Nursing undergraduate scholarships are one of the most in-demand funding options for students who want to study nursing at the bachelor’s level without carrying heavy financial burdens.
With global shortages of qualified nurses, universities, governments, and private organizations now offer fully funded and partially funded nursing undergraduate scholarships to attract talented students into the healthcare sector.
This guide provides a complete, up-to-date breakdown of nursing undergraduate scholarships, who is eligible, how to apply, and how to maximize your chances of success in 2026.
What Are Nursing Undergraduate Scholarships?
Nursing undergraduate scholarships are financial aid programs designed specifically for students enrolled in Bachelor of Nursing (BN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or equivalent undergraduate nursing programs. These scholarships help cover tuition fees, living expenses, textbooks, clinical materials, and sometimes accommodation.
They may be offered by:
- Universities and nursing colleges
- Government health departments
- Hospitals and healthcare foundations
- Private donors and international organizations
Can Nursing Students Get Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships?
Yes, nursing students can receive fully funded undergraduate scholarships, although they are limited and highly competitive. Fully funded nursing scholarships usually cover:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Health insurance
- Study materials and clinical costs
- Monthly living stipend (in some cases)
Fully Funded vs Partially Funded Nursing Scholarships
- Fully Funded: Covers nearly all academic and living expenses
- Partially Funded: Covers a portion of tuition or offers annual merit awards
Most nursing students combine partial scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities to fully finance their education.
Who Is Eligible for Nursing Undergraduate Scholarships?
Eligibility varies by scholarship, but most nursing undergraduate scholarships consider academic performance, motivation for nursing, and financial need.
Academic Requirements for Nursing Students
- Strong high school GPA
- Background in science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- Competitive academic transcripts
English Language Requirements for Nursing Programs
International students may need:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- Duolingo English Test
Minimum scores vary by university and nursing board requirements.
Clinical, Volunteer & Healthcare Experience
Many nursing scholarships prioritize applicants with:
- Hospital volunteering experience
- Community health outreach
- Caregiving or first-aid experience
This demonstrates commitment to the nursing profession.
Top 10 Nursing Undergraduate Scholarships 2026 (With Application Links)
-
Johnson & Johnson Nursing Scholarship (AACN Partner Programs)
Funding Type: Partially Funded
Reward Amount: Up to $10,000 per year
Benefits:
- Tuition support
- Supports BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) students
- Industry-recognized healthcare sponsor
Requirements:
- Enrolled or admitted into an accredited undergraduate nursing program
- Strong academic standing
- Interest in professional nursing leadership
Application Link:
👉 https://www.aacnnursing.org/
-
Tylenol Future Care Scholarship (For Nursing Students)
Funding Type: Partial to High-Value Funding
Reward Amount: $5,000 – $10,000
Benefits:
- Can be used for tuition, books, and living expenses
- Open to nursing and healthcare majors
Requirements:
- Undergraduate nursing student
- Academic excellence
- Essay submission
Application Link:
👉 https://www.tylenol.com/
-
National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Undergraduate Scholarship
Funding Type: Partially Funded
Reward Amount: $1,000 – $6,000
Benefits:
- Financial support for nursing education
- Professional mentorship opportunities
Requirements:
- Enrolled in an undergraduate nursing program
- NBNA membership
- Academic transcripts and recommendation
Application Link:
👉 https://nbna.org/
-
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Undergraduate Scholarships
Funding Type: Partially Funded
Reward Amount: Varies (typically $2,500 – $5,000)
Benefits:
- Supports BSN students nationwide
- Recognized by U.S. nursing institutions
Requirements:
- Enrollment in AACN-member nursing school
- Academic merit
- Commitment to nursing practice
Application Link:
👉 https://www.aacnnursing.org/
-
HRSA Nursing Scholarship Program (USA)
Funding Type: Fully Funded
Reward Amount:
- Full tuition
- Fees
- Monthly stipend
- Books and supplies
Benefits:
- Covers nearly all study costs
- Government-backed program
Requirements:
- U.S.-based nursing program admission
- Commitment to work in underserved communities after graduation
- Strong academic record
Application Link:
👉 https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/
-
AfterCollege Nursing Scholarship
Funding Type: Partially Funded
Reward Amount: $500 – $2,500
Benefits:
- Simple application
- Open to undergraduate nursing students
Requirements:
- Enrollment in an accredited nursing program
- Short essay submission
Application Link:
👉 https://www.aftercollege.com/
-
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing Scholarships
Funding Type: Partial to Fully Funded (Need-Based)
Reward Amount: Based on demonstrated financial need
Benefits:
- Tuition coverage
- Living cost support (for high-need students)
Requirements:
- Admission to Penn Nursing undergraduate program
- Financial aid documentation
Application Link:
👉 https://www.nursing.upenn.edu/admissions/financial-aid/
-
University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing Scholarships
Funding Type: Partially Funded
Reward Amount: $2,000 – $10,000 per year
Benefits:
- Merit and need-based awards
- Renewable funding
Requirements:
- Enrolled in undergraduate nursing program
- Good academic standing
Application Link:
👉 https://nursing.ua.edu/
-
March of Dimes Nursing Scholarships
Funding Type: Partial Funding
Reward Amount: $1,000 – $5,000
Benefits:
- Supports maternal and child health focus
- Recognized nonprofit organization
Requirements:
- Nursing undergraduate student
- Interest in maternal/child healthcare
Application Link:
👉 https://www.marchofdimes.org/
-
Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Undergraduate Nursing Scholarships
Funding Type: Partial Funding
Reward Amount: $1,000 – $7,500
Benefits:
- Global nursing honor society support
- Leadership and research exposure
Requirements:
- Undergraduate nursing student
- Academic excellence
- Membership or nomination
Application Link:
👉 https://www.sigmanursing.org/advance-elevate/scholarships
Top Nursing Undergraduate Scholarships in the USA 2026
The United States offers some of the best nursing undergraduate scholarships, especially through universities, healthcare foundations, and federal programs.
Fully Funded Nursing Undergraduate Scholarships
Examples include:
- University-based need-based financial aid covering full demonstrated need
- Competitive merit scholarships at private universities
- Special donor-funded nursing awards tied to academic excellence and leadership
These scholarships may require recipients to:
- Maintain a minimum GPA
- Participate in clinical service
- Commit to ethical nursing standards
High-Value Partial Nursing Scholarships in U.S. Universities
Partial scholarships are more common and may offer:
- $5,000–$25,000 per year
- Renewable awards for up to 4 years
- Tuition reductions for international nursing students
They significantly reduce the overall cost of studying nursing in the USA.
Nursing Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students
International students are eligible for many nursing undergraduate scholarships, especially those offered directly by U.S. universities. These scholarships are usually:
- Merit-based
- Need-based
- Diversity or global leadership focused
While government nursing scholarships are often restricted to citizens, private universities and foundations openly support international nursing students.
U.S. Universities Offering Nursing Undergraduate Scholarships
Many accredited U.S. nursing schools offer internal scholarships, including:
- Private universities with need-based aid
- Public universities with merit awards
- Nursing colleges with donor-funded scholarships
These scholarships are usually awarded automatically during admission or through a separate scholarship application portal.
Nursing Undergraduate Scholarships Without SAT or ACT
Several U.S. universities now offer test-optional admission, which benefits nursing students who may not have SAT or ACT scores. Scholarships at these institutions often rely on:
- GPA
- Academic rigor
- Personal statements
- Leadership and service
This has increased access to nursing scholarships for international and domestic students alike.
How to Apply for Nursing Undergraduate Scholarships
Applying correctly is crucial, as many qualified nursing students lose opportunities due to avoidable mistakes.
Step-by-Step Application Process for Nursing Students
- Choose accredited nursing programs
- Apply for undergraduate admission
- Submit scholarship applications (if separate)
- Upload required documents
- Track deadlines carefully
Required Documents for Nursing Scholarship Applications
- Academic transcripts
- Personal statement or nursing motivation essay
- Recommendation letters
- Proof of English proficiency
- Financial documents (for need-based aid)
Common Mistakes Nursing Students Should Avoid
- Missing deadlines
- Submitting generic essays
- Ignoring scholarship renewal conditions
- Applying to non-accredited nursing programs
Nursing Undergraduate Scholarship Deadlines 2026
Most nursing undergraduate scholarship deadlines fall between:
- November and January for fall intake
- February to April for rolling or late admission schools
Some scholarships share the same deadline as university admission, while others require separate early applications.
Government vs University Nursing Scholarships – Which Is Better?
- Government Scholarships: Often offer service bonds and citizenship restrictions
- University Scholarships: More flexible and accessible to international students
For most applicants, university-based nursing undergraduate scholarships are easier to secure and renew.
FAQs
Can international students apply for nursing undergraduate scholarships?
Yes. Many U.S. universities offer nursing scholarships specifically open to international undergraduate students.
Are nursing undergraduate scholarships fully funded?
Some are fully funded, but most are partial. Combining multiple awards is common.
Do nursing scholarships require work commitments?
Some government or hospital-linked scholarships may require post-graduation service, while university scholarships usually do not.
Is nursing a good field for scholarship opportunities?
Yes. Due to global nursing shortages, nursing students often have more funding opportunities than many other majors.
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