Indian Health Services Scholarship

American Indian and Alaska Native students can now apply for the Indian Health Service Scholarship Program. Eligible students can apply at www.scholarship.ihs.gov/. New applicants must submit an application by March 28 and continuing students must apply by Feb. 28.

The Indian Health Service Scholarship Program offers American Indian/Alaska Native students three different scholarship options.

1. Preparatory Scholarship Program
   The Preparatory Scholarship Program provides financial assistance for American Indian and Alaska Native (federally or state-recognized) students only to enroll in compensatory or preparatory courses in preparation for entry to health professional schools, such as medical, nursing, pharmacy and others as needed. Compensatory courses are those required to improve science, mathematics or other basic skills and knowledge. Preparatory courses are pre-professional studies required in order to qualify for admission to a health professions program.
2. Pre-Graduate Scholarship Program
   The Pre-Graduate Scholarship Program provides financial support for American Indian and Alaska Native (federally or state-recognized) students only to enroll in courses leading to a bachelor's degree in specific pre-professional areas, such as pre-medicine, pre-dentistry and others as needed by Indian health programs.
3. Health Professions Scholarship Program
   The Health Professions Scholarship Program is for American Indian and Alaska Native (federally recognized only) students enrolled in health professions and allied health professions programs. Students incur service obligations and payback requirements on acceptance of funding from this program. Priority is given to graduate students and junior- and senior-level students unless otherwise specified.

Scholarship Application Changes

New Applicants: Two copies of your application and supporting documentation must be mailed to your Area Scholarship Coordinator's office postmarked no later than March 28, 2010.

Continuation Applicants: Your Data Sheet and supporting documentation must be mailed to your Grants Scholarship Coordinator postmarked no later than the February 28, 2010.

Applicants must submit a 2010 Form W-4 with their supporting documentation. Do not use the form included in your handbook. Go to the IRS Web site to download the correct form.

Download the new IHS Scholarship Program Policy Clarifications Memo (PDF - 62KB) for updated policies on enrollment and course verification, requests for discipline changes, leave of absence, deferment and breach of contract and default.