Studying nursing abroad can open the door to a rewarding healthcare career, but tuition fees, accommodation, transportation, books, health insurance, and other living expenses can make an international nursing degree difficult to afford. Nursing scholarships for international students can reduce these financial barriers and make it possible for qualified students to study at universities in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and other popular study destinations.
For 2027, international students can find nursing scholarships at different levels of study, including undergraduate nursing degrees, master’s programs, doctoral research, and postgraduate professional programs. However, the amount of funding varies significantly. Some awards cover tuition fees and living expenses, while others provide a percentage reduction in tuition or a fixed financial contribution.
One confirmed 2027 example is the Edith Cowan University (ECU) Bachelor of Science (Nursing) First-Year International Scholarship in Australia. The university states that eligible international students beginning their three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Semester 1 or Semester 2 of 2027 can receive a 20% reduction in first-year tuition fees. The scholarship is currently open and is scheduled to close on December 31, 2027.
This guide explains how nursing scholarships for international students work in 2027, the types of funding available, where to look for legitimate opportunities, what international applicants may need, and how to avoid applying for scholarships that do not actually accept international nursing students.
Why Nursing Scholarships Matter for International Students
Nursing is a profession that requires significant education and practical training. International students may also have to pay higher tuition fees than domestic students, making financial assistance particularly valuable.
A scholarship can reduce some of these costs and allow students to concentrate more on their studies rather than relying entirely on personal savings or family support.
The value of a nursing scholarship depends on the specific award. Some scholarships provide a tuition discount, while others may cover tuition fees and contribute toward living expenses.
For example, ECU’s 2027 nursing scholarship is a partial tuition award, providing a 20% reduction in first-year tuition fees rather than covering the student’s entire education and living costs.
This distinction is important when searching for nursing scholarships abroad. An award described as a “nursing scholarship” should not automatically be assumed to be fully funded.
Types of Nursing Scholarships Available in 2027
International students can encounter several different forms of nursing financial aid.
Fully Funded Nursing Scholarships
Fully funded scholarships are the most competitive because they can cover most of the major expenses associated with studying abroad.
Depending on the scholarship, funding may include:
– Full tuition fees
– Living expenses or a regular stipend
– Return airfare
– Health insurance
– Accommodation or an accommodation allowance
– Study materials
– Research or fieldwork support
Government-funded programs can be particularly valuable. For example, Australia’s Australia Awards Scholarships generally provide benefits such as full tuition fees, return air travel, an establishment allowance, a contribution to living expenses and Overseas Student Health Cover. However, eligibility, fields of study and participating institutions vary by country, so applicants must check their specific country profile before assuming that nursing is eligible.
Partial Nursing Scholarships
Partial scholarships are much more common and should not be overlooked.
They may cover:
– A percentage of tuition fees
– A fixed amount toward tuition
– A one-time grant
– Living expenses
– Books and educational materials
– Specific academic or professional costs
For example, ECU’s 2027 Bachelor of Science (Nursing) First-Year International Scholarship reduces eligible students’ first-year tuition by 20%.
A partial scholarship can still make a significant difference, particularly when combined with university bursaries, personal savings or other permitted sources of funding.
Undergraduate Nursing Scholarships
Undergraduate scholarships are designed for students seeking their first university degree in nursing.
Requirements can include:
– An offer of admission to an approved nursing program
– Meeting academic entry requirements
– Meeting English-language requirements where applicable
– International student status
– Beginning the course during a specified intake
– Maintaining satisfactory academic performance
Master’s and PhD Nursing Scholarships
Graduate-level applicants can find a different range of opportunities, particularly in nursing research, clinical nursing, healthcare leadership, public health and related fields.
For example, King’s College London has offered the Burdett Fellows Scholarship for relevant postgraduate programs, including MSc Clinical Nursing. Its 2026/27 scholarship information identifies one award for an international applicant and states that the international award covers university fees and a £18,765 annual stipend. The current 2026/27 application round is closed, so applicants should not present it as an open 2027 scholarship without confirmation of a new round.
Graduate applicants should therefore distinguish between confirmed 2027 awards, recurring scholarships whose next application round has not yet been announced, and older awards that are no longer open.
What International Students Should Expect
There is no single eligibility requirement for nursing scholarships worldwide.
Each university, government agency or scholarship provider establishes its own rules. Common requirements can include academic qualifications, admission to a nursing program, English-language proficiency, professional registration for postgraduate nursing programs, references, personal statements, and evidence of leadership or research experience.
Some scholarships are also restricted by nationality.
Australia Awards provides a good example. The Australian Government confirms that eligibility requirements vary by country and that applicants must check their country’s profile for local eligibility requirements, priority fields and eligible courses.
This means an applicant should never assume that a scholarship available to international students in one country is automatically available to every international student.
Nursing Scholarships Are Not Limited to One Country
Students looking for nursing scholarships abroad can explore opportunities across several major study destinations.
The United Kingdom also has nursing-related postgraduate funding opportunities, although availability and eligibility can change from one academic year to another. King’s College London’s Burdett Fellows Scholarship is an example of funding specifically connected to nursing and midwifery education.
Canada also has graduate funding opportunities that can include international nursing students. The University of British Columbia’s School of Nursing, for example, lists several graduate fellowships and awards open to international master’s or doctoral students, depending on the specific award.
The United States has nursing scholarships as well, but applicants need to be particularly careful because many university and professional scholarships have citizenship, residency or institutional restrictions. A scholarship being listed on a nursing website does not necessarily mean that an international student can apply.
Best Nursing Scholarships for International Students in 2027
Finding a nursing scholarship is only the first step. International students also need to determine whether the award is actually available to them, whether it supports undergraduate or postgraduate study, how much funding it provides, and whether applications are currently open.
The following opportunities are worth considering because they come from universities or government scholarship programs rather than unverified scholarship websites.
1. ECU Bachelor of Science Nursing First-Year International Scholarship 2027
University: Edith Cowan University, Australia
Degree level: Undergraduate
Study program: Bachelor of Science (Nursing)
Funding: 20% reduction in first-year tuition fees
Eligible students: International students
2027 status: Open
Closing date: December 31, 2027
The Edith Cowan University Bachelor of Science (Nursing) First-Year International Scholarship is one of the clearest confirmed nursing-specific scholarships for 2027.
Eligible international students commencing ECU’s three-year Bachelor of Science (Nursing) in Semester One or Semester Two of 2027 can receive a 20% reduction in first-year tuition fees.
The scholarship is available at ECU’s Joondalup and South West campuses in Western Australia. Applicants must meet the academic and English-language entry requirements for the nursing degree and must not receive credit recognition for prior learning toward the program.
Importantly, this is not a fully funded scholarship. It covers part of the first year’s tuition rather than tuition, accommodation and living expenses.
The scholarship opened on July 1, 2026, and ECU currently lists December 31, 2027, as the closing date. (“ecu.edu.au” (https://www.ecu.edu.au/scholarships/details/2027-bachelor-of-science-nursing-c33-first-year-international-scholarship)
Best for: International students seeking an undergraduate nursing degree in Australia who need a tuition reduction rather than a full scholarship.
Where to apply: Applicants should begin through ECU’s official scholarship and course application process.
2. Australia Awards Scholarships 2027
Provider: Australian Government
Study destination: Australia
Degree level: Primarily postgraduate for Africa
Funding: Fully funded
Eligible countries: Selected participating countries
2027 Africa application period: February 1–April 30, 2026
Current status: The 2027 Africa application round has closed
Australia Awards Scholarships are among the most comprehensive international scholarships offered by the Australian Government.
For eligible African applicants, the scholarship can provide:
– Full tuition fees
– Return air travel
– Establishment allowance
– Contribution to living expenses
– Overseas Student Health Cover
– Introductory academic program
– Supplementary academic support
– Certain fieldwork allowances
The Australian Government confirms that Nigeria is among the participating African countries. However, this does not mean that every Nigerian nursing applicant automatically qualifies.
Australia Awards eligibility is country-specific. Applicants must check their country’s profile for priority fields of study, eligible courses and additional requirements. (“dfat.gov.au” (https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards/participating-countries)
For the Africa 2027 intake, applications opened February 1, 2026, and closed April 30, 2026. Therefore, someone reading this article after the deadline should not be told that the 2027 Africa round is still open. (“dfat.gov.au” (https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards/australia-awards-scholarships-opening-and-closing-dates)
This is an important distinction for our readers: Australia Awards is a genuine fully funded opportunity, but it is not a universal 2027 nursing scholarship.
For African applicants, the program is generally aimed at master’s-level study and professional development rather than undergraduate nursing degrees. The Australia Awards Africa program describes its scholarships as supporting master’s study and professional applicants in priority development areas. (“dfat.gov.au” (https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/africa-middle-east/development-assistance-in-sub-saharan-africa/australia-awards-africa)
Best for: Eligible professionals from participating African countries whose nursing or health-related study fits their country’s priority areas.
3. King’s College London Burdett Fellows Scholarship
University: King’s College London, UK
Degree level: Postgraduate taught
Field: Nursing, midwifery and palliative care-related programs
International award: Yes
Funding: Tuition fees plus living-cost stipend
2026/27 status: Closed
The Burdett Fellows Scholarship at King’s College London is an excellent example of the type of postgraduate nursing funding international students should watch for.
The scholarship is funded by The Burdett Trust for Nursing and supports nurses and midwives who want to develop leadership and research capacity.
For 2026/27, King’s College London listed two awards, including one specifically for an international applicant.
The international award provides:
– University fees for the relevant program
– A stipend of £18,765 per year
The scholarship is intended for full-time entry onto relevant postgraduate courses. (“kcl.ac.uk” (https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/funding/funding-opportunities/burdett-fellows-scholarship-2026-27)
However, there is an important 2027 caveat.
The currently published scholarship page is for 2026/27, and the application deadline of May 22, 2026, has passed. Therefore, applicants should monitor King’s College London for the next scholarship round rather than assuming that the 2026/27 award automatically remains open for 2027 entry.
This is still an important opportunity to include because it demonstrates that major UK universities offer substantial nursing-specific funding for international postgraduate students.
Best for: Qualified nurses and midwives seeking eligible postgraduate study in the UK.
4. UBC Nursing Graduate Scholarships and Fellowships
University: University of British Columbia, Canada
Degree level: Master’s and doctoral
Eligible students: Includes international students for several awards
Funding: Varies by award
2027 opportunities: Multiple competitions and awards
The University of British Columbia’s School of Nursing provides graduate students with access to a wide range of fellowships and awards.
Several of the competitions listed by UBC explicitly include international students alongside Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Examples include:
– Affiliated Fellowships Doctoral Program
– Affiliated Fellowships Master’s Program
– Friedman Award for Scholars in Health
– Health System Impact Fellowship
– Killam Doctoral Scholarships
– Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarships
– Spring Graduate Awards Competition
– Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
– UBC Public Scholars Award
The School of Nursing currently lists upcoming 2026–2027 deadlines for several of these competitions. For example, the Affiliated Fellowships Doctoral Program and Killam Doctoral Scholarships list September 15, 2026, deadlines, while several master’s competitions are expected later in 2026 or 2027. (“nursing.ubc.ca” (https://nursing.ubc.ca/graduate/award-competitions)
This is different from a single nursing scholarship that automatically pays every expense. Funding varies by award, degree, and competition.
UBC also lists external funding opportunities for graduate nursing students, including the Canadian Nurses Foundation and other health-related organizations, with some application systems scheduled to open in January 2027. (“nursing.ubc.ca” (https://nursing.ubc.ca/graduate/award-competitions)
Best for: International students pursuing master’s or doctoral nursing research in Canada.
5. Monash University Graduate Research Scholarships in Nursing and Health
University: Monash University, Australia
Degree level: Research postgraduate
Fields: Nursing, health and biomedical research
International students: Eligible for relevant scholarship combinations
Funding: Tuition scholarship plus living stipend, depending on the award
International students considering a research-based nursing degree should also investigate university-wide and faculty-level research scholarships.
Monash University’s Biomedicine Discovery Institute explains that scholarships are available for PhD students to support tuition and living expenses, including scholarships associated with the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.
For international students, the university notes that they typically require both a stipend scholarship to cover living expenses and a tuition scholarship because international students normally pay tuition fees. (“monash.edu” (https://www.monash.edu/discovery-institute/study/graduate-program/admissions/scholarships)
This means applicants should not assume that every Monash scholarship is automatically a complete funding package. The exact combination depends on the scholarship and program.
Best for: International students interested in PhD-level nursing, health science or related research.
6. Nursing Scholarships in Australia: University Awards Worth Checking
Australia is particularly useful for international nursing students because universities frequently offer international tuition scholarships alongside nursing degrees.
However, applicants should distinguish between nursing-specific scholarships and general international scholarships that can be used for nursing.
ECU currently provides both types. Its scholarship listings include international undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships as well as the dedicated Bachelor of Science (Nursing) first-year scholarship. (“ecu.edu.au” (https://www.ecu.edu.au/scholarships/overview)
A general international scholarship may provide a percentage reduction in tuition for eligible students enrolled in nursing even though the scholarship itself is not called a “nursing scholarship.”
This considerably expands the number of legitimate opportunities available.
Therefore, when searching for nursing scholarships for international students, applicants should check:
1. Nursing-specific university awards.
2. International student tuition scholarships.
3. Faculty of health or nursing scholarships.
4. Graduate research scholarships.
5. Government scholarships.
6. External nursing and healthcare foundations.
This broader approach is particularly important for students who cannot find a fully funded nursing scholarship.
How Much Can a Nursing Scholarship Actually Cover?
There is no standard funding amount.
The examples above demonstrate the difference clearly.
ECU’s 2027 nursing scholarship provides a 20% first-year tuition reduction, making it a partial scholarship. (“ecu.edu.au” (https://www.ecu.edu.au/scholarships/details/2027-bachelor-of-science-nursing-c33-first-year-international-scholarship)
By contrast, the Australia Awards program can provide a much more comprehensive package that includes full tuition and living support for eligible recipients. (“dfat.gov.au” (https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/africa-middle-east/development-assistance-in-sub-saharan-africa/australia-awards-africa)
King’s College London’s Burdett Fellows Scholarship also demonstrates that nursing-specific postgraduate awards can combine tuition funding with a substantial living-cost stipend. (“kcl.ac.uk” (https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/funding/funding-opportunities/burdett-fellows-scholarship-2026-27)
Consequently, students should compare scholarships based on their total financial value, rather than choosing an award simply because its title contains the words “fully funded.”
Nursing Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
There is no universal eligibility requirement for nursing scholarships for international students. Each scholarship provider determines its own rules.
However, international nursing scholarship applicants will commonly need to satisfy several of the following requirements:
International Student Status
Many scholarships are specifically designed for students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the university is located.
For example, ECU’s 2027 nursing scholarship is specifically available to eligible international students and excludes Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and New Zealand citizens.
Other scholarships may have nationality restrictions instead of accepting students from every country.
Admission to an Eligible Nursing Program
In many cases, students must first qualify for admission to a specific nursing course.
This is particularly important for undergraduate scholarships.
ECU’s 2027 nursing scholarship requires applicants to receive a three-year offer for its Bachelor of Science (Nursing) program and meet the academic and English entry requirements.
Therefore, applicants should not assume that receiving a scholarship automatically guarantees admission to a nursing degree.
Academic Performance
Scholarship providers may require applicants to demonstrate strong academic performance.
The required academic standard depends on the degree and scholarship. Competitive postgraduate awards may also consider research experience, professional achievements and leadership potential.
English-Language Requirements
International students applying for nursing degrees may need to demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted qualification or test, depending on the university and country.
Nursing programs can have additional professional or clinical requirements, so applicants should check the nursing school’s admission page as well as the scholarship page.
Professional Experience
Government scholarships can also have strict professional requirements.
For example, Australia Awards Africa uses selection criteria that include academic competence, potential development outcomes, leadership attributes and relevant work experience.
Applicants should therefore distinguish between scholarships for students beginning a nursing degree and scholarships intended for experienced healthcare professionals pursuing postgraduate education.
Documents You May Need
Preparing documents early can make the scholarship application process much easier.
Depending on the scholarship, applicants may need:
– Academic transcripts
– Degree certificates
– Nursing qualification or professional registration documents
– Passport identification page
– Curriculum vitae or résumé
– Personal statement
– Statement of purpose
– Letters of recommendation
– Proof of English proficiency
– Admission offer letter
– Research proposal for PhD applicants
– Evidence of professional experience
– Proof of employment where required
– Scholarship-specific forms
– Referee reports
– Evidence of nationality or residency
Do not submit documents simply because another scholarship requested them. Requirements vary.
Australia Awards, for example, instructs applicants to check their specific country profile because additional documentation and eligibility conditions can vary by participating country.
How to Apply for Nursing Scholarships in 2027
Step 1: Choose the Right Nursing Degree
Start by deciding whether you want to study:
– Bachelor of Nursing
– Bachelor of Science in Nursing
– Master of Nursing
– Master of Clinical Nursing
– Nursing education
– Nursing leadership
– Public health
– Nursing research
– PhD or another doctoral program
This immediately narrows your scholarship search.
A scholarship for a PhD in nursing research, for example, will normally not be suitable for someone looking for their first undergraduate nursing degree.
Step 2: Check the Scholarship’s Eligibility
Read the official eligibility requirements carefully.
Check:
– Nationality
– International student status
– Degree level
– Nursing course eligibility
– Academic requirements
– English requirements
– Work experience
– Age requirements, if any
– Application deadline
– Whether admission is required first
– Whether a separate scholarship application is necessary
This step prevents one of the most common scholarship mistakes: spending hours preparing an application for an award you cannot actually receive.
Step 3: Apply for the Nursing Program
If the scholarship requires admission first, submit your university application before the scholarship deadline.
For scholarships that automatically assess applicants, make sure your course application is complete and submitted correctly.
Step 4: Prepare a Strong Personal Statement
Where a personal statement is required, focus on your own experiences and goals.
Explain:
– Why you chose nursing
– Why the particular program is appropriate
– What healthcare problem or area interests you
– How your education will contribute to your career
– How you intend to use your knowledge after graduation
– Why financial support would make a meaningful difference
Avoid generic statements that could have been written for any applicant.
For highly competitive postgraduate scholarships, connect your nursing background and plans to the objectives of the scholarship.
Step 5: Submit the Application Through the Official Portal
Always use the application method specified by the university or scholarship provider.
Government scholarships may have their own application systems.
For Australia Awards, applicants must follow the instructions for their participating country. Online applications are generally submitted through the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS), although some countries use different procedures.
Applicants should never send passport documents, academic records or money to an unofficial person simply because they claim to be a scholarship agent.
Step 6: Monitor Your Email and Applicant Portal
After applying, check your email regularly.
Universities may request:
– Additional documents
– Verification
– Interviews
– Acceptance of an offer
– Payment of a required deposit
– Confirmation of scholarship conditions
Keep copies of everything you submit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying for Scholarships That Do Not Accept International Students
A scholarship can be related to nursing but still be unavailable to international students.
Always look for an explicit statement about international eligibility.
Assuming Every Nursing Scholarship Is Fully Funded
This is one of the biggest misconceptions.
A scholarship can provide:
– 10% tuition reduction
– 20% tuition reduction
– A fixed financial award
– Full tuition
– Tuition plus living expenses
– A complete government-funded package
Using an Old Scholarship Deadline
Scholarship information can change every academic year.
A scholarship that existed in 2026 does not automatically have an identical 2027 application round.
For example, the Australia Awards 2027 Africa application period ran from February 1 to April 30, 2026. The official Australian Government schedule confirms that the Africa round has closed.
Applicants should therefore verify the current intake rather than relying on old articles.
Paying Someone for a Guaranteed Scholarship
Legitimate scholarships are competitive and cannot normally be guaranteed by an individual agent.
Be suspicious of anyone who:
– Guarantees a scholarship
– Requests money to “secure” an award
– Uses a personal bank account for scholarship payments
– Requests unnecessary passwords
– Claims to have inside access to a university
– Uses an unofficial application form
– Refuses to provide the official scholarship webpage
Always begin with the university or government website.
Ignoring Scholarship Conditions
Winning a scholarship does not always mean the money is yours regardless of future performance.
Some scholarships require students to:
– Maintain full-time enrollment
– Maintain satisfactory academic performance
– Remain in an eligible course
– Follow visa conditions
– Meet reporting requirements
– Remain enrolled for a specified period
ECU, for example, requires recipients to maintain eligibility and normally maintain a full-time study load.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Scholarships for International Students
Can international students get nursing scholarships in 2027?
Yes. Universities and government programs offer financial support to eligible international students, although availability varies by country, university, degree level and scholarship.
ECU, for example, currently has a confirmed 2027 scholarship specifically for eligible international students entering its Bachelor of Science (Nursing).
Are there fully funded nursing scholarships for international students?
Yes, but they are considerably more competitive than partial tuition scholarships.
Government programs such as Australia Awards can provide comprehensive financial support, but eligibility and eligible fields depend on the applicant’s country and program.
Can I get a nursing scholarship without IELTS?
Possibly, but there is no universal rule.
Some universities may accept alternative English qualifications or exemptions, while others require a specified English-language test or qualification.
Applicants should check the individual nursing program’s English requirements rather than assuming that every scholarship has the same rule.
Can undergraduate students get nursing scholarships?
Yes.
Can nurses get scholarships for master’s or PhD study?
Yes.
Postgraduate nursing students can find university awards, research fellowships, and government scholarships. UBC Nursing, for example, lists graduate awards for master’s and doctoral students and identifies several competitions that include international students.
How early should I apply?
Start researching several months before your intended intake.
Some scholarships close months before university classes begin, while others remain open much longer.
For example, ECU’s current 2027 nursing scholarship opened July 1, 2026, and is scheduled to close December 31, 2027.
Government scholarships can have much earlier deadlines. The 2027 Australia Awards Africa application period closed in April 2026.
Can I apply for more than one nursing scholarship?
Yes, applicants can generally apply for multiple scholarships for which they are eligible. However, some awards cannot be combined with another scholarship, government funding or sponsorship.
Read the terms of each award before accepting multiple sources of funding.
Conclusion
Nursing scholarships for international students can significantly reduce the cost of studying abroad, but applicants should approach the process strategically.
The best opportunities are not necessarily the scholarships with the biggest headline amounts. A partial tuition scholarship at a university that offers your preferred nursing program may be more realistic than a highly competitive full scholarship with strict nationality or professional requirements.
Start by choosing your nursing degree and destination. Then identify scholarships that specifically accept international students, verify the funding amount, check the deadline, and read the eligibility conditions carefully.
Most importantly, verify every opportunity through the official university or government website before applying. Scholarship information changes, and an award advertised for one academic year should never automatically be treated as available for the next.
For 2027 applicants, there are already confirmed opportunities, including ECU’s nursing-specific international scholarship, while additional university and government funding opportunities will continue to open as institutions publish their 2027–28 scholarship rounds.