FNSNA Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Offered by Foundation of the National Student Nurses' Association
About This Scholarship
The Foundation of the National Student Nurses' Association (FNSNA) runs one of the largest scholarship programs dedicated exclusively to undergraduate nursing students, awarding more than $500,000 every year through a single common application. The foundation is the charitable arm of the National Student Nurses' Association, and its scholarship funds are underwritten by nursing organizations, healthcare companies, and individual donors who want to address the nursing workforce shortage by helping students finish their degrees.
The program covers nearly every path into registered nursing: associate degree, BSN, hospital diploma, direct-entry master's, LPN/LVN-to-RN, RN-to-BSN/MSN, and accelerated BSN programs, as well as students completing prerequisite courses before entering a nursing program. Awards run up to $10,000 each and are made in the spring for use in the following summer session and academic year.
Selection is based on academic achievement, financial need, and involvement in nursing student organizations and community activities related to health care, so active NSNA chapter members tend to be competitive. One application matches students against all of the foundation's sponsored funds, including career mobility scholarships for licensed nurses returning for a higher degree.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in a state-approved nursing program (ADN, BSN, diploma, direct-entry master's, LPN/LVN-RN, RN-BSN/MSN, or accelerated BSN), or completing prerequisites for entry into a nursing program
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident with Alien Registration Number
- Taking at least 6 credits per semester
- Must graduate after July 1, 2027; high school students are ineligible
- Graduate study funded only if it leads to a first degree in nursing
How To Apply
- Complete the online application on fnsna.org when it opens September 8, 2026, and submit it with a copy of your recent unofficial nursing school transcript, a Faculty Member Certification Form, and a Financial Aid Certification Form by January 11, 2027. RNs in BSN programs and LPN/LVNs in RN programs should include a copy of their license to be considered for Career Mobility Scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I win from the FNSNA scholarship program?
Individual awards range up to $10,000, and the foundation distributes more than $500,000 in total each year across its sponsored scholarship funds. One application automatically matches you with every fund you qualify for.
Do I have to be an NSNA member to apply?
No, membership is not required to apply, but involvement in nursing student organizations is part of the selection criteria, so NSNA participation can strengthen your application.
Can graduate nursing students apply?
Only if the graduate program leads to a first degree in nursing, such as a direct-entry master's program. Funds are not available for other graduate study.