Studying nursing in the United States can open the door to world-class clinical education, advanced healthcare research and internationally respected nursing qualifications. However, for international students, the cost of earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD in Nursing can be substantial.
At some private U.S. universities, the total annual cost of tuition, housing, health insurance, food, books and other expenses can approach or exceed $100,000 per year before scholarships or financial aid.
That makes scholarship research extremely important.
The good news is that international nursing students have several potential funding routes. These include:
Full scholarships covering tuition and living expenses
University-wide merit scholarships available to nursing majors
Need-based financial aid
Nursing-school scholarships
Graduate fellowships
PhD tuition waivers and stipends
Research and teaching assistantships
Some of the strongest opportunities for students targeting 2027 admission are already open or have published application deadlines.
This guide examines nursing scholarships in the USA for international students for 2027, including universities offering significant funding, current tuition and living-cost estimates, application requirements, student visa considerations and important information about becoming a registered nurse in the United States.
Why Study Nursing in the USA?
Nursing remains a major part of the American healthcare system.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for registered nurses was $93,600 in May 2024, while RN employment is projected to grow 5% between 2024 and 2034. The BLS also projects approximately 189,100 RN job openings per year, on average, during that period.
Registered nurses work across:
Hospitals
Outpatient clinics
Nursing and residential care facilities
Physicians' offices
Home healthcare
Schools
Public-health organizations
Research institutions
Specialized medical centers
Advanced nursing education can also lead toward specialties such as family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nursing, pediatric nursing, nurse anesthesia, nursing leadership, nursing education and healthcare research.
However, completing a nursing degree does not automatically guarantee employment, immigration status or a U.S. nursing license. Licensing and immigration are separate processes that students should understand before committing financially.
Best Nursing Scholarships and Funding Opportunities for International Students in 2027
The opportunities below include both undergraduate and graduate nursing pathways.
1. Berea College – 100% Funding for International Students
For an international student seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Berea College in Kentucky deserves serious attention.
Berea offers a BSN program designed to prepare students for professional nursing practice and future graduate study.
What makes Berea particularly unusual is its international financial-aid model.
Berea states that it provides 100% funding to 100% of its enrolled international students. According to the college, the combination of financial aid and scholarships offsets:
Tuition
Housing
Food
College fees
This makes Berea one of the most financially attractive U.S. options for a nursing applicant with significant financial need.
Additional Costs
“100% funding” does not necessarily mean an international student should arrive in the United States with no money at all.
Berea encourages international students to save approximately $1,000 per year for personal expenses. Accepted international students are also expected to make a $2,200 enrollment deposit, although the college says additional aid may be available to students who cannot afford some or all of the deposit.
International students are also provided paid on-campus employment through Berea's Work Program. The college says first-year wages are approximately $2,500 and may help students cover personal expenses.
2027 Application Deadline
Berea's international admissions information currently lists:
International application deadline: November 30
The college's application opens August 1.
International applicants targeting Fall 2027 should therefore begin preparing immediately and confirm all current-cycle dates in the application portal before submission.
Who Should Consider Berea?
This opportunity is particularly attractive for:
High-performing students from low-income families
Students seeking their first bachelor's degree
International applicants who want a traditional BSN pathway
Students who require very substantial financial support
Admission is competitive and Berea specifically considers both academic promise and financial need.
2. University of Miami Stamps Scholarship – Full Cost of Attendance
The Stamps Scholarship at the University of Miami is one of the most valuable undergraduate merit awards available at the university.
The award includes:
Full tuition and fees
On-campus housing
Meal plan
University health insurance
Textbooks
Laptop allowance
Access to a $12,000 enrichment fund
That enrichment funding can support approved educational opportunities such as research, academic projects and other developmental experiences.
Can International Nursing Students Apply?
The University of Miami offers a Traditional BSN through its School of Nursing and Health Studies.
Separately, the university confirms that applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships regardless of citizenship status.
In practice, this means an eligible first-year international student applying to Miami's undergraduate nursing program can compete within the university's merit-scholarship system, subject to the requirements of the individual award.
Scholarship Deadline
Students seeking Premier Scholarship consideration should apply under Early Decision I or Early Action by November 1.
Because a full scholarship can completely change the economics of studying in Miami, applicants interested in this route should treat the November deadline seriously.
How Expensive Is Miami Without Funding?
The University of Miami currently lists an estimated 2026–27 cost of attendance of $104,091 for international undergraduates, including mandatory health insurance and an increased transportation allowance.
Its 2026–27 student health-insurance rate alone is listed at $4,483.
This illustrates why a comprehensive award such as Stamps can be worth considerably more than a scholarship that covers only tuition.
3. University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing – Need-Based International Aid
The University of Pennsylvania offers another important route for international students pursuing undergraduate nursing.
Unlike universities that concentrate primarily on merit scholarships, Penn's undergraduate financial-aid program is need-based.
Penn states that it is need-aware for international applicants, meaning an international student's request for financial aid can be considered during the admission process. However, international students who are admitted with financial aid receive funding designed to cover 100% of demonstrated financial need.
Penn also emphasizes that its undergraduate aid packages contain no student loans and are built from grants, scholarships and work-study funding.
For an admitted nursing student with substantial demonstrated need, the resulting package can therefore be extremely valuable.
Penn Nursing Cost
For the 2026–27 academic year, Penn lists undergraduate tuition at $65,670, with tuition and major university fees reaching $73,978 when the general, technology and clinical fees are included.
Penn has also reported tuition, fees, room and board totaling approximately $94,582 for 2026–27, before certain additional personal expenses.
The important number for a financial-aid applicant, however, is not necessarily the advertised price.
It is the student's net cost after Penn calculates demonstrated financial need.
Fall 2027 Deadlines
Penn currently lists:
Early Decision: November 1, 2026
Regular Decision: January 5, 2027
International students needing aid should submit their financial-aid materials alongside the admission process rather than assuming they can request institutional assistance after enrolling.
4. Emory University Nursing Scholarships
Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing offers several routes to financial support.
The nursing school reports that it awarded approximately $7.1 million in financial aid and scholarships in its previous cycle and that more than 96% of its undergraduate nursing students receive some form of financial aid. That figure applies to the overall undergraduate nursing population and should not be interpreted as a guarantee for international applicants.
The school also states that it offers nursing-specific scholarships and fellowships for high-performing students.
Importantly, students requiring an F-1 visa can apply to Emory's BSN program.
Emory University Scholar Programs
Another major route is the university-wide Emory Scholar Programs.
These programs offer awards ranging from partial to full merit scholarships, and Emory specifically states that students of all citizenships may be considered.
To receive consideration, applicants normally need to:
Select an eligible admission plan.
Submit the required application materials by November 15.
Answer yes to the question asking whether they want to be considered for the Emory University Scholar Programs.
Early Decision I applicants must meet the earlier November 1 deadline.
Approximately 10,000 students apply to the Scholar Programs annually and only around 175–200 are selected as finalists, demonstrating how competitive full merit funding can be.
Cost of Studying Nursing at Emory
For international-document purposes, Emory currently estimates 2026–27 BSN expenses at:
Tuition and fees: $69,726
Living expenses: $20,205
Other expenses, including health insurance, books and miscellaneous costs: $8,374
Estimated total: $98,305
Again, scholarships can substantially reduce that amount.
5. Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Scholarships – Up to Full Tuition
Students who already hold a bachelor's degree and want to enter nursing should investigate the Johns Hopkins MSN Entry into Nursing program.
Johns Hopkins does not simply offer a single scholarship.
The School of Nursing states that students admitted to qualifying programs are automatically considered for scholarships, with awards ranging from thousands of dollars to full tuition.
For its MSN Entry into Nursing program, Johns Hopkins reports that approximately 90% of students receive scholarships or grants from the School of Nursing.
Scholarship consideration may take into account:
Academic performance
Leadership ability
Community service
Personal accomplishments
Financial circumstances for applicable awards
2027 Admissions Are Already Open
As of August 2026, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing says it is accepting applications for Spring, Summer and Fall 2027 programs.
Students planning for 2027 therefore do not need to wait for a future application cycle to begin researching.
Spring 2027 MSN Tuition
For students entering the MSN Entry into Nursing program in Spring 2027, Johns Hopkins lists tuition of $56,000 across the Spring and Summer 2027 portions shown in its 2026–27 cost-of-attendance schedule, before housing, food, transportation and personal expenses are added.
Applicants should use the university's complete program budget when calculating the full cost because the degree extends beyond tuition alone.
Johns Hopkins also requires matriculated students to maintain health-insurance coverage, either through an acceptable external plan or the university's student plan.
6. University of Washington Fully Funded PhD in Nursing Science
International nurses and researchers interested in doctoral study should pay particular attention to the University of Washington PhD in Nursing Science.
The program states that all full-time PhD students receive a three-year funding package that includes full tuition and a stipend.
That makes it substantially different from a traditional scholarship competition where only one or two students receive funding.
The program can also be completed in as few as three years, although UW notes that many students take approximately four years. Funding beyond the guaranteed three-year package must therefore be planned with the student's faculty adviser and may involve fellowships, traineeships or research and teaching assistantships.
Autumn 2027 Deadline
For Autumn 2027 entry:
Application opened: July 2026
Application deadline: December 1, 2026
Admission decisions: February 2027
Interestingly, UW states that applicants may enter the PhD with a bachelor's degree in any field; RN licensure is required only for students intending to take clinical nursing courses.
This may make the program relevant to applicants from nursing, public health and other health-related academic backgrounds who want careers in healthcare research.
7. Johns Hopkins Nursing PhD Funding
Doctoral applicants should also investigate the Johns Hopkins Nursing PhD.
Johns Hopkins currently states that most full-time Nursing PhD students receive 100% tuition funding and guaranteed compensation during the first four years of study.
For 2026–27, the School of Nursing also lists a minimum guaranteed PhD stipend of $52,000 for all PhD students, with tuition, fees and medical benefits provided under the university's arrangements.
For an international applicant choosing between a self-funded master's program and a funded research doctorate, funding structure should therefore be a major part of the decision.
A PhD is not simply a cheaper version of an MSN or DNP, however.
It is designed primarily for students pursuing careers involving:
Nursing research
University teaching
Health policy
Clinical research
Healthcare innovation
Population health research
Students primarily interested in advanced clinical practice should compare PhD and DNP programs carefully before applying.
Nursing Scholarship Options at a Glance
| University | Program Level | Funding Opportunity |
|---|---|---|
| Berea College | BSN | 100% funding for enrolled international students covering tuition, housing, food and fees |
| University of Miami | BSN | Stamps Scholarship can cover tuition, fees, housing, meals, health insurance, books and more |
| University of Pennsylvania | BSN | Need-based institutional aid meeting 100% of demonstrated need for admitted aid recipients |
| Emory University | BSN/MN | Nursing scholarships plus university merit awards ranging from partial to full scholarships |
| Johns Hopkins | MSN | Scholarships from substantial partial awards up to full tuition |
| University of Washington | Nursing PhD | Full tuition plus stipend for three years for full-time students |
| Johns Hopkins | Nursing PhD | Most full-time students receive full tuition plus guaranteed compensation |
Funding conditions can change annually, so applicants should verify the exact 2027–28 award terms before accepting an offer.
How Much Does Nursing School Cost in the USA?
The price can vary dramatically by university.
A nursing student should budget for much more than tuition.
Common expenses include:
Tuition
Private universities may charge tens of thousands of dollars per year.
Clinical and Laboratory Fees
Nursing programs frequently have additional costs associated with simulation labs, clinical training and healthcare equipment.
Housing and Food
Living costs can be particularly significant in cities such as Miami, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Seattle and Atlanta.
Health Insurance
International students may be required to purchase university health insurance unless they have another plan meeting the institution's requirements.
Nursing Equipment
Expenses may include:
Scrubs
Shoes
Stethoscope
Clinical equipment
Background checks
Drug screening
Immunization documentation
CPR certification
Books and online learning platforms
Travel
International students need to consider airfare as well as local transportation.
The correct financial question is therefore not simply:
“How much is tuition?”
It is:
“What is my total cost of attendance after scholarships and financial aid?”
A $95,000 university offering an $85,000 aid package may ultimately cost less than a $40,000 institution offering you no scholarship.
Can International Students Get U.S. Federal Student Loans?
Most ordinary international students studying in the United States on temporary student status do not qualify for U.S. federal student aid.
Federal Student Aid explains that certain categories of non-U.S. citizens—such as permanent residents and some other eligible noncitizens—may qualify, but most foreign citizens do not.
This makes university scholarships, institutional aid and external funding especially important.
Potential funding sources can include:
University scholarships
Private scholarships
Sponsorship from employers
Government scholarships from the student's home country
International foundations
Family savings
Private education loans, where eligibility requirements can be met
Research or teaching assistantships for graduate students
Some private student-loan lenders may require an American co-signer, while others offer products to selected international students without one. Borrowers should compare interest rates, fees, repayment periods and total borrowing costs extremely carefully.
Scholarships and grants are generally preferable to debt when available.
How to Apply for Nursing Scholarships in USA for 2027
Step 1: Choose the Correct Nursing Pathway
This is extremely important.
A student leaving secondary school will generally be looking for a BSN.
Someone who already holds a non-nursing bachelor's degree may be better suited to an:
Accelerated BSN
Master's Entry into Nursing program
A licensed nurse seeking advanced clinical practice may consider:
MSN
DNP
Nurse practitioner programs
Someone interested in research or university teaching may prefer:
PhD in Nursing
Nursing Science PhD
Applying to the wrong degree pathway can waste application fees and time.
Step 2: Check International Student Eligibility
Do not assume that every U.S. nursing program accepts students requiring an F-1 visa.
Clinical programs can have special restrictions.
Confirm:
Whether international students are admitted
Whether the university can issue an I-20
Whether the specific nursing program is eligible for F-1 study
Whether clinical placements are available to international students
Whether the scholarship is open to non-U.S. citizens
For example, Emory explicitly states that F-1 students may apply to its BSN and MN programs.
Step 3: Prepare Academic Documents
Typical requirements may include:
High-school transcripts
University transcripts for graduate applicants
Degree certificates
Biology and chemistry prerequisites
Anatomy and physiology
Microbiology
Statistics
English-language proficiency evidence where applicable
Recommendation letters
Personal statement
CV or résumé
Clinical or healthcare experience for some advanced programs
International academic records may also require translation or evaluation depending on the university.
Step 4: Build a Strong Scholarship Essay
Competitive scholarship essays should explain more than why you need money.
Strong applications usually demonstrate:
Academic achievement
Commitment to healthcare
Leadership
Community service
Resilience
Evidence of caring for others
Research or professional experience
Long-term healthcare goals
Instead of simply writing:
“I have always wanted to become a nurse because I love helping people,”
show the admissions committee how your previous actions prove that commitment.
Describe a real healthcare challenge you witnessed, a community project you participated in, research you conducted or a leadership role that influenced your decision to enter nursing.
2027 Nursing Scholarship Application Calendar
International students can use the following timeline as a planning guide.
August–September 2026
Build university shortlist
Check nursing prerequisites
Begin essays
Request transcripts
Contact recommenders
Take required English tests
Research scholarships
November 1, 2026
Important early deadline for opportunities including University of Miami Premier Scholarship consideration and Penn Early Decision.
November 15, 2026
Emory University Scholar Programs deadline for applicants not applying under the earlier ED I deadline.
November 30, 2026
Berea currently lists November 30 as its international application deadline.
December 1, 2026
University of Washington Nursing Science PhD deadline for Autumn 2027 entry.
January 5, 2027
Penn Regular Decision deadline.
Other nursing programs operate separate deadlines, so students should maintain a spreadsheet containing each university's admission, scholarship and financial-aid deadlines.
Student Visa and Proof of Funds
Scholarship recipients still need to complete the appropriate immigration process.
International students attending a qualifying U.S. academic institution in F-1 status generally need a Form I-20 from their school.
Before issuing the I-20, schools must establish that the student has sufficient financial resources for the relevant educational and living expenses. Scholarship letters can form an important part of that financial evidence.
As of August 2026, the U.S. Department of State lists the nonimmigrant student-visa application fee at $185. Applicants should verify the current government fee when they are ready to apply because visa charges and procedures can change.
A university scholarship therefore does not eliminate the visa process.
Nursing Licensure After Graduation
Completing an American nursing degree and obtaining permission to work as a nurse are separate matters.
Nurses in the United States must be appropriately licensed.
State boards of nursing establish licensure requirements, and requirements can differ depending on where a graduate intends to practice. NCSBN provides state-specific guidance for RN, LPN/VN and advanced nursing licensure.
For many pre-licensure nursing graduates, the NCLEX-RN is a central part of becoming licensed. NCSBN notes that passing the NCLEX is usually the final examination step in the nurse-licensure process.
International students should therefore research three issues separately:
Education: Can I afford and complete the nursing degree?
Licensure: Will I meet the licensing requirements of the state where I intend to practice?
Immigration/employment authorization: Will I have legal authorization to work in the United States after graduation?
A scholarship answers primarily the first question—not automatically the other two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an international student study nursing in the USA with a full scholarship?
Yes. Opportunities exist, although they are highly competitive.
Berea College is particularly notable because it states that 100% of enrolled international students receive funding covering tuition, housing, food and fees.
University-wide awards such as Miami's Stamps Scholarship can also cover most major educational and living costs.
Which university is best for a fully funded BSN?
There is no single best university for every applicant, but Berea College is one of the most compelling options for a financially needy international undergraduate nursing student because it combines a BSN program with its international full-funding model.
Miami, Penn and Emory may also provide substantial funding through different financial-aid models.
Can I get a nursing scholarship without being a U.S. citizen?
Yes.
Some scholarships explicitly include international students, while other universities consider applicants regardless of citizenship.
For example, University of Miami states that applicants are considered for merit scholarships regardless of citizenship, and Emory states that students of all citizenships can be considered for its Scholar Programs.
Always check the specific scholarship's eligibility conditions.
Are there fully funded Nursing PhD programs?
Yes.
The University of Washington currently guarantees full-time Nursing Science PhD students a three-year package including tuition and a stipend.
Johns Hopkins says most of its full-time Nursing PhD students receive full tuition support and guaranteed compensation for their first four years.
Can I become a registered nurse immediately after earning a BSN?
Graduation alone does not create an unrestricted RN license.
You must satisfy the applicable state board's licensure requirements, normally including the relevant NCLEX requirements for pre-licensure graduates.
Are nursing scholarships open for 2027?
Several relevant 2027 application cycles are already active as of August 2026.
Johns Hopkins is accepting applications for Spring, Summer and Fall 2027 programs, while the University of Washington's Nursing Science PhD application opened in July 2026 for Autumn 2027 entry.
Other universities follow Fall 2026 application deadlines for Fall 2027 admission.
Final Thoughts
Nursing education in the United States can be expensive, particularly for international students who must consider tuition, accommodation, health insurance, clinical expenses, travel and everyday living costs.
However, the advertised price of a university does not always represent what an admitted student will actually pay.
An international student pursuing a BSN should investigate opportunities such as Berea College's international funding model, the University of Miami Stamps Scholarship, Penn's need-based financial aid and Emory's university and nursing-school scholarships.
Graduate students should expand their search to programs such as Johns Hopkins MSN Entry into Nursing, where scholarships can reach full tuition.
For research-focused applicants, University of Washington and Johns Hopkins Nursing PhD programs demonstrate why doctoral funding deserves special attention: full tuition support combined with a stipend can dramatically reduce the financial burden of advanced nursing education.
The strongest approach for 2027 is to start early.
Compare universities based on:
Degree type
Scholarship amount
Total tuition
Housing
Health insurance
Living costs
Clinical requirements
International student eligibility
Visa eligibility
Nursing licensure requirements
Amount your family would actually have to pay
Most importantly, never choose a university simply because it advertises a scholarship.
Calculate the complete financial package.
A $30,000 scholarship at a university costing $100,000 annually may leave a much larger financial gap than a need-based award or full-funding package at another institution.
For international nursing students, the goal should therefore be more specific:
Find a reputable U.S. nursing program where your academic profile, career goals and financial circumstances match the university's funding model.
For students targeting 2027 admission, that research should begin now.