Eligibility
You must be an Illinois nursing student attending an approved college who has demonstrated financial need.
Learn more about eligibility requirementsApplication Process
Apply every year using the online program application and the FASFA or Alternative Application.
How to applyProgram Details
This scholarship program is for Illinois students pursuing a certificate in practical nursing, a hospital-based diploma in nursing or an associate, bachelor’s, or a graduate degree in nursing. Students must demonstrate financial need to quality for the scholarship.
For Students and Parents
For Partners and Professionals
The 2027 fiscal year (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027) appropriation for Nursing Education Scholarships (NES) is $4,000,000.
Nursing Education Scholarships: Part 2749 - Administrative Rules
Please review the eligibility, work commitment, how to apply, dates and timelines, award amounts, and definitions sections for additional program information.
2026-27
The 2026-27 NES application is now available.
2025-26
Third-term claims are due May 8, 2026.
Colleges may certify 2025-26 NES eligibility via the NES System.
The first step in the NES process is for colleges to complete the Certification process for each applicant listed in GAP Access.
Learn more about the NES Certification process in the Certification section of the NES USER GUIDE.
After colleges have completed the Certification process, the award determination process can begin. The number of scholarship awards is based on the number of eligible applicants and the state’s appropriation for the program.
All timely applicants whose colleges or universities have certified their eligibility by the requested ISAC receipt date are included in the awarding process. More information about awarding and awarding prioritization can be found in the NES USER GUIDE.
NES awards are paid directly to the institution which certifies the applicant’s eligibility. Payment of scholarship is requested by the school through ISAC. We will then authorize a voucher in the amount of the payment request, or claim, and submit the voucher to the State Comptroller’s office. Funds are issues by the State Comptroller to the institution. Schools can start submitting NES claims up to 10 days before the term begins.
The payment processing becomes available after the awarding has taken place. The claims are completed in the NES system in the GAP Access portal. Learn more about the payment process in the Payment Process section in the NES USER GUIDE.
- Nursing Education Scholarship User Guide
- Administrative Rules
- GAP Access Processes
- Assigning an Administrator in GAP Access
- Studentaid.gov page defining eligible noncitizen
- ISAC Rise Act
- Payment Offset and Reconciliation
- Refunds and Unpaid Claims