The USA offers world-class nursing programs—from accelerated BSNs and direct‑entry MSNs to DNPs and PhDs—but tuition, fees, clinical supplies, and living costs can be daunting. Many scholarships you’ll find online are for US citizens or permanent residents only, and it’s hard to tell which awards truly accept international applicants. The result: wasted time and missed deadlines.
This guide fixes that. We’ve mapped the nursing scholarships in the USA for international students you can actually apply for, plus university-based awards, global fellowships that fund study at US schools, and home‑country sponsors that stack with school merit. You’ll get eligibility tips, document checklists, a 12–18 month timeline, and proven strategies to build a fully funded package—whether you’re aiming for BSN, MSN, NP, DNP, or PhD in nursing.
Note: Award criteria change. Always verify details on official pages before applying.
How to Use This Guide
- Shortlist fast: Start with the “At‑a‑Glance” table of major scholarships open to international students.
- Deep dive: Review university‑specific awards and external/global fellowships.
- Plan your year: Follow the 12–18 month application timeline.
- Maximize funding: Use the stacking strategy (school merit + external + home‑country sponsor + limited loans/work).
Top Nursing Scholarships in the USA for International Students (At‑a‑Glance, 2025)
These programs have a track record of supporting non‑US citizens studying in the US. Always confirm current terms.
| Scholarship/Program | Level | Coverage (typical) | Key Eligibility | Deadline Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | MSN, DNP, PhD (and related public health) | Tuition, monthly stipend, health (ASPE), travel | Non‑US citizens; country‑managed selection | Country‑specific (Feb–Oct) |
| AAUW International Fellowships (Women) | Graduate (MSN/DNP/PhD) | Up to significant tuition + stipend (varies yearly) | Women who are not US citizens/PRs; full‑time study | Aug–Nov |
| P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (Women) | Graduate | Up to US$12,500 (varies) for tuition/living | Non‑US/Canadian women; not full tuition; stackable | Sept–Dec |
| Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) | Graduate | ~US$15,000 (varies) | Women from select developing countries; US/Canada campuses | Fall/Winter |
| Rotary Global Grants | Graduate (MSN/DNP/MPH) | Up to US$30,000+ for tuition/living/travel | Study must align with Rotary “Disease Prevention and Treatment” area; club sponsorship | Rolling; plan 8–12 months |
| Sigma Theta Tau (STTI) Foundation | Graduate/Doctoral; research | Multiple awards, US$1,000–US$10,000+ | Sigma membership + enrolled in nursing; intl students often eligible | Various cycles |
| AfterCollege/AACN Scholarships | BSN/MSN/DNP | US$2,500 quarterly | Enrolled at an AACN member school; citizenship not always required | Quarterly |
| Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Scholarships | MSN/DNP/PhD | Partial to full tuition (merit/need, varies) | Open to internationals; competitive | With admissions cycle |
| Duke, Penn, Columbia, Emory, Michigan, UW Nursing | BSN/MSN/DNP/PhD | Named merit awards; amounts vary | International eligibility varies by school | With admissions cycle |
| MPOWER, Prodigy (funding; occasional themed scholarships) | Any | Tuition loans + periodic scholarships | No cosigner funding; scholarships by theme (women/STEM) | Rolling |
Programs frequently restricted to US citizens/permanent residents (for awareness; not intl‑eligible): HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship, National Health Service Corps (NHSC), VA/National Institutes of Health grants tied to citizenship, and many state loan repayment programs.
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| Nursing Scholarships in the USA for International Students |
Fully Funded or Near-Full Paths (How International Students Make It Work)
- Full tuition merit at a top US nursing school + external stipend (AAUW/P.E.O./Rotary/MMEG) → “effectively fully funded.”
- Fulbright Foreign Student → tuition + stipend + insurance + travel (country‑specific caps); many nursing/public health tracks qualify.
- Home‑country sponsor (LPDP Indonesia; CONAHCYT/FUNED Mexico; COLFUTURO Colombia; OAS‑Rowe Fund for the Americas; national bank/health ministry awards) + US school merit → full package.
- University assistantships (more common in PhD/Research Master’s) + school scholarships → tuition waiver + living stipend.
Tip: Build a stack. Don’t wait for a single “full ride”—combine two or three sources early.
University Scholarships You Should Target (Nursing Schools with Strong Aid)
Most US nursing schools offer merit (and sometimes need‑based) scholarships open to international students. Amounts and names change—verify each year.
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing (JHSON)
- Programs: MSN (Entry into Nursing), DNP (NP tracks, Executive), PhD
- Funding: Significant merit awards; competitive full/near‑full packages occasionally awarded; research assistantships for PhDs
- Bonus: Global health focus aligns well with AAUW/MMEG/Rotary
University of Pennsylvania (Penn Nursing)
- Programs: MSN (specialties), DNP, PhD
- Funding: Dean’s and named scholarships for master’s; robust doctoral funding (often tuition + stipend for PhD)
Columbia University School of Nursing
- Programs: MDE (Master’s Direct Entry), DNP, PhD
- Funding: Institutional scholarships for high‑achieving internationals; doctoral packages are stronger
Duke University School of Nursing
- Programs: ABSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
- Funding: Merit scholarships for ABSN/MSN/DNP; doctoral funding; special funds for global health
Emory University (Nell Hodgson Woodruff)
- Programs: ABSN/MSN/DNP/PhD
- Funding: Merit awards (Woodruff Scholars), research assistantships at doctoral level
University of Michigan, University of Washington, Case Western Reserve, Yale, NYU Rory Meyers, UCSF
- Programs: Wide range across BSN/MSN/DNP/PhD
- Funding: Merit/need mix for master’s; strong doctoral funding; international eligibility common
Checklist when reviewing school awards:
- Are international applicants explicitly eligible?
- Are scholarships automatic with admission or separate applications?
- Typical award size by program (ABSN vs MSN vs DNP vs PhD)?
- Deadlines (often earlier for scholarship priority)
- Can school awards stack with external funders?
Call to action:
- Shortlist 6–8 nursing schools and pull their current scholarship pages before drafting essays
Global & External Scholarships (Open to International Nursing Students)
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Best for: MSN/MPH/DNP/PhD with a community impact plan
- Tip: Align your proposal with your country’s healthcare priorities (maternal health, infectious disease, NCDs, primary care, health systems)
AAUW International Fellowships (Women)
- Best for: Master’s and doctoral nursing candidates with leadership potential
- Tip: Show a clear plan to advance women’s/children’s or community health upon return
P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (Women)
- Best for: Bridging a funding gap; stackable with school awards
- Tip: Demonstrate financial need and community leadership
MMEG (Margaret McNamara Education Grants)
- Best for: Women from developing countries with a record of service
- Tip: Evidence of measurable impact in health/nursing education wins points
Rotary Global Grants
- Best for: Graduate nursing focused on “Disease Prevention and Treatment,” maternal/child health, water/sanitation, or basic education
- Tip: Approach a Rotary club early (8–12 months); craft a measurable project with outcomes
Sigma Theta Tau (STTI) Foundation for Nursing
- Best for: Graduate/doctoral students; research/thesis funding; members from any country
- Tip: Become a Sigma member via your school’s chapter; apply for research grants and small scholarships
AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship
- Best for: BSN/MSN/DNP students at AACN member schools
- Tip: Apply quarterly; emphasize clinical excellence and leadership
NurseJournal, Minority Nurse, and IEFA listed awards
- Best for: Finding niche scholarships; many are open internationally or have flexible eligibility
- Tip: Filter by “international” and verify residency restrictions before applying
Note on “US‑citizen only” programs: HRSA Nurse Corps, NHSC, and many federal/state scholarships and loan‑repayment programs require US citizenship/PR. Use them for awareness but don’t spend time applying if you don’t meet the residency requirement.
Home‑Country Funding That Works in the USA (Stack This)
- Indonesia: LPDP—covers tuition + stipend; health fields, including nursing leadership and policy, are strong fits
- Mexico: FUNED/CONAHCYT (now CONAHCYT) for graduate study; often stackable with school merit
- Colombia: COLFUTURO loan‑scholarship (for returning graduates)
- Saudi Arabia/Kazakhstan/Peru/Chile and others: Ministry/agency scholarships—check health priority lists
- OAS‑Rowe Fund (Americas): Low‑interest loans for study in the USA (stack with grants)
Strategy: Secure a school merit award first, then add your home‑country sponsor to reach full coverage.
Eligibility & Selection: What Nursing Scholarship Committees Want
- Academic excellence
- Strong GPA; rigorous science/quant readiness for ABSN/MSN; research methods for PhD/DNP
- Clinical and community impact
- Bedside achievements, quality improvement projects, outreach, public health initiatives—quantified (e.g., reduced CLABSI by 30%; vaccinated 12,000 community members)
- Leadership and service
- Charge nurse roles, preceptor, student nurse association, Sigma membership, volunteer missions
- Fit to mission
- Women’s empowerment (AAUW/P.E.O./MMEG), global health (Fulbright/Rotary), nursing research/education (Sigma)
- Clear career plan
- Specific 3–5 year goals (NP specialty, educator, research scientist, policy advocate) with measurable outcomes
- English proficiency & credentials
- IELTS/TOEFL where required; transcript evaluations (NACES) if needed; for clinical programs, readiness for US placements
Documents Checklist (What to Gather Early)
- Academic: Transcripts, degree certificates, credential evaluation (if required)
- Test scores: IELTS/TOEFL (and GRE if the program asks)
- Nursing credentials: RN license (if applicable), clinical hours summary, certifications (BLS/ACLS/PALS), résumé/CV
- Essays: Purpose statement (nursing focus), scholarship essays (leadership/impact), research proposal (for PhD)
- Recommendations: 2–3 letters (clinical supervisor, faculty, PI); prompt them with your impact metrics
- Financial: Bank statements (for I‑20), sponsor letters (home‑country funders), scholarship confirmations
- Passport & visas: Bio page; any prior US visa history if asked
- Proof of service: Volunteer letters, project reports, media links
CTA:
- Download a nursing scholarship CV + statement template (Google Docs)
12–18 Month Timeline (BSN/MSN/DNP/PhD)
18–15 months
- Shortlist 6–8 schools + 4–6 external scholarships
- Book IELTS/TOEFL (and GRE if required); begin credential evaluation
- Draft a metrics‑driven nursing CV and statement
15–12 months
- Submit school applications by scholarship priority deadlines (often earlier than regular)
- Launch external applications: AAUW, P.E.O., MMEG, Rotary, Fulbright (country timeline)
- Contact potential PhD supervisors; secure interest letters for research alignment
12–9 months
- Interview prep (STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result) with clinical cases and quality improvement outcomes
- Apply for home‑country funding; request institutional scholarship reconsideration if you receive competing offers
9–6 months
- Confirm awards, stack funding; request official letters for I‑20
- Arrange housing, student health insurance, and immunizations (US clinical requirements)
6–0 months
- Complete visa process; schedule titers, TB tests, CPR recertification
- Pre‑arrival onboarding: background checks, drug screens, clinical compliance modules
CTA:
- Get the 12‑month scholarship timeline & checklist (Google Sheet)
Craft Winning Essays: The “Nurse Impact + Fit” Framework
Use a 5‑part outline:
- Clinical catalyst
- A patient or system problem you faced (e.g., sepsis bundle delays, maternal mortality, vaccine uptake). Include data.
- Actions & outcomes
- What you did: protocols, simulations, audits, QI cycles; quantify results (reduced falls by 28%, improved pain reassessment compliance from 63%→92%)
- Why this degree now
- MSN specialty (e.g., FNP/AGACNP/CNM), DNP practice change, PhD research question (methods, populations)
- Why this school/scholarship
- Specific faculty, labs, clinical partnerships, health system collaborations—and how they amplify your impact
- Return & ripple effect
- 3–5 year plan with measurable milestones (e.g., implement early warning scores in regional hospitals; publish RCT on telehealth triage; train 100 rural nurses in neonatal resuscitation)
Tips:
- Replace adjectives with numbers.
- Keep paragraphs tight and skimmable.
- Mirror the funder’s mission (women’s empowerment, global health, nursing science).
Build a Fully Funded Package (Stacking Strategy)
- Anchor: School merit (partial to full tuition)
- Add: External stipend (AAUW/P.E.O./MMEG/Rotary/Sigma grants)
- Layer: Home‑country sponsor (LPDP, COLFUTURO, FUNED/CONAHCYT, OAS loans)
- Fill small gaps: Graduate assistantship (research/teaching) for MSN/PhD; limited on‑campus employment (F‑1 rules)
- Last resort: International student loans (MPOWER/Prodigy) without cosigner or private loans with cosigner
Always ask schools in writing how external awards affect your institutional scholarship (stacking/co‑funding rules).
Budget & Visa Planning (Don’t Miss These)
Typical annual costs (illustrative; vary by city/school):
- Tuition & fees: BSN/ABSN US$35,000–$70,000; MSN $35,000–$80,000; DNP $40,000–$90,000; PhD often funded
- Living: $18,000–$30,000 (city‑dependent)
- Health insurance: $2,000–$5,000
- Books/supplies (stethoscope, scrubs, lab fees): $1,000–$2,500
- Immunizations/background checks/drug screens: $300–$800
Visa (F‑1/J‑1):
- I‑20/DS‑2019 requires proof of funds (scholarship letters reduce cash needed)
- CPT/OPT: Many MSN/DNP programs offer CPT‑eligible practicums; post‑graduation OPT up to 12 months (STEM extension may apply for some nursing informatics programs—confirm with school)
Clinical compliance:
- Immunizations (MMR, Hep B, Varicella), TB test, Tdap, Flu, COVID (per site), BLS/ACLS/PALS (program‑dependent), background checks, drug screening
Special Tracks & Notes
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
- Intense 12–16 months; limited assistantships; smaller scholarships—apply early to school merit + AfterCollege/AACN + Rotary if eligible
Direct‑Entry MSN (for non‑nursing bachelor’s)
- Competitive; strong school scholarships; align your essays with population health impact
Nurse Practitioner (MSN/DNP: FNP, AGACNP, PNP, PMHNP, CNM, CRNA)
- CRNA programs often require US RN licensure and critical care experience; funding is competitive—check citizenship/licensure rules carefully
- NP specialties: Show clinical outcomes and health equity goals
PhD in Nursing
- Often fully funded (tuition + stipend + health insurance) for admitted candidates
- Emphasize research fit and supervisor match; secure mentorship letters
Common Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)
- Applying to US‑citizen‑only awards (HRSA Nurse Corps, NHSC) as an international applicant—always check eligibility first
- Missing early scholarship deadlines (often earlier than program deadlines)
- Generic essays without metrics or nursing‑specific impact
- Ignoring stacking rules; losing school aid when external funds arrive—ask in writing
- Underestimating clinical compliance costs/timelines
- Not aligning degree choice with career plan (e.g., DNP vs PhD vs MSN)
FAQs: Nursing Scholarships in the USA for International Students (Schema‑Friendly)
Q1: Are there fully funded nursing scholarships in the USA for international students?
A1: Yes—often by stacking. Combine a large university merit award with an external stipend (AAUW/P.E.O./MMEG/Rotary) or a home‑country sponsor (LPDP, COLFUTURO, FUNED/CONAHCYT). Fulbright can fully fund many graduate nursing programs. PhD in Nursing is frequently fully funded (tuition + stipend).Q2: Which US nursing scholarships accept international applicants?
A2: Fulbright, AAUW International Fellowships (women), P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (women), MMEG (select nationalities), Rotary Global Grants, Sigma Theta Tau awards, AfterCollege/AACN (often citizenship‑flexible), and many university merit scholarships (e.g., Johns Hopkins, Duke, Columbia, Penn). Always verify each program’s eligibility.Q3: Are HRSA’s Nurse Corps or NHSC scholarships open to international students?
A3: Typically no. They usually require US citizenship or permanent residency. International students should focus on school merit awards, global scholarships (AAUW, P.E.O., MMEG, Rotary), Fulbright, Sigma, and home‑country sponsors.Q4: Can international students get scholarships for BSN/ABSN programs?
A4: Yes—primarily through university awards and external funds like AfterCollege/AACN and Rotary (for community health focus). ABSN programs are intensive; apply early for school merit and budget for clinical supplies.Q5: What about MSN/DNP Nurse Practitioner scholarships?
A5: Many schools award significant merit to MSN/DNP students, and external scholarships (AAUW, Rotary, Sigma) can support NP studies. Check licensure and clinical placement rules for international students; CRNA programs often have stricter prerequisites.Q6: Is a PhD in Nursing funded for international students?
A6: Often yes. Many US nursing PhD programs provide tuition waivers and stipends for admitted students, regardless of citizenship. Emphasize research fit, publications, and supervisor alignment.Q7: What documents do I need for scholarships?
A7: Transcripts, credential evaluation (if required), English test scores, nursing résumé/CV, license/certifications (if applicable), 2–3 recommendations, essays with quantified clinical impact, financial docs for I‑20, and proof of external funding if stacking.Q8: Can I work while studying on an F‑1 visa?
A8: Yes—up to 20 hours/week on campus during terms (full‑time in breaks). CPT allows certain clinical practicums; OPT offers up to 12 months post‑graduation work authorization. Confirm with your DSO and program.Your Roadmap to a Funded Nursing Degree in the USA
Nursing scholarships in the USA for international students are real—and winnable—when you target the right mix of school merit, global fellowships (AAUW, P.E.O., MMEG, Rotary), Fulbright, and home‑country sponsors. Start early, quantify your clinical impact, tailor essays to each funder’s mission, and confirm stacking rules in writing. For graduate research, leverage funded PhD routes; for MSN/DNP, pair school awards with external stipends; for BSN/ABSN, lean on university merit and AACN/Rotary‑style support.