Hope for Aspiring Healers: Top 5 Scholarships for Medical Students with Low NEET Scores!

Not everyone can get a medical seat in their desired college or stream due to several challenges including lack of funds. But there are some private and government scholarships, which cover up to 100% of tuition fees.

We bring you top five grants for those with low scores in the National Education Cum Entrance Test (NEET). Due to changes in National Medical Commission (NMC) rules, there are many colleges that do not require NEET score, now it is mandatory for students going abroad to clear NEET as well.

Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School awards need-based scholarships through endowed funds, fundraising and unrestricted income. Scholarship eligibility is determined by deducting institutional expected family contributions from tuition and mandatory fees.

Who Can Apply: Candidates who are financially ineligible to pay the fees, however, qualify for admission to the courses by fulfilling other conditions are automatically considered for the scholarship.

Selection Process: Eligibility for institutional scholarship funding is limited to eight semesters of full tuition fees. Candidates may also be asked to provide information including premedical background, residency preferences, personal and professional interests, and academic progress.

Where to apply: https://meded.hms.harvard.edu/types-funding-md-program

Inspire scholarship
Department of Science and Technology (DST) offers INSPIRE scholarship to students who want to pursue higher studies including UG and PG courses. Selected candidates will get Rs. 5,000 stipend and an annual Rs. 20,000 will be eligible for a mentorship grant.

Who Can Apply: Students interested in studying basic and natural sciences at the college and university level and pursuing research careers in both basic and applied sciences, including engineering, medicine, agricultural and veterinary sciences, may apply.

Selection Process: Candidates with aggregate marks within top 1% of their Class 12 State or Central Board are eligible. Additionally, candidates with a rank up to 10,000 in NEET or JEE are also eligible.

Where to Apply: Applications need to be submitted online at https://www.online-inspire.gov.in.

Beijing Government Scholarship
Due to its affordability and quality education, China is one of the favorite destinations for Indian students to pursue medicine. The Chinese government offers scholarships to international students including Indians.

Who can apply: International students who wish to pursue PhD must be below 40 years of age and up to 30 years for UG courses, while the age limit for Masters is 35 years. Applicants can apply to higher educational institutions, which are eligible to enroll scholarship students.

Selection Process: The host institution will review applications, which need to be submitted three months before the start of the course. Students will be scrutinized for academic record, health, work experience and other factors.

Where to apply: https://english.beijing.gov.cn/studyinginbeijing/scholarshipapplications/202006/t20200617_1926391.html

All India Youth Scholarship Entrance Examination (AIYSEE)
AIYSEE is a national level merit-based scholarship entrance exam for engineering and medical students. It is usually conducted in April and May. Scholarships are awarded to only 10% of the total enrolled students. For government colleges, students get 100% scholarship or a maximum of Rs. 40,000 per semester, whichever is lower. For private colleges, candidates will get a grant of up to Rs 80,000 per annum.

Who Can Apply: The scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to high performing students from any economic background.

Selection Process: Candidates are required to clear the exam after which they will be eligible to participate in admission and seat allotment.

Where to Apply: https://aiysee.com/aboutsc.php

Vice Chancellor's International MBBS Scholarship, University of Sydney
The University of Sydney offers a $40,000 scholarship to support "high achieving" international students to pursue an MBBS in Australia.

Who can apply: International students, who have applied for a CRICOS-registered bachelor coursework degree and received an unconditional offer, are eligible for the scholarship.

Selection Process: Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic merit; Students are nominated by a selection committee.

Where to Apply: Applicants are automatically considered for the scholarship and do not need to apply separately. Details at https://www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships/e/vice-chancellor-international-scholarships-scheme.html