Pursuing an advanced nursing degree is a significant investment in both time and finances. For many students, scholarship support can make the difference between completing a degree and struggling to manage educational expenses.
To help students achieve their academic and professional goals, the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Nursing offers a wide range of scholarships, endowments, fellowships, project support awards, and travel grants for eligible students enrolled in its doctoral nursing programs.
The 2026–2027 funding cycle provides numerous opportunities for students pursuing PhD Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and specialized nursing pathways to receive financial assistance throughout their academic journey.
About UCSF School of Nursing
The UCSF School of Nursing is one of the leading nursing schools in the United States, recognized for excellence in nursing education, clinical practice, leadership development, and research.
As part of the University of California, San Francisco, the school is dedicated to preparing healthcare professionals who will advance patient care, improve health outcomes, and address complex healthcare challenges through evidence-based practice and innovative research.
Through generous donor contributions, endowments, and institutional support, the School of Nursing provides scholarship opportunities designed to reduce financial barriers and support student success.
Scholarship Overview
The UCSF School of Nursing offers a variety of funding opportunities for students enrolled in doctoral nursing programs.
These opportunities include:
- Scholarship awards
- Endowed funds
- Fellowship support
- Dissertation funding
- DNP project funding
- Travel awards
- Basic needs assistance
Students apply through the School of Nursing scholarship application process and may be matched with scholarships based on eligibility, academic performance, career interests, financial need, and professional goals.
Why These Scholarships Matter
Graduate nursing education can be expensive, especially for students balancing coursework, clinical placements, research responsibilities, and personal obligations.
The UCSF School of Nursing scholarship programs help students:
- Reduce educational costs
- Support research and scholarly projects
- Advance specialized nursing careers
- Participate in professional conferences
- Focus on academic excellence without excessive financial stress
These funding opportunities allow students to devote more attention to developing the skills needed to become future healthcare leaders.
Scholarship Benefits
Financial Assistance
Funding may help cover:
- Tuition-related expenses
- Educational costs
- Research expenses
- Project development costs
- Conference attendance
Research Support
Certain awards specifically support:
- PhD dissertations
- DNP scholarly projects
- Nursing research initiatives
Professional Development
Travel awards help students:
- Present research
- Attend conferences
- Build professional networks
- Gain exposure to emerging healthcare practices
Emergency and Basic Needs Support
Students may also access limited funding assistance for:
- Utilities
- Transportation
- Groceries
- Other essential living expenses
Doctoral Funding Awards
PhD Dissertation Support Award
This award supports students conducting dissertation research within the PhD Nursing program.
Award Amount
- Up to $1,000
- Available once per student
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be admitted to dissertation candidacy
- Be enrolled in the PhD Nursing program
Application Requirements
- Completed application
- Advisor support letter
- Overview of expected dissertation expenses
DNP Project Support Award
This award assists Doctor of Nursing Practice students with expenses related to their scholarly projects.
Award Amount
- Up to $1,000
- Available once per student
Eligibility
Applicants must be enrolled in at least one project-series course at the time of application.
Application Requirements
- Completed application
- Faculty support letter
- Budget or project expense summary
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
The School of Nursing administers numerous donor-funded scholarships and endowments.
Examples include:
Cait Walsh Scholarship
Supports students focused on patient care quality and error reduction.
Dean Trans Health Deboncoeur Scholarship
Supports students whose research or community work benefits transgender health and well-being.
Mary A. McCammon Scholarship
Designed for PhD Nursing students whose academic interests focus on women’s health.
Allen Endowed Scholarship
Supports doctoral students conducting research or clinical work related to heart failure and cardiovascular health.
Wolfe End Scholarship
For students dedicated to improving children’s health and interested in serving communities after graduation.
Alumni Memorial Scholarship
Awarded based on:
- Academic excellence
- Professional promise
- Future contributions to nursing
Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Gortner Endowed Scholarship
Supports PhD students pursuing careers in nursing research and academia.
Resnik Nursing Scholarship
Provides support to students with demonstrated financial need, particularly those specializing in Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nursing.
Michael Frier Behavioral Health Nursing Scholarship
Established in memory of Michael Frier, this scholarship supports nursing students pursuing behavioral health nursing and leadership in mental health care.
Additional Endowed Funds
Additional scholarship opportunities support students interested in:
- Community nursing
- Chronic illness care
- Pediatric nursing
- Midwifery
- Geriatric care
- Cardiovascular nursing
- Radiation oncology
- Women’s health
- Academic nursing research
Many awards are renewable or may be received across multiple academic years depending on donor criteria.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility varies by scholarship.
Most awards are available to students enrolled in:
PhD Nursing Program
Students pursuing advanced nursing research careers.
Post-Master’s Entry to DNP Program
Students seeking leadership-focused doctoral nursing education.
BSN Entry to DNP Program
Students entering doctoral-level nursing education directly after earning a bachelor’s degree.
Some scholarships additionally require:
- Demonstrated financial need
- Specific nursing specialties
- Particular research interests
- Strong academic standing
- Career commitment to underserved populations
Required Documents
Students applying for scholarship funding typically must submit:
- School of Nursing Scholarship Application
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal statements where required
- Advisor recommendation letters
- Expense summaries for project-related awards
Some scholarships marked by UCSF require a short statement explaining why the applicant is a strong match for the scholarship opportunity.
Application Process
Step 1: Review Eligibility
Carefully review scholarship criteria and determine which opportunities match your academic background and interests.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Prepare:
- Scholarship application
- Updated CV
- Supporting statements
- Recommendation letters
Step 3: Submit Application
Complete the UCSF School of Nursing Scholarship Application and submit all required materials.
Step 4: Await Review
Applications are reviewed and matched with eligible funding opportunities.
Step 5: Receive Award Notification
Selected students are notified and funding is distributed according to scholarship guidelines.
Important Deadline
Application Deadline
April 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Students are encouraged to submit applications well before the deadline because incomplete applications will not be considered.
Travel Awards and Additional Funding
Beyond scholarships, students may access additional support programs.
Conference Travel Support
The Associated Students of the School of Nursing (ASSN) may reimburse eligible conference-related expenses.
Funding may cover:
- Registration fees
- Travel expenses
- Meals
Graduate Division Travel Awards
Eligible graduate students presenting research may receive:
- Up to $700 in travel funding
Basic Needs Assistance
The ASSN also offers limited funding for essential needs, including:
- Gas
- Utilities
- Food and groceries
These resources provide additional support to help students remain successful throughout their academic programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for these scholarships?
Eligibility depends on the specific scholarship, but most opportunities are available to students enrolled in UCSF School of Nursing doctoral programs.
Is financial need required?
Some scholarships prioritize financial need, while others focus on academic achievement, specialty area, research interests, or professional goals.
Are there scholarships for research projects?
Yes. Both PhD dissertation funding and DNP project funding opportunities are available.
Can students receive conference funding?
Yes. Travel awards are available for students attending or presenting at professional conferences.
Is FAFSA required?
Not all scholarship opportunities require FAFSA information, though it may help determine eligibility for certain forms of aid.
Final Thoughts
The UCSF School of Nursing offers one of the most comprehensive collections of scholarship and funding opportunities available to doctoral nursing students. From dissertation support and specialty scholarships to travel awards and emergency assistance, these programs are designed to help students succeed academically, professionally, and financially.
Students enrolled in UCSF nursing doctoral programs should carefully review available funding opportunities and submit their applications before the April 27, 2026 deadline. With dozens of donor-supported scholarships available, there may be multiple opportunities to secure funding that aligns with both career goals and academic interests.