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Top Medical School Scholarships in 2025: Everything You Need To Know
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Top Medical School Scholarships in 2025: Everything You Need To Know

Written by
International Medical AID
on July 12th, 2025

READING TIME
26 minutes

Setting foot in medical school is a dream come true for many, until you start counting the cost. The most significant concern for most med students is the monster of student debt. According to recent data, about 70% of medical students graduate with student loan debt

The median debt for medical school graduates is now around $200,000, and it tends to be even higher for students at private schools (the four-year cost of a private medical education can approach $390,000, compared to about $286,000 at a public school). 

As medical education becomes increasingly expensive, organizations like the AAMC recommend seeking scholarships and other financial aid as one of the most effective ways to manage the costs. 

A 2023 survey found that about 60% of med students received some scholarships, grants, or stipends to help fund their education, highlighting how crucial such funding can be.

If you are contemplating joining med school and are unsure how to finance your education, put your worries to rest. We have put together a comprehensive 2025 guide on how to get a scholarship for medical school so you can focus more on realizing your dreams and less on funding them. 

At International Medical Aid, we believe that becoming a doctor should be affordable and accessible. That’s why we provide the tools and support you need to secure reliable scholarships and other aid to fund your education. Whether you’re seeking national scholarships or voluntary healthcare internships abroad, we offer personalized medical school admissions consulting to strengthen your application and help you build a competitive path toward a medical career without drowning in debt.

With the right approach, from targeting local scholarships to aiming for full-ride programs, you can secure reliable funding for med school and scale your career safely without constantly considering the cost.

How to Finance a Medical Degree and Key Strategies (How to Get a Scholarship for Medical School (2025)

Financing medical school may seem impossible at first, but there are a few avenues aspiring healthcare professionals can explore.

Search for Local Scholarships

Local or community-based scholarships often have smaller applicant pools and are less competitive. Check with local medical societies, hospitals, civic organizations, and your state or hometown programs for scholarships targeting students from your area or background.

Prioritize Full-Ride over Partial Tuition

Whenever possible, prioritize full-ride scholarships (covering tuition and living expenses) over those that only cover tuition. Full-ride awards alleviate the entire financial burden, whereas full-tuition scholarships still leave you to fund your living costs.

Target Medical Schools with Generous Aid

Some medical schools offer significant merit scholarships or full-tuition coverage for all students. For example, NYU Grossman School of Medicine provides full-tuition scholarships to all MD students. Enrolling in a school that offers substantial merit or need-based aid can dramatically reduce your debt. These scholarships often reward your potential (commitment to medicine, leadership, etc.) rather than just past academic achievements.

By combining these strategies, seeking local funding, maximizing comprehensive scholarships, and choosing institutions with robust financial aid, you can create a financing plan that minimizes debt. Next, we’ll explore specific scholarship opportunities available to help fund your medical education.

Top General Medical School Scholarships (Nationwide)

The list below outlines some of the best general scholarships for medical school available to a broad range of U.S. medical students. Many of these are open nationally, though some come with specific conditions (such as a service commitment or particular interests). Always check each scholarship’s official website for the most current eligibility requirements and deadlines, as details can change year to year.

Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fund

Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in designated universities, with demonstrated financial need and an outstanding undergraduate record. (Only certain institutions participate; see the fund’s site for the list.) 

Coverage: Full tuition plus a $18,000 annual stipend for living expenses. 

Application: Students must request an application via their school’s financial aid office. Completed applications are submitted through the office of the dean at the student’s university.

Applications become available each October and are due by early January for the following academic year.

UnitedHealth Foundation/NMF Diverse Medical Scholars Program

Eligibility: Open to 2nd–4th year medical students who are U.S. citizens and identify with underrepresented groups in medicine (African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Alaska Native, or specific Asian/Pacific Islander subgroups). Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. medical school and demonstrate a commitment to serving medically underserved communities. 

Coverage: $7,000 per year, with the opportunity for yearly renewal. 

Application: Submit an online application (administered through National Medical Fellowships). Scholars are required to complete a 200-hour community health project as part of the award.

Physicians of Tomorrow Awards

Eligibility: Offered by the American Medical Association (AMA) to medical students in their final year of school. Applicants cannot apply directly; your medical school’s dean must nominate you. Nominees should be U.S. citizens or permanent residents (DACA recipients are also eligible) and do not need to be AMA members. Specific eligibility criteria and award categories may vary (some awards target certain specialties, regions, or underrepresented groups). 

Coverage: $10,000 awarded to each selected student to support their final year. 

Application: If you’re interested, inform your financial aid or dean’s office to seek a nomination. Once nominated, you’ll submit an application including a financial statement, personal statement, transcripts, and recommendation letters (typically one from the dean and one from a faculty member).

Tylenol Future Care Scholarship

Eligibility: Sponsored by the makers of Tylenol, this scholarship is open to students in healthcare-related graduate programs (medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, etc.) who have at least one year remaining. Applicants must be U.S. residents and actively pursuing careers in healthcare with a focus on patient care. 

Coverage: $5,000–$10,000 one-time awards. Each year, 35 students are selected10 students receive $10,000 and 25 students receive $5,000. (The scholarship is not automatically renewable, but students can reapply in subsequent years if they haven’t won before.) 

Application: Apply online, typically by late July. You’ll need to provide your college GPA, details of community involvement, an essay, and academic records. An independent selection committee evaluates the applications.

Herbert W. Nickens Medical Student Scholarships

Eligibility: An Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) program recognizing five outstanding medical students entering their third year. Eligible students must have shown leadership in efforts to eliminate inequities in medical education and healthcare**—particularly by helping underrepresented racial/ethnic groups**. U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or DACA status is required. 

Coverage: $5,000 awarded to each of five recipients. 

Application: Students must be nominated by their medical school. If nominated, you submit an application with a personal statement about your work in diversifying medicine, a letter of nomination from your dean, a faculty recommendation, and your CV. (Deadline is usually in April of each year.)

National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program

Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens or nationals committed to practicing in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) upon graduation. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. medical (MD or DO), dental, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or physician assistant program and be free of any other service obligations (since this is essentially a service-contract scholarship). 

Coverage: Full tuition and required fees, a monthly living stipend, and other education costs (for up to 4 years). In return, recipients commit to 1 year of service in a medically underserved area per year of scholarship support (minimum 2 years commitment, up to 4 years) upon completion of training. 

Application: Apply online through the HRSA (Health Resources & Services Administration) site. The application requires essays, academic info, and documentation. Selection factors include your commitment to primary care and underserved communities, academic performance, and financial need. (Think of this as “trade” – you graduate debt-free, then serve a few years where doctors are needed most.)

American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) Scholarships & Fellowships

Eligibility: AMWA offers several awards for women in medicine who are AMWA members. Each scholarship has its own criteria. Key programs include:

AMWA Medical Education Scholarships: Four awards of $500 each to women medical students. Selection is based on embodying AMWA’s goals. Requires: AMWA student membership, an essay, a financial need statement, and a recommendation letter.

Haffizulla Family Scholarship: Two scholarships of $1,000 each, awarded during AMWA’s annual meeting. Focused on students with at least 2 years of AMWA involvement who demonstrate leadership in health promotion. 

Requires: AMWA membership, online application with resume, and a recommendation from an AMWA leader. (Applications open May, due by December.)

OSMOSIS & USMLE-Rx Scholarships: In partnership with online medical learning platforms, AMWA offers scholarships that cover the costs of USMLE/COMLEX test prep resources. (Typically two awards for each program, providing access to question banks, videos, etc., to help with board exam prep.) 

Requires: AMWA membership, an application with short essays and financial info (usually open in August, due in September).

Lecturio Scholarship: Two scholarships (3-month access to Lecturio’s digital medical education platform). 

Requires: AMWA membership and an application with essay and financial statement (timeline similar to above).

Anne C. Carter Global Health Fellowship: Four two-year fellowships for women medical students interested in global health. Fellows design and implement a global health project. Includes $1,000 funding for project expenses and mentorship through AMWA’s Global Health Committee. Applications due each September; fellows serve for two years, with a required progress report after year one.

Women in Academic Orthopedics Summer Internship: An 8–10 week summer program (University of Utah) for women medical students (after M1) to gain intensive experience in orthopedic surgery. Interns work ~40 hours/week with orthopedic surgeons in clinics and ORs, and receive a stipend upon completion. 

Requires: Good standing after first year of med school and an interest in orthopedics; application through AMWA in the spring.

Application: For all AMWA awards, applications are submitted online via the AMWA portal (typically open August 1 – October 31 for most student awards). Ensure you provide all required documents (essays, recommendations, transcripts as needed). These awards are generally small but prestigious, and they signal your leadership and involvement in the medical women’s community.

American Association of University Women (AAUW) Scholarships

Eligibility: AAUW is a long-established organization supporting women’s education. For medical students, AAUW’s Selected Professions Fellowship is most relevant – it supports women in fields where they are underrepresented, including medicine (particularly women of color pursuing an MD). Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, in their third or fourth year of medical school during the award year (or entering a fellowship in certain specialties). 

Coverage: Awards range roughly from $5,000 up to $18,000 for the year (amount varies by the specific AAUW program). 

Application: Apply online via AAUW. The application opens August 1 and typically closes December 1 for the following academic year. You’ll need transcripts, recommendations, and essays. (AAUW also offers other fellowships – e.g., International Fellowships – which women in medicine can explore if eligible.)

Brown Medical and Educational (MAE) Society Healthcare Scholarship

Eligibility: Open to undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a degree in healthcare (medicine, nursing, dentistry, allied health, etc.) at an accredited U.S. institution. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be U.S. citizens. Importantly, this scholarship is intended for students from underrepresented backgrounds (applicants are asked to identify as one or more of the following: Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American/Alaska Native, or Asian/Pacific Islander). 

Coverage: Typically a small one-time award (approximately $1,000 has been common in recent years) to help with education expenses. 

Application: The application form must be printed or typed and mailed in, accompanied by an official transcript and three letters of recommendation (from teachers, employers, or community leaders – not family). The deadline is usually in the spring around April 30 for the upcoming academic year.

Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship

Eligibility: Open to full-time graduate students in medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, or health policy who have shown academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to serving the Hispanic community. Applicants do not have to be Hispanic themselves, but should demonstrate an affinity for the health of Hispanic communities (e.g., through service or research) and be involved with the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA). A minimum 3.0 GPA is required, and you must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient and an NHMA member. 

Coverage: Typically $5,000 per award. Each year, about 15–20 students are selected nationwide, and some may receive multi-year awards (in some cases up to $20,000 total, disbursed as $5,000 per year). 

Application: Apply online through the National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF). Requires a personal statement, resume, one or more recommendation letters (preferably from a professor or supervisor), and school transcripts. Finalists may be invited to an awards gala. Deadlines are usually in September for the current academic year awards.

Chinese American Physicians Society (CAPS) Scholarships

Eligibility: Open to medical students of any background enrolled in U.S. medical schools (you do not have to be of Chinese descent, though many applicants are). Selection criteria include academic achievement, financial need, community service, and essays. Special consideration is given to students who show an interest in serving Chinese American communities after graduation. 

Coverage: Scholarships range from about $2,000 to $5,000 per student (the exact amount is determined by CAPS each year based on available funds). 

Application: The application is an online form (usually available on the CAPS website). You’ll need to submit transcripts, proof of enrollment, financial information, and short essays (often about your goals and any connection to the Chinese American community or how you plan to serve the community). Deadline tends to be in the spring (often around April 1st), with recipients announced in early summer.

Chinese American Medical Society (CAMS) Scholarships

Eligibility: Open to 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year medical or dental students in good academic standing at accredited U.S. schools. Applicants must either be current CAMS student members or apply for membership. (CAMS is oriented towards Chinese American medical professionals, but students of any ethnicity can join and apply, though preference may be given to those who have an interest in the Chinese American community.) 

Coverage: $5,000 awarded to each scholarship recipient. 

Application: Applications are posted on the CAMS website. Typically, you must fill out the form and email it with your CV, a letter from your dean verifying you’re in good standing, and two recommendation letters with actual signatures. Deadlines usually fall in the spring (e.g., mid-May). Winners are often announced at the CAMS annual banquet.

Japanese Medical Society of America (JMSA) Scholarships

Eligibility: Open to JMSA members who are students or trainees in healthcare fields (medicine, nursing, dentistry, allied health) and demonstrate a strong interest in the Japanese or Japanese-American community. Applicants can be medical students (MD or DO), residents, or other graduate-level health students. Besides academic excellence, a key requirement is a project proposal: each applicant must propose and eventually carry out a project that aligns with JMSA’s mission of serving the Japanese community (e.g., a community health initiative, research, or an educational program benefitting Japanese-Americans). 

Coverage: Awards usually range from around $2,500 to $12,000 for each selected student. (Some donors’ awards have even gone up to $15k or $20k in recent years, but $2.5k–$12k is the typical range for most recipients.) 

Application: The application is submitted online (often via email or an online form) and is typically due in late December or January. It includes your project proposal, personal statement, CV, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Successful applicants are expected to implement their proposed project over the coming year. They must provide an interim report after 6 months and a final report after 12 months documenting the project’s progress and impact.

Joseph Collins Foundation Scholarship

Eligibility: A scholarship for medical students with broad interests. To qualify, you must be attending a medical school east of the Mississippi River in the U.S., be in the top half of your class academically, and have a strong interest in neurology, psychiatry, or general practice as a career. The foundation also looks for students who have significant achievements or interests outside of medicine (e.g. in the arts, music, literature – reflecting Dr. Joseph Collins’ belief in well-roundedness) and who demonstrate high moral character. 

Coverage: Approximately $10,000 per scholarship. Often about 5–10 students nationwide receive this award each year. 

Application: Students cannot apply directly; participating medical schools’ financial aid offices are invited to nominate up to five candidates annually. If your school is eligible, you would work with your office of financial assistance to submit the necessary materials (which may include an application form, essays on your outside interests, and letters of recommendation). Check with your dean or aid office in the fall of your second year to express interest.

Dr. Prentiss Taylor Scholarship

Eligibility: Established in 2020 and administered by National Medical Fellowships (NMF), this scholarship supports one outstanding underrepresented medical student each year. Eligible students must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. medical school (any year) and identify as underrepresented in medicine (such as Black/African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Pacific Islander, or certain Asian subgroups). Selection is based on academic excellence, financial need, leadership, and a strong commitment to community service. U.S. citizenship or DACA status is required. 

Coverage: $5,000 one-time award. 

Application: The application is through NMF’s online portal (typically opening during the summer). It often includes personal statements (for example, discussing how you plan to make an impact in your medical career), a letter of enrollment/good standing, and possibly a recommendation. The deadline has recently been in August, with the award announced in the fall.

National Medical Fellowships (NMF) Scholarships

Eligibility: NMF offers a variety of scholarships and awards funded by different organizations, all aimed at supporting underrepresented minorities in medicine. General eligibility for most NMF programs includes being a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient, enrollment in a graduate-level health professions program (MD, DO, PA, nursing, etc.), and identification with a traditionally underrepresented group (African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American/Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, or certain Asian-American groups) in medicine. Many NMF awards also require a demonstrated commitment to serving underserved communities and some level of leadership or community involvement. 

Coverage: Varies widely. NMF administers scholarships that can range from a few thousand dollars to larger awards, depending on the sponsor. For example, NMF’s portfolio includes the UHF Diverse Medical Scholars (#2 on our list), corporate-sponsored scholarships, regional awards, and more. 

Application: All NMF applications are done online via their application portal. Each program has its own timeline and requirements – for instance, some have spring deadlines, others are in the summer or fall. It’s worth reviewing NMF’s scholarship calendar at the start of each academic year to identify opportunities you’re eligible for. Be prepared to submit essays, verification of enrollment, possibly financial info, and letters of recommendation as required by specific scholarships.

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) – Medical Scholarships

Eligibility: The DAR offers multiple scholarships for students pursuing medical or health-related studies at the graduate level. General requirements include U.S. citizenship, financial need, and good academic standing. Many DAR scholarships are renewable for multiple years (typically up to four years), provided you maintain a certain GPA (often at least a 3.25 GPA each year). The specific medical scholarships have various names, often honoring specific donors, but all are for students already accepted to or enrolled in medical school, MD or DO programs. 

Coverage: $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years (total potential funding $20,000), assuming academic progress. 

Application: DAR uses an online scholarship application portal. Students fill out one general application and can be considered for all DAR scholarships they qualify for. The application usually opens in November and closes by early January. You’ll need to submit transcripts, financial need information, a personal statement, and at least two letters of recommendation. If you’re applying for renewal of a DAR award, you must show proof of academic performance (meeting the GPA requirement).

Pisacano Scholars Leadership Program

Eligibility: Offered by the Pisacano Leadership Foundation to medical students committed to a career in Family Medicine. You apply in your third year of medical school (the award is granted for your 4th year and into residency). Ideal candidates have outstanding academic achievement, leadership skills, strong character, and a demonstrated commitment to the principles of family medicine (e.g., through volunteer work, research, or leadership in primary care initiatives). 

Coverage: A total scholarship value of up to $28,000 per student, distributed over the final year of med school and the first three years of residency. This is essentially a debt-reduction award: funds can be used to pay off loans or cover educational expenses. In addition, Pisacano Scholars benefit from leadership training, mentorship, and networking opportunities in family medicine. 

Application: The application is quite extensive (it includes multiple essays, recommendation letters, and a detailed description of your commitment to family medicine). Applications are usually due in the spring of M3 year (around March). Finalists are interviewed, and five scholars are typically selected each year. This is a prestigious award in the family medicine community.

Wellesley College M.A. Cartland Shackford Medical Fellowship

Eligibility: Despite the name, this fellowship is open to women graduates of any U.S. college (not just Wellesley alumnae). Applicants can be of any nationality. The key criteria: strong academic record, demonstrated financial need, and an intention to enter the field of general medicine (primary care). Importantly, it is not for specialization in psychiatry (reflecting the donor’s wishes to encourage general practice). Usually awarded to those about to enter or already in medical school. 

Coverage: Up to $12,000 for one year of study. It is generally a one-time award, but recipients can reapply or new fellows are chosen each year. 

Application: Administered by Wellesley College – typically due in January. The application involves a form, three letters of reference, academic transcripts, a personal statement (often about your career goals in medicine and why you’re pursuing general practice), and a budget outlining your financial need. Non-Wellesley students can apply by emailing the Wellesley Fellowship Office to request application materials. Winners are announced in the spring.

Medical School Scholarships for Specific Populations

In addition to the general scholarships above, there are many awards designed for students of specific racial, ethnic, cultural, or religious backgrounds. These scholarships often aim to support students from underrepresented communities or to encourage medical professionals to serve particular populations. Below are some notable examples:

Empire State Medical Association Scholarship Award

For African American Medical Students in New York. Established in 2016, this scholarship supports an outstanding African American student currently enrolled in a New York State medical school. Criteria include academic excellence, leadership, and community service, with an emphasis on commitment to underserved communities. 

Coverage: $2,500 one-time award. Application: Administered via National Medical Fellowships (NMF). The application is typically through NMF’s portal (likely under their regional or special scholarships). Keep an eye out in the fall for announcements, or check with the Empire State Medical Association for application details.

Armenian Students’ Association (ASA) Scholarships

For students of Armenian descent. The ASA awards scholarships to both undergrad and grad students, including those attending medical school. To be eligible, you must be Armenian-American, enrolled full-time in college or graduate school, and have completed at least one year of university by the time of application (for instance, for 2025 awards you need one year completed by June 2025). Students transferring from community college to a 4-year program are also eligible. U.S. citizenship or appropriate visa status is required. 

Coverage: The award amounts vary based on funding, but generally a few thousand dollars (exact figures aren’t public; it depends on the ASA’s funds each year). Application: Applications open January 1 and are due by April 1 annually. There is a $15 processing fee. You’ll need to submit an application form (typed), transcripts, financial info, and two or more letters of recommendation. The ASA has an extensive application, so start early. Winners are typically announced over the summer.

Hellenic Medical Society of New York Scholarships

For students of Greek heritage. The HMS of New York has offered scholarships since 1978 to encourage and assist medical students of Hellenic (Greek) descent. Eligibility requires Greek heritage, good academic standing, and financial need. Applicants often must be connected to the New York/tri-state area (either from there or attending school there), though the exact geographic requirement can vary. 

Coverage: The award amount is not always publicly specified, as it depends on donations and funds available. Historically, awards have been in the range of a few thousand dollars. 

Application: The application is usually an online form on the HMSNY website. You may need to submit an essay about your Greek heritage or community service, academic transcripts, proof of enrollment, and letters of recommendation. The timeline is often late spring to early summer for applications (keep an eye on HMSNY announcements).

Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)

For students of Hispanic/Latino heritage. HSF is one of the largest scholarship organizations in the U.S. While not exclusively for medical students, HSF’s Scholar Program supports Hispanic American students at all levels, including those in graduate programs like medical school. To qualify, you must be of Latinx/Hispanic heritage, have a minimum GPA of 2.5 (college/grad) or 3.0 (if coming straight from high school), be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient, and plan to enroll full-time in an accredited four-year university or graduate program for the upcoming academic year. 

Coverage: HSF Scholars have access to a range of resources, but importantly they are eligible for HSF scholarships which range from $500 to $5,000, depending on financial need. HSF selects around 10,000 Scholars each year from undergraduate and graduate levels, and not all receive a monetary award, but many do based on available funds. (HSF’s total scholarship disbursement exceeds $30 million annually.) 

Application: The HSF Scholar Program application opens in early January and closes around mid-February each year. Semifinalists are asked to submit additional documents in the spring, and Finalists are chosen by June. Note: Even if you don’t win a large scholarship, being an HSF Scholar comes with career development benefits and mentorship, which can be valuable in the long run.

Iranian-American Scholarship Fund (IASF)

For students of Iranian heritage. IASF provides scholarships to full-time students of Iranian descent pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in the U.S., which includes medical students. Selection is merit-based and need-based, considering academic excellence, financial need, and community service. 

Coverage: Awards are typically in the $1,000–$3,000 range. (Funds are paid directly to your school to offset tuition.) 

Application: The application (usually available on the IASF website) requires essays, transcripts, proof of Iranian heritage, financial documentation, and letters of recommendation. The deadline is often in June (for example, June 2 in 2026 for that cycle). Check the IASF site for the exact date each year. Since this is a community-funded scholarship, demonstrating how you give back to the community can strengthen your application.

National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Scholarships 

For students of Italian ancestry. NIAF administers approximately 200 scholarships each year for Italian American students across all fields, including medicine. There are also a few awards for any student (Italian or not) doing Italian-related studies, but most are for Italian American students. 

Eligibility: at least one ancestor who immigrated from Italy; NIAF membership (student or parent/grandparent); minimum 3.5 GPA; and enrollment as a full-time student for the upcoming fall in an accredited institution. Both undergraduate and graduate students (including med students, law students, etc.) can apply. 

Coverage: Scholarship awards range from $2,500 to $12,000, based on academic merit and available funds. 

Application: Apply online through NIAF’s portal. The application typically opens in December and closes by March 1–31. You’ll need a transcript, a resume, a short essay, and letters of recommendation. Winners are usually notified in the summer, and awards are for the next academic year. (Keep in mind: you must renew your NIAF membership and maintain grades to be eligible each year, but you can reapply annually.)

Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago’s Academic Scholarship Program (formerly JVS Scholarship)

For Jewish students from the Chicago area (“helping profession” focus). This program provides need-based scholarships for Jewish students pursuing careers in the “helping professions,” which include medicine, nursing, psychology, social work, education, and law, among others. 

Eligibility requirements include: being of Jewish faith; born/raised in the greater Chicago metropolitan area OR having lived in Chicago for at least one year as an independent adult; currently enrolled or accepted into an accredited graduate program in a helping profession; and intending to live and work in the Chicago area after graduation. Financial need is a major criterion, and you must be making satisfactory academic progress. 

Coverage: Awards up to $8,000 per year (and often renewable for multiple years, usually up to four, as long as need and academic standards are met). 

Application: The application typically opens in January and is due in late February or early March. You can request an application or find it on the Jewish Federation/JVS Chicago website. Expect to provide financial documentation (for you and possibly your parents if you’re under 30), transcripts, enrollment verification, and personal statements about your career goals and Jewish community involvement. Interviews may be part of the process for finalists. Awards are announced over the summer for the upcoming academic year.

Become a Sought-After Healthcare Professional with IMA

Exploring opportunities to broaden your medical experience? International Medical Aid (IMA) is here to help you take your ambitions global. IMA offers voluntary healthcare internships abroad for pre-med and medical students, providing hands-on experience in international healthcare settings. Through these programs, you can shadow physicians, help in clinics and hospitals, and gain a unique perspective on healthcare delivery in regions like East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. This not only strengthens your medical school or residency applications but also enriches your understanding of global health.

If you’re preparing for medical school admissions or looking into physician assistant (PA) programs, IMA also provides expert medical school admissions consulting. Our team can guide you through crafting compelling applications, acing interviews, and finding the best-fit programs. In other words, we have all the tools to help turn you into a well-rounded, globally aware healthcare professional.

Ready to spread your wings? 

Consider applying to IMA’s healthcare internship programs to complement your academic journey. You’ll gain invaluable experience, make a difference in underserved communities, and build a network of mentors and peers. Many past interns have called it a life-changing experience that confirmed their passion for medicine. And when you’re back home applying to med schools or residencies, our consulting services can offer you a safe launchpad to reach the next stage of your career.

Your dream of becoming a doctor can be affordable and achievable. With the scholarships and programs outlined above – and a bit of strategic planning – you can finance your medical education and develop into a sought-after healthcare professional. Good luck on your journey to making a difference in the world of medicine!

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About IMA

International Medical Aid provides global internship opportunities  for students and clinicians who are looking to broaden their horizons and experience healthcare on an international level. These program participants have the unique opportunity to shadow healthcare providers as they treat individuals who live in remote and underserved areas and who don’t have easy access to medical attention. International Medical Aid also provides medical school admissions consulting to individuals applying to medical school and PA school programs. We review primary and secondary applications, offer guidance for personal statements and essays, and conduct mock interviews to prepare you for the admissions committees that will interview you before accepting you into their programs. IMA is here to provide the tools you need to help further your career and expand your opportunities in healthcare.