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How to Get a Scholarship to Medical School

Medical School Scholarships


At Ross University School of Medicine, we believe accessible medical care starts with accessible medical education. Our mission is to educate and provide opportunity to a talented and diverse population of students determined to make an undeniable impact on the communities they serve.

RUSM offers a variety of scholarships* and resources to learn how to earn a scholarship to med school to help aspiring doctors offset the cost of their medical education. Our medical school scholarships fall into two groups: awarded by selection & awarded by application

*Available to those who apply and qualify

How to Get a Scholarship to Medical School by Selection


All applicants who meet the criteria for admission to RUSM will be considered for all available medical school scholarships available by selection. No additional forms or scholarship applications are required, and applicants will be considered based on documentation provided as part of their medical school application. 

Ross Scholar Award

Total award amount of $30,000, $40,000, $50,000, $60,000, $70,000 or $80,000 equally distributed over 8 Semesters, beginning with RUSM MD Program’s 3rd academic semester, based on previous academic performance.

Eligibility*
  • Automatically awarded to incoming, first semester students with:
    • Minimum MCAT score of 486
    • Minimum undergrad GPA of 2.80
      • Actual award amount determined by GPA combined with MCAT scores.
    • Must sign and return their award confirmation and acceptance letter within two weeks of receiving their admittance offer or may have their award(s) rescinded.
  • Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP Advancer) students advancing to RUSM for the first semester are not eligible.
  • Students do not need to apply for this scholarship and this scholarship can be awarded with other scholarships/grants.
Scholarship Terms

Retention of all scholarships and grants requires full time, continuous enrollment status and remain in good standing (as defined in RUSM’s Student Handbook – Academic | Academic Standing & Progress) on a semester basis.

Medical Education Scholar Award

The Medical Education Scholar Award is awarded to students who have excelled academically during the Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP). This award may amount to $17,000, $25,000, or $35,000. The award amount is equally distributed over eight semesters, beginning with the RUSM MD Program’s third academic semester.

Eligibility*
  • Automatically awarded to incoming, first semester students only:
    • Hold an undergraduate degree (equivalent to U.S. Bachelor’s Degree).
    • Successfully complete the MERP Program with an overall grade ≥ 75%
      • Actual award amount determined by MERP overall grade as follows: 75-79% $17k; 80-84% $25k; 85%+ $35k
  • HBCU/HSI applicants who successfully complete MERP will be offered all HBCU/HSI School Partnership benefits including RUSM first semester tuition and, if applicable, the Medical Education Scholar Award.
  • Must sign and return award confirmation and acceptance letter within two weeks of receiving admittance offer or award(s) may be rescinded.
  • Students need not apply for this scholarship, and it can be awarded with other scholarships/grants.
Scholarship Terms

Retention of all scholarships and grants requires full-time, continuous enrollment status and remain in good standing (as defined in RUSM’s Student Handbook – Academic | Academic Standing & Progress) on a semester basis.

 

HBCU/HSI School Partnership Benefit

Part of RUSM’s HBCU/HSI School Partnership Benefit, this award provides an agreement (see effective dates for each HBCU/HSI partnership agreement) and pays for MERP tuition and/or RUSM first semester tuition.

Eligibility*
  • Automatically awarded to incoming, first semester students only
  • Additional award benefits include:
    • Up to two semesters in Tier 1 - 4 University Housing (good standing required upon completion of first semester)
    • Seat deposit waiver, except where prohibited by law
    • *Round Trip airfare for accepted students and two guests for a campus visit paid for and provided by RUSM, including hotel* (one room for two nights) paid for and provided by RUSM (see below for exceptions)
    • *Round Trip airfare for the first semester paid for and provided by RUSM. (see below for exceptions)

*Students who are residents of the states of New York or Alabama must submit a Letter of Intent in order to be eligible for travel waiver. Students who are residents of the state of Florida are not eligible for travel waiver due to state regulations.

  • This scholars hip is open to all eligible applicants (including Alumni) for future semester starts.
  • HBCU/HSI applicants who are offered direct admittance to RUSM may choose the Ross Scholar Award if applicable over the HBCU/HSI award, but applicants may not be awarded both.
  • HBCU/HSI applicants who successfully complete MERP will be offered all HBCU/HSI School Partnership benefits including RUSM first semester tuition and, if applicable, the Medical Education Scholar Award.
  • Students need not apply for this scholarship, and it can be awarded with other scholarships/grants.
Conditions for Acceptance
  • Hold an undergraduate degree (equivalent to U.S. Bachelor’s Degree).
  • Hold a bachelor, masters, or doctorate degree from RUSM’s partnership agreement schools (listed below)
Partnership Agreement Schools
  • California State University, Dominguez Hills
  • Charles R. Drew University
  • Dillard University
  • Fairleigh Dickinson University
  • Florida A&M University
  • Oakwood University
  • St. Peter’s University
  • Tennessee State University
  • Tuskegee University
  • University of Puerto Rico 
    • Aguadilla, Arecibo, Bayamon, Carolina, Cayey, Humacao, Mayaguez, Med Science, Ponce, Rio Piedras, and Utuado
Scholarship Terms

Retention of all scholarships and grants requires full time, continuous enrollment status and remain in good standing (as defined in RUSM’s Student Handbook – Academic | Academic Standing & Progress) on a semester basis.

Canadian Scholars Award

Total award amount $100,000 equally distributed over 10 Semesters, beginning with RUSM MD Program’s 1st academic semester

Eligibility
  • Automatically awarded to incoming, first semester students only:
    • Proof of Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent resident status 
    • Hold an undergraduate degree (equivalent to U.S. Bachelor’s Degree).
  • Must sign and return award confirmation and acceptance letter within two weeks of receiving admittance offer or award(s) be rescinded.
  • Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP Advancer) students advancing to RUSM for the first semester are not eligible.
  • Students need not apply for this scholarship, and it may be awarded with other scholarships/grants.
  • Meeting the criteria above ensures a review for the scholarship but does not guarantee a scholarship will be awarded.
Scholarship Terms

Retention of all scholarships and grants requires full time, continuous enrollment status and remain in good standing (as defined in RUSM’s Student Handbook – Academic | Academic Standing & Progress) on a semester basis.

Canadian Founder Scholarship

This scholarship is offered to students who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. This medical school merit-based scholarship provides tuition assistance to students enrolling in Ross University School of Medicine’s MD program.

Total award: $15,000 awarded in the first semester.

Eligibility*
  • Selectively awarded to incoming, first semester students only:
    • Proof of Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent resident status
    • Overall undergrad GPA ≥ 3.3 on a 4.0 scale—OR—minimum “old” MCAT score ≥ 23 / “new” MCAT score ≥ 496
    • Hold an undergraduate degree (equivalent to U.S. Bachelor’s Degree).
  • Must sign and return award confirmation and acceptance letter within two weeks of receiving admittance offer or award(s) may be rescinded.
  • Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP Advancer) students advancing to RUSM for the first semester are not eligible.
  • Students need not apply for this scholarship, and it can be awarded with other scholarships/grants.
  • Meeting the criteria above ensures a review for the scholarship but does not guarantee a scholarship will be awarded.
Scholarship Terms

Retention of all scholarships and grants requires full time, continuous enrollment status and remain in good standing (as defined in RUSM’s Student Handbook – Academic | Academic Standing & Progress) on a semester basis.

Canadian Housing Grant

This grant pays for a maximum of five medical science semesters in RUSM Housing at Coverley (Tier 1 - 4).

Eligibility*
  • Automatically awarded to incoming, first semester students only with proof of Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent resident status.
  • The Canadian Housing Grant is only applicable toward housing and is non-transferable toward tuition and/or fees.
  • The grant covers the cost of RUSM Housing (in the Villages of Coverley) for any assigned tier, unless noted within specific criteria, for a maximum of five medical science semesters. The award does not apply to clinical science semesters.
  • Repeated semesters will be covered and counted toward the awarded semesters not to exceed the maximum allotment of five semesters.
  • If a student moves out of Coverley, they will no longer qualify for the RUSM Housing Grant and forfeit any remaining award balance.
  • Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP Advancers) students advancing to RUSM for the first semester are not eligible.
  • Students need not apply for this scholarship, and it can be awarded with other scholarships/grants.
Scholarship Terms

Retention of all scholarships and grants requires full time, continuous enrollment status and remain in good standing (as defined in RUSM’s Student Handbook – Academic | Academic Standing & Progress) on a semester basis.

Community Health Leadership Award

Total award: $7,500 - $15,000 awarded in the first semester

Eligibility
  • Selectively awarded to incoming, first semester students only:
    • Overall undergrad GPA ≥ 3.0 on a 4.0 scale—OR—minimum “old” MCAT score ≥ 20 / “new” MCAT score ≥ 490
    • Evidence of prior volunteer or research work
    • Hold an undergraduate degree (equivalent to U.S. Bachelor’s Degree)
      • Actual award amount is determined by academics and volunteer/research work.
  • Must sign and return award confirmation and acceptance letter within two weeks of receiving admittance offer or award(s) may be rescinded.
  • Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP Advancer) students advancing to RUSM for the first semester are not eligible.
  • Students need not apply for this scholarship, and it can be awarded with other scholarships/grants.
  • Meeting the criteria above ensures a review for the scholarship but does not guarantee a scholarship will be awarded.
Scholarship Terms

Retention of all scholarships and grants requires full time, continuous enrollment status and remain in good standing (as defined in RUSM’s Student Handbook – Academic | Academic Standing & Progress) on a semester basis.

Opportunity Plus Scholarship

Total award amount $40,000, equally distributed over 10 Semesters, beginning with RUSM MD Program’s 1st academic semester.

Eligibility*
  • Selectively awarded to incoming, first semester students only: 
    • Overall undergrad GPA ≥ 3.0 on a 4.0 scale—OR—minimum “old” MCAT score ≥ 20 / “new” MCAT score ≥ 490
    • Hold an undergraduate degree (equivalent to U.S. Bachelor’s Degree)
      • Actual award amount determined by academics
  • Must sign and return award confirmation and acceptance letter within two weeks of receiving admittance offer or award(s) may be rescinded.
  • Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP Advancer) students advancing to RUSM for the first semester are not eligible.
  • Students need not apply for this scholarship, and it can be awarded with other scholarships/grants.
  • Meeting the criteria above ensures you will be reviewed for the scholarship but does not guarantee a scholarship will be awarded.
Scholarship Terms

Retention of all scholarships and grants requires full time, continuous enrollment status and remain in good standing (as defined in RUSM’s Student Handbook – Academic | Academic Standing & Progress) on a semester basis.

Dean’s Scholar Award

Total award: $3,000 – $5,000 awarded in the first semester.

Eligibility*
  • Selectively awarded to incoming, first semester students only:
    • Overall undergrad GPA ≥ 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
    • Prerequisite GPA ≥ 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
    • “Old” MCAT score ≥ 20 / “new” MCAT score ≥ 492
    • Hold an undergraduate degree (equivalent to U.S. Bachelor’s Degree)
      • Actual award amount is determined by academics.
  • Available to incoming January 2023 and May 2023 students
  • Must sign and return award confirmation and acceptance letter within two weeks of receiving admittance offer or award(s) may be rescinded.
  • Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP Advancer) students advancing to RUSM for the first semester are not eligible.
  • Students need not apply for this scholarship, and it can be awarded with other scholarships/grants.
  • Meeting the criteria above ensures a review for the scholarship but does not guarantee a scholarship will be awarded.
Scholarship Terms

Retention of all scholarships and grants requires full time, continuous enrollment status and remain in good standing (as defined in RUSM’s Student Handbook – Academic | Academic Standing & Progress) on a semester basis.

International Scholar Award

The International Scholar Award is offered to students who are International citizens or International permanent residents (excluding Canada). This award provides tuition assistance to students enrolling in Ross University School of Medicine’s MD program. 

Total award: $100,000, equally distributed over 10 semesters

Eligibility
  • Automatically awarded to incoming, first semester students:
    1. Proof of International citizenship or International permanent resident status (excluding Canada).
    2. Hold an undergraduate degree (equivalent to U.S. Bachelor’s Degree).
    3. Must sign and return their award confirmation and acceptance letter within two weeks of receiving their admittance offer or may have their award(s) rescinded.
  • Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP Advancer) students advancing to RUSM for the first semester are not eligible.
  • Students do not need to apply for this scholarship and this scholarship cannot be awarded with other scholarships/grants.
  • Meeting the criteria above ensures you will be reviewed for the scholarship but does not guarantee a scholarship will be awarded.
Scholarship Terms

Retention of all scholarships and grants requires full time, continuous enrollment status and remain in good standing (as defined in RUSM’s Student Handbook – Academic | Academic Standing & Progress) on a semester basis.

How to Get a Scholarship to Medical School Awarded by Application


To be considered for the following medical school scholarships, you will need to complete a brief scholarship application.

Alumni Legacy Scholarship (First Semester Tuition, current amount)

The Alumni Legacy Scholarship is offered to students who have a work/volunteer history with an RUSM graduate. This scholarship provides tuition assistance to students enrolling in Ross University School of Medicine’s MD program.

Deadline to Apply (only the next 3 semesters are open, please come back if yours is not listed yet)

  • January 2023 - 12/09/2022
  • May 2023 - 04/07/2023
  • September 2023 - 08/04/2023
Eligibility*
  • Awarded by application to incoming, first semester students only:
    • Letter of recommendation from an RUSM graduate
    • An RUSM offer of admission
    • The following criteria are also considered:
      • MCAT score; GPA; clinical experience, including shadowing/preceptorships, special honors or recognition
  • Applicants must submit application and materials via the RUSM website by published deadline for the eligible semester.
  • Applicants who are not offered the Alumni Legacy Scholarship will automatically be offered a $500 Alumni Book Scholarship if they completed all initial eligibility requirements (applicable to any charge for the semester).
  • Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP Advancer) students advancing to RUSM for the first semester are eligible.
  • Meeting the criteria above ensures you will be reviewed for the scholarship but does not guarantee the scholarship will be awarded.
Scholarship Terms

Retention of all scholarships and grants requires full time, continuous enrollment status and remain in good standing (as defined in RUSM’s Student Handbook – Academic | Academic Standing & Progress) on a semester basis. Please direct questions to scholarships@rossu.edu.

Please direct all questions about how to earn a scholarship to medical school scholarships@rossu.edu.

Eliza Ann Grier Scholarship (First Semester Tuition, current amount)

The Eliza Ann Grier Scholarship is offered to students from under-represented minority groups in the field of medicine. This scholarship provides tuition assistance to students enrolling in Ross University School of Medicine’s MD program.

Deadline to Apply

  • January 2023 - 12/09/2022
  • May 2023 - 04/07/2023
  • September 2023 - 08/05/2023
Eligibility*
  • Awarded by application to incoming, first semester students only:
    • Proof of United States citizenship or permanent resident status;
    • Must be classified as an under-represented minority (African-American, Native American, or Hispanic-American);
    • Minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale;
    • Personal essay— describe an important event in your life, how that event shaped who you are, and how you anticipate that event will shape you as a physician;
    • Letter of recommendation.
  • Applicants must submit application and materials via RUSM’s Website by published deadline for eligible semester.
  • Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP Advancer) students advancing to RUSM for the first semester are eligible.
  • Meeting the criteria above ensures you will be reviewed for the scholarship but does not guarantee the scholarship will be awarded.
Scholarship Terms

Retention of all scholarships and grants requires full time, continuous enrollment status and remain in good standing (as defined in RUSM’s Student Handbook – Academic | Academic Standing & Progress) on a semester basis. Please direct questions to scholarships@rossu.edu.

For questions about about how to get this scholarship to medical school, please email scholarships@rossu.edu.

Barbados Scholarship

Ross University School of Medicine is proud to announce the opening of their 2021 Barbados Scholarship application, a need-based scholarship covering the full cost of medical school tuition for the standard accelerated curriculum (ten semesters) at RUSM which currently totals $256,736. Two scholarships are awarded per semester, for a total of six scholarships per year.

Eligibility and How To Apply
  • Individuals must be citizens of Barbados and have maintained residency in Barbados for the last seven years. Resident citizens of Barbados who study overseas on special visas will be considered to have maintained residency in Barbados.
  • Must be accepted to study at Ross University School of Medicine.
  • Accepted students must complete and submit the scholarship application form no later than six weeks prior to the first day of class.
  • The RUSM Admissions Office will evaluate student applications and the Ministry of Education will certify student eligibility.
Scholarship Terms

Retention of all scholarships and grants requires full-time, continuous enrollment status and remain in good standing (as defined in RUSM’s Student Handbook – Academic | Academic Standing & Progress) on a semester basis. Please direct questions to scholarships@rossu.edu

Vida Partnership Grant

The Vida Partnership Grant is awarded to admitted Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP) students who have participated in Vida’s Volunteer Abroad program. Eligible students will receive a one-time $9500 USD grant towards their first semester tuition at Ross Med after successful completion of the 15-week MERP program.

Eligibility
  • Awarded by application to incoming, first semester students only who have been offered and successfully completed the MERP program
  • Applicants must reference their association with Vida at time of application   to Ross Med
  • Written endorsement from a Vida representative (Please note: this does not fulfill Ross Med’s Letter of Recommendation application requirement)
  • An overall GPA (or equivalency) of 2.6 or higher
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in all courses designated as prerequisites for admission by Ross Med
  • No grade below C (or equivalent) in any prerequisite course designated by Ross Med
  • A cumulative score of 490 or higher on the MCAT and minimum section scores of:
    • 123 or greater for Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
    • 122 or greater for Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
    • 120 or greater for Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills 
    • 120 or greater for Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior 
       
Scholarship Terms

This grant cannot be combined or stacked with any other scholarships or grants. Retention of all scholarships and grants requires full time, continuous enrollment status and remain in good standing (as defined in RUSM's Student Handbook-Academic | Academic Standing & Progress) on a semester basis.

Proscribe Partnership Grant

The ProScribe Partnership Grant is awarded to admitted Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP) students who have worked as a medical scribe through ProScribe for a minimum of 6 months. Eligible students will receive a one-time $9500 USD grant towards their first semester tuition at Ross Med after successful completion of the 15-week MERP program.

Eligibility
  • Awarded by application to incoming, first semester students only who have been offered and successfully completed the MERP program
  • Applicants must reference their association with ProScribe at time of application to Ross Med
  • Written endorsement from a ProScribe representative (Please note: this does not fulfill Ross Med’s Letter of Recommendation application requirement)
  • An overall GPA (or equivalency) of 2.6 or higher
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in all courses designated as prerequisites for admission by Ross Med
  • No grade below C (or equivalent) in any prerequisite course designated by Ross Med
  • A cumulative score of 490 or higher on the MCAT and minimum section scores of:
    • 123 or greater for Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
    • 122 or greater for Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
    • 120 or greater for Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
    • 120 or greater for Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
Scholarship Terms

This grant cannot be combined or stacked with any other scholarships or grants. Retention of all scholarships and grants requires full time, continuous enrollment status and remain in good standing (as defined in RUSM's Student Handbook-Academic | Academic Standing & Progress) on a semester basis.

How to Earn a Scholarship to Medical School


The RUSM Scholarship Committee will review the qualifications of each applicant. Award recipients must meet the criteria for admission to RUSM, submit an application for admission, and meet the specific criteria set for each scholarship award. Students may also be required to meet additional requirements.

General Scholarship and Award Policies

 

  • All scholarships are applied toward tuition only; recipients are responsible for all other educational expenses and fees. Scholarships have no financial value other than being applied toward RUSM’s tuition.
  • Retention of all scholarships and grants requires full-time, continuous enrollment status and remain in good standing (as defined in RUSM’s Student Handbook – Academic | Academic Standing & Progress). Disciplinary and/or academic dismissal from the university will result in forfeiture of the balance of any applicable scholarship awards and/or grants. Withdrawing from the university may result in forfeiture of the balance of any applicable scholarship awards and/or grants unless otherwise stated.
    • Multi-semester scholarships will not be renewed for any semester in which the recipient repeats during eligible semesters. Scholarship reinstatement will be given for the subsequent semester upon promotion for eligible students attending eligible semesters not to exceed the total award amount. 
    • Multi-semester scholarships during the clinical semesters will be awarded based on overall enrollment for the applicable semester. Any adjustment to the curriculum may require an award adjustment to meet/not exceed the total award amount. Clinical scholarship awards combined with any other Ross University School of Medicine scholarship(s) and or grant(s) may not exceed the cost of any semester’s tuition. Scholarships may need to be adjusted to ensure the amount awarded does not exceed the tuition charged.
  • Approved absence students (any semester): Application for Approved Absences form must be on file. Any remaining balance for the semester being repeated will be applied. Upon promotion to the next semester, scholarship will be reinstated for any applicable amount/semesters remaining. 
  • Re-admitted students (any semester): May not be eligible for RUSM scholarships or grants unless noted within specific criteria. For extenuating circumstances, appeals may be submitted to Scholarships@RossU.edu with supporting documentation to be considered on a case-by-case basis. Reinstated scholarships or grants may not be applied retroactively to already completed or partially completed semesters. Reinstated scholarships or grants become effective at the start of the next semester.
  • Clinical transfer students and graduates: May not be eligible for RUSM scholarships or grants unless noted within specific criteria. 
  • Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP Advancer) students advancing to RUSM for the first semester: Are eligible for scholarships “awarded by application”, the MERP Scholar Award, and, if applicable, the HBCU/HSI school partnership benefit, but will not be reviewed for other “awarded by selection” scholarships unless noted within specific criteria. 
  • Errors in scholarship eligibility or awards brought to the attention by employees/students of RUSM will be corrected. This may include an increase/reduction of scholarship dollars and/or eligibility. Any discrepancies between RUSM and the student will be reviewed for accuracy. 
  • Scholarship applications, where required, must be received prior to the deadline to apply date for the applicable semester.  
  • Award recipients who do not start in the intended semester specified (i.e., deferral request) or do not confirm acceptance of their scholarship award may have their award(s) rescinded.

Please direct any questions to scholarships@RossU.edu

FAQs

Can you get scholarships for medical school?

RUSM offers a variety of medical school scholarships and grants to help aspiring doctors offset the cost of medical education. Most cover tuition or parts of tuition, but others may cover housing or other applicable costs.

How can I get scholarships to medical school?

To be considered for the following medical school scholarships, you will need to complete a brief scholarship application.

Do medical schools give merit scholarships?

RUSM offers several scholarships based on merit for outstanding prospective students who have a high level of academic achievement.

Where can I get a scholarship to medical school?

To learn more about our medical school scholarships contact scholarships@rossu.edu

Are med school scholarships difficult to earn?

Scholarships are either automatically awarded or may be earned according to academic performance, background, need, or other qualifications.

Can I be awarded multiple medical scholarships?

Several RUSM scholarships may be awarded in conjunction with other scholarships. See each scholarship’s rules and eligibility for more information.

Can international students receive scholarships?

All RUSM students, international or otherwise, may be considered for certain scholarships. Some awards are specifically intended for students from Barbados, Canada, and the United States.