National Medical Fellowships Scholarships

Since its inception, National Medical Fellowships financial empowerment has been at the core of its programming. NMF scholarship programs recognize merit as well as financial need. Over the years, funding for scholarships has come from hundreds of foundations and from individuals. NMF actively seeks and welcomes partnerships to build and expand the types and amount of support we provide to our scholars.

General Eligibility

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) approval letter
• (Permanent Residents/Green Card Holders are eligible)
• Permanent Resident Document Guidelines
• Currently enrolled in an accredited, graduate-level U.S. health care program
• Please note the required degree program type for each NMF scholarship. There are other awards that support high school or undergraduate students.
• Medical schools must be LCME Accredited U.S. Programs | LCME and COCA American Osteopathic Association | AOA accredited institutions. Applicants must be enrolled in culminating MD, MD/PhD, DO, or DO/PhD programs, unless otherwise specified.
• Demonstrated financial need
• Demonstrated leadership ability
• Demonstrated and continuing commitment to serving medically underserved communities

See below for scholarship program descriptions, which may include additional eligibility requirements.

Please note: any year in school requirements should be based on applicant’s status for the school year listed in the program description (e.g., 2025-26).

Application Checklist

National Medical Fellowships scholarship and award applicants are required to upload the following documents as a part of the online application process. In addition to this list, each scholarship and award has application requirements and personal statements specific to its program. More information on program-specific requirements will be found in the submission sections of the application site.

• Financial Documents
• Student Aid Report (SAR) from the U.S. Department of Education
• Documentation of Loan History (current and undergraduate) from the National Student Loan Data System
• Academic Documents
• Official Letter of Financial Aid Award Offer
• Current Professional School Transcript
• Personal Documents
• Verification of Citizenship: Acceptable forms of proof of citizenship include a scanned copy of one of the following:
• A U.S. birth certificate
• A current U.S. passport
• USCIS certificate of naturalization
• Voter’s registration card (accompanied by a picture ID)
• Verification of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) Status
• DACA approval letter
• Verification of Permanent Resident or Green Card status
• Green Card or passport stamp and state ID
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume
• Letter(s) of Recommendation

While most NMF scholarships only require one letter of recommendation, some applications require more than one or none at all. Please be sure to check the instructions on the specific application before submitting. Applicants will specify the name(s) and contact information of their recommender(s) during the application process. When choosing a recommender, it is advisable to choose someone who knows you and your work well and can attest to your community commitment and leadership. After applicants supply the name of their recommender(s), the recommender(s) will receive an email with instructions on uploading their recommendation letter.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to request letters of recommendation from a dean, faculty member, or chief administrative officer from your academic institution, or from a community leader or a volunteer supervisor.