Top 15+ Nursing Scholarships For International Students
“Explore Nursing Scholarships for International Students: Your gateway to a global nursing career. Get financial support for nursing education!”
International students who dream of pursuing a career in nursing often find themselves faced with the challenge of financing their education abroad. The cost of nursing programs can be substantial, but there is good news for those with a passion for healthcare and a commitment to nursing.
Various colleges, universities, private organizations, and professional associations offer scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities to help international students achieve their nursing aspirations.
Navigating the Path to International Nursing Scholarships
To embark on the journey of securing a nursing scholarship as an international student, it’s essential to understand the process. While the exact requirements may vary depending on the scholarship, there are some common steps:
- Hold a Student Visa: All international students must possess a valid student visa to study in the United States, and this requirement is no different for those pursuing nursing studies.
- Apply to Accredited Programs: The process of gaining admission to undergraduate or graduate nursing programs for international students typically follows the same steps as U.S. citizens. This involves formally applying to an accredited nursing program, completing all required courses, clinical hours, and passing the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) to obtain nursing licensure.
Now, let’s delve into some of the remarkable international nursing scholarships available to support aspiring nurses from around the world.
Nursing Scholarships For International Students
Undergraduate International Nursing Scholarships
1. A Nurse I Am Scholarship
- Sponsor: Cherokee Uniforms
- Eligibility: This scholarship is open to students enrolled in accredited LVN/LPN, RN degree (ADN or BSN), diploma, or RN-to-BSN programs. Unlicensed students receive an American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) Student Membership for one year.
- Amount: $3,000
- APPLY HERE TO SCHOLARSHIP
2. East Tennessee State International Students Academic Merit Scholarship
- Eligibility: 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: Up to $12,500 for undergraduate students; $5,000 for graduate students; $9,000 for doctorate students
- APPLY HERE TO SCHOLARSHIP
3. Emergency Nurses Association Foundation Non-RN Scholarship
- Eligibility: 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 and have a 3.0 GPA.
- Amount: Varies
- APPLY HERE TO SCHOLARSHIP
4. Geraldine “Polly” Bednash Scholarship
- Eligibility: 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
- APPLY HERE TO SCHOLARSHIP
5. Nurses Make a Difference Scholarship
- Eligibility: 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. residency status or a valid student visa.
- Amount: $1,000
- APPLY HERE TO SCHOLARSHIP
6. R&D Systems Scholarship
- Eligibility: Available to students worldwide, this scholarship supports associate, undergraduate, or graduate nursing or science-related degrees. The application requires two short personal statements on nursing as a profession and the applicant’s career goals.
- Amount: $1,500
- APPLY HERE TO SCHOLARSHIP
7. Slippery Rock University International Student Tuition Waiver
- Eligibility: Newly enrolled international undergraduate students in any major, including nursing, may apply for this financial award. The renewable scholarship applies to the cost of full out-of-state tuition.
- Amount: $3,500 + $1,500 for a “B” Average
- APPLY HERE TO SCHOLARSHIP
8. University of Illinois at Chicago Laurette Kirstein Scholarship
- Eligibility: The school awards 8 scholarships to support 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
- APPLY HERE TO SCHOLARSHIP
Graduate International Nursing Scholarships
1. Advanced Practice Healthcare Scholarship Grant
- Eligibility: This award, which is renewable, tackles the shortage of graduate-trained, advanced practice healthcare workers. Recipients must complete a 12-month service commitment at a qualifying facility in California, providing full-time, direct patient care.
- Amount: $25,000
- APPLY HERE TO SCHOLARSHIP
2. Association of periOperative Registered Nurses Foundation (AORN) Scholarship
- Eligibility: The AORN Foundation provides academic scholarships to students pursuing a career in perioperative nursing, including registered nurses pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
- Amount: Varies
- APPLY HERE TO SCHOLARSHIP
3. Deborah E. Trautman Future Nurse Leadership Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students who are presently enrolled in an accredited master’s or doctorate nursing program at a school associated with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) are eligible to apply for this award. Applicants must also be members of the AACN Graduate Nursing Student Academy (free membership).
- Amount: $3,500
- APPLY HERE TO SCHOLARSHIP
4. Emergency Nursing Foundation/Sigma Theta Tau International Grant
- Eligibility: This scholarship, which is open to candidates from all around the globe, assists underrepresented graduate students in doing research that will promote the specialized practice of emergency nursing and help shape healthcare policy in direct patient care.
- Amount: $6,000
- APPLY HERE TO SCHOLARSHIP
These scholarships represent a world of opportunities for international students aspiring to pursue a career in nursing. Whether you’re aiming for an undergraduate or graduate degree, there are scholarships designed to support your educational journey.
More Graduate Nursing Scholarships
5. Epsilon Sigma Alpha Alice/Jeanne Wagner Memorial Endowment
- Eligibility: Students from the United States and other countries who plan to enroll in undergraduate or graduate nursing programs in the United States are eligible to apply. Candidates must show academic ability, leadership and service, as well as financial necessity.
The whole amount is $1,300. - APPLY HERE TO SCHOLARSHIP
6. Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Merit Scholarship
- Eligibility: This recognition scholarship promotes applicants with leadership potential, established academic performance, and a record of community engagement who apply to Johns Hopkins graduate nursing programs, and is open to both foreign and domestic students.
- Amount: $5,000-$25,000
- APPLY HERE TO SCHOLARSHIP
7. March of Dimes Graduate Nursing Scholarship
- Eligibility: These prizes benefit registered nurses who are presently enrolled in graduate programs with a focus on maternal-child nursing. Members of at least one professional organization representing women’s health, obstetrics, or neonatal care are required.
- Amount: $10,000
- APPLY HERE TO SCHOLARSHIP
8. MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship
- Eligibility: This scholarship assists female foreign or DACA students who are presently enrolled or accepted in a full-time STEM degree program, such as nursing.
- Amount: $1,000-$6,000
- APPLY HERE TO SCHOLARSHIP
9. The National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration Stephanie Carroll Scholarship
- Eligibility: This grant is available to undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a career in long-term care or geriatrics. Applicants may be both domestic and foreign students enrolled in an authorized nursing program in the United States.
- Amount: $1,000-$5,000
- APPLY HERE TO SCHOLARSHIP
10. Oncology Nursing Foundation and the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation Master’s Scholarship
- Eligibility: This scholarship funds graduate education for registered nurses interested in cancer nursing. Applicants must be enrolled in a master’s program approved by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing, or plan to enroll in one.
- Amount: $5,000
- APPLY HERE TO SCHOLARSHIP
11. Northern Illinois University School of Nursing
- Eligibility: The Northern Illinois School of Nursing grants $130,000 in scholarships to undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students each year. Academic achievement or financial need are used to choose award recipients. Some are open to part-time students.
- Amount: Varies
- APPLY HERE TO SCHOLARSHIP
12. Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens without federal judgment liens or debts can have tuition, eligible fees, and reasonable costs paid in exchange for working in a critical shortage facility after graduation.
- Amount: Varies
- APPLY HERE TO SCHOLARSHIP
You can also check 20 Fully Funded Scholarships For International Students 2023-2024
Why Is International Nursing Scholarships Important
International Nursing Scholarships are important for several reasons, and their significance extends beyond the individual recipients. Here are some key reasons why International Nursing Scholarships hold importance:
Global Healthcare Workforce Enrichment: Nursing scholarships for international students help enrich the global healthcare workforce. By supporting individuals from various countries in pursuing nursing careers, these scholarships contribute to the diversity of nursing professionals. A diverse nursing workforce can better address the healthcare needs of a multicultural society.
Addressing Nursing Shortages: Nursing shortages are a global concern. International Nursing Scholarships play a vital role in addressing these shortages by encouraging individuals to enter the nursing field. The scholarships can attract talent from countries where there is a particular need for healthcare professionals.
Improving Healthcare Quality: Well-educated and skilled nurses are essential for providing high-quality healthcare services. International nursing scholarships enable students to access quality education and training, which, in turn, contributes to better healthcare outcomes and patient care worldwide.
Enhancing Cross-Cultural Competence: Nursing is a profession that often involves interactions with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Scholarships for international students help foster cross-cultural competence among nursing professionals. This, in turn, leads to improved patient communication, understanding, and care.
Global Health Equity: By offering financial support to international students, nursing scholarships contribute to global health equity. They provide opportunities for individuals who may not have access to quality healthcare education in their home countries. This helps bridge the healthcare education gap on a global scale.
International Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange: Nursing scholarships encourage international collaboration and knowledge exchange. Students who receive these scholarships often return to their home countries with valuable skills and experiences. They may bring back best practices, new techniques, and innovative healthcare approaches, contributing to the development of healthcare systems in their home countries.
Cultural Competence in Nursing Practice: Nursing scholarships emphasize the importance of cultural competence in healthcare. As scholarship recipients study in diverse settings and often work with a variety of patients, they learn to respect and appreciate different cultural perspectives. This enriches the nursing profession and promotes patient-centered care.
Research and Innovation: Many nursing scholarships also support research and innovation in the field. This can lead to advancements in nursing practices, medical technology, and patient care techniques, ultimately benefiting the healthcare industry as a whole.
Community Engagement: Scholarship programs often require recipients to give back to their communities or contribute to underserved populations. This encourages nursing graduates to use their knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on their communities, both locally and globally.
International Nursing Scholarships are important because they promote diversity, address nursing shortages, improve healthcare quality, foster cross-cultural competence, and contribute to global health equity.
They also facilitate international collaboration, knowledge exchange, research, and innovation while encouraging community engagement.
Ultimately, these scholarships play a vital role in ensuring that healthcare systems around the world have access to well-trained and culturally sensitive nursing professionals.
International Nursing Scholarships Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for International Nursing Scholarships may vary depending on the specific scholarship program, sponsoring organization, or institution offering the scholarship. However, some common eligibility criteria often apply.
Here is a list of typical eligibility requirements for international nursing scholarships:
Nationality/Citizenship: Most international nursing scholarships are designed for students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country in which the scholarship is offered. They are intended for international students, so you need to be from a country other than the host country.
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have a strong academic record and meet the minimum GPA requirements specified by the scholarship program. This may vary from one scholarship to another.
Language Proficiency: Many scholarships require international students to demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction. For scholarships in English-speaking countries, this often involves providing scores from standardized language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
Admission to an Accredited Nursing Program: Applicants must typically be admitted to an accredited nursing program, either at the undergraduate or graduate level. This includes fulfilling the admission requirements of the nursing school or institution.
Student Visa Status: Most international nursing scholarships require applicants to have a valid student visa or be eligible to obtain one. You may need to provide proof of your visa status.
Financial Need: Some scholarships are awarded based on financial need. Applicants may be required to submit financial documents or statements to demonstrate their need for financial assistance.
Field of Study and Degree Level: Scholarships may be specific to certain nursing specialties (e.g., perioperative nursing, oncology nursing) or for particular degree levels (e.g., undergraduate, graduate, doctoral). Ensure that you are applying for a scholarship that matches your field of study and degree level.
Letters of Recommendation: Many scholarship applications require letters of recommendation from professors, teachers, or healthcare professionals who can vouch for your character and potential as a nursing student.
Personal Statement or Essay: Scholarship applications often require a personal statement or essay in which you can explain your motivations, career goals, and how the scholarship will help you achieve those goals.
How to Write a Scholarship Thank You Letter: A Comprehensive Guide
Extracurricular Activities and Volunteer Work: Some scholarships take into account your involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, or volunteer work as part of the eligibility criteria.
Specific Demographic or Target Group: Certain scholarships may be designated for specific demographic groups, such as women, minorities, or students from particular regions or countries.
Maintaining Academic Progress: Once awarded a scholarship, recipients are often required to maintain a certain level of academic progress to continue receiving funding. Falling below a specified GPA or not meeting other program requirements may lead to the scholarship being revoked.
Compliance with Scholarship Terms and Conditions: Applicants must be willing to comply with all the terms and conditions set by the scholarship provider, which may include reporting requirements, participation in scholarship-related activities, and more.
It’s crucial to carefully review the eligibility criteria for each specific scholarship program you intend to apply for, as they can vary significantly. Scholarship providers typically outline these criteria on their official websites or application materials. Meeting all the eligibility requirements and preparing a strong application is essential to increase your chances of receiving an international nursing scholarship.
Nursing Scholarships For International Students: Conclusion
Pursuing a career in nursing as an international student may seem challenging, but with the availability of these scholarships, your dream is within reach.
By understanding the eligibility criteria and carefully preparing your application, you can increase your chances of receiving financial assistance to support your nursing education.
Don’t hesitate to explore the world of international nursing scholarships and take the first step toward making a difference in healthcare. Good luck in your nursing journey!
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