Part of our Nursing Scholarships by Level series. Last checked: 25 October 2026.
Funding for a first nursing qualification (a BSN, diploma, ADN or other pre-registration programme) is harder to find than postgraduate funding. Most big international scholarships are for master’s degrees. But good options exist, and several have deadlines in the next few weeks.
Deadlines coming up
| Scholarship | Who it’s for | Value | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mastercard Foundation Scholars, University of Cape Town | Young Africans admitted to UCT | Full: tuition, accommodation, living costs, laptop, flights | 31 October 2026 |
| Certiphi–AACN Scholarship | US pre-licensure BSN students at AACN member schools | 3 × $5,000 | Early November 2026 (check portal) |
| FNSNA Undergraduate Scholarships | US nursing students (ADN, BSN, LPN-RN, RN-BSN) | $1,000–$10,000 | 11 January 2027 |
| NURSE Corps Scholarship | US students in LPN, ADN, BSN or NP programmes | Full tuition + monthly stipend | Usually spring (2026 cycle closed 9 April) |
| NHS Learning Support Fund | Pre-registration nursing students in England | £5,000+ a year (not repayable) | Apply each year after you start |
For African students
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
This is the largest fully funded undergraduate scholarship open to Africans. It is offered through partner universities in Africa and abroad. At the University of Cape Town, it covers tuition, on-campus accommodation, living expenses, medical aid, a laptop, a study visa and annual travel, plus leadership and career training. The 2027 deadline is 31 October 2026.
- You must first apply for admission to a UCT programme, then submit the separate scholarship application. Only applicants with an admission offer are considered.
- Selection looks at academic performance, leadership and commitment to your community.
- Check that your chosen nursing or health sciences programme is open to international students. Other partner universities run their own cycles, so check each one’s Mastercard Foundation page.
Government and state bursaries at home
For nursing students in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and elsewhere, the most realistic undergraduate support is often local: state government bursaries, local government scholarships, hospital-sponsored training with a work bond, church and community foundations, and alumni funds at your school. These are rarely advertised widely. Ask your school’s student affairs office, and follow your state’s scholarship board.
For US students
- FNSNA (Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association). Awards range from $1,000 to $10,000, with over $500,000 given each year. One application is matched to every fund you qualify for. Open to ADN, BSN, diploma, accelerated BSN, LPN-to-RN and RN-to-BSN students taking at least 6 credits, and graduating after 1 July 2027. You don’t need to be an NSNA member. Deadline: 11 January 2027.
- Certiphi–AACN Scholarship. Three $5,000 awards for pre-licensure BSN or direct-entry students at AACN member schools, with a GPA of 3.2+ and a 500-word essay. The window opens 1 September. Sources list both 1 and 3 November, so go by the AACN portal.
- AfterCollege–AACN Scholarship. Recurring awards for nursing students at AACN member schools, judged on academics, goals and need.
- NURSE Corps Scholarship (HRSA). Pays full tuition, required fees, a monthly stipend and money for books and uniforms. In return, you work at least two years full-time at a Critical Shortage Facility. All payments are taxable. Open to US citizens, nationals and permanent residents. The 2026 cycle closed on 9 April. The President’s FY2027 budget proposes cutting most Title VIII nursing workforce programmes, so watch for the next cycle.
For UK students
Nursing students at universities in England can claim the NHS Learning Support Fund. It is non-repayable money on top of any student loan:
- Training Grant: £5,000 a year.
- Specialist Subject Payment: an extra £1,000 for some courses, such as mental health and learning disability nursing.
- Parental Support: £2,000 a year if you have a child under 15 (or under 17 with special educational needs).
- Travel and dual accommodation expenses for placements, plus an Exceptional Support Fund for hardship.
You must be eligible for Student Finance support. Nurses training in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own bursary systems.
How to win an undergraduate nursing scholarship
- Apply for admission early. Most full scholarships only consider applicants who already have an offer.
- Tell a specific story. Why nursing, what you have already done (volunteering, caring for a relative, community health work) and what you will do afterwards.
- Ask referees early and give them your draft essay.
- Apply to many smaller awards. Five $1,000 scholarships are easier to win than one full ride.
- Never pay to apply. Real scholarships do not charge application or “processing” fees.
Next level up: Master’s scholarships for nurses and PhD and DNP funding.
Sources: University of Cape Town / Opportunities for Africans, Mastercard Foundation Scholars 2027; FNSNA via The College Investor; GoodNurse, Certiphi–AACN Scholarship; University of Washington School of Nursing and AACN Policy Watch (April 2026), NURSE Corps; NHSBSA, NHS Learning Support Fund 2026/27. Always confirm dates on the official page before applying.