The Kentucky Board of Nursing administers the Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund (NISF), which is established by KRS 314.025 and regulated under 201 KAR 20:390. It provides scholarships to Kentucky residents attending an approved prelicensure or graduate nursing program.
Scholarship Details
- Available to nursing students at various levels, including prelicensure and graduate programs
- Funds may be used for tuition, books, and living expenses
- Recipients may apply annually for continued support
- Includes a post-graduation work commitment in Kentucky
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a resident of Kentucky
- Must be accepted into an approved nursing program
- Must not be in default on a prior NISF award
- Must not be listed on the Nurse Aide Abuse Registry with a substantiated finding
- Must meet academic and program requirements for admission
Application Process
- Create or log in to your account in the KBN Nurse Portal.
- Select the Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund application.
- Complete and submit the application along with required documents.
- Upload transcripts and any additional requested materials.
- Monitor the Nurse Portal Message Center for updates or additional requests.
- Ensure all materials are submitted between January 1st and May 1st
The NISF scholarship was created to address the nursing workforce needs throughout the Commonwealth and to give preferential assistance to financially needy Kentucky residents, and licensed nurses pursuing further nursing education. After graduation, each NISF scholarship recipient is required to work as a nurse in Kentucky for one year for every academic year funded by the scholarship.
