Sources of Financial Aid

There are many sources of funding for medical students. Prospective students may view or download our Financial Aid handout (PDF) here.

Our office is here to help students understand their options, but it is the responsibility of each student to make sure they fully understand the aid they accept. If you have any questions, please contact your financial aid counselor.

Federal Loans

The U.S. Department of Education administers several types of loans to help make medical school more affordable. Eligibility for these resources is determined by the information you provide on your FAFSA application form. Learn more about these loans, including interest rates, below.

Federal Loans

Institutional Aid

The School of Medicine offers scholarships up to $27,500 per year for in-state students and $34,000 per year for out-of-state students who demonstrate need per institutional policy (as of 2022-23). Once students are awarded a need-based scholarship, that amount is guaranteed to renew annually.

For additional information, see Needs Based Scholarships & Loans.

Institutional Loans

Merit-Based Scholarships

All merit scholarships at the UVA School of Medicine are awarded by the Office of Admissions. There is no application for these scholarships. Recipients will be notified by the Office of Admissions, typically in late March or early April.

Merit scholarships are renewable for four years of medical school, contingent on maintaining good standing as a student. For details, please see your award letter and the school’s Academic & Professional Advancement Policy.

Merit-Based Loans

Generalist Scholars Program

Students interested in a career in generalist medicine (Family Medicine, General Internal Medicine, General Pediatrics, or Med-Peds) should investigate the medical school’s Generalist Scholars Program (GSP). In addition to providing enhanced curricular opportunities, the GSP also offers participants some scholarship support. You will receive program and application information at the time you are offered admission. Applications are submitted directly to the GSP, not the Financial Aid Office.

Please visit the Generalist Scholars Program website for more information.

Financial Aid for International Students

International students who are ineligible for federal financial aid are also ineligible for the School of Medicine’s institutional aid. As an international student, your home country’s government may have financial aid available. Sometimes this support requires that you return home after your education is complete. There may also be private organizations in your home country that provide support for study in the U.S.

International Students

Military Scholarships

Applicants must be U.S. citizens who can meet physical and personal qualifications for a commission in the uniformed services and who are enrolled or accepted for enrollment in accredited schools in the U.S. or Puerto Rico. Awards include payment of full tuition, reimbursement for health insurance, books and supplies required for study, and a monthly stipend.

Military Scholarships

National Health Service Corps Scholarship

The National Health Service Corps of the United States Public Health Service offers the following educational support to selected scholarship applicants: Payment of full tuition and required fees, a single payment for other reasonable educational expenses, and a monthly stipend.

Health Resources & Services Administration logo

Outside Scholarships

Most colleges and universities provide student aid reference materials in either their financial aid offices or libraries. The following sources may also warrant your investigation.

Outside Scholarships

National Medical Fellowships

National Medical Fellowships is a nationwide, private organization providing financial assistance to male and female medical students of the four underrepresented minority groups: Black Americans, Mexican Americans, American Indians and Mainland Puerto Ricans. Most awards are granted to first- and second-year medical students who demonstrate need; special merit awards are sometimes given to outstanding juniors and seniors.

National Medical Fellowships