Nursing is one of the most in-demand careers in the world right now. But tuition fees, licensing costs, books, and clinical training expenses can make the journey expensive. The good news is that many universities, healthcare organizations, and foundations are opening new scholarship opportunities for nursing students in 2026.
If you are planning to study nursing abroad or locally, this is the perfect time to start applying. Some scholarships are already open, while others are expected to reopen soon based on their annual application cycles. The earlier you prepare your documents, the better your chances.
Here are the top 10 nursing scholarships you should keep an eye on this year:
1. Brave of Heart Nursing Scholarship
The Brave of Heart Nursing Scholarship is one of the biggest nursing opportunities currently open in the United States. It supports students pursuing ADN or BSN nursing degrees and focuses on future nurses who want to improve healthcare outcomes in their communities.
Successful applicants can receive between $2,500 and $10,000.
Why this Scholarship:
- Open nationally
- Large funding amounts
- Supports associate and bachelor nursing students
- Strong focus on healthcare leadership
Deadline
May 19, 2026.
Official website:Scholarship America
2. King’s College London Postgraduate Nursing Scholarships
King’s College London is offering fully funded postgraduate nursing scholarships through the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care. The scholarship covers tuition fees and living costs for selected students. It is ideal for nurses interested in leadership, clinical research, and advanced nursing practice.
Why this Scholarship:
- Fully funded
- Covers living expenses
- Study in the UK
- Excellent for postgraduate nursing students
Deadline
May 22, 2026.
Official website:King’s College London Scholarships
3. AACN–Certiphi Nursing Scholarship
The AACN–Certiphi Scholarship supports entry-level nursing students enrolled in accredited nursing programs. It is managed through the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
Three students receive $5,000 each annually.
Why this Scholarship:
- Backed by a major nursing organization
- Open to undergraduate nursing students
- Good for students preparing for NCLEX pathways
Expected opening
Applications usually open around September and close in November each year.
Official website: AACN Scholarships
4. AORN Foundation Nursing Scholarships
The AORN Foundation provides scholarships for students pursuing perioperative nursing careers. Registered nurses advancing their education can also apply.
Awards can go up to $5,000.
Why this Scholarship:
- Around 40 awards available
- Supports specialized nursing careers
- Open to undergraduate and graduate students
Deadline
June 15, 2026.
Official website: AORN Foundation
5. NEF Graduate Nursing Scholarship
The Nurses Educational Funds (NEF) Graduate Scholarship supports master’s and doctoral nursing students in the United States.
It helps graduate nursing students reduce the financial burden of advanced nursing education.
Why this Scholarship:
- Specifically for graduate nursing students
- Supports master’s and doctoral programs
- Long-running and respected nursing fund
Deadline
Application opens: 1 October 2026
Application Closes: 1 February 2027
Official website:Nurses Educational Funds
6. Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program is one of the most competitive and generous nursing scholarships available in the United States. It covers tuition, fees, books, and even provides a monthly stipend for nursing students.
In return, recipients agree to work in underserved healthcare facilities after graduation.
Why this scholarship:
- Fully funded nursing support
- Monthly living stipend included
- Open to undergraduate and graduate nursing students
- Excellent for students interested in public healthcare service
Deadline
April 9, 2026.
Official website:HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
7. NLN Foundation Nursing Education Scholarships
The National League for Nursing (NLN) Foundation offers several scholarships for nursing education students and future nurse educators.
These awards support students pursuing advanced nursing education and leadership roles in healthcare training.
Why this Scholarship:
- Strong reputation in nursing education
- Multiple scholarship categories
- Good opportunity for future nurse educators
- Applications are currently open
Deadline
May 19, 2026.
Official website: National League for Nursing Foundation
8. FedPoint Nursing Scholarship
FedPoint launched its 2026 Nursing Scholarship to support students pursuing nursing careers in accredited institutions.
The scholarship focuses on strengthening the future healthcare workforce and supporting compassionate healthcare professionals.
Why this Scholarship:
- Specifically designed for nursing students
- Open application cycle announced early
- Good opportunity for ADN and BSN students
- Career-focused funding support
Expected opening
The application cycle is between January and March of every year
Official website: FedPoint Nursing Scholarship
9. Washington State Nurses Foundation Scholarships
The Washington State Nurses Foundation (WSNF) offers scholarships for undergraduate and graduate nursing students enrolled in accredited nursing programs.
Although location-specific, these scholarships are highly respected and reopen annually.
Why this Scholarship:
- Supports multiple nursing degree levels
- Backed by a state nursing foundation
- Ideal for students already admitted into nursing schools
- Applications reopen yearly
Deadline
Application will Open in the late Fall of 2026
Official website: Washington State Nurses Foundation
10. Sanford Health Nursing Scholarships
Sanford Health has continued expanding its nursing scholarship support program for nursing and pre-nursing students across the United States.
The scholarship is relatively accessible and does not require a work commitment after graduation.
Why this Scholarship:
- Open to pre-nursing students
- No employment obligation
- Simple application requirements
- Good for first-time applicants
Deadline
April 15, 2026.
Official website: Sanford Health Nursing Scholarships
Conclusion
Nursing scholarships are becoming more important as healthcare systems worldwide continue facing shortages of qualified nurses. The encouraging part is that many universities, nursing foundations, hospitals, and healthcare organizations are increasing scholarship funding to attract more students into the profession.
One important lesson from nursing students online is that many scholarships are “hidden in plain sight.” Students on scholarship forums repeatedly note that opportunities are scattered across hospitals, nursing associations, universities, and local foundations, meaning students who search consistently often discover funding that others miss.
If you want to maximize your chances:
- Prepare your personal statement early
- Keep your transcripts updated
- Request recommendation letters in advance
- Apply for both small and large scholarships
- Check nursing associations regularly for new openings
Even smaller scholarships can reduce your tuition burden significantly when combined together.
If you are open to a wide range of funding you may also like this consider the scholarships discussed in this Post: 15 Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students in 2026.
