Top 20 Best Nursing Scholarships To Apply For in 2024

So, it is your dream to become a nurse, but you have been discouraged by the high costs of studying nursing? Then, it would interest you to know that there are several nursing scholarships out there that can help fund your studies.

As we all know, studying a noble profession like nursing is expensive. However, the government of several countries, NGOs, and well-meaning individuals have thought it wise to bring many young people closer to their dreams of becoming a nurse via scholarships for nurses. These scholarships range from fully funded to tuition-only.

If you are searching for these opportunities, then this article is for you. Here, we will highlight the top 20 nursing scholarships to apply for. Also, we seek to reignite your passion for the profession by stating the importance and benefits of being a nurse. So, let’s get into it!

Importance Of Nurses in the World

Nurses play a crucial role in the world’s healthcare systems. Hence, their importance in our world cannot be overemphasized. We have highlighted some importance of nurses below:

#1. Patient Care

Nurses are the primary caregivers in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They provide direct patient care by carrying out functions such as administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and managing symptoms.

#2. Advocacy for Patients 

Nurses also advocate for patients ensuring that they receive the highest quality care. They work with doctors and other healthcare providers to ensure patients receive the appropriate treatments. Nurses also directly inform patients of their health status.

#3. Preventative Care

Furthermore, nurses play a vital role in preventative care. They educate patients to guide them on healthy lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise. They also help patients manage chronic conditions to prevent complications.

#4. Support for Families 

Besides administering drugs, nurses provide emotional and psychological support to patients and their families. They often act as a liaison between patients and their families and other healthcare providers. In cases of loss of a patient, nurses show the most concern and offer emotional support to the family the patient left behind. 

#5. Promote Public Health

Additionally, nurses play an essential role in promoting public health. They work to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, educate communities on health issues, and advocate for health policies that benefit the population.

In summary, as a nurse, you are a critical member of the healthcare team. You play a significant role in promoting the health and well-being of individuals and communities worldwide.

Also Read: Cancer Scholarships for Cancer Studies and research

Benefits Of Being A Nurse

Without a doubt, being a nurse comes with many benefits. We highlighted some of the benefits we find most interesting below:

#1. High employability 

Statistics have shown that nursing is among some of the world’s most sought-after professions. Unlike other professions, you cannot have more than enough nurses. As a result, after graduation, you have a good chance of gaining employment.

#2. Feeling of Purpose

As a nurse, you get to attend directly to the needs of patients. Seeing these patients recover and respond to treatments gives you a sense of purpose.

#3. Financial rewards

Another benefit you receive as a nurse is finance. In many countries of the world, nurses get good pay. Thus, as a nurse, you can be sure of always having a little extra cash.

#4. Flexibility 

Nowadays, many nursing jobs work with shifts. Hence, this gives you room to commit to other things. You get to enjoy more family time and socialize more with friends. 

#5. Noble profession

As the saying goes ‘not all heroes wear capes’. This saying is particularly true about nurses. As a nurse, you enjoy the respect and love of people in your local community for all the work you put into saving lives.

#6. Sociability and Interaction 

Another important benefit you enjoy as a nurse is interaction with patients and their loved ones. This is because nurses have direct contact with patients. So, if you are the kind of person that loves to socialize and interact with people, nursing is an excellent profession for you.

Why Apply For Nursing Scholarships

Applying for nursing scholarships is a good idea if you desire to study nursing but don’t have the funds. In case you were wondering what benefits you would get from nursing scholarships, we highlighted a few of them below:

#1. Financial Support 

Firstly, the major reason anybody would be searching for a scholarship is finance. Nursing scholarships also do not fall short of this. Scholarships for nurses give you the financial support you need to further your education in the nursing field.

#2. Career Development 

Nursing scholarships give you access to world-class education in the nursing profession. Consequently, the scholarship allows you to build your career as a nurse. 

#3. Networking Opportunities 

As a beneficiary of a nursing scholarship, you can study in some of the best nursing schools in the world. As a result, you connect better with nurses on the international scene, giving you strong networks for the future.

#4. Exciting Scholarship Package 

Apart from tuition, some nursing scholarships also cover other educational expenses. As a result, you get to focus better on your studies. Asides from funding, some scholarships for nurses come with other benefits to better equip you for a successful career as a nurse.

#5. Personal Development

Nursing scholarships, especially international ones, offer you an opportunity to study in an entirely new environment. Hence, you develop life-changing skills while trying to adapt to the environment. Indeed, one of the best ways to develop yourself is by traveling abroad for studies.

How to Get a Nursing Scholarship

Top Best 20 Nursing Scholarships

#1. A Nurse I Am Scholarship 

A Nurse I Am Scholarship is a scholarship for nurses organized by Cherokee Uniforms. You can apply for this scholarship so long as you are a nursing student enrolled in an institution in any of the 50 states in America.

Apart from the cash award, other scholarship rewards include gifts such as scrubs, shoes, accessories, and medical instruments. 

#2. AfterCollege/AACN Nursing Scholarship Program

The AfterCollege/AACN Nursing Scholarship is a program that awards one scholarship to students every quarter of the year. The scholarship is specifically for nursing students seeking Baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degree in nursing.

However, you can only apply for the scholarship as an AACN member. So, you should first register as an AACN member before considering this scholarship program.

#3. The Nurses Make A Difference Scholarship 

This is another scholarship for nurses to consider is The Nurses Make A Difference Scholarship. Cascade Healthcare Solutions organizes this scholarship for nurses.

The program targets undergraduates or high school students that have gained admission into an undergraduate nursing program at a College or University. 

#4. The Jane Delano Student Nurse Scholarship 

The American Red Cross organizes The Jane Delano Scholarships for nurses. The idea of the scholarship is to encourage more involvement of nurses in the American Red Cross.

Hence, to be eligible, you must be a registered member of the American Red Cross. You must also be a student in a nursing school.

#5. FNSNA Undergraduate Scholarship 

The Undergraduate Scholarship is one of the scholarships for nurses organized by the Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association, Inc. The scholarship is specifically for undergraduates studying in a state-approved nursing school.

#6. A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship Program 

The A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship is also among the most sought-after scholarships for nurses. The scholarship program receives funding from different sources, such as individuals, corporate grants, memorials, and AISES fundraisers. However, the AISES fundraisers administer the scholarships.

Apart from nursing students, the scholarship program also funds the education of students in fields such as Mathematics, Architecture, Medical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Natural Resources. 

#7. Nurse Corps Scholarship Program 

The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program is a taxable scholarship organized by the Bureau of Health Workforce. The scholarship offers educational funding for students enrolled in a US-accredited nursing school. 

The scholarship covers all educational expenses such as tuition and related fees, costs of books, uniforms, medical instruments, etc. It also offers a monthly stipend of $1,434.

#8. NBNA Scholarship 

The NBNA Scholarship is a scholarship program specifically for black nurses. The National Black Nurses Association organizes the scholarship program.

Although the scholarship is open to students at all levels, you must be an NBNA member to apply. 

#9. Canadian Nurses Foundation Scholarships

The Canadian Nurses Foundation offers a range of scholarships to nursing students at Baccalaureate, master’s, and Ph.D. levels. However, the scholarships are only open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. You must also be currently enrolled in a nursing degree program to apply.

#10. Professor Jean Orr Scholarship at Queen’s University of Belfast School of Nursing and Midwifery

The Jean Orr Scholarship at the Queen’s University of Belfast School of Nursing and Midwifery is a scholarship for nurses at the master’s level. It is a full-fee scholarship for nurses studying for Masters in Advanced Professional Practice at Queen’s. 

#11. AORN Academic Scholarships

The Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) organizes several scholarship programs, including the Academic Scholarships. The Academic Scholarships are open to not only undergraduate students but also graduate students seeking master’s and Ph.D. programs in the nursing profession.

The Academic Scholarships cover educational expenses such as tuition and books.

#12. Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship 

The Caroline E. Nursing Scholarship offers scholarship awards to students enrolled in an accredited nursing program. However, you must demonstrate financial need to stand a chance at the scholarship. 

Three students benefit from the scholarship program every year. The Daughters of the American Revolution funds the scholarship program. 

#13. Lena Ferguson Scholarship 

The Lena Ferguson Scholarship is another scholarship program organized by the Daughters of the American Revolution. However, the University of the District of Columbia administers the scholarship. 

It is a one-time award given to students who are currently enrolled or accepted into a nursing program at the University of the District of Columbia.

#14. Coursey Enterprises Student Scholarships 

The Coursey Enterprises Student Scholarships are scholarships for nurses that you should consider only if you are in the first year of your RN or LPN program. To apply for the scholarship, you must write a 200-word essay on ‘Why I Want to Be a Nurse’.

#15. TravelNurseSource Nursing Scholarship 

TravelNurseSource Nursing Scholarship is another scholarship for nurses where you explain why you want to be a nurse. Apart from a written essay, you would also submit a video explaining why you chose the nursing profession.

However, the scholarship is only open to legal US residents who have completed at least one semester in a US nursing school. You must also have a minimum CGPA of 2.5.

#16. Barbara Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship 

The Barbara Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship is a scholarship for nurses organized by B4 brands. The scholarship is available specifically to non-traditional undergraduate nursing students. It is also a yearly award.

#17. Emergency Nurses Association Academic Scholarships 

The Emergency Nurses Association offers various scholarships, particularly for its members. The Academic Scholarships provide educational funding for nursing students from associate up to the doctoral level in order to advance emergency nursing.

However, to be eligible for any of the academic scholarships, you must make a minimum GPA of 3.0. 

#18. R & D Systems Scholarship 

R & D Systems offers scholarships to students in health-related fields such as Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Health Sciences. So, as a nurse or an aspiring nurse, you are eligible to apply for this scholarship. However, the scholarship is only available in the US, Canada, and European countries. 

#19. Deborah E. Trautman Future Nurse Leader Scholarship 

This is another scholarship offered under the administration of the AACN. The scholarship is open to graduate nurses pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees in nursing. However, the program can only take place at an AACN member school. You must also be an AACN member to be eligible to apply.

$2,000 from the scholarship funds covers educational expenses while $1,500 covers the travel expenses to a Dr.Trautman leadership development program at AACN’s headquarters. 

#20. Florence Nightingale Leadership Scholarship

The Florence Nightingale Leadership Scholarship offers scholarship awards to nurses, thus giving them the opportunity to develop their nursing career. It is important to point out that the scholarship is only open to nurses and midwives working at NHS Agenda for Change (or equivalent) band 7 and above.

FAQs on Nursing Scholarships

Most scholarships request your email address during application. So, your email address is where you will receive notifications on your scholarship application status.

Although most nursing scholarships are directed toward tuition, you can receive some as cash awards.

We recommend you request references from your employer or professor since they would be in the best position to state your scholarly abilities

Of course, every country needs nurses. However, countries like Haiti, Bangladesh, Chile, and Madagascar have the lowest percentage of available nurses

Yes, there are different types of nurses with varying educational requirements such as RN, LPN, and NP, just to mention a few.

1. Explore financial aid options like student loans, grants, or work-study programs. Contact the financial aid office at nursing schools to learn about available assistance.
2. Apply for local scholarships from organizations, foundations, hospitals, or healthcare facilities targeting nursing or healthcare students.
3. Consider part-time or online nursing programs to have more flexibility and potentially work while studying, reducing financial strain.
4. Work and save money for your nursing education. Gaining experience in a healthcare-related field may open doors for scholarships or tuition reimbursement programs.
5. Inquire about employer-sponsored education programs or tuition reimbursement from your current healthcare employer.
6. Consider community colleges with more affordable tuition rates and nursing programs. Complete general education requirements there before transferring to a university.
7. Explore loan repayment programs that offer financial assistance in exchange for a commitment to work in underserved areas or specific healthcare fields.
8. Save money on education costs by renting textbooks, shopping at used bookstores, and finding affordable housing options if relocation is necessary.
9. Look for scholarships for specific nursing specialties that align with your career goals, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health nursing, or critical care.
10. Keep applying for scholarships and expand your search to regional, national, and international opportunities. Scholarships can be competitive, so persistence is key.

Are there nursing scholarships specific to different fields of nursing?

Yes, there are scholarships specific to certain fields of nursing. For instance, there are scholarships for aspiring nurse educators, nurse practitioners, pediatric nurses, etc. These scholarships usually require that applicants express a commitment to work in the specific field upon graduation.

Yes, although many nursing scholarships are available only to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, there are also scholarships available for international students. Some scholarships are specifically intended for students from particular regions or countries

Some scholarships allow students who are planning to enter nursing to apply, while others require proof of acceptance or enrollment in a nursing program. Make sure to check the specific requirements of each scholarship.

Yes, some scholarships are designed to promote diversity in the nursing profession, which includes encouraging men to enter the field. One example is the American Assembly for Men in Nursing (AAMN) Foundation Scholarships.

Yes, you are typically allowed to apply for as many scholarships as you are eligible for. Winning multiple scholarships can be a great way to cover your tuition and other expenses.

Conclusion

We have highlighted the top 20 nursing scholarships to apply for. So, if you are considering this noble profession without carrying all the financial burden, we recommend one of these scholarships. Also, be sure to put up a great application to increase your chances.

Reference

• topuniversities.com – Nursing Scholarships Around The World 
• nursejournal.org – Nursing Scholarships for International Students 
• nursing.jnj.com – Nursing Scholarships