[APPLY NOW] National Medical Fellowships (NMF) 2025 Scholarships

Pursuing a career in medicine is one of the most demanding yet rewarding paths anyone can take. However, for students from underrepresented backgrounds in the United States, the journey is often riddled with more than just academic and clinical challenges. Financial hardship, systemic barriers and limited access to resources can significantly deter brilliant, motivated individuals from completing their medical education. That’s why programs like the National Medical Fellowships (NMF) 2025 Scholarships are not just important – they’re essential.

These scholarships go beyond providing money for tuition or textbooks; they represent a lifeline, an opportunity and a statement that diversity in healthcare matters now more than ever.

Established over seven decades ago, National Medical Fellowships (NMF) has made it its mission to champion the success of Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander and other underrepresented students pursuing careers in healthcare. The organization doesn’t merely hand out financial aid – it invests in the future of healthcare leadership, ensuring that tomorrow’s doctors, pharmacists, dentists and public health professionals truly reflect the populations they will serve.

In doing so, NMF addresses not just individual financial need, but a much broader public health goal: to reduce healthcare disparities by empowering professionals who understand, relate to and represent underserved communities.

In a country where healthcare inequities still persist – from higher maternal mortality rates among Black women to limited access to rural healthcare – NMF scholarships play a crucial role in reshaping the system from within. Each award under the NMF 2025 program is uniquely tailored to promote both academic excellence and community impact. Whether it’s through the prestigious Dr. Nathalie Johnson Scholarship, focused on reducing Black maternal mortality or the Dr. William Merrill Scholarship for those committed to rural health, NMF ensures that its recipients are aligned with causes that drive lasting change.

These scholarships don’t just fund education – they empower future leaders to serve where they’re needed most.

What also sets the NMF 2025 Scholarships apart is the organization’s comprehensive support structure. The application process is streamlined through a central online platform and the eligibility criteria are carefully crafted to ensure inclusion for U.S. citizens, permanent residents and DACA recipients. With four scholarship application cycles spread throughout the year, the program is designed to give every eligible student ample opportunity to apply.

From detailed documentation requirements to an intuitive online dashboard that automatically matches applicants with the right scholarships, NMF has prioritized accessibility at every step.

Ultimately, the National Medical Fellowships 2025 Scholarships are about building equity in medicine from the ground up. By investing in underrepresented medical students today, NMF is ensuring that America’s future healthcare system is more inclusive, compassionate and just. These scholarships are more than just awards – they are stepping stones toward a future where all patients, regardless of their background, receive the care they deserve from professionals who understand their journey.

If you’re a current or aspiring healthcare student from a historically marginalized group, this program is your opportunity to receive not only financial assistance but also a powerful endorsement of your dreams and mission.

Degree Level: NMF Scholarships 2025

The NMF scholarship opportunities are specifically tailored for students who are currently undertaking graduate-level academic programs in the medical field across the United States. These scholarships are not intended for undergraduate or non-healthcare programs. They are designed to financially assist and uplift students pursuing a professional medical degree, particularly those who face systemic barriers due to race, economic background or immigration status.

This means that if you’re a U.S.-based graduate student in the medical sciences, dentistry, pharmacy or related health disciplines and you’re studying at an accredited institution, you may be eligible to apply.

Eligible Subjects Under NMF Scholarship 2025

All scholarship awards offered through the National Medical Fellowships for the 2025 cycle are strictly tied to healthcare and medical-related academic programs. This targeted approach ensures that recipients are trained in disciplines essential to improving public health in underserved communities.

The following fields of study are eligible:

• Medical Sciences – This includes a wide range of studies within human biology, patient care, clinical research and public health.

• Medicine – Specifically for students enrolled in MD programs at LCME-accredited medical schools in the U.S.

• Pharmacy – Open to graduate-level pharmacy students aiming to enter community health, research or clinical practice.

• Dentistry – For those pursuing a graduate-level degree in dental medicine with a focus on public oral health initiatives.

By focusing on these subjects, NMF ensures that scholarship recipients are in a position to directly impact health equity and community wellness in the United States.

Financial Benefits and Available Scholarships

To reduce the heavy costs of medical education, NMF provides several scholarship awards during its application cycles. Each award has unique eligibility criteria, focus areas and monetary benefits.

Cycle 1 Scholarships (January 13, 2025 – February 23, 2025)

Below are the top scholarships offered in the first application cycle:

Dr. Nathalie Johnson Scholarship

• Award Amount: $25,000

• Who Can Apply: Medical students enrolled in an LCME-accredited MD program located in Oregon.

• Preferences: Priority given to those from historically underrepresented backgrounds, especially students experiencing financial hardship.

• Core Focus: Reducing Black maternal mortality and supporting health equity initiatives. This scholarship is more than financial aid – it’s a commitment to dismantling disparities in maternal care affecting Black communities.

Dr. Theodore Quincy Miller Scholarship

• Award Amount: $5,000

• Who Can Apply: African American male students currently pursuing an MD degree at any LCME-accredited institution in the United States.

• Core Focus: Honoring leadership, community engagement and academic brilliance. Applicants are expected to demonstrate dedication to serving their communities through medicine.

Dr. William Merrill Scholarship

• Award Amount: $7,500

• Who Can Apply: Medical students from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds enrolled in an accredited U.S. medical school. Preference is given to those attending public institutions or Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

• Core Focus: Addressing the healthcare needs of rural communities. Ideal for students interested in rural medicine and population health disparities.

Note: Additional awards are available in subsequent application cycles throughout 2025. Visit the official NMF website for updated listings.

Eligible Nationalities for NMF Scholarships

Unlike international scholarship programs, the NMF opportunities are exclusively available to U.S. domestic students. However, this category includes a broader spectrum of students than some may expect.

Who Can Apply:

• U.S. Citizens

• Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)

• DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) Recipients

This inclusive eligibility ensures that students who may not be traditional citizens but are legally residing in the U.S. and contributing to its healthcare system are not excluded from these life-changing scholarship opportunities.

General Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, it’s important to verify that you meet all the core eligibility criteria established by NMF. These baseline requirements help the organization ensure that funding goes to students who are genuinely in need and have a track record of commitment to healthcare justice.

Core Criteria:

1. Citizenship or Immigration Status
   Applicants must be one of the following:

   • U.S. citizen

   • Permanent U.S. resident

   • Approved DACA recipient

2. Enrollment in an Accredited U.S. Healthcare Program
   You must be currently enrolled in a graduate-level medical or healthcare program. Undergraduate and non-health-related fields are not eligible.

3. Demonstrated Financial Need
   Students must provide concrete documentation showing their need for financial assistance. This includes official aid reports and loan history.

4. Leadership & Service Orientation
   NMF values students who have shown leadership potential and a strong passion for improving healthcare access in underserved areas. Past volunteer work, research or leadership roles related to community health can strengthen your application.

How to Apply for NMF Scholarships 2025

Applying for the NMF scholarships is straightforward – but it requires careful attention to documentation and deadlines. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Create an Account on Survey Monkey Apply

Applicants must first sign up on the NMF online portal hosted via Survey Monkey Apply.

• Link: NMF Application Portal

Step 2: Complete the Eligibility Form

Once registered, fill out the eligibility questionnaire. This form determines which specific scholarships you qualify for.

• Based on your responses, all the matching scholarship opportunities will automatically appear on your dashboard.

Step 3: Prepare and Upload Required Documents

You’ll need to gather and submit the following:

• Student Aid Report (SAR) – Obtainable from your FAFSA submission.

• Loan History Documentation – A full summary of your student loan status.

• Official Financial Aid Award Letter – Provided by your university’s financial aid office.

• Current Academic Transcript – Must show your current enrollment and academic standing.

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship, Residency or DACA Status

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume – Highlighting education, work experience, volunteer service, research and other achievements.

• Letter(s) of Recommendation – Strong references from mentors, professors or medical professionals can significantly enhance your application.

Application Deadlines for 2025

The NMF scholarship program is structured into four distinct application cycles throughout the calendar year. Missing a deadline means waiting for the next cycle, so plan your submission accordingly.

2025 Application Cycle Timeline:

• Cycle 1: January 13, 2025 – February 23, 2025

• Cycle 2: April 7, 2025 – May 18, 2025

• Cycle 3: June 30, 2025 – August 10, 2025

• Cycle 4: September 22, 2025 – November 2, 2025

It’s advisable to start preparing early – compile your documents in advance, write a compelling personal statement and request letters of recommendation well before the deadline.

Access More Details and Start Your Application

For the most up-to-date information on all available scholarships, eligibility and to begin your application process, visit the official NMF Scholarships and Awards page:

• Apply Now at NMF

Beyond the financial assistance, the National Medical Fellowships program plays a transformative role in the U.S. healthcare ecosystem. Its scholarships empower future doctors, dentists, pharmacists and public health professionals to enter the workforce without the crippling weight of debt. More importantly, it reinforces a commitment to health equity, social justice and community-based care.

Students who receive NMF funding aren’t just given a scholarship – they’re invited to join a national network of diverse, mission-driven medical professionals changing lives across America.

If you’re a student from an underrepresented background who dreams of becoming a physician, pharmacist or public health advocate, then NMF can be your gateway to turning those dreams into a reality.