Ky.gov

Kentucky Board of Nursing

Nursing Student

Nursing Scholarship

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Information about the NISF scholarship offered annually by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.​​​​​​​​

​NISF Brochure​​ for students

NISF 2026-2027 Application Period
​Open from January 1, 2026 and May 1, 2026:​

  • Please submit all NISF correspondence through the Nurse Portal Message Center. 
    • Once logged into the portal, go to the Message Center, select Compose New Message, and choose the NISF topic.
  • The NISF award is available to students enrolled in a nursing program.  Eligible students may apply for the award each year. 
  • The application period for the 2026-2027 academic year is open for students attending the Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and/or Summer 2027 semesters.
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NISF What to Expect​

Between January 1, 2026 and May 1, 2026:​

  • Submitting​ your NISF application is only the first step.
  • After your NISF application is submitted and reviewed, you may receive requests through the Nurse Portal Message Center for additional documents needed to complete your application. 
    • ​Be sure to monitor your messages closely, as incomplete applications will not be considered during the award selection process. 
  • Once your application is fully submitted and all required documents are received and approved, you will get a notification in the Nurse Portal Message Center confirming that your application is complete and that you are eligible to be considered for an award. 

After May 1, 2026:

  • Applicants who submitted a complete application, including all required documents, by the deadline will be considered for the award. 
  • Applicants selected for the award based on their scores will receive a notification shortly after the deadline with instructions on how to accept the award offer. 
    • This will include submitting the contract, promissory note, enrollment verification and proof of setting up a vendor account with the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 
  • ​Applicants who were not selected will receive a message in the Nurse Portal Message Center. 

Where to Apply

Important Information

How to apply for the NISF Scholarship in the KBN Nurse Portal:

  • Log in to the KBN Nurse Portal: ​https://kybn.boardsofnursing.org/kybn
    • If you do not have a Nurse Portal account, you will need to create one in order to submit the application.
      • ​Instructions on how to create an account, may be found here.
  • ​​Once logged in to the portal, you will scroll down to Other Applications.​
    • ​Select 'Apply'.
      • ​Select 'NURSING INCENTIVE SCHOLARSHIP FUND' application. ​
        • ​Follow instructions to submit the application and required documents.
    • ​NOTE: The application will only be available in the Nurse Portal between January 1st and May 1st.

FAFSA Submission Summary and Student Aid Index (SAI)

  • If you have submitted a FAFSA application for the current year 2026-2027, you will have the option to provide and upload the FAFSA Submission Summary during the NISF application process. 
    • The FAFSA Submission Summary will also provide the Student Aid Index (SAI) score.
      • The SAI score can range from negative 1,500 to positive 18,500+.​
  • ​For more information on FAFSA, visit: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa​​

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can I contact if I have questions?
Vendor Account questions?
  • For technical questions with Kentucky Vendor Self Service, please contact the Finance Customer Resource Center by email at Finance.CRCGroup@ky.gov or by telephone at (502) 564-9641, toll free (877) 973-HELP.​
What is the Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund?
  • 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. 
  • 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.​​
How do I submit an official transcript?
  • ​To provide an official transcript, please use the information below:  
    • During Initial Application- Upload  the official transcript during the application submission. 
    • Nurse Portal Message Center - To submit an official transcript after an application has been received by KBN, you may send a message in the Nurse Portal Message Center to the topic 'NISF' and upload the official transcript.
    • Transcript Clearinghouse - An official transcript may be sent to KBN through a clearinghouse such as Parchment.
      • Email to kbndistnisf@ky.gov
      • ​Attention:  NISF Coordinator
Where can I get an application for the NISF?
  • Once logged in to the KBN Nurse Portal​, scroll down to 'Other Applications', select 'Apply' and choose the 'NURSING INCENTIVE SCHOLARSHIP FUND' application.  
Who is eligible for the NISF?
  • The following requirements must be met in order to be considered for the award: 
    • Be a resident of Kentucky;
    • Not be listed on the Nurse Aide Abuse Registry with a substantiated finding;
    • Be accepted for admission to a program of nursing;
      • ​Prelicensure, BSN completion, or graduate program of nursing.
      • Academic year - 12 month period beginning with Fall semester.
    • Not be in default of a prior NISF award;
    • Submit a NISF application and required documents in the KBN Nurse Portal;
    • Initial Year - Obtain a successful point ranking as defined in 201 KAR 20:390.
When can I apply for the NISF?
  • Applications and required documentation must be received between January 1st and May 1st of each year.  
I’m not admitted to a program of nursing yet, can I still apply?
  • No, you must be accepted for admission to a program of nursing in order to be eligible. 
Are online courses accepted?
  • Most online programs of nursing courses are accepted.
I do not have a GPA, what do I do?
  • If you are a high school graduate and have not attended a post-secondary institution, you will use your high school GPA or GED score.
    • You must provide a copy of your official high school transcript or GED transcript when submitting the application.  KBN will use this to verify GPA.
  • If you have attended a post-secondary institution, you should use the GPA calculated from the grades you received. You must submit a copy of your official transcript from your current or previous post-secondary institution when submitting your application.
How do I obtain a copy of my GED scores?
  • You may request a copy from GED.com.  
How do I demonstrate financial need?
  • You may provide a copy of the Federal Student Aid ​(FAFSA) Submission Summary as part of your application process.  This will be for the upcoming academic year 2026-2027.   The FAFSA website provides guidance on how to apply and access a copy of the FAFSA Submission Summary.  This summary will include the Student Aid Index (SAI) score. The information on the summary is needed to determine financial need eligibility. Submitting the summary is optional.  You are strongly encouraged to submit this documentation with your application if you are in need.
Can I submit a copy of my Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
  • No, you must submit a copy of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index (SAI) score. 
I do not qualify for federal financial aid, can I still apply or submit other documents to prove financial need?
  • No, the KBN does not accept any other documents other than the FAFSA Submission Summary as proof of financial need. Please do not send copies of tax records.  If you do not have, you may still apply without submitting a FAFSA Submission Summary.
I work at a hospital and am currently inquiring about a tuition payment program through them. If I were to receive aid from my employer, would I still be eligible for your scholarship?
  • Yes, receiving other educational funding does not disqualify you from applying for the NISF scholarship.
How are recipients chosen for the scholarship?
How will I know you received my application?
  • ​After logging in to the KBN Nurse Portal, scroll down to Other Applications, you will see the application submitted with the status of 'Processing'.  
  • If you see 'Incomplete', you will need to select 'Continue' to finish submitting the application.  
Do I need to fill out all fields on the application form?
  • Do not leave any blanks on the application. When an application is received incomplete (e.g. no graduation date, GPA, or signature), if time permits, a notification is mailed requesting additional information. Any requested information must be received by the May 1 deadline. Otherwise, the application will stand as submitted (incomplete). The Student Aid Report from FAFSA is an optional item to include. You are strongly encouraged to submit the SAR to receive preferential consideration given to those applicants with financial need.**
When will I be notified regarding the scholarship?
  • When the award process is completed, all notifications are sent to the email address on the application. This is routinely scheduled before the end of September. If your mailing address or e-mail address change after submission of your application, please provide written notification of this change. Please submit address changes or email address changes to the NISF Program Coordinator using our online contact form.
If I receive the NISF, when will I receive my check?
  • Expect 5-7 business days after disbursement is complete for funds to arrive. You can check transaction history in your VSS Vendor account while logged in to see if the funds have been disbursed to your account or not. Please allow KBN also 5-7 business days to disburse via your vendor account. Totaling approximately 14 days. 
  • If something occurs where you get sent back without disbursement we will contact you promptly here

What is expected of me as a NISF recipient?

  • ​To read and understand the documents signed and submitted to KBN during the acceptance of the award. To submit timely documentation to KBN when required per the stipulations in the NSIF documentation and regulations. Fulfill the requirement of Employment repayment for the award. 

What is the work obligation for the scholarship?
  • After graduation from the program of nursing, a recipient must work full-time (part-time work is prorated) in Kentucky as a nurse for one year for each academic year funded. An Employment Verification Form will be e-mailed to your e-mail address on file following completion of the program. Your employer will complete the form and return it to the KBN office. You will have to submit this form at the beginning of your work obligation and again at the end of your work obligation. Failure to return the form will result in default of your NISF scholarship award.
Do I have to work in a specific part of Kentucky to fulfill the work obligation?
  • No, you may work full-time anywhere in Kentucky as a nurse to fulfill the work obligation. Failure to complete the work obligation will result in default of your NISF scholarship award.
Am I eligible for continuation of the scholarship until graduation?
  • Yes, a recipient is eligible if successful academic progression is maintained to continue in the nursing program. You must also submit an application annually for receipt between January 1 and May 1 to apply for continuation.
What are the circumstances that could occur that could cause me to have to repay my scholarship?
  • Repayment would be necessary if you are unable to complete the program of nursing, never obtain licensure in Kentucky, or you do not complete the work obligation. This would be considered in default status. The repayment amount would be the amount of the scholarship plus accrued interest.
What is the current interest rate?
  • The current interest rate for repayment is 8%.
If I am in default status, how would I repay the award to KBN?
  • KBN will work directly with you to determine a one-time lump sum or monthly payment plan. If the terms of the payment plan are not met, your account will be turned over to the Kentucky Department of Revenue. That agency is authorized to issue wage garnishments, bank levies, tax refund interception, credit bureau reporting, etc., and will also add a reasonable collection fee.
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