Prepatory and Pregraduate Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service (IHS) offers three scholarships to support American Indian and Alaska Native students who want to become health professionals for Indian health programs. The goal is straightforward: develop the next generation of leaders and make a meaningful career in Indian health accessible.

Which scholarships are available

1) Preparatory Scholarship
- Who it’s for: American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate students who are members or descendants of federally recognized, state‑recognized, or terminated Tribes or villages.
- What it covers: Financial aid for preparatory or prerequisite coursework that leads to enrollment in an eligible health professions degree program.
- Commitment: You’ll be asked to sign an agreement showing your commitment to continue into the identified health professions program.

2) Pre‑Graduate Scholarship
- Who it’s for: American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate students who are members or descendants of federally recognized, state‑recognized, or terminated Tribes or villages.
- What it covers: Financial aid for coursework that prepares you for a bachelor’s degree in pre‑medicine, pre‑dentistry, pre‑nursing, or other subjects needed by Indian health programs.
- Commitment: You’ll be asked to sign an agreement documenting your intent to continue into your chosen health professions degree program.

3) Health Professions Scholarship
- Who it’s for: American Indian and Alaska Native students who are members of federally recognized Tribes or villages (note: this one requires membership in a federally recognized Tribe).
- What it covers: Financial aid for undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in an eligible health professions degree program.
- Commitment: Recipients must sign a scholarship contract and, after completing academic and/or postgraduate clinical training, fulfill a minimum two‑year service commitment in full‑time clinical practice at an Indian health facility. Not meeting the contract terms can lead to default proceedings.

Before you apply: basic eligibility checklist

- Citizenship
- You must be a U.S. citizen (born or naturalized) or a U.S. national.
- Males 18 or older must be registered with Selective Service.
- Acceptable proof of citizenship: birth certificate, current U.S. passport, or certificate of citizenship/naturalization. Driver’s licenses and Social Security cards are not acceptable as proof of citizenship.

- Tribal or village membership
- Preparatory and Pre‑Graduate scholarships: applicant must be a member or descendant of a federally recognized, state‑recognized, or terminated American Indian Tribe or Alaska Native village.
- Health Professions scholarship: applicant must be a member of a federally recognized American Indian Tribe or Alaska Native village.

- Academic requirements
- Be accepted (or currently enrolled) in an accredited program in the United States.
- Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.
- Intend to serve Indian people as a health professional in your chosen discipline.

- Program agreement / contract
- Preparatory and Pre‑Graduate: you must be willing to sign an IHS Scholarship Program Agreement confirming your plan to continue into your identified health professions degree program.
- Health Professions: you must be willing to sign an IHS Scholarship Program Contract that includes the minimum two‑year service obligation. Read this contract carefully—failure to meet its terms can trigger repayment or other default actions.

Quick tips from a teacher
- Before you start an application, confirm eligibility for the specific scholarship you want.
- Gather acceptable citizenship and tribal documentation early.
- Read the agreement or contract in full so you understand any service commitments you’ll be making.
- If you have questions, contact your tribal enrollment office or an IHS advisor — getting clarity now will save time later.