attended school.
Amount: $5,000
Graceland University International Student Grant
Who Can Apply: This private, liberal arts institution located in Lamoni, Iowa offers several scholarships to international students. Applicants may pursue any undergraduate degree including nursing. Scholarships may be renewed annually.
Amount: Varies
Hurst Review Services Nursing Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This scholarship recognizes the outstanding academic performance of international and U.S. nursing students. Applicants must attend a prelicensure program at a school affiliated with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
Amount: $2,500
Nurses Make a Difference Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Cascade Healthcare Solutions awards this scholarship to students enrolled in or admitted to undergraduate nursing programs at accredited colleges and universities. Candidates must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA and hold U.S. resident status or a valid student visa.
Amount: $1,000
R&D Systems Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This scholarship, available to students worldwide, supports associate, undergraduate, or graduate nursing or science-related degrees. The application requires two short personal statements on nursing as a profession and career goals.
Amount: $1,500
Slippery Rock University International Student Tuition Waiver
Who Can Apply: Newly-enrolled international undergraduate students in any major including nursing may apply for this financial award. The amount of this renewable scholarship applies to the cost of full out-of-state tuition.
Amount: $3,500
University of Illinois at Chicago Laurette Kirstein Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This award provides support for international students enrolled at UIC pursuing a full-time undergraduate or graduate degree in any field of study including nursing. Students must hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5.
Amount: $5,000
Graduate International Nursing Scholarships
Advanced Practice Healthcare Scholarship Grant
Who Can Apply: This renewable grant addresses the need for graduate-trained advanced practice healthcare professionals. Recipients must fulfill a 12-month service obligation practicing full-time, direct patient care at a qualified facility in California.
Amount: $25,000
Association of periOperative Registered Nurses Foundation (AORN) Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The AORN Foundation awards scholarships to students pursuing a career in perioperative nursing, including RNs seeking a master’s degree or doctorate. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Amount: Varies
Deborah E. Troutman Future Nurse Leadership Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Students may apply for this scholarship if they are currently enrolled in an accredited master’s or doctoral nursing program at a school affiliated with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Applicants must also hold membership in the AACN Graduate Nursing Student Academy.
Amount: $3,500
Emergency Nursing Foundation/Sigma Theta Tau International Grant
Who Can Apply: Open to applicants worldwide, this award supports graduate students interested in conducting research that will advance the specialized practice of emergency nursing and help shape healthcare policy in direct patient care.
Amount: $6,000
Epsilon Sigma Alpha Alice/Jeanne Wagner Memorial Endowment
Who Can Apply: U.S. and international students who plan to attend undergraduate or graduate nursing programs in the United States may apply. Candidates must demonstrate scholastic ability, leadership and service, and financial need.
Amount: $2,575
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Merit Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Open to international and U.S. students who apply to Johns Hopkins graduate nursing programs, this merit award supports candidates with leadership potential, demonstrated academic achievement, and a record of community service.
Amount: $5,000-$25,000
March of Dimes Graduate Nursing Scholarship
Who Can Apply: These awards support RNs currently enrolled in graduate programs with an emphasis on maternal-child nursing. Applicants must be members of at least one professional organization that represents women’s health, obstetrics, or neonatal care.
Amount: $5,000
MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This program provides support for female international or DACA students currently enrolled or accepted in a full-time STEM degree program, including nursing.
Amount: $500-$3,000
The National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration Stephanie Carroll Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This scholarship provides funding for undergraduate or graduate students who plan to specialize in long term care or geriatrics. U.S. and international applicants enrolled in an accredited U.S. nursing program may apply.
Amount: $1,000-$5,000
Oncology Nursing Foundation and the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation Master’s Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This award supports graduate training for RNs interested in oncology nursing. Applicants must currently attend or plan to enroll in a master’s program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing.
Amount: $5,000