Indian Health Service Health Professions Scholarship

The Indian Health Service Health Professions Scholarship is designed for American Indian and Alaska Native students preparing for selected health professions. In exchange for financial support, the program requires at least two years of service in an IHS-approved position and site; the obligation may increase based on years of support. It is not a general medical scholarship open to everyone, and not every health field qualifies each year.

The financial-aid page says IHS pays tuition and required fees directly to the school and provides a monthly stipend listed as at least $1,500, along with certain education and travel support subject to program rules. The current application cycle is closed, and the official page says it will reopen December 15, 2026. Funded disciplines for each year appear in a comparison chart that applicants should review before selecting a category.

New applicants must provide official transcripts and faculty evaluations. Tribal membership documentation is required if IHS makes an award; rules vary among categories. When comparing the package, include total attendance costs, the stipend, and required service years, and ask the program what happens if the major, campus, or work site changes. Funding can reduce educational costs, but accepting is also a professional decision about where to serve.

To estimate the real cost, ask the school for a written calculation separating tuition, fees, housing, and expenses the award does not cover. Confirm whether aid can renew and what academic progress it requires. Keep the award letter and verify when funds will be applied to the student account.

Official program information and application