Kentucky Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund (NISF)

Name: Kentucky Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund (NISF)

Award Amount: Varies

Information And Eligibility:
The Kentucky Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund (NISF) is administered annually by the Kentucky Board of Nursing to support Kentucky residents enrolled in approved nursing programs. The scholarship was created to address critical nursing workforce needs across the Commonwealth while providing meaningful financial assistance to students pursuing nursing education at the prelicensure, BSN completion, or graduate level.

NISF is designed to prioritize students who demonstrate financial need, academic readiness, and a commitment to practicing nursing in Kentucky after graduation. Unlike many traditional scholarships, NISF funds may be used for a broad range of education-related and living expenses, including tuition, books, childcare, transportation, and other essential costs that often create barriers to nursing school completion.

The application process is completed entirely through the Kentucky Board of Nursing Nurse Portal. Applicants must submit all required documentation during the application window and closely monitor portal messages for requests for additional materials. Only complete applications are considered for award selection.

• Available to Kentucky residents enrolled in approved nursing programs
• Supports prelicensure, BSN completion, and graduate nursing education
• Funds may be used for tuition, living expenses, and education-related costs
• Administered by the Kentucky Board of Nursing

NISF awards are competitive and are ranked according to criteria established in Kentucky administrative regulations. Applicants may strengthen their application by submitting a FAFSA Submission Summary, which provides a Student Aid Index used to assess financial need. While FAFSA documentation is optional, it is strongly encouraged for applicants who wish financial need to be considered.

Recipients of the NISF scholarship agree to a post-graduation work obligation. For each academic year funded, recipients must work as a nurse in Kentucky for one year following licensure. Employment may be full-time or part-time and may occur anywhere within the state. Failure to fulfill this obligation may result in repayment of the scholarship with interest.

• FAFSA Submission Summary encouraged for financial need consideration
• Annual reapplication required for continuation
• Post-graduation work commitment in Kentucky required
• Employment verification required after licensure

Eligible applicants must be Kentucky residents who are accepted into or enrolled in an approved nursing program and who are not in default on a prior NISF award. Applicants must also maintain satisfactory academic progress and comply with all Kentucky Board of Nursing requirements throughout their enrollment and service obligation period.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a Kentucky resident
• Must be accepted into or enrolled in an approved nursing program
• Must not be in default on a prior NISF award
• Must agree to post-graduation employment in Kentucky

Deadline: May

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