In 2026, there will be a lot of nursing scholarships available to attract international talent because there is a high demand for healthcare professionals around the world. Usually, these “fully funded” opportunities are either government-backed programmes with service bonds or high-level nursing research fellowships at well-known universities.
1. The best nursing scholarships that the government pays for
In exchange for a promise to work in a high-need healthcare field, government programs often offer the most comprehensive coverage, including tuition, monthly stipends, and airfare.
Chevening Scholarships in the UK
- The coverage includes 100% of tuition, a monthly living allowance, and round-trip airfare to the UK.
- You can get a one-year taught master’s degree in nursing, public health, or healthcare management.
- Work Permit: Scholars can get the UK Graduate Route Visa, which lets them work in the UK for two years after they graduate.
- Deadline: Applications usually open in August 2026.
Scholarships for Australia Awards
- The scholarship package includes full tuition, round-trip airfare, a one-time “establishment allowance”, and a bi-weekly living stipend.
- Degrees that qualify: a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in nursing.
- Work Permit: People who get this visa are given priority for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), but some groups need to go back to their home country for two years first.
DAAD EPOS Scholarships in Germany
- Coverage includes full tuition, a monthly stipend of €992 for master’s students or €1,300 for PhD students, and health insurance.
- Eligible Degrees: Postgraduate nursing and global health courses that relate to development.
- As of 2026, Germany has made it easier for foreign nurses to stay after their scholarship by giving them an 18-month job-seeker visa.
2. Full-Ride Awards for Specific Universities
A few of the best universities offer “Global Leader” or “World Citizen” scholarships that pay for all of the costs of getting a nursing degree for students who apply in 2026.
Scholarship for Graduate Students in Canada
- The prize is $50,000 CAD a year for three years.
- Level: PhD in Health Research or Nursing.
- Requirement: Candidates must show that they are adept at research and can lead others. Most people think the CDU Global Merit Scholarship is the best “relocation” scholarship in North America.
University of Charles Darwin in Australia
- The CDU Global Merit Scholarship covers up to 80% of the cost of a Bachelor of Nursing degree for students who do well in school and apply for the 2026/2027 school year.
- CDU International College Scholarships: Automatically gives incoming nursing students from certain areas up to 30% off their tuition.
University of Alberta in Canada
- The International Entrance Scholarship gives up to $9,000 CAD to international students who are accepted into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing programme. When you apply, consideration happens automatically.
3. Grants for Specialised Nursing (Deadlines in 2026)
These grants are only for nurses and are usually run by national nursing foundations.
The Florence Nightingale Foundation (UK)
- The 2026/2027 programme gives nurses who work around the world leadership scholarships.
- Benefit: A personal leadership development plan, mentorship, and help with career advancement for future nursing leaders.
- Deadline: The application period for the 2026–2027 programme is now open, starting in March/April 2026.
The Canadian Nurses Foundation (CNF)
- The Award: Up to $3,000 for a bachelor’s degree, $5,000 for a master’s degree, and $10,000 for a PhD degree.
- Eligibility: Most of the awards are for Canadian residents, but there are some that are specifically for “Internationally Educated Nursing” to help nurses who were trained outside of Canada get used to the Canadian system.
4. Don’t take the IELTS for nursing.
In 2026 and 2027, a lot of nursing programs will let you skip IELTS if you use another test.
- Most nursing boards in the UK, Australia, and the US prefer the OET (Occupational English Test) to the IELTS because it uses vocabulary that is specific to healthcare.
- International students accepted into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing programme can receive up to $9,000 CAD from the International Entrance Scholarship.Eligibility: Most awards are for Canadian residents, but some are for “Internationally Educated Nursing” to help foreign-trained nurses adapt to the Canadian system.Many nursing schools in the US and Canada accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) for the 2026 intake.If you’re seeking a fully funded master’s degree in 2026, the Chevening (UK) and DAAD (Germany) programmes are your best options.The Australia Awards or the University of Alberta merit tracks offer the best way for people to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing.The Australia Awards or the University of Alberta merit tracks offer the best way for people to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing.If you’re seeking a fully funded master’s degree in 2026, the Chevening (UK) and DAAD (Germany) programmes are your best options.Many nursing schools in the US and Canada accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) for the 2026 intake.
- MOI Waiver: If you got your nursing degree in English, you can often skip the test requirement by giving a Medium of Instruction letter.
Final Thoughts
The Chevening (UK) and DAAD (Germany) programmes are your best bets for 2026 if you want a fully funded master’s degree. The best way for people who want to get a bachelor’s degree in nursing is through the Australia Awards or the University of Alberta merit tracks. Because nursing is a “priority sector” in almost every country for 2026, many of these scholarships will help you become a permanent resident within two to three years of graduating.
