International Student Nursing Scholarships

How International Student Nursing Scholarships Can Help Pay for College
If you are interested in studying nursing in a country other than your own, international student nursing scholarships are ideal to help pay for your nursing education. Depending upon the actual nursing program, tuition costs for international students can be double or triple the regular cost.  Without scholarships and other forms of financial assistance to help offset costs, it can be prohibitive for many international students to pursue a nursing education.

Following below are examples of nursing scholarships that international nursing students can learn about.

International Programs for Nursing Students

Multiple international programs offer nursing scholarships to international students.  These programs focus on sharing knowledge between countries that help advance health care across borders.  Each has individual eligibility requirements that nursing students must meet to be considered.  Following are examples of organizations that offer financial assistance on an international basis.

Global Scholarship Alliance

The Alliance’s mission is to address the shortage of nurses that exists on a global level.  To achieve this goal, they offer work/study scholarships to international nursing students who have been accepted to accredited colleges and universities in America.  Applicants must be current nurses seeking advanced training at the graduate level. Scholarships are used to cover tuition and related educational costs.  Living expenses are covered by the students through their employment at hospitals affiliated with their nursing schools.  International nurses interested in this opportunity can contact the Alliance at (513) 665-4544 for additional information.

International Federation of University Women

The Federation offers scholarships and other financial aid programs that enable women to pursue higher education.  Applicants must be Federation members and funding is open to all fields of student, including nursing.  Fellowships awarded by the Federation are for doctoral or post-doctoral nursing students.  They typically last between 8 and 12 months.  Grants are for shorter periods of time, generally from 2 to 6 months.  Nursing students seeking financial assistance for training in a specialized area should apply for a grant. National affiliates, including France, Australia, Great Britain, Japan, India, Sweden, and South Africa offer separate scholarships, grants, and fellowships for undergraduate and postgraduate research. Award amounts range between $3,200 and $10,900 and are not renewable. Submission deadlines differ by country.  Applicants must plan to use their award in a country other than their own.  Interested nursing students should contact their national director for applications, guidelines, and deadlines.

Federal Programs for International Nursing Students

The federal government provides financial assistance to American nursing students interested in studying nursing abroad.  These programs provide excellent learning and training opportunities for nursing students. Following is an example of a school that offers scholarships to international nursing students.

Gilman Scholarship Program

The U.S. Department of State and the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs jointly fund this program for undergraduate nursing students.  Students must be U.S. citizens, currently enrolled in at least a 2-year nursing program, and receiving the Pell grant to be eligible for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.  This scholarship is for students who want to study at a nursing program outside the country.  This program awards $5,000 for international study.  Applications are available twice each year.  Interested students can contact the Program at Institute of International Education, 1800 West Loop South, Suite 250, Houston, TX 77027 or by calling (832) 369-3484.

National Programs for International Nursing Students

Multiple national programs exist that provide nursing scholarships to international students. For many, the eligibility requirements remain the same as with national applicants.  Scholarships help cover the cost of international study which is generally higher than in-country education.  This financial assistance helps qualified international students attend state-of-the-art nursing programs.

Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association

The Foundation’s Scholarship Program is open to international nursing students who have an Alien Registration number.  Applicants must be enrolled in accredited nursing or pre-nursing programs to be considered.  The only graduate students eligible for assistance are those who do not have an undergraduate degree in nursing or healthcare.  The Scholarship Program is not open to high school students.  Scholarship awards are made based on academic scores, nursing activities, community service record, and documented financial need. Award amounts typically range from $1,000 to $2,500.  Applications are usually due to the Foundation in January annually.  There is a $10 fee to apply for financial assistance. For applications and guidelines, students can contact the Foundation at 45 Main Street, Suite 606, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

Educational Institute Scholarships for International Nursing Students

If you are an international student accepted to or already attending a nursing school, you can visit the financial aid office to determine if the school offers nursing scholarships to international students.  The nursing department may also have information on these scholarships.  Following are examples of schools that offer scholarships to international nursing students.

Slippery Rock University

International nursing students attending the University can apply for three scholarships: the Carol Holland Scholarship, the International Student Scholarship, and the Stan Kendziorski Scholarship. Each scholarship has individual eligibility and award requirements. Award amounts are $1,000.  Applications are due by mid-March annually. Interested international nursing students can get applications by contacting the International Services Office at (724) 738-9000.

Community-Based Scholarships for International Nursing Students

Community organizations are another source of possible scholarships for international nursing students.  It can be challenging to find scholarships at the local level so plan to research local organizations, regional groups, and foundations.  Following is an example of a community-based organization that offers international scholarships to nursing students.

Rotary International

Scholarships are awarded through the Rotary Foundation which allows students from around the world to pursue studies in vocations including nursing in other countries.  Students become ambassadors from their home country and teach local Rotary groups and other organizations about their culture. When they return home, they share their experiences and lessons learned with their own Rotary clubs.  Undergraduate and graduate nursing students are eligible for this opportunity.  Award amounts are $25,000.  Students interested in this program should contact their local Rotary club for applications and guidelines.

International student nursing scholarships are critical to help students pay for nursing school.  The cost for an international education is much higher than traditional education.  By applying for as many financial assistance programs as possible, international nursing students can get much of their college education paid.