Ky.gov

Kentucky Board of Nursing

Nursing Student

Nursing Scholarship

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Information about the Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund (NISF) administered annually by the Kentucky Board of Nursing.​​​​​​​​​​


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.​
  • ​If you need to send an official transcript through a Clearinghouse, you may have it sent to kbndistnisf@ky.gov. 


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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. 

NISF 2026-2027 Application Period

Open from January 1, 2026 and May 1, 2026:​

  • NISF application is available in the KBN Nurse Portal. 
  • 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. 
  • This 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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Important Information

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?
  • Yes, do not leave any fields blank on the application.  If additional documentation is needed, a message will be sent to you in the KBN Nurse Portal.  All required documents must be received by May 1st for the application to be complete.  The FAFSA Submission Summary is optional, however if you wish for financial need to be considered when your application is submitted, you will need to upload during the application process. 
How will I be be notified if I received the scholarship?
  • You will receive a message in the Nurse Portal Message Center letting you know that you have been selected.  If selected, you will need to provide the additional required documentation to receive the award.
If I am awarded the scholarship, when will I receive the funds?​
  • Please allow 7-15 business days for the deposit to post.
  • If the funds do not post during that timeframe, you may send a message in the Nurse Portal Message Center to let KBN know.
What is expected of me as a NISF recipient?
  • Submit a signed a NISF Contract;
  • Submit a signed a NISF Promissory Note;
  • Submit an Enrollment Attestation Verification;
  • Register as a vendor with the Commonwealth of Kentucky to receive funds (instructions provided at the time of being selected for NISF);​
  • Maintain Kentucky residency throughout nursing school;
  • Maintain a current address and contact information on file with the Kentucky Board of Nursing;
  • Submit verification of continued enrollment with nursing program, and notify KBN NISF staff of all changes in enrollment status;
  • Successfully complete/graduate from the nursing program within the time established by the program of nursing;
  • Successfully obtain nursing licensure at the level of the nursing education funded within two years of graduation; 
  • Obtain nursing employment in Kentucky within six months of graduation, if already licensed as a nurse at the time of program completion;
  • Obtain nursing employment in Kentucky wihtin six months of issuance of licensure, if not licensed as a nurse at the time of program completion;
  • Work as a nurse in Kentucky for one year for each academic year funded;
  • Not be listed on the nurse aide abuse registry with a substantiated finding of abuse, neglect, or theft; and
  • Not receive any disciplinary action from any nursing regulatory agency until all work requirements have been fulfilled.
​What can the funds be used for?
  • It does not have to be only for tuition or books.  The funds may be used for cost of living expenses, such as gas, childcare, or food. 
​What is the work obligation for the scholarship?
  • 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.  Once employment is established, you will need to provide the Employment Verification Form in the KBN Nurse Portal Message Center to the topic 'NISF'.  Employment must begin within six months of licensure, or graduation if already licensed.  If your employment changes, you are required to notify KBN of your updated employment. Failure to obtain in employment in Kentucky will result in default of the NISF scholarship award. 
Do I have to work in a specific part of Kentucky to fulfill the work obligation?
  • No, you may work part-time/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 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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