Top medical school scholarships

Key takeaways about medical school scholarships

• Medical school scholarships help future doctors pay for tuition, fees, and education-related costs without needing to be repaid.

• Awards can come from schools, nonprofits, government programs, employers, and private organizations.

• You don’t need a “perfect” application—many top scholarships for medical school consider service, leadership, lived experience, and future goals.

• Smaller awards add up and can cover practical costs like books, boards, interview travel, scrubs, and living expenses.

• The best strategy is simple: apply early, apply often, and build a repeatable system you can stick with.

Medical school is a big investment—but medical school scholarships can significantly reduce how much you pay out of pocket. From national awards to school-based funding, there are more scholarships for medical school than many students realize. The key is knowing where to look and how to apply.

What are medical school scholarships?

Medical school scholarships are financial awards that help students pay for the cost of earning a medical degree (MD or DO). Unlike loans, scholarships don’t need to be repaid, which makes them one of the smartest ways to lower your total cost of attendance.

So what scholarships are available for medical school? The good news is there are many different types, and you can apply to more than one. Some are offered directly by medical schools, while others come from professional associations, foundations, community organizations, and government programs.

Scholarships may help cover tuition and required fees, but some can also be used for essentials like lab supplies, clinical attire, relocation costs, and licensing exams —so it’s always worth reading each scholarship’s rules closely.

Eligibility requirement for medical school scholarships

Eligibility varies by scholarship, but most scholarships for medical school look at more than grades and test scores. Many committees want to understand who you are, what you’ve done, and the kind of physician you'll become.

Common eligibility criteria

• Acceptance into or enrollment in an accredited medical school (MD or DO)

• Academic performance, including GPA, MCAT scores, or coursework

• Demonstrated financial need, which is often verified with information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)

• Leadership, research, clinical exposure, or meaningful service

• Commitment to primary care, rural health, or underserved communities

• Membership in a specific group (e.g., identity-based, first-generation, women in medicine)

Important: To qualify for need-based scholarships, you’ll likely need to submit the FAFSA®. Find step-by-step help in our FAFSA® guide.

Top scholarships for medical students

There isn’t one universal list of “best” scholarships—because the best scholarships are the ones you qualify for and can win. That said, most top scholarships for medical school fall into a few common categories. Use these to guide your search and build a balanced scholarship mix.

Merit-based medical school scholarships

Merit-based awards recognize academic strength, leadership, or exceptional accomplishments. Many medical schools consider applicants automatically for merit aid, but some require an additional application.

Need-based scholarships for medical school

Need-based scholarships are designed to reduce the burden for students who might not be able to cover medical school costs otherwise. These can be offered by schools, foundations, and community organizations.

Diversity and identity-based scholarships

These scholarships support students from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine. Many programs focus on expanding access and improving healthcare outcomes by investing in future physicians with diverse experiences and perspectives.

Service-focused scholarships

If you’re committed to working in a shortage area, primary care, or an underserved community, service-based scholarships can be a strong fit. Some are paired with an obligation to practice in a specific region or specialty after graduation.

Military and government-funded scholarships

These options may cover most—or all—medical school costs in exchange for a service commitment. They can be a great fit if you want a structured path and are comfortable with the terms.