The National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program (NHSC SP) funds students in eligible primary-care professions who agree to serve after graduation in a community facing a health-professional shortage. It can be valuable for a clinician committed to that path, but the contract limits site, specialty, and timing, and breaking it can be costly.
You must be full-time in an approved health degree at an accredited U.S. school and meet citizenship/residency, future licensure, and federal-debt requirements. The annual guidance defines eligible professions; not every health or medical degree qualifies. The FY2026 application is closed; its deadline was April 16, 2026, so watch for the next cycle rather than assuming it is open.
The contract may pay tuition and eligible fees, annual reasonable education costs, and a monthly stipend for up to four school years; the stipend is federally taxable. In exchange, you serve at least two and up to four full-time years at an approved site in a Health Professional Shortage Area. Scholarship years determine service length, and partial support may also create obligation.
Read the full cohort Application and Program Guidance before applying, calculate the service obligation the contract would create, and confirm eligible professions and sites. Applications go through My BHW; awards are competitive, not automatic. While studying, maintain full-time status and records. After graduation, obtain licensure and begin service within the contract timeline.
A service scholarship creates a later work contract. Do not accept funds without understanding licensure, start dates, geography, and breach consequences. Read the program profile and the administering agency; ask your financial-aid office to review your individual case.
NHSC Scholarship Program Overview — Health Resources and Services Administration.
How to Apply for an NHSC Scholarship — HRSA / NHSC.
Tax Implications of the NHSC Scholarship — HRSA / NHSC.
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.
A service scholarship creates a later work contract. Do not accept funds without understanding licensure, start dates, geography, and breach consequences.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program
Up to four years of tuition, fees, and other costs, plus a stipend; requires two to four years at an approved HPSA site.
Public student financial-aid program
Health Resources and Services Administration — NHSC
The office defines eligible professions, shortage-area scoring, contract, timeline, and service repayment.
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
Health Resources and Services Administration · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
HRSA / NHSC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
HRSA / NHSC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Health Resources and Services Administration · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program ↗
Primary source
HRSA / NHSC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Health Resources and Services Administration — NHSC ↗
Primary source
HRSA / NHSC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Health Resources and Services Administration — NHSC ↗
Primary source
HRSA / NHSC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.