Types of Funding

Dean's Scholarship for HMS Master's Students

At HMS, we strive to make master’s education accessible to all qualified students. The Dean’s Scholarship for HMS Master’s Students was established to fund students who have demonstrated financial need and have exhibited academic excellence, persistence, resilience, and a commitment to advancing the position of the underserved and the underrepresented in their field of interest.  This award provides eligible students with a scholarship equivalent to 15% of the full-time tuition rate for any HMS Master’s Degree Programs (tuition only). HMS will award the Dean’s Scholarship for up to 35 students across the HMS Master’s program. *This scholarship is open to incoming and continuing domestic and international students.

*Eligibility

Incoming students planning to enroll in Fall 2025 are eligible to apply for this scholarship once they are admitted to the program.

Continuing students who have not previously applied for this scholarship are eligible.

Application Process

The application process includes:

• A 2-page personal statement which should include the following elements:
  • Describe your commitment to serving underserved and underrepresented people in your field of interest. Please include specific examples that demonstrate your commitment to this work.
  • Detail specific experiences that demonstrate your personal or professional resilience and persistence.
  • How do you imagine you will use your HMS Master's degree to advance the interests of underserved communities in your field of interest?
  • How will this scholarship enable you to do this work?
• CV with your education and research training record, research experience, and any citations included.
• One letter of recommendation should focus on your commitment to serving underserved and underrepresented people in your field of interest. 

*The Dean's Scholarship Application has closed for the 2024-25 academic year. The 2025-26 Dean's Scholarship Application will open on March 1, 2025. Applications are due May 1, 2025.

Selection Process

The Dean’s Scholarship Awards are contingent upon demonstrated financial need. To determine eligibility for this scholarship, interested candidates must apply for financial aid. Recipients are notified by early June.

*Please Note:

1. Harvard Medical School does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry or any other protected classification. 
2. Continuation of this program is contingent upon the availability of funds.
3. This award is for HMS Master's students only. HMS MD-Master's joint degree students, please refer to the MD Financial Aid site for funding opportunities.
4. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Master’s Program Tuition Discount for Faculty and Staff at HMS and Affiliated Institutions

Full-time, benefits eligible faculty and staff at HMS and the affiliated institutions/hospitals are eligible for a scholarship equivalent to 10% of the full time tuition rate for any of the HMS Master’s Degree Programs (tuition only). Students must be a full-time benefits eligible employee at the time of admission to qualify for this scholarship. Please notify the program if you think you are eligible for this scholarship.

Harvard University's Committee on General Scholarships

The Committee on General Scholarships (CGS) awards a range of financial assistance to international Harvard students. CGS funding is very competitive—admitted applicants and current students from across Harvard are eligible. CGS international fellowships are country specific. They are not awarded through HMS and require a separate application.   Application details, contact information, and a full list of fellowship and restricted scholarship opportunities are available on the CGS website. Below is a list of fellowship/scholarship opportunities available to HMS graduate students. Please contact CGS for any questions regarding the fellowship/scholarships below.

• Argentina - Amalia Lacroze De Fortabat Fellowship Fund
• Australia - Robert Gordon Menzies Scholarship                                       
• Brazil - Jorge Paulo Lemann Fellowships
• Colombia - Scholarships for Colombian Students
• France - Arthur Sachs Scholarship, Jean Gaillard Fellowship Fund
• Hong Kong - Hong Kong Jockey Club Graduate Scholarships
• Mexico - Fundacion Mexico en Harvard Scholarships
• Spain - Real Colegio Complutense Scholarships

External Scholarship Resources

External scholarships are a great way to help students subsidize their Harvard Medical School education because they can help minimize educational loan debt. Our external funding resource guides provide information on these opportunities offered by outside organizations and agencies.

External Funding Resources for Domestic Students

The HMS External Scholarship Guide for Domestic Students provides a list of several scholarship opportunities geared toward U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Scholarship Search Engines contain useful information and are also a great resource. Below are some examples of frequently used online search engines and websites.

• Fastweb: Online search engine for scholarship opportunities.
• Finaid.org: Online search engine for scholarship opportunities.
• College Connection Scholarships: Online search engine for scholarship opportunities.

External Funding Resources for International Students

The HMS External Scholarship Guide for International Students provides a list of several scholarship opportunities geared toward non-U.S. citizens.

Scholarship Search Engines contain useful information and are also a great resource. Below are some examples of frequently used online search engines and websites for international students.

• Finaid - The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid: College scholarship search engine.
• International Student Loan Scholarship: Search engine for international students.
• Mobility International USA: Financial Resources for Non-U.S. Residents: Resource for Non-US students to help navigate scholarship and other funding sources for study in the U.S.
• eduPass: Search engine for international students.
• IIE: Education resource for international students.
• International Scholarship Search: An online study abroad and international scholarship search.

Tips on Applying

Who are you? When looking for external scholarships, you should look for the award funds that best describe you and your interests.

• Think individually, academically, locally, and globally.
• Consider your identity from multiple perspectives - female, veteran, religious affiliation, LGBTQ, fraternity, sorority, service memberships, athlete, differently abled, or first generation college student.
• Think geographically - where do I have or had residency?
• Consider your research and academic interests.

How much time do you have? You should decide how much time to put into your scholarship search because there is no guarantee that it will yield results.

Get organized. Create an Excel template. Know when scholarships are due.

Get connected.

• Google search
• Financial aid websites at other schools
• Contact your academic advisor or grant managers in your department.
• Local library
• Let as many people know that you are looking as you can. Someone may be aware of an opportunity that is perfect for you.

Every little bit counts. Larger scholarships are more competitive. Consider applying for smaller scholarship awards. They tend to be less competitive and are also less likely to use strict cutoffs for grades and test scores.

Have your application ready to go.

• Always have your resume and transcripts ready.
• Spell check is never enough.
• Have your personal statement ready.
• Make it easy for others to help you. When you ask for letters of recommendation, always provide a resume, your most recent transcript, and a brief statement of your career goals.

Gratitude. Be certain to send a thank-you note or email to the scholarship committee, as well as to your recommenders for taking the time to write a letter on your behalf.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Students in the Master’s programs are eligible to borrow up to $20,500 annually in the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan program. The student’s total aid (Direct Unsubsidized loans plus all other aid) can never exceed the standard student budget. The maximum aggregate Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan limit for Master’s students is $138,500.

Origination Fees
The origination fee for loans disbursed prior to October 1, 2023 is 1.057%. This fee is automatically deducted from the loan prior to disbursement.

Interest Rates 
The interest rate is set annually each academic year . The interest rate is set annually each academic year . The 2024-25 interest rate is 8.08%. For prior year rates, please visit Federal Student Aid.

The interest on a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan accrues from the day the loan is disbursed and is always the responsibility of the borrower. Students can choose to let this in-school interest accrue or pay it quarterly. In order to minimize the cost of borrowing, students are encouraged to pay the quarterly interest if at all possible. Unpaid accrued interest will be capitalized (i.e. added to the outstanding principal balance) at the end of the grace period, prior to the onset of repayment.

Master Promissory Notes for Federal Direct Loans will be made available for signing by August/September of the first year that a student borrows via HMS. Ordinarily, the loan funds will be credited directly to the borrower’s Harvard term bill account within a few days after loan signing; subsequent disbursements will automatically be credited at the start of each term.

Grace Period
All Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans carry a six-month grace period that begins once the borrower ceases to be enrolled at least half time at a qualified institution of higher education. During this grace period, interest accrues but no loan payments are required.

Grace periods are loan-specific; thus each Direct Loan borrowed has only one grace period. However, if the borrower returns to school at least half time before the grace period expires, a full grace period will be available the next time enrollment ends. If the entire grace period is used before studies resume, no further grace period will be available and the loan will enter repayment immediately after half-time enrollment ends.

Deferment
Under certain conditions, Direct loans may be eligible for deferment benefits. During periods of deferment, repayment of principal is not required, but interest continues to accrue on the loans. All Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are eligible for deferment if the borrower meets one of the following conditions:

• A student enrolled at least half time at an institution of higher education;
• Unemployed;
• Experiencing financial hardship as defined by the U.S. Department of Education (three-year maximum);
• A graduate fellow for at least six months under an approved fellowship program;
• Enrolled in an approved rehabilitation training program

Forbearance
During periods of forbearance, repayment of principal is not required, but interest continues to accrue on the loans. All Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are eligible for forbearance during the entire internship/residency period. Forbearance must be requested on an annual basis from the Direct Loan Servicer.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans

The Graduate PLUS loan is a Federal Direct Loan Program that is offered to graduate students who have reached the annual or lifetime maximum Direct Unsubsidized and Subsidized loan limits. This loan program serves the function of a private loan with the benefits of a federal loan program, such as deferment, forbearance, consolidation, and death and disability cancellation. The Direct Graduate PLUS loan program offers a six-month post-enrollment deferment period that begins once the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time. Borrowers must pass a credit check, and as with other federal loan programs, will need to complete a master promissory note to receive the loan funds.

Origination Fees 
The origination fee for loans disbursed prior to October 1, 2023 is 4.228%. This fee is automatically deducted from the loan prior to disbursement.

Interest Rates
The interest rate is set annually each academic year. The 2024-25 interest rate is 9.08%. For prior year rates, please visit Federal Student Aid.

Post-Enrollment Deferment Period
Effective July 1, 2008, Graduate PLUS loans are eligible to receive a six-month post-enrollment deferment period that begins once the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time.

Deferment/Forbearance
Same as the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

Debt Limits
Annual maximum equal to student budget less other aid received. No cumulative debt limit.

Harvard University Private Loans for Graduate and Professional Students

Private loans are available to 1) US citizens and eligible non-citizens with a good credit history, and 2) international students may have options with or without a US co-signer.

Harvard University seeks proposals from lenders offering non-federal education loans through an open Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The RFP was designed so that Harvard could provide information to its graduate and professional students on private loan products that have competitive rates and other borrower benefits. Please review the Harvard University private loans webpage.

Note: The Harvard Federal Credit Union (Harvard FCU) Student Loan is available without a U.S. cosigner. This loan program is available to HMS domestic, international and DACA-eligible Master's students. Qualifying students interested in this loan program may borrow a Harvard FCU student loan up to the amount $25,000 less other aid offered, not to exceed the total cost of attendance budget.

*All loans are split and disbursed into two even disbursements for both the fall and spring terms.

As a veteran, you may be eligible for educational benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) through one of the many educational benefit programs offered. The Post 9/11 GI Bill® provides funding for tuition, books, housing and required fees to eligible students.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the US Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official US government website at www.benefits.va.gov/​gibill.

Application Process

• Apply for your education benefits through the VA. Once your application and benefits are received and confirmed, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
• In order to process your VA benefits, submit a copy of COE to the HMS Financial Aid Office via the HMS Secure File Transfer Site along with a Notice of Student Enrollment Form prior to the start of the academic year.
• Every year, you will need to submit a Notice of Student Enrollment Form to continue to utilize your benefits. The COE should only be submitted once unless there has been a change in eligibility. If this is the case, contact the VA to receive an updated COE and then submit it to our office using the same process as before.

Additional VA Benefits Resources:

Harvard University Veteran & Military Benefits

US Department of Veterans Affairs

Harvard Medical School provides qualifying post 9/11 veterans the maximum assistance available through the Department of Veterans Affairs Yellow Ribbon Program. Applicants must receive 100% of the benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and have remaining eligibility for the Yellow Ribbon Program as established by the VA. Under this program, the Department of Veterans Affairs matches school aid contributions made to eligible veterans. Harvard Medical School will contribute the maximum amount to be matched by the VA for all eligible veterans .

Application Process

• Apply for your education benefits through the VA. Once your application and benefits are received and confirmed, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
• In order to process your VA benefits, submit a copy of COE to the HMS Financial Aid Office via the HMS Secure File Transfer Site along with a Notice of Student Enrollment Form prior to the start of the academic year.
• Every year, you will need to submit a Notice of Student Enrollment Form to continue to utilize your benefits. The COE should only be submitted once unless there has been a change in eligibility. If this is the case, contact the VA to receive an updated COE and then submit it to our office using the same process as before. 
• Additional VA benefits for veterans provide substantial assistance for living expenses. These benefits should cover academic year living expenses for most Yellow Ribbon recipients. However, Yellow Ribbon recipients may also apply for federal student loans to meet living expenses costs, if needed.

Additional VA Benefits Resources:

Harvard University Veteran & Military Benefits

US Department of Veterans Affairs

Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31) provides educational funding for students with service-connected disabilities.

Application Process

• Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31) funding through the VA.
• Have the VA submit a Third-Party Billing Form and a Third-Party Letter  to the Student Accounts Office.

Additional VA Benefits Resources:

Harvard University Veteran & Military Benefits

US Department of Veterans Affairs

The Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (Chapter 30) provides up to 36 months of educational funding for students who have served at least two years on active duty.

The Montgomery GI BIll - Selective Reserves (Chapter 1606) provides up to 36 months of educational training for students who are an active reservist with a 6 year service obligation.

The Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA)(Chapter 35) provides up to 45 months of educational training for students who are the child or spouse of a Veteran or service member who has died, is captured or missing, or has disabilities.

Application Process

• Apply for your education benefits through the VA. Once your application and benefits are received and confirmed, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
• In order to process your VA benefits, submit a copy of COE to the HMS Financial Aid Office via the HMS Secure File Transfer Site along with a Notice of Student Enrollment Form prior to the start of the academic year.
• Every year, you will need to submit a Notice of Student Enrollment Form to continue to utilize your benefits. The COE should only be submitted once unless there has been a change in eligibility. If this is the case, contact the VA to receive an updated COE and then  submit it to our office using the same process as before.
• Funds go directly to the student. Students receiving benefits from these programs are also eligible to apply for federal loans. Funding through these benefits will be considered as an outside scholarship.

Additional VA Benefits Resources:

Harvard University Veteran & Military Benefits

US Department of Veterans Affairs

• Students receiving VA benefits may be eligible to receive a monthly housing allowance. Use the BAH/MHA Monthly Rate Calculator to determine your housing allowance .
• Students are eligible for a book allowance for up to $1,000.

Additional VA Benefits Resources:

Harvard University Veteran & Military Benefits

US Department of Veterans Affairs