The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and National Medical Fellowships (NMF) have opened the 2026 funding cycles for two programs designed to reduce financial barriers for medical students. The initiatives provide financial assistance to aspiring physicians who face obstacles to education and licensure due to limited resources.
Fee Assistance Program
In its third year, the NBME Fee Assistance Program provides financial awards that offset registration fees for the USMLE, a critical step toward medical licensure. Administered in partnership with NMF, the program provides $695 awards to more than 1,400 medical students annually for the registration cost of the USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 CK exam. Applications for the first 2026 program cycle open March 31 and close May 10.
Scholarship Program
Beginning April 6, 2026, medical students can apply for the annual NBME/NMF Scholarship Program, which provides $10,000 scholarships per year—renewable for up to three years—to 20 second-year medical students enrolled in U.S. accredited schools. Established in 2023, the program aims to support aspiring physicians who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to serving their communities. Applications for the scholarship close May 17.
Mission and Impact
NBME is a not-for-profit organization specializing in the creation of assessments and learning tools for physicians and health professionals, with a mission to advance assessment of these professionals to achieve optimal care for all. National Medical Fellowships expands pathways to medical education and leadership opportunities for aspiring health care practitioners through financial support, professional development, and clinical research training. NMF aims to develop future leaders committed to community-focused medical and behavioral health care and bolster their retention to address workforce shortages, expanding access to quality health services and improving outcomes for all.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/26/03/g51440565/reducing-financial-barriers-for-medical-students-nbme-and-national-medical-fellowships-open-2026-f