The Indian Health Service Scholarship Program develops American Indian and Alaska Native professionals to address health needs in Native communities. It includes preparatory, pre-graduate, and health-professions pathways, each with distinct populations, eligible degrees, and obligations. The Health Professions scholarship exchanges financial support for service at an approved position and site.
Recent program rules allow members or descendants of federally or state-recognized tribes or Alaska Native villages in preparatory/pre-graduate pathways; Health Professions generally requires tribal membership under federal rules. Only degrees listed for each year qualify. The official portal says the 2026–27 cycle is closed and is scheduled to reopen December 15, 2026, although a general page retains different seasonal dates—confirm dates and documents in the live portal.
Support depends on pathway and appropriations and may include tuition, fees, reasonable education expenses, and a stipend. Preparatory/pre-graduate awards carry no service commitment; Health Professions requires at least two years, or one service year per funded year when that is longer, at an approved Indian-health site. Breaching the contract can create a debt to the government.
When the portal opens, select the exact eligible degree, upload official transcripts and required evaluations, and gather tribal membership/descent documentation for the relevant pathway. For the professional track, assess service sites, licensing, and relocation before signing. The live page says “opens December 15, 2026,” while its general section lists a December–February cycle; verify again before scheduling submission.
The pathways do not share identical eligibility or service terms. Read the professional-track contract before accepting funds. Read the program profile and the administering agency; ask your financial-aid office to review your individual case.
IHS Scholarship Program — Indian Health Service.
Apply to the IHS Scholarship Program — Indian Health Service.
IHS Service Commitment — Indian Health Service.
Information checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Scholarships, loans, rates, amounts, and application cycles can change. Read the contract and confirm the current cycle with the agency or financial-aid office before making decisions.
The pathways do not share identical eligibility or service terms. Read the professional-track contract before accepting funds.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Indian Health Service Scholarship Program
Preparatory, pre-graduate, and Health Professions pathways. The professional track has a two-year minimum service commitment; others do not.
Public student financial-aid program
Indian Health Service — Scholarship Program
The office checks tribal documentation, degree, transcripts, funding, and—in the professional pathway—post-award service.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Indian Health Service · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Indian Health Service · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Indian Health Service · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Indian Health Service · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Indian Health Service Scholarship Program ↗
Primary source
Indian Health Service · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Indian Health Service — Scholarship Program ↗
Primary source
Indian Health Service · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Indian Health Service — Scholarship Program ↗
Primary source
Indian Health Service · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.