IHS SCHOLARSHIP FOR  MEDICAL STUDENT

INTRODUCTION

Are you a medical student looking to further your education, but don’t have the financial resources necessary to  so? The IHS Scholarship program may be able to help. This scholarship is funded by the Indian Health Service and offers students incredible financial support for their educational expenses. In this article, we will discuss the application process and requirements of the IHS Scholarship, as well as some tips on how to maximize your chances of getting accepted. With this information, you can confidently apply and put yourself on track for a successful future in medicine.

ELIGIBILTY

To be eligible for the Indian Health Service (IHS) Scholarship, applicants must:

•  Be of American Indian or Alaska Native descent
• Be enrolled in, or have been accepted for enrollment in, an accredited medical school
• Be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident alien

In addition, applicants must agree to serve a minimum of two years in an IHS-approved healthcare facility serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities upon graduation.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

To apply for the IHS Scholarship, medical students must submit the following documentation:

• A completed IHS Scholarship Application Form
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• A letter of recommendation from a faculty member or supervisor
• A personal statement

HOW TO APPLY

Applying for the IHS Scholarship is simple. Eligible students can begin the process by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form at fafsa.gov.

Completing the FAFSA form is required in order to receive federal financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study funds. It’s also required for most state financial aid programs and some private scholarships. The IHS Scholarship program uses information from your completed FAFSA form to determine your eligibility for funding.

You can complete the FAFSA form online or by mail. If you’re completing it online, you’ll need to create an account at fafsa.gov first. Be sure to have your tax information handy when you start the form, as you’ll need it to fill out some of the questions accurately.

If you have any questions about filling out the FAFSA form or applying for the IHS Scholarship program, contact your nearest Indian Health Service office or visit ihs.gov/scholarships for more information.

FAQs

What is the IHS Scholarship?
The Indian Health Service (IHS) Scholarship is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native students who are pursuing health professions degrees at accredited institutions.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for the IHS Scholarship, students must:

• Be enrolled in or accepted for enrollment in an accredited health professional degree program, including but not limited to medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, public health, behavioral health, nurse practitioner, physician assistant;
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident;Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; and
• Demonstrate financial need.
•  Be of American Indian or Alaska Native descent
• Be enrolled in, or have been accepted for enrollment in, an accredited medical school

In addition, applicants must agree to serve a minimum of two years in an IHS-approved healthcare facility serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities upon graduation.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS IHS SCHOLARSHIP

The IHS Scholarship provides recipients with:

Full tuition and mandatory fees paid directly to the recipient’s school on their behalf; A monthly stipend for living expenses; and An annual allowance for books.

HOW TO APPLY FOR IHS SCHOLARSHIP

Applications for the IHS Scholarship are available online at https://www.scholarships.gov/. The application deadline is typically in early spring. GOOD LUCK