Okay — if you’re an international student dreaming of studying nursing in the USA, you probably already know that tuition isn’t cheap. Between classes, clinicals, textbooks, and living costs… it adds up fast. The good news is, there are plenty of scholarships for international nursing students available in 2025.
Let’s go through some of the top opportunities you should know about, plus tips on how to land one.
📌 Why Nursing Scholarships Matter
- Nursing programs in the USA are expensive (especially for international students).
- Scholarships help cover tuition, books, clinical supplies, and sometimes even housing.
- Many nursing scholarships are designed to encourage diversity and attract international students.
- With the global demand for healthcare professionals, universities and organizations are offering more support than ever.
📋 Top Scholarships for Nursing Students in USA (2025)
1️⃣ Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Open to nursing students pursuing graduate studies (Master’s, PhD)
- Fully funded — covers tuition, travel, living expenses, and insurance
- Competitive, but very prestigious
2️⃣ Nursing Scholarship by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
- Available for both domestic and international students
- Focuses on students pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Nursing
- Award amounts: $2,500–$5,000
Tip: Apply early; the competition fills up fast.
3️⃣ AfterCollege-AACN Nursing Scholarship
- $2,500 scholarship awarded quarterly
- Open to students in a nursing degree program (BSN, MSN, DNP, etc.)
- Preference for students in graduate programs or those pursuing a nursing specialty
4️⃣ National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Scholarship
- Open to international students enrolled in nursing programs in the USA
- Several awards available ranging from $1,000 to $5,000
- Strong focus on promoting diversity in nursing
5️⃣ Edith SeVille Coale Scholarship
- Available to female nursing students (U.S. or international)
- Award amounts vary, typically around $3,000
- Based on academic merit and financial need
📊 Nursing Scholarship Comparison Table
| Scholarship Name | Amount (USD) | Degree Level | Fully Funded | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | Full tuition + living | Graduate (MSN, PhD) | ✅ Yes | International students from eligible countries |
| AACN Scholarship | $2,500–$5,000 | Undergraduate/Graduate | ❌ Partial | International students |
| AfterCollege-AACN Nursing Scholarship | $2,500 (quarterly) | All levels (BSN, MSN, DNP) | ❌ Partial | International students |
| NBNA Scholarship | $1,000–$5,000 | All levels | ❌ Partial | International students (any nationality) |
| Edith SeVille Coale Scholarship | Around $3,000 | Undergraduate/Graduate | ❌ Partial | Female nursing students |
📝 Tips for Winning a Nursing Scholarship
- Start your applications early — some deadlines are as early as February
- Craft a strong personal statement — share why nursing matters to you and how you’ll give back
- Highlight community service, volunteer work, and healthcare-related internships
- Get solid recommendation letters from professors or healthcare professionals
- Be specific about your career goals — universities love students with a clear plan
Feedback: Nursing scholarships often look for applicants who are passionate about healthcare equity and making a difference in underserved communities — highlight this if it applies to you!
📅 When to Apply
Most scholarship applications for 2025 open between January and April 2025. Some may have multiple cycles (like the AfterCollege-AACN, which runs quarterly).
| Month | What to Do |
|---|---|
| January–February | Start gathering documents, essays, recommendations |
| March–April | Submit major scholarship applications |
| May–June | Apply for smaller, organization-specific awards |
| July onwards | Follow up, interview if required, and await results |
🎯 Final Thoughts
If you’re an international student hoping to study nursing in the USA in 2025, you have great scholarship opportunities waiting for you. From fully funded options like Fulbright to smaller but valuable awards like the AACN Scholarships, it’s all about applying early and making your story stand out.
Pro Tip: Even if you don’t qualify for one, apply for multiple smaller scholarships — those add up, trust me.
