U.S. Nursing Scholarships 2025/2026 for International Students

This in-depth post will cover:

• Why choose the U.S. for nursing education

• Top scholarships for BSN, MSN, and DNP programs

• Universities offering scholarships

• Eligibility & application process

• Required documents

• Key deadlines

• Tips to boost your application

• Student life, visa guidance & FAQs

 Table of Contents

1. Why Study Nursing in the U.S.?

2. Overview of U.S. Nursing Scholarships 2025/2026

3. Top 5 Fully Funded Nursing Scholarships

4. Universities Offering Nursing Scholarships

5. Eligibility Criteria

6. Step-by-Step Application Process

7. Required Documents Checklist

8. Important Deadlines 2025/2026

9. Tips to Strengthen Your Application

10. U.S. Nursing Curriculum & Student Life

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

12. Conclusion & Next Steps

1. Why Study Nursing in the U.S.?

The United States remains one of the top destinations for nursing studies, offering:

World-Class Universities – Institutions like Johns Hopkins, Duke, and the University of Pennsylvania are globally ranked in health sciences.

Advanced Clinical Training – U.S. nursing programs emphasize hands-on clinical experience in hospitals, community care, and mental health services.

Career Opportunities – Nursing graduates are eligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training) and can transition to long-term U.S. residency via employment-based visas.

Research Access – Graduate nursing students can join NIH-funded projects or collaborate on global health initiatives.

High Demand for Nurses – With a projected 9% growth in nursing jobs by 2030, U.S. healthcare facilities are actively seeking skilled graduates, including internationals.

2. Overview of U.S. Nursing Scholarships 2025/2026

Several institutions and government bodies offer nursing scholarships for foreign students, including:

• Fulbright Foreign Student Program

• Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program

• Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships

• University-Specific Scholarships (Duke, Johns Hopkins, University of Michigan, etc.)

• Global Health Nursing Fellowships (CDC, WHO, USAID)

Scholarships covers:

• Full or partial tuition

• Living stipends ($1,000–$2,500/month)

• Health insurance

• Research assistantships

• Clinical training grants

• Travel allowances.

3. Top 5 Fully Funded Nursing Scholarships in the U.S. (2025/2026)

 1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program – Nursing Track

Host: U.S. Department of State
Level: Master’s, Doctoral (MSN, DNP, PhD)
Benefits:

• Full tuition

• Monthly stipend ($1,500–$2,000)

• Travel cost

• Health insurance
  Countries Eligible: Over 160 countries
  How to Apply:

• Apply through your local U.S. embassy or Fulbright Commission

• Online + embassy interview
  Deadline: Feb–May 2025 (varies by country)
  https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/

 2. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

Level: Graduate (MSN, DNP, MPH)
Coverage:

• 50% grant + 50% loan model

• Tuition, living expenses, and insurance
  Priority Regions: East Africa, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh
  Application Deadline: March 31, 2025
  www.akdn.org/our-agencies/aga-khan-foundation

3. Emory University Global Nursing Fellowship

Host: Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
Level: MSN & PhD
Coverage:

• Full funding

• Monthly stipend

• Paid clinical internships
  Focus: Global health, epidemiology, maternal & child health
  Eligible Regions: Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia
  https://nursing.emory.edu

4. Johns Hopkins University – School of Nursing Scholarships

Level: BSN, MSN, DNP
Coverage:

• Dean’s Scholarships: $20,000–$50,000/year

• Global Health Scholars: Full funding for top applicants
  Eligible Countries: Open to all
  Deadline: Varies per intake
  https://nursing.jhu.edu

 5. Duke University Global Nursing Leadership Scholarship

Level: MSN, DNP
Coverage:

• Tuition waiver

• Research assistant funding

• Leadership training
  Priority Regions: Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia
  https://nursing.duke.edu

4. Top Universities Offering Nursing Scholarships in the U.S.

5. Eligibility Criteria for Nursing Scholarships

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s: High school diploma with science background (≥3.0 GPA)

• Master’s: Bachelor’s in Nursing or Health Sciences (GPA ≥3.2)

• PhD/DNP: MSN or equivalent with research background

Language Proficiency

• IELTS: Minimum 6.5 – 7.5

• TOEFL: 90+ (iBT)

Other Requirements

• Clinical experience or internship (for advanced programs)

• Letters of recommendation

• Research proposal (for PhD/DNP)

• Medical clearance and police certificate

• Valid international passport

6. Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Choose Program Type & University

Decide on Bachelor’s, MSN, DNP, or PhD. Research schools and available scholarships.

Step 2: Check Eligibility & Deadlines

Visit official university pages and Fulbright portal for up-to-date deadlines.

Step 3: Prepare Documents

Compile transcripts, CV, test scores, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation.

Step 4: Apply Online

• Fulbright: Apply through local embassy portal

• University: Use the school’s admission portal

• CDC/WHO programs: Apply through official website or partnered university

Step 5: Interviews or Review Panels

Most graduate programs and all Fulbright applications include interviews.

Step 6: Receive Offer and Apply for F1 Visa

Upon acceptance, apply for an F1 student visa and register at the university.

7. Required Documents Checklist

✅ Online Application Form
✅ Passport (valid for at least 2 years)
✅ Academic Transcripts & Certificates
✅ Personal Statement/Study Plan
✅ Two Recommendation Letters
✅ CV/Resume
✅ Language Test Scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
✅ GRE (if required by university)
✅ Health Exam Report
✅ Financial Guarantee Form (if partial funding)

8. Important Deadlines 2025/2026

9. Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Craft a Strong Study Plan – Emphasize your commitment to global healthcare and how your training will improve your home country’s health system.
• Highlight Clinical Experience – Real-world practice adds value.
• Secure Strong Recommendations – From healthcare supervisors or academic mentors.
• Apply Early – Especially for competitive schools.
• Tailor Your Statement – Align your goals with the mission of the institution.

10. U.S. Nursing Curriculum & Student Life

Academic Structure

• BSN: 4 years with general and clinical nursing training

• MSN: 2–3 years, specialization (Pediatrics, Midwifery, Mental Health)

• DNP/PhD: 3–5 years, research, dissertation, and clinical residency

 Clinical Training

• Integrated clinical hours in U.S. hospitals, aged care centers, and mental health units

• Optional summer internships at CDC, WHO, USAID

Life as an International Student

• On-campus dorms, health insurance, student unions

• Access to mentorship programs and multicultural centers

• Career support for internship/OPT planning

11. Scholarship FAQs

 Can I apply for multiple U.S. nursing scholarships?

Yes, but each program has its rules. Avoid overlap if applying to Fulbright and another full scholarship.

 Do I need a GRE?

Some PhD/DNP programs require it. Check each school’s requirements.

 Is clinical experience mandatory?

For MSN/DNP: Yes. For BSN: Not always, but it adds weight.

Will scholarships cover my family?

Usually not, but you can apply separately for dependent visas (F2 for spouse/children).

12. Conclusion & Next Steps

Studying nursing in the United States on a fully funded scholarship could be the turning point of your professional life. With global healthcare challenges, there’s a growing demand for skilled international nurses  and the U.S. is offering the platform to rise.

Your To-Do List:

• Select degree level (BSN, MSN, DNP/PhD)

• Identify 3–5 programs with funding

• Start preparing documents now

• Apply by the deadline (Oct 2024–March 2025)

• Nail your interviews and visa application

Bonus Tip: Use scholarship portals like Scholarships.com and Fastweb to find lesser-known funding.