Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund (NISF)
Kentucky Board of Nursing
Scholarship for Kentucky residents in nursing programs (prelicensure, BSN completion or graduate); work as a nurse in Kentucky one year per year funded.
- How much
- $3,000 for one academic year (per AHE 2027; the KBN page states no amount)
- Who qualifies
- Kentucky resident; accepted into a prelicensure, BSN-completion or graduate nursing program; not on the Nurse Aide Abuse Registry with a substantiated finding; not in default of a prior NISF award; work obligation in Kentucky.
- For undergrads, grad students
- For nursing students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- When to apply
- Opens later Annual; application window January 1 - May 1 for the following academic year.
- How to apply
- Between January 1 and May 1, log in to the KBN Nurse Portal, choose 'Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund' under Other Applications, and upload required documents (official transcript
- Optional FAFSA Submission Summary to show need)
- Watch the Portal Message Center for document requests
- What you'll need
- state application + transcript
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (kbn.ky.gov) and page 2
The details
Established by KRS 314.025 and 201 KAR 20:390, NISF gives preference to financially needy Kentucky residents and licensed nurses continuing their education. Initial awards go by point ranking. Funds can be used for living costs (gas, child care, food), not just tuition. Recipients may reapply each year for continuation. After graduation, recipients work as a nurse anywhere in Kentucky (part- or full-time) one year for each academic year funded, starting within six months of licensure; otherwise they repay the award plus 8% interest. KHEAA's AHE 2027 lists the award as $3,000 for one academic year.
More money from Kentucky
- Optometry Scholarship$15,000 per recipient (2026-27; varies yearly with funding)
- College Access Program (CAP) GrantUp to $2,500 at a two-year institution; up to $5,300 at a four-year institution (2026-27)
- Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG)Up to $3,300 for the 2026-27 academic year
- Early Graduation Scholarship CertificateOne-half of the state portion of the average per-pupil SEEK base guarantee for the graduation year (one-time)
- Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES)Varies: $187-$500 per year of college for each high school year with a 2.75+ GPA, plus ACT/SAT bonus up to $500 and AP/IB/CAI supplements of $200-$300 per qualifying score (free/reduced lunch students)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.