Introduction – Why Nursing in the USA? 

The United States remains one of the top destinations in the world for international students pursuing nursing. With an ever-increasing demand for skilled nurses due to an aging population, advanced healthcare systems, and workforce shortages, the USA has opened its doors wider to foreign-trained professionals and international students seeking a career in nursing.

In 2025, the U.S. healthcare sector is projected to grow even further, increasing the need for qualified nurses across all specialties from neonatal and geriatric care to surgical and critical care units. Not only are job opportunities abundant, but the compensation and benefits packages are also highly competitive. Registered nurses in the USA earn an average salary of over $80,000 per year, with specialized roles paying much more.

However, the journey to becoming a nurse in the USA can be financially demanding, especially for foreign nationals. From tuition and licensing costs to living expenses, the numbers can add up quickly. The good news? Numerous scholarships and grants exist to ease this burden some fully fund your education, offer stipends, or provide internship placements that can help you get your foot in the door.

This post brings you the top 10 scholarships and grants available in 2025 for international students and nurses aiming to work or study in the USA. We’ve covered eligibility criteria, what you’ll gain, how to apply, and expert tips to stand out.

Ready to take the first step toward your dream nursing career in America?

Let’s explore your opportunities!

✅ Up Next:

Section 2: Eligibility & Application Tips for International Nurses

2. ✈️ Eligibility & Application Tips for International Nurses

Pursuing a nursing career in the USA as a foreign student or international nurse is exciting—but it does come with a few important requirements. Understanding your eligibility and preparing your documents correctly will give you a strong head start when applying for scholarships and grants.

✅ General Eligibility Requirements

Most U.S.-based nursing scholarships for foreigners in 2025 will require the following:

• Proof of Academic Achievement
  You’ll need transcripts from your previous education (usually high school for undergraduates or nursing degrees for graduate applicants). Ensure they’re translated into English and evaluated by an agency like WES or ECE.

• English Language Proficiency
  Almost all programs will ask for proof of your English skills. This is usually met by standardized tests such as:

  • TOEFL (usually a score of 80+)

  • IELTS (typically 6.5 or higher)

• Proof of Nursing Interest or Experience
  Some scholarships are only available to those already in nursing school or who have previous experience in healthcare (especially for graduate-level or continuing education grants).

• Admission to an Accredited U.S. Institution
  Most scholarship applications will require you to be accepted or enrolled in an accredited nursing school in the U.S.

• Student Visa (F-1 or J-1)
  You must be able to obtain a student visa to study in the U.S. If you are already in the country on a different visa, consult a student advisor to explore your options.

🧠 Application Tips for Success

• Apply Early
  Many scholarships have early deadlines some as early as January for fall programs. Begin researching at least 6–9 months before your intended start date.

• Tailor Every Application
  Avoid copy-pasting the same personal statement. Align your goals with the specific values and mission of each scholarship provider.

• Highlight Global & Community Impact
  Scholarship boards love applicants who show how their education will benefit their home country or underserved populations.

• Get Strong Recommendations
  Letters from previous professors, supervisors, or clinical mentors can significantly boost your chances.

• Prepare for Interviews (if required)
  Practice articulating your nursing goals, your interest in studying in the U.S., and your long-term plans.

3. 🎓 Scholarship #1: Fulbright Foreign Student Program (Nursing Specialization) 

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarship programs in the world. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, this program opens doors for graduate-level international students including future nurses to study, conduct research, and engage in cultural exchange in the USA.

🌍 Overview

• Host Country: United States

• Scholarship Type: Fully funded (tuition, living stipend, travel, health insurance)

• Study Level: Master’s or PhD (in applicable fields like Public Health Nursing, Nursing Education, Nursing Leadership, etc.)

• Fields: Health Sciences, Public Health, Nursing Research, Leadership in Nursing

• Application Deadline: Varies by country (generally between February–May 2025 for a Fall 2026 start)

📝 Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a citizen of a participating country (see country list below)

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent

• Demonstrate leadership skills and community involvement

• Have strong academic records and English language proficiency

• Intend to return to your home country after completing your degree

Eligible Countries:
Over 160 countries participate in the Fulbright Program including:
Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, India, Philippines, Indonesia, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Pakistan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Colombia, and more.
(Visit foreign.fulbrightonline.org for the full country list and exact deadlines.)

💰 What You’ll Get

• Full tuition fees for a U.S. university nursing program

• Monthly living stipend

• Round-trip airfare from your country

• Settling-in allowance and other academic-related costs

• J-1 visa sponsorship

• Professional networking opportunities through the Fulbright alumni community.

🧠 How to Apply

1. Visit your country-specific Fulbright website or your U.S. embassy’s education section

2. Prepare required documents:

   • Academic transcripts

   • Personal statement

   • Research/study objectives

   • Letters of recommendation

   • English test scores

3. Submit online application and attend interview if shortlisted.

🚀 Pro Tip:

To stand out, align your nursing goals with global or cross-cultural healthcare issues such as maternal health, infectious disease control, or health equity in underserved populations.

4. 💼 Scholarship #2: AACN International Nursing Fellowship

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) occasionally partners with private donors to fund international graduate students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees in nursing.

Eligibility:

• Must be accepted into an AACN-member school

• Demonstrate leadership or innovation in global health/nursing

• Hold a valid student visa (F-1 or J-1)

Benefits:

• Partial-to-full tuition coverage

• Travel or research grant for thesis work

• Professional development opportunities

📌 More at: www.aacnnursing.org

5. 🌍 Scholarship #3: Global Humanitarian Relief Fund (GHRF) Nursing Awards

The GHRF supports international students from developing nations who want to become public health nurses.

Benefits:

• $5,000–$20,000 towards tuition or living expenses

• Mentorship from nurse educators

• Career guidance post-graduation

Countries Eligible:

Nigeria, India, Kenya, Haiti, Bangladesh, Nepal, Uganda, Philippines, and others

Pro Tip: Show your passion for serving underserved populations in your essay.

6. 💡 Scholarship #4: Johnson & Johnson Nurses Innovate™ Grants

J&J funds innovation in nursing. If you have a bold idea like a new health tool or public health concept you could get funding and mentorship.

Benefits:

• $10,000–$50,000 in grant funding

• Global exposure through J&J campaigns

• Innovation coaching

📝 Apply with a project proposal and impact statement.

7. 🎓 Scholarship #5: Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Global Nursing Scholarships

STTI offers international scholarships for members and non-members pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees in nursing.

Benefits:

• $2,000–$5,000 per student

• Research and conference funding

• Lifetime access to STTI networks

🌐 More info: www.sigmanursing.org

8. 🤝 Scholarship #6: AACN/NLN Diversity and Inclusion Nursing Fund

This U.S.-based collaboration offers scholarships for underrepresented and international students in nursing, particularly from South Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Benefits:

• Tuition aid ($3,000–$10,000)

• Peer networking and mentorship

• Leadership coaching

Pro Tip: Emphasize how diversity and cultural competency improve patient care.

9. 🏅 Scholarship #7: DAISY Award (International Nursing Student Category)

Best known for celebrating bedside nurses, the DAISY Foundation also awards scholarships to nursing students (international and U.S.-based) who demonstrate extraordinary compassion and commitment.

Benefits:

• $5,000 award

• DAISY lapel pin and certificate

• International recognition

✔️ Nomination by faculty or mentor required.

10. 📘 Scholarship #8: American Nurses Foundation (ANF) International Student Grant

The ANF grants scholarships for foreign nurses entering U.S. graduate nursing programs focused on public policy, education, or practice improvement.

Benefits:

• $5,000–$7,500 per academic year

• Priority access to ANF research and events

• Professional advocacy training

🌎 Strong applications connect academic goals with health equity or public service.

11. 🏥 Scholarship #9: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Global Nurse Fellowship

Focused on advancing health equity, RWJF offers fellowships for international nurses working on bold solutions in public health, maternal care, or community leadership.

Benefits:

• Full tuition + $35,000 stipend

• Coaching from public health leaders

• Travel and conference stipends

Pro Tip: Your application must propose a solution-oriented public health initiative.

12. 🏛️ Scholarship #10: U.S. State-Specific Nursing Grants for Foreign Students

Some U.S. states like California, New York, and Minnesota offer international nursing scholarships through state-funded programs or partnerships with universities.

Example:

• New York’s Excelsior Scholarship at SUNY schools

• California’s Cal Grants for Health Majors

Check with your university’s international office or the state’s Department of Education.

🧠 Section 13: Tips for Winning Scholarships 

1. Start Early: Most major scholarships close 6–9 months before your study date.

2. Customize Every Application: Use unique statements tailored to each program.

3. Highlight Global Impact: Describe how your nursing education will benefit others.

4. Secure Strong Recommendations: Letters from professionals carry weight.

5. Prepare for Interviews: Practice sharing your passion, goals, and career plan.

6. Stay Organized: Use a spreadsheet to track deadlines, documents, and submission status.

🛂 Section 14: Visa & Licensing Pathways 

Student Visa (F-1):

• Needed to attend nursing school

• Allows limited on-campus work

• After graduation, students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)

J-1 Visa:

• Ideal for exchange or sponsored students

• May include home-country residency requirement after graduation

NCLEX-RN:

• Required to become a licensed nurse in the U.S.

• Must register through the appropriate state’s Board of Nursing

• Includes background check, transcript evaluation, and a U.S. test center appointment

H-1B Visa or Green Card:

• After graduating and passing NCLEX, foreign nurses may be eligible for:

  • Employer-sponsored H-1B visas

  • Direct employment-based green card pathways (EB-3)

📝 Tip: Work with university advisors or immigration lawyers for the right route.

🎉 Conclusion – Start Your Nursing Journey in the USA

Nursing is not just a career, it’s a calling. And if you’re an international student or a nurse from abroad looking to take that calling global, the United States in 2025 offers more opportunity than ever.

These 10 scholarships and grants are your springboard to success offering everything from full tuition to powerful professional networks. Whether you’re driven by compassion, science, leadership, or innovation, there’s a scholarship with your name on it.

So start today:

• Make a list of the scholarships above

• Bookmark their official websites

• Start drafting your personal statements

• Get your references in order.

And when you finally wear that white coat on American soil, you’ll remember this step—the one that made your dream real.