The global demand for highly skilled nurses has never been higher. As healthcare systems worldwide evolve, the need for compassionate, educated, and clinically proficient nursing professionals continues to grow. However, pursuing a degree in nursing—especially as an international student—can be financially daunting. Tuition fees, living expenses, and clinical material costs can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars.
​Fortunately, numerous governments, universities, and philanthropic organizations recognize the critical importance of nursing and global health. To bridge the financial gap, they offer fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, accommodation, airfare, and living stipends. Whether you are seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD, 2026 brings an array of incredible opportunities.
​Below is a comprehensive guide to 25 Fully Funded Nursing Scholarships for International Students in 2026, detailing eligibility criteria and application periods to help you prepare your applications early.
​1. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
​The UK government’s flagship global scholarship program offers fully funded awards to study a one-year Master’s degree, including an MSc in Nursing, at any recognized UK university. It covers full tuition fees, return flights, and a monthly living stipend.
- ​Eligibility: Must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country, have a recognized undergraduate degree, possess at least two years of work experience (which can include clinical nursing experience), and commit to returning to your home country for a minimum of two years post-graduation.
- Period of Application: August to November annually.
​2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (United States)
​Operating in over 160 countries, the Fulbright program enables international nursing professionals and graduate students to study and conduct research at US universities. The award typically covers tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.
- ​Eligibility: Requirements vary strictly by the applicant's home country. Generally, you must hold a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a US bachelor's, demonstrate academic excellence, and possess strong English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS).
- ​Period of Application: Varies by country, typically between February and October of the preceding year.
​3. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
​Administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, this scholarship provides opportunities for students from developing nations to study at participating Australian institutions. It covers full tuition, return air travel, establishment allowance, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- ​Eligibility: Must be a citizen of a participating country (primarily in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East), meet the specific academic and English requirements of the chosen Australian university, and commit to returning home to contribute to national development.
- ​Period of Application: February to April annually.
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​4. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships (United Kingdom)
​Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this scholarship enables talented individuals from developing Commonwealth countries to pursue Master’s study, including nursing and global health programs, in the UK.
- ​Eligibility: Must be a citizen of or granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, hold a first-class or upper second-class honours degree, and be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
- ​Period of Application: September to October annually.
​5. Gates Cambridge Scholarships (United Kingdom)
​Established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this highly prestigious scholarship covers the full cost of studying a postgraduate degree (MSc or PhD in nursing-related fields) at the University of Cambridge.
- ​Eligibility: Open to citizens of any country outside the UK. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding intellectual ability, a justification for their choice of course, a commitment to improving the lives of others, and strong leadership potential.
- ​Period of Application: September to October (US citizens) and September to December/January (other international applicants).
​6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
​Erasmus+ offers fully funded scholarships for prestigious, integrated study programs jointly delivered by an international consortium of higher education institutions in Europe. Several programs focus on public health, emergency nursing, and health management.
- ​Eligibility: Open to students worldwide who have obtained a first higher education degree (bachelor’s) or demonstrate a recognized equivalent level of learning.
- ​Period of Application: October to January annually.
​7. DAAD EPOS Scholarships (Germany)
​The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers development-related postgraduate course scholarships. While specifically targeting public health, global health, and health economics, nursing graduates can pivot into these fully funded Master's and PhD tracks.
- ​Eligibility: Must come from a developing country, have at least two years of professional experience, and hold a Bachelor's degree (completed no more than six years ago) with above-average results.
- ​Period of Application: Varies depending on the specific study program, usually between August and December.
​8. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (New Zealand)
​Funded by the New Zealand government, these scholarships support students from developing countries to build the skills needed to contribute to their home nation's development, with a strong focus on health and nursing.
- ​Eligibility: Must be a citizen of an eligible country in the Pacific, Africa, Asia, Latin America, or the Caribbean, meet the student visa requirements, and have relevant work experience in the health sector.
- ​Period of Application: February to end of February/early March annually.
​9. MEXT Scholarship Program (Japan)
​The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) offers fully funded scholarships for international students wishing to study at Japanese universities. Nursing is fully supported under the Biological and Medical Sciences categories for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- ​Eligibility: Must be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan, meet the age requirements (usually under 35 for postgraduates), and be willing to learn the Japanese language.
- ​Period of Application: April to May annually (Embassy track).
​10. Global Korea Scholarship (South Korea)
​Designed to foster international exchange in education, the GKS covers full tuition, a monthly allowance, airfare, and language training fees. Nursing is a highly respected and supported field within the GKS framework.
- ​Eligibility: Must be a citizen of an eligible country, be under 25 years old for undergraduate or under 40 for graduate programs, and maintain a GPA of at least 80% from the previous educational institution.
- ​Period of Application: September/October (Undergraduate) and February/March (Graduate) annually.
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​11. Turkiye Burslari Scholarships (Turkey)
​Turkey offers competitive, fully funded scholarships for international students at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. The scholarship includes university placement, tuition fees, monthly stipend, housing, and a one-year Turkish language course. Nursing and midwifery are among the prioritized health science programs.
- ​Eligibility: Must be an international student (not holding Turkish citizenship), meet the minimum academic criteria (usually 70% for undergraduate nursing, 75% for graduate), and meet the age limits for the respective degree levels.
- ​Period of Application: January to February annually.
​12. Chinese Government Scholarship (China)
​The Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) offers fully funded opportunities covering tuition, accommodation, health insurance, and a monthly stipend. Many top Chinese medical universities offer nursing degrees in both English and Chinese.
- ​Eligibility: Must be a non-Chinese citizen in good health, meet the age requirements (under 25 for bachelor's, under 35 for master's, under 40 for doctoral), and hold the requisite prerequisite degrees.
- ​Period of Application: January to April annually.
​13. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (Sweden)
​This highly sought-after program targets ambitious professionals who want to study for a Master's degree in Sweden. It covers tuition, a living stipend, insurance, and a travel grant. Nursing management, global health, and midwifery are often supported.
- ​Eligibility: Must be a citizen of an eligible country, have documented work and leadership experience (at least 3,000 hours), and be admitted to an eligible Master's program in Sweden.
- ​Period of Application: February annually.
​14. Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships (Global)
​Rotary International provides massive grants (upwards of $30,000) that effectively serve as fully funded master's scholarships. The study must align with Rotary’s areas of focus, which prominently include maternal and child health, and disease prevention—perfect for nursing professionals.
- ​Eligibility: Must be sponsored by a local Rotary club and district, and your planned graduate-level studies or research must strictly align with one of Rotary’s areas of focus.
- ​Period of Application: Rolling basis, but typically coordinated with local Rotary clubs a year in advance.
​15. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship (Global)
​The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from developing countries. It is structured as a 50% grant and 50% loan, but for highly exceptional nursing students, it practically functions as full funding.
- ​Eligibility: Must be a national of an eligible country (primarily in Asia and Africa), demonstrate consistent academic excellence, genuine financial need, and admission to a highly reputable postgraduate nursing program.
- ​Period of Application: January to March annually.
​16. Knight-Hennessy Scholars (United States)
​This multidisciplinary, fully funded scholarship program at Stanford University supports graduate students across all disciplines, including the School of Medicine and healthcare policy tracks relevant to advanced nursing and health management.
- ​Eligibility: Open to citizens of all countries. Must apply within seven years of earning a bachelor's degree. Selection is based on independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.
- ​Period of Application: July to October annually.
​17. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships (Canada)
​Offered by the University of Toronto, this scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. It is an exceptional opportunity for international students pursuing an undergraduate BSN.
- ​Eligibility: Must be an international student nominated by your high school, currently in your final year of secondary school, and recognized as a creative thinker and community leader.
- ​Period of Application: September to November (School Nomination) and December/January (Student Application).
​18. McCall MacBain Scholarships (Canada)
​Hosted at McGill University, this is a full graduate scholarship covering tuition, fees, and a living stipend of $2,000 per month. It is applicable to various master's programs, including advanced nursing degrees.
- ​Eligibility: Must have a bachelor's degree or be on track to graduate by the enrollment year, demonstrate exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, and academic strength.
- ​Period of Application: June to August/September annually.
​19. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme (France)
​Developed by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, this program attracts top foreign students to Master’s and PhD courses in France. It provides a generous monthly allowance, travel, and health insurance (tuition is often waived at public institutions). Health sciences, including nursing leadership and research, are supported.
- ​Eligibility: Must be a foreign national, aged up to 25 for Master's and up to 30 for PhD candidates, and must be nominated by the accepting French higher education institution.
- ​Period of Application: October to January annually.
​20. University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships (Australia)
​For nurses leaning towards research and academia, this scholarship provides a full fee offset, living allowance, relocation grant, and health cover for students undertaking a Master by Research or Doctoral degree in nursing.
- ​Eligibility: Must be an international student who has applied for and met the entry requirements for a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne.
- ​Period of Application: October (Round 1) and varied deadlines throughout the year.
​21. Clarendon Fund Scholarships (United Kingdom)
​The Clarendon Fund offers over 200 fully funded graduate scholarships at the University of Oxford. Nursing scholars can apply this to degrees in clinical medicine, global health, and evidence-based healthcare.
- ​Eligibility: All graduate applicants to Oxford are automatically considered. Selection is based purely on outstanding academic merit and potential.
- ​Period of Application: September to December/January annually (aligns with course application).
​22. Johns Hopkins School of Nursing PhD Fellowships (United States)
​Johns Hopkins University, one of the premier nursing schools globally, offers fully funded PhD programs. Accepted PhD students receive a fellowship that covers full tuition and provides a competitive monthly living stipend for up to four years.
- ​Eligibility: Must be a registered nurse with a bachelor's or master's degree, demonstrating exceptional research potential and academic capability. International applicants are welcome.
- ​Period of Application: September to December annually.
​23. King’s College London Florence Nightingale Scholarships (United Kingdom)
​King's College London frequently offers specific fully funded PhD studentships and highly subsidized Master's scholarships within their Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care.
- ​Eligibility: Varies by specific studentship, but generally requires a strong bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing, clinical experience, and an excellent research proposal.
- ​Period of Application: Varies, but usually advertised between February and May.
​24. World Bank Joint Japan Graduate Scholarship Program (Global)
​This program sponsors students from developing nations to pursue master’s degrees at preferred universities globally. Health and nursing management programs that tie directly into national development and public health are heavily favored.
- ​Eligibility: Must be a national of a World Bank member developing country, hold a bachelor’s degree, possess at least three years of development-related work experience, and be admitted to a participating master's program.
- ​Period of Application: March to May annually.
​25. OFID Scholarship Award (Global)
​The OPEC Fund for International Development offers fully funded scholarships to outstanding young students from developing countries to pursue a Master’s degree in a development-related field, including public health and nursing.
- ​Eligibility: Must be a citizen of an OFID eligible country, hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, and possess a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0.
- ​Period of Application: February to April annually.
Comparison Table: Fully Funded Nursing Scholarships for International Students
| Scholarship | Country | Level | Fully Funded | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarships | United Kingdom | Master's | Yes | August – November |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | United States | Master's / PhD | Yes | February – October |
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Australia | Undergraduate / Postgraduate | Yes | February – April |
| Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships | United Kingdom | Master's | Yes | September – October |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarships | United Kingdom | Master's / PhD | Yes | September – January |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees | Europe (Multiple) | Master's | Yes | October – January |
| DAAD EPOS Scholarships | Germany | Master's / PhD | Yes | August – December |
| Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships | New Zealand | Undergraduate / Postgraduate | Yes | February – March |
| MEXT Scholarship Program | Japan | Undergraduate / Postgraduate | Yes | April – May |
| Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) | South Korea | Undergraduate / Postgraduate | Yes | Sep – Oct / Feb – Mar |
| Turkiye Burslari Scholarships | Turkey | Undergraduate / Postgraduate | Yes | January – February |
| Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) | China | Undergraduate / Postgraduate | Yes | January – April |
| Swedish Institute Scholarships (SISGP) | Sweden | Master's | Yes | February |
| Rotary Foundation Global Grant | Global | Master's | Yes | Rolling Basis |
| Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship | Global | Postgraduate | Yes (50% Grant/50% Loan) | January – March |
| Knight-Hennessy Scholars | United States | Graduate / PhD | Yes | July – October |
| Lester B. Pearson Scholarships | Canada | Undergraduate | Yes | September – January |
| McCall MacBain Scholarships | Canada | Master's | Yes | June – September |
| Eiffel Excellence Scholarship | France | Master's / PhD | Yes | October – January |
| University of Melbourne Research | Australia | Master's / PhD | Yes | October (Round 1) |
| Clarendon Fund Scholarships | United Kingdom | Graduate / PhD | Yes | September – January |
| Johns Hopkins PhD Fellowships | United States | PhD | Yes | September – December |
| King’s College Florence Nightingale | United Kingdom | Master's / PhD | Yes | February – May |
| World Bank Graduate Scholarship | Global | Master's | Yes | March – May |
| OFID Scholarship Award | Global | Master's | Yes | February – April |
​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
​1. Can I get a fully funded nursing scholarship at the undergraduate level?
Yes, though they are more competitive than postgraduate scholarships. Programs like the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships (Canada), the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), and the Turkiye Burslari Scholarships offer full funding for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees for international high school graduates.
​2. Do I need clinical work experience to apply?
For undergraduate scholarships, no. However, for Master's and PhD scholarships (like Chevening, DAAD, and Rotary), having 2 to 3 years of clinical nursing or public health experience is often mandatory to prove your commitment to the field.
​3. Is an English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL) mandatory?
In most cases, yes, especially if you are applying to universities in the US, UK, Canada, or Australia from a non-English speaking country. However, some scholarships or universities waive this requirement if your previous degree was taught entirely in English.
​4. Can I stay in the host country after my studies?
This depends entirely on the scholarship. Government-funded programs like Chevening, Fulbright, and Australia Awards have strict "two-year home return" policies to ensure your home country benefits from your education. University-specific scholarships usually do not have this restriction.
​5. How early should I start my application?
You should begin preparing at least 9 to 12 months before the application deadline. Gathering recommendations, writing stellar personal statements, and passing language exams take significant time.
​Official Links Reference List
​Please note: To apply, copy the names of the scholarships below and search for their official ".gov" or ".edu" portals. Always verify deadlines on the official sites as they are subject to minor annual changes.
- ​Chevening Scholarships
- ​Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- ​Australia Awards Scholarships
- ​Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
- ​Gates Cambridge Scholarships
- ​Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
- ​DAAD EPOS Scholarships
- ​Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
- ​MEXT Scholarship Program
- ​Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
- ​Turkiye Burslari Scholarships
- ​Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
- ​Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals
- ​Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships
- ​Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
- ​Knight-Hennessy Scholars
- ​Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
- ​McCall MacBain Scholarships
- ​Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme
- ​University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
- ​Clarendon Fund Scholarships
- ​Johns Hopkins School of Nursing PhD Fellowships
- ​King’s College London Florence Nightingale Scholarships
- ​World Bank Joint Japan Graduate Scholarship Program
- ​OFID Scholarship Award
​At MedOpportunities, we believe financial barriers should never stop passionate healthcare professionals from reaching their full potential. Start preparing your documents today, and best of luck with your 2026 nursing applications!
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