HPSP Scholarship opportunity for Medical Students

Scholarship Opportunity

Dear physician educators,

Aspiring physicians who agree to serve in full-time clinical positions caring for our nation’s Veterans at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can study tuition-free under the Health Professionals Scholarship Program (HPSP).

Let your students know they can apply for the 50 available scholarships beginning March 2, 2020. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, books and equipment for two to four years. Support includes a monthly in-school expense stipend of $1,140 and a yearly book stipend of $1,140. For each year of support, successful physician graduates agree to serve for 18 months as full-time clinical VA employees.

Eligibility rules

Your students are eligible if they are enrolled in a medical school program accredited by either the Liaison Committee on Medical Education or the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. They also must:

• Hold U.S. citizenship.
• Maintain acceptable academic standing and progress culminating in graduation.
• Complete residency training in a VA-applicable specialty (only pediatrics does not qualify).
• Complete training leading to board eligibility and licensure in any state.
• Agree in writing to fulfill the physician service obligation at a VA facility, even if that means relocating at their expense for placement at VA’s discretion.

Other key points

Payments start this fall. Scholarship award decisions are based on academic performance, work experience, faculty and employer recommendations, and career goals. VA considers U.S. Veterans first among all equally qualified candidates. All candidates are subject to a background/suitability investigation.

Learn more

• CONTACT the HPSP team with questions.
• EXPLORE the education benefits of VA Careers.