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The average medical student graduates with debt over $200,000, but you’re probably eligible for plenty of scholarship opportunities to bring down the cost of medical school (or even the cost of applying to med school).
Scholarships and grants are some of the best forms of financial assistance for higher education, primarily because you never have to pay them back. Different scholarships are only awarded regionally, institutionally, based on demographics, based on merit, or based on need.
Our advice? Apply to every scholarship for which you qualify so you can reduce your loan burden as much as possible. Why go into more debt than you need to?
And one more pro tip: In some cases, you can actually negotiate a medical school scholarship.
Below, we’ll discuss how to give yourself the best shot at getting the scholarships you want, as well as which scholarships you should consider.
Pro Tips for Applying for Med School Scholarships
Experts from MedSchoolCoach have helped thousands of pre-meds get into medical school. In the process, we have seen what works in applying for medical school scholarships. Below are our top tips:
- Start early. Start looking for scholarships in your freshman and sophomore year of pre-med, so you can make sure you’re meeting prerequisites. Apply before the end of your junior year, if possible, if you’re applying to enter medical school immediately after college.
- Ask your school. Your undergrad likely has resources they can provide concerning scholarship information. You can ask your academic advisor, the financial aid office, or the department of career services.
- Consider your passions. Seek scholarships for your unique circumstances — not only your demographics but also your interests and past experiences. Instead of catering to a scholarship’s requirements, you may qualify for a scholarship because of what you were already planning on doing: i.e. serving rural populations, filling high-demand specialties, etc.
Differentiate yourself. The people who are getting accepted into medical school already have good grades, which may be a reason that most med school scholarships are not merit-based. Find unique extracurriculars and experiences to stand out from the other scholarship applicants.
NOTE: For all scholarships below, applicants are required to be either U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, or those with DACA status, unless otherwise noted.
Want to find more medical school scholarships that you might be a great fit for? Check out the free scholarship database searches on FastWeb or AAMC.
Related: How to Choose Where to Apply to Medical School
General Medical School Scholarships
These 12 scholarships are for any medical student, not based on specific populations. The deadlines and scholarship amounts vary, so pay attention to what’s possible on your timeline with your specific budget.
1. Free Tuition at Certain Schools
Eligibility requirements: Enrollment at a tuition-free school
Deadline: Various
Description: A few med schools have implemented tuition-free plans for med students, some of which apply to all students and others that apply only to students from families making under a certain threshold. Take advantage of these programs to pursue your medical education while avoiding burdensome medical student debt.
Here are the potentially tuition-free medical schools in the U.S.:
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine was the first free-tuition medical school in 2008. Currently, you can save $72,754 per year.
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine announced in 2018 that all current and future matriculating medical students will receive a “full-tuition scholarship” as long as they meet satisfactory academic progress. That means every medical student will currently save $64,250 every year.
- New York University Long Island School of Medicine also offers tuition-free education to all medical school students in its accelerated 3-year program, regardless of financial need or merit. As of the 2025/26 school year, this amounts to a savings of $62,302. Students may also apply for need-based scholarships to cover the fees for housing, costs, food, and other miscellaneous expenses.
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine offers tuition-free med school due to a $1 billion endowment from Dr. Ruth Gottesman. Students can save $77,232 a year though they still have to pay for health insurance. (Apply for a scholarship to cover insurance.)
- Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, provides full or partial merit-based and needs-based tuition scholarships to two-thirds of the matriculating medical students each year. This could provide an annual savings of up to $72,975.
- Abigail Geisinger Scholars Program covers the cost of tuition ($73,994) and living expenses ($31,643), plus a stipend, for select medical students specializing in specific primary care fields. There is a service commitment of 2-4 years.
Read Next: Applying to Med School as a Non-Traditional Applicant
2. National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program
Eligibility requirements: U.S. citizen or national enrolled in or accepted to an accredited U.S. medical, dental, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, or physician assistant program
Deadline: Typically in late April; the exact date for 2025 is to be announced
Description: Provides full tuition, fees, other educational costs, and a monthly stipend to students pursuing primary care careers, in exchange for a commitment to work in underserved areas upon graduation.
Website: https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/overview
3. Board Vitals Medical School Scholarship
Eligibility requirements: Must be a US resident enrolled in an accredited medical school or a resident or fellow enrolled in an accredited residency or fellowship program in the U.S.
Deadline: April 30, 2025
Description: $500-$2,000 awarded to three doctors voted on by the public, selected from 12 finalists chosen by a panel.
Website: https://info.boardvitals.com/boardvitals-medical-school-scholarship
4. AAMC Herbert W. Nickens Medical Student Scholarships
Eligibility requirements: Must be a student entering the third year of study in an LCME-accredited U.S. medical school in Fall 2025
Deadline: Not listed; medical schools nominate eligible students
Description: Five outstanding students entering their third year of medical school receive a $5,000 scholarship from the AAMC. These students have demonstrated leadership in efforts to reduce inequities in medical education and health care and have shown initiative in addressing educational, societal, and healthcare needs of racial and ethnic minorities in the United States.
Website: https://www.aamc.org/about-us/aamc-awards/nickens-medical-student-scholarships
5. Leopold Schepp Foundation Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Must be an undergraduate under 30 or a graduate student under 40 at application time; full-time enrollment in a four-year bachelor’s or approved graduate program with a minimum 3.3 GPA; personal interview in NYC required; not eligible if previously denied or seeking a second degree at the same level
Deadline: TBD; 2026–27 applications open in July 2025 and close once enough requests are received
Description: This foundation offers scholarships to students who combine strong character, academic excellence, and financial need. Awards can reach up to $10,000 per year, and recipients are expected to apply for all other available financial aid.
Website: https://scheppfoundation.org/apply
6. Kaiser Permanente Northern California Medical Student Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Must be a current third-year medical student in good academic standing; enrolled in an accredited allopathic, osteopathic, or podiatric school; interested in pursuing a residency with Kaiser Permanente Northern California
Deadline: TBD (likely the end of November 2025)
Description: The Kaiser Permanente Northern California Medical Student Scholarship offers $2,500 to future physicians committed to serving underserved communities. Recipients are encouraged to complete a one-month clerkship at a Kaiser Permanente facility in Northern California during their fourth year, with an additional $5,000 travel stipend awarded upon completion.
7. AMA Foundation Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be entering their final year of medical school and be currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. allopathic or osteopathic medical school
Deadline: TBD (likely mid-February 2026)
Description: This scholarship offers $10,000 in tuition assistance to medical students entering their final year. With 16 scholarship categories, including those for underrepresented groups and various specialties, it’s a great opportunity to get support tailored to your background and interests.
Website: https://amafoundation.org/programs/scholarships/
Want to apply to medical school but don’t know where to start? Watch our FREE video course!
8. James “Rhio” O’Connor Mesothelioma Scholarship Fund
Eligibility Requirements: Open to students who submit an original essay of 700–1,500 words addressing topics related to alternative cancer treatments and healthcare system improvements
Deadline: Rolling
Description: The James “Rhio” O’Connor Mesothelioma Scholarship Fund awards $1,000 to students who thoughtfully explore alternative cancer therapies and healthcare challenges in an original essay. It’s a great opportunity for those interested in medical ethics, innovation, or patient advocacy to share their insights.
Website: https://accessscholarships.com/scholarship/james-rhio-oconnor-mesothelioma-scholarship-fund/
9. National Medical Fellowships Scholarships & Awards
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be enrolled in accredited U.S. medical or health professional programs; eligibility varies by scholarship, with many focusing on students underrepresented in medicine who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to serving underserved communities
Deadline: Deadlines vary by scholarship cycle; upcoming application periods include:
- Cycle 2: April 7 – May 18, 2025
- Cycle 3: June 30 – August 10, 2025
- Cycle 4: September 22 – November 2, 2025
Description: National Medical Fellowships (NMF) offers a range of scholarships and service-learning programs aimed at increasing diversity in healthcare. These programs support students who are committed to addressing health disparities and serving medically underserved communities.
Website: https://nmfonline.org/scholarships-programs/scholarships-and-awards/
10. The National Space Club and Foundation Keynote Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited U.S. institution, with definite plans to pursue a career in a STEM field (preference given to those with space-related interests); applicants must not have previously spoken at the Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Dinner.
Deadline: TBD (likely early November 2025)
Description: The National Space Club and Foundation Keynote Scholarship offers a $20,000 award to students aiming for STEM careers, including those in medicine. Beyond the financial support, the recipient gets the unique honor of delivering the keynote address at the prestigious Goddard Memorial Dinner, making it an excellent opportunity for aspiring medical professionals interested in the intersection of healthcare and space science.
Website: https://www.spaceclub.org/scholarship/index.html
11. The Pisacano Leadership Program
Eligibility Requirements: U.S. medical students entering their fourth year in fall 2025 who have declared a commitment to family medicine; applicants must demonstrate leadership, clinical excellence, strong communication skills, and be willing to participate in leadership symposia and an interview with a family physician
Deadline: May 1, 2025
Description: The Pisacano Scholars Leadership Program is for rising leaders in family medicine who want to impact the future of healthcare. Scholars receive up to $28,000 over four years plus funding for leadership development and symposia. It’s a powerful blend of financial support and community for students passionate about serving others through primary care.
Website: https://pisacano.org/leadership/
Not sure which medical school is the right fit for you? Check out our FREE database with tools to help you know where you have the best shot at acceptance.
Scholarships for Students of Specific Populations
Below are scholarships for particular populations of underrepresented minorities, regional residents, or armed forces.
1. National Medical Fellowships Need-Based Scholarship Program
Eligibility requirements: Varies by scholarship; generally open to underrepresented minority students enrolled in accredited U.S. medical schools
Deadline: Varies by scholarship; check the NMF website for specific dates.
Description: Offers need-based and merit scholarships to underrepresented minority students in medicine and health professions.
Website: https://nmfonline.org/scholarships-programs/scholarships-and-awards/
2. MPOWER Global Citizenship Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be enrolled in or accepted to a full-time degree program at an MPOWER-supported school; U.S. citizens studying in the U.S. and Canadian citizens studying in Canada are not eligible
Deadline: July 31, 2025
Description: The MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship is designed to support international and DACA students pursuing higher education in the U.S. or Canada. With awards ranging from $1,000 to $8,000, this scholarship aims to empower students who are making a difference in their communities and beyond.
Website: https://www.mpowerfinancing.com/scholarships/global-citizen
3. The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be 30 years old or younger as of the application deadline; be immigrants or children of immigrants (i.e., New Americans); and plan to enroll full-time in an eligible graduate or professional degree program in the U.S. for the 2026–2027 academic year
Deadline: October 30, 2025
Description: The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans offer up to $90,000 to support the graduate education of 30 immigrants and children of immigrants each year. It’s more than just financial aid; fellows join a lifelong community of New Americans making significant contributions across various fields in the U.S.
Website: https://pdsoros.org/
4. The Brown Medical and Educational Society Healthcare Scholarships
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled in a four-year U.S. college or university as undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a degree in healthcare (e.g., medicine, nursing, allied health); must identify as Black/African American, Native American/American Indian, Hispanic/Latin American, or Asian/Pacific Islander; and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
Deadline: April 30, 2025
Description: The Brown Medical and Educational (MAE) Foundation Healthcare Scholarship supports students of color aiming for careers in healthcare. It offers financial assistance to those committed to making a difference in their communities through medicine, nursing, or allied health professions.
Website: https://brownmae.org/
5. Point Foundation Scholarships
Eligibility Requirements: Open to LGBTQ+ and ally students who are at least high school seniors and are enrolled or intend to enroll full-time in a professional degree program at an accredited U.S. institution (excluding 100% online programs); applicants must plan to use scholarship funds between fall 2025 and spring 2026
Deadline: December 5, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. EST
Description: The Point Foundation Flagship Scholarship supports LGBTQ+ and ally students pursuing higher education by providing financial assistance, mentorship, leadership development, and a supportive community. It’s a fantastic opportunity for those committed to making a positive impact in their communities while advancing their academic and professional goals.
Website: https://pointfoundation.org/scholarships
6. Chinese American Medical Society Scholarships
Eligibility Requirements: Open to first-, second-, and third-year medical or dental students (MS, DS, or OMS 1–3) in good standing at an accredited U.S. medical or dental school; must be current or pending CAMS Student members; those newly accepted into medical or dental school are not eligible
Deadline: March 31, 2024, 11:59 PM EST
Description: The CAMS Scholarship supports medical and dental students with a focus on those contributing to the health care of the Chinese community. Applicants with research projects related to Chinese health issues are given special consideration.
Website: https://camsociety.org/scholarship/
7. Japanese Medical Society of America
Eligibility Requirements: Must be JMSA members physically present in the U.S., currently accepted to or enrolled in an accredited U.S. healthcare-related medical program or be a postgraduate medical professional in training (resident, fellow, or postdoctoral researcher)
Deadline: TBD (likely early February 2026)
Description: The JMSA Scholarship offers awards ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 to students and trainees in healthcare fields who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to serving the Japanese or Japanese-American community. Recipients are paired with a mentor and carry out a project that aligns with JMSA’s mission.
Website: https://www.jmsa.org/student-members-merit/scholarships/
8. Indian Health Service Scholarship
Eligibility requirements: Documented American Indian or Alaska Native applicants pursuing certain degrees. Multi-year service agreements may apply.
Deadline: February 28, 2026 (portal officially opens on December 15, 2025)
Description: Since 1978, the Indian Health Service has helped indigenous descendants afford pre-med and MD degrees. Fall and spring semester scholarships should fully cover tuition, required fees, and a monthly stipend.
Website: https://www.ihs.gov/scholarship/
9. Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program
Eligibility requirements: Documented Native Hawaiians seeking certain degrees who agree to serve at least 2-4 years in an underserved part of Hawaii
Deadline: May 12, 2025
Description: This competitive scholarship provides “generous” funds to cover tuition, fees, and a monthly stipend for Native Hawaiians who agree to serve for 2-4 years in an underserved part of the state of Hawaii.
Website: https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-scholarship/native-hawaiian-health
10. Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)
Eligibility Requirements: Must be accepted to or enrolled in an accredited U.S. allopathic (M.D.) or osteopathic (D.O.) medical school; age 36 or younger at the time of commissioning (Navy allows up to 42); pass a military physical exam; meet academic standards (generally a minimum 3.2 GPA and 500 MCAT score); and obtain a security clearance
Deadline: Rolling admissions; applications are accepted year-round, but early application is recommended due to limited slots per service branch
Description: The Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) is a full-ride scholarship offered by the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force to medical students. It covers tuition, fees, provides a monthly stipend, and includes a signing bonus in some cases. In return, recipients commit to serving as military physicians, gaining unique training experiences and the opportunity to serve their country while practicing medicine.
Website: https://www.medicineandthemilitary.com/applying-and-what-to-expect/medical-school-programs/hpsp/
Read more about how to serve your country as a member of the U.S. military while also pursuing a career in medicine: A Comprehensive Rundown of Attending Med School via the Military
11. Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS)
Eligibility requirements: Must be a previous Gates Scholarship recipient (need to start as undergrad freshman) from an underrepresented minority, seeking a graduate degree in Public Health.
Deadline: September 15
Description: Recipients are awarded an average of $12,785 for undergrad and postgrad education expenses. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program was funded in 1999 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, providing an opportunity for outstanding minority students with significant financial need to reach their highest potential. Each year, the program selects 1,000 students from historically underrepresented groups, including people from African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American backgrounds.
Website: https://gmsp.org/a-gates-millennium-scholars-program/
12. Allegheny County Medical Society Medical Student Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Must be a resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, for at least 12 months prior to medical school enrollment (excluding time spent in undergraduate/graduate studies); enrolled full-time in an accredited Pennsylvania medical school; entering or currently in third or fourth year
Deadline: Applications are accepted from July 1 to September 30, 2025
Description: The Allegheny County Medical Society (ACMS) Medical Student Scholarship offers a $4,000 award to support medical students from Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in their third or fourth year of study at an accredited Pennsylvania medical school. This scholarship aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with medical education.
Website: https://www.foundationpamedsoc.org/student-financial-services/scholarships/acms-scholarship
13. American Women’s Medical Association Scholarships
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be AMWA student members enrolled in an accredited U.S. medical or premedical program; additional requirements such as essays, financial information, and letters of recommendation may apply depending on the specific scholarship
Deadline: Deadlines vary by scholarship program; refer to individual scholarship pages for specific dates
Description: The American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) offers a variety of scholarships to support women pursuing careers in medicine. These scholarships aim to alleviate financial burdens and recognize students who demonstrate leadership, advocacy, and a commitment to advancing women’s health.
Website: https://www.amwa-doc.org/students/awards/
14. Stantec Equity & Diversity Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Must be enrolled full-time in an accredited two- or four-year post-secondary institution for the 2025–26 academic year, pursuing a STEAM major (science, technology, engineering, arts/architecture, or math). Eligible applicants should identify as part of a historically underrepresented group, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), LGBTQ2+ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, or first-generation college students
Deadline: TBD (likely mid-October 2025)
Description: The Stantec Equity & Diversity Scholarship is designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds pursuing STEAM degrees. With awards ranging from $1,500 to $10,000 and opportunities for paid internships, it’s a scholarship award for aspiring professionals — including those interested in medicine — to gain financial support and industry experience.
Website: https://www.stantec.com/en/about/community-engagement/scholarships/equity-diversity-scholarship
FAQs
Yes, several healthcare systems and U.S.-based organizations offer support for international students pursuing a medical degree in the States. Here are a few notable ones:
- John Hopkins Medicine International scholarships: Provides financial aid to non-US resident international students.
- Columbia University Vagelos Scholarship Program: Promises to meet 100% of students' demonstrated financial need.
- Whitetulip Health Foundation Scholarship for International Medical Graduates (IMG): Provides financial aid to international medical graduates (IMGs), including those pursuing further medical education in the U.S.
- Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities: Students enrolled in a HACU-participating institution and who have received a high school diploma or GED (including international equivalents) are eligible for these scholarship awards, regardless of immigration status.
You need to consider your own financial situation to determine if it’s worth it for you to take out student loans in order to complete your medical education. On average, medical students typically expect to graduate with at least $150,000 in student loan debt.
In many cases, it can be worth it based on the fact that physicians in many specialties do go on to earn a mid-to-high six-figure salary, which means paying off this debt and living in financial stability are a high probability. Remember, though, that before making this sort of income, you’ll also need to complete medical residency training, and residents make much less than fully qualified doctors for those 3-7 years.
Healthcare providers working in government positions or for qualified nonprofit organizations can qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program after 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan. As long as you make these 10 years’ worth of payments (even under an income-driven repayment plan), the remainder of your federal student loans can be forgiven.
Your Partner for Medical School Success
The path to medicine may feel long some days, but our team wants to help you through every step of that journey. Whether you’re preparing to apply for the first time this year or just planning for a future application cycle, talk to us about how we can help you make your dreams a reality.
Students who work with us 2X their chances of successfully entering medical school! Learn how we can support you with a FREE 15-minute consultation.
Sahil Mehta MD
Dr. Mehta is the founder of MedSchoolCoach and has guided thousands of successful medical school applicants. He is also a practicing physician in Boston where he specializes in vascular and interventional radiology.
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