The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program, run by the US Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), pays for the education of future primary care clinicians. In return, recipients work in communities with a shortage of health professionals.
Last checked: October 2026. Funding and application cycles depend on federal budgets; confirm on the HRSA website.
Eligible Disciplines
- Medicine (MD or DO)
- Dentistry (DDS or DMD)
- Nurse practitioner
- Certified nurse midwife
- Physician assistant / associate
What It Pays For
- Tuition and eligible fees
- A monthly living stipend
- An annual payment for other reasonable educational costs, such as books and equipment
Support is available for up to four years.
Service Commitment
After training, recipients provide primary care at an NHSC-approved site in a Health Professional Shortage Area: one year of service for each year of support, with a minimum of two years. Breaking the commitment carries significant financial penalties, so consider it carefully.
Eligibility
- US citizen or national, eligible for federal employment
- Enrolled or accepted as a full-time student in an eligible, accredited programme
- No other existing service obligation
When to Apply
The application window usually opens in spring, with a deadline around April (for example, 16 April 2026 for the 2026–27 cycle). Watch the HRSA website for the next cycle.
