NEF Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Nurses Educational Funds

Program Overview

Description: The Nurses Educational Funds (NEF) scholarship program promotes leadership and health equity by supporting professional nurses pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, and research.

NEF awards scholarships directly to recipients rather than to colleges or universities. Applicants must have a minimum of two semesters of study remaining after notification of award in early June 2027 (for example: summer and fall, or fall and spring). Recipients should be aware there may be tax implications and are advised to consult a tax advisor. The program supports nurses enrolled in graduate-level programs who meet NEF’s eligibility and documentation requirements.

• Scholarships support master’s and doctoral nursing students focused on education, practice, or research.
• Awardees must have at least two semesters remaining after early June 2027 notification.
• Funds are paid directly to recipients, not to institutions.
• Tax implications are possible; consult a tax advisor.

General Requirements

Eligibility: All applicants must meet NEF’s baseline documentation and membership requirements.

Applicants must hold a current RN license or registration with a current expiration date from any U.S. state. A current national professional nursing association membership (for example, the American Nurses Association or a specialty organization) or evidence of international honor society membership (Sigma Theta Tau International) is required; you will be asked to upload a copy of your membership card. Applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency through an accepted document such as a U.S. passport biographic page, birth certificate, USCIS naturalization certificate, or Permanent Resident Card. These items are required for all applicants before awards are made.

• Current RN license/registration required.
• Current national nursing association or honor society membership required; upload membership card.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency must be submitted.
• All general requirements apply to every applicant.

Specific Requirements

Eligibility: NEF defines distinct requirements for master’s, doctoral, and accelerated BSN-to-doctoral applicants.

Master’s applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree in nursing (or meet the equivalent if enrolled in an entry-level master’s program), be enrolled full- or part-time in an accredited nursing program, have completed at least 12 graded master’s credits at the time of application, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.6. Doctoral applicants (PhD, DNP, DNAP, EdD) must have completed both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, be enrolled full- or part-time in an accredited program, have completed at least 12 graded doctoral credits at application, and maintain a 3.6 GPA. Accelerated BSN-to-doctoral applicants must be enrolled full- or part-time in an accredited program, have completed 40 graded credits at application, and maintain a minimum 3.6 GPA. Pass/fail and satisfactory-type credits are not counted toward the required graded credits.

• Master’s and doctoral tracks require enrollment in an accredited program and a minimum 3.6 GPA.
• Master’s and doctoral applicants must have completed at least 12 graded credits at application.
• Accelerated BSN-to-doctoral applicants must have completed 40 graded credits at application.
• Pass/fail and satisfactory credits do not count toward required graded credits.

Accredited Graduate Nursing Programs

Description: NEF requires enrollment in professionally accredited graduate nursing programs.

Eligible graduate nursing programs include master’s and DNP programs accredited by recognized bodies such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC), New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), or other recognized nursing accrediting organizations. NEF may accept other accredited bodies recognized within the United States nursing education community. Applicants should confirm their program’s accreditation status when applying.

• Accreditation by ACEN, CCNE, SACSCC, NECHE, or other recognized bodies is required.
• Applies to master’s and doctoral nursing programs, including DNP programs.
• Applicants should verify their program’s accreditation before applying.

A Nursing Program is Defined Here As

Definition: NEF defines eligible nursing programs by the academic unit that grants the degree and by degree-award timing for dual-degree students.

An eligible program is a graduate (master’s or doctorate) nursing program housed in a department, school, college, or university of Nursing that grants graduate nursing degrees. For dual-degree programs, one of the degrees must be a graduate nursing degree granted by a nursing department and both degrees must be awarded simultaneously at program completion; dual-degree arrangements that award degrees at different completion dates (including articulation agreements) are ineligible. Students enrolled only in post-graduate certificate programs are not eligible for NEF scholarships.

• Program must be a graduate nursing program that grants master’s or doctoral nursing degrees.
• Dual degrees are eligible only if a nursing graduate degree is awarded and both degrees are conferred simultaneously.
• Articulation agreements or staggered degree conferrals are ineligible.
• Post-graduate certificate students are not eligible.

Application Instructions

Application Requirements: NEF’s online application requires references, a personal essay, and transcripts.

When you open the online scholarship application you will be asked to provide the e-mail address and work phone number for three referees: one academic, one employment, and one other professional reference. An email will be sent automatically to each referee with a link for submitting their reference, and NEF reserves the right to call references to verify identity. Upload a personal essay and goal statement (suggested length 750–850 words) that states professional goals and demonstrates potential impact on the nursing profession. Submit official transcripts from your current graduate program electronically to [email protected] or by mail (sealed, unbroken) to NEF, 137 Montague Street, Ste. 144, Brooklyn, NY, 11202. Unofficial undergraduate transcripts are accepted; for questions contact [email protected] and use the mailing address Nurses Educational Funds, Inc., 137 Montague Street, Ste. 144, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Ask references to respond promptly before the application deadline.

• Provide contact information for three specific references: academic, employment, and other professional.
• Upload a 750–850 word personal essay and goal statement.
• Submit official graduate transcripts to [email protected] or by mail (sealed) to the NEF address.
• Unofficial undergraduate transcripts are accepted; contact [email protected] for assistance.