Frequently Asked Questions

What scholarship programs does the Indian Health Service (IHS) offer?

IHS offers three scholarships to qualified American Indian and Alaska Native candidates:

• Preparatory Scholarship — For qualified American Indian and Alaska Native students to enroll in preparatory or undergraduate prerequisite courses in preparation for entry to a health or allied health professions school.
• Pre-Graduate Scholarship — For qualified American Indian and Alaska Native students to enroll in coursework leading to a bachelor's degree required for application to medical, dental or podiatry school, and others as needed by Indian health programs.
• Health Professions Scholarship — For qualified American Indian and Alaska Native students applying to, accepted by or enrolled in a health or allied health professions program.

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How are selections made?

IHS scholarship awards are made on a competitive basis to eligible students who meet both the general and specific selection criteria of the particular scholarship program for which they are applying.

During the selection process, students are ranked among their peers in the same career category according to their projected graduation dates and average review scores. For instance, if you are a junior, you will be ranked among all eligible applicants, freshmen through seniors, within your same health or allied health professions program. Those students closest to graduation will rank higher than those just beginning their education.

Download the IHS Scholarship Program Application Handbook (PDF - 3500KB) for more information regarding the IHS Scholarship Program selection process.

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If I apply, am I guaranteed a scholarship?

IHS scholarship opportunities are highly competitive and there are no guarantees that you will receive an award. If you are applying for any of the IHS scholarships, continue your efforts to obtain financial aid from other sources, as well.

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What is the deadline to apply?

New applicants must submit their application and required supporting documentation to their Area Scholarship Coordinator postmarked no later than March 28.

Continuation students must submit their application and required supporting documentation to the Division of Grants Operations postmarked no later than February 28.

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Who can I call if I have any questions?

New applicants should contact their Area Scholarship Coordinator with questions regarding the application process.

Current scholarship recipients should contact their IHS Scholarship Program analyst with questions regarding academic and reporting requirements or the continuation application cycle.

If you require further assistance, contact the IHS Scholarship Program office at (301) 443-6197.

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Once I am awarded a scholarship, what information can I expect to receive?

Your first communication from the IHS Scholarship Program will be your award letter packet containing the Verification of Acceptance or Decline of Award form (IHS-856-7), other required forms and information regarding your financial aid.

You will then receive a letter of introduction from your IHS Scholarship Program analyst and an IHS Scholarship Program Student Handbook (PDF - 12500KB) detailing your responsibilities to maintain your eligibility as a scholarship recipient. This will be sent to you once your Verification of Acceptance or Decline of Award form has been signed and received by the Division of Grants Operations documenting your acceptance of the IHS scholarship award.

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What type of financial aid does the IHS Scholarship Program provide?

Preparatory and Pre-Graduate scholarship recipients receive financial aid covering tuition and required fees. The IHS Scholarship Program recommends that all applicants for these scholarships continue to pursue other financial aid options to assist with additional educational and living expenses.

Health Professions scholarship recipients receive financial aid covering tuition, required fees and other educational and living expenses as outlined below. The IHS Scholarship Program recommends that all Health Professions scholarship recipients decline all other sources of outside funding so that they can take advantage of their full IHS scholarship award.

Items Included in Health Professions Scholarship Financial Aid:

• Tuition and required fees
• School required books, laboratory expenses, dental/medical/optometric equipment and other miscellaneous educational expenses
• Tutorial services — A maximum of $400 (full time) or $200 (part time) will be paid during the academic year
• $300 to offset travel expenses to and from school for the year, paid in advance to the student in the August stipend
• $35 to offset expense for a post office box, paid in advance to the student in the August stipend

Items Excluded from Health Professions Scholarship Financial Aid:

• School bookstore invoices
• Dental/medical equipment rented from sources other than the school
• Desktop or laptop computers (purchased, leased or rented)
• Health insurance
• Additional travel expenses incurred over the $300 allowed
• Additional scholarships, grants and fee waivers — these will be deducted from the invoiced total before IHS will submit the invoice for tuition and fee payment to the school, college or university
• Membership dues for student societies, associations and similar expenses
• School terms prior to the scholarship award period

All scholarship recipients are eligible to receive financial assistance for summer school per program policies.

The level of IHS Scholarship Program financial aid is dependent on the availability of funds appropriated each fiscal year by the US Congress.

Download the IHS Scholarship Program Student Handbook (PDF - 12500KB) for more information regarding IHS Scholarship Program financial aid.

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What happens if I am unable to complete my education?

Preparatory and Pre-Graduate scholarship recipients who determine that they will no longer be able to continue with their education will be terminated from the IHS Scholarship Program and will be liable for the return of any tuition and fees paid for school terms that were not completed (for example, withdrawing from classes mid-semester).

Health Professions scholarship recipients who determine that they will no longer be able to continue with their education will be held in breach of contract and placed in default. Go to the Recipient Responsibilities page of this website for further information regarding breach of contract and default.

We encourage all scholarship recipients to contact their IHS Scholarship Program analyst or the IHS Scholarship Program branch office at (301) 443-6197 to notify them of any academic problems prior to withdrawing or being dismissed from school.

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Do all of the scholarships have a service obligation?

No, only Health Professions scholarship recipients incur a service obligation of one year for each year of scholarship support received (or the part-time equivalent) with a minimum service period of two years.

Download the IHS Scholarship Program Student Handbook (PDF - 12500KB) for more information about IHS Scholarship Program service obligations.

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What is the IHS Extern Program?

The IHS Extern Program provides health professions students with an opportunity during non-academic periods to gain practical hands-on experience in a clinical setting for 30 to 120 workdays per calendar year.

Health Professions Scholarship Program recipients are entitled to an externship and therefore receive priority placement. Students are assigned to Indian health programs in their chosen health or allied health career categories. This opportunity provides students with a hands-on instructional experience that complements the knowledge and skills developed in school.

Go to the IHS Extern Program page for more information.

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