Full Tuition Scholarship 2027 in United States | Fully Funded — Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
Running a tuition-free medical school since 2008 is a genuinely long track record, and the Lerner College of Medicine has kept that commitment consistent for international applicants the entire time.
About the Scholarship
The Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine has offered a full tuition scholarship to every enrolled student since 2008. The program accepts applications from international students, including Canadians, though eligibility carries specific academic prerequisites: applicants must complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution, or, if their undergraduate degree was earned elsewhere, complete at least one year of advanced science coursework at an accredited U.S. institution before applying.
The Lerner College operates as a partnership between Cleveland Clinic, one of the most respected hospital systems in the country, and Case Western Reserve University, giving students direct access to clinical training within an internationally recognized medical institution alongside their academic coursework.
Because the program accepts a notably small class size each year, often numbered in the dozens rather than hundreds, the combination of a small cohort and full funding creates an unusually close-knit, resource-rich learning environment compared to many larger medical schools.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition automatically covered for every enrolled student
- A consistent policy maintained since 2008
- Integration of research training within the five-year MD program structure
- No separate scholarship application required for the tuition component
Eligibility Criteria
- You must complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution
- If your undergraduate degree was earned outside the U.S. or Canada, you must complete at least one year of advanced science coursework at an accredited U.S. institution first
- You must meet the Lerner College’s rigorous MD admission standards
- You should plan separately for living expenses, since non-U.S. citizens have limited financial aid options beyond the tuition scholarship
Fields of Study Covered
This scholarship applies specifically to the Lerner College’s five-year MD program, which integrates research training with clinical education.
Required Documents
- A completed AMCAS application, along with the Lerner College’s secondary application
- Academic transcripts, including any required U.S.-based coursework for applicants with non-U.S./Canadian degrees
- MCAT scores
- Letters of recommendation
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Confirm your academic background meets the U.S. or Canadian degree requirement, or complete the required year of U.S.-based science coursework first
- Submit your AMCAS application and the Lerner College’s secondary application
- Prepare your MCAT scores and letters of recommendation
- Plan your living expense budget separately, since limited aid exists for non-citizens beyond tuition
Selection Process
The Lerner College’s admissions committee evaluates applicants through its standard, highly competitive MD admission process, with particular attention to fit for its research-integrated five-year program structure.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Confirm your academic prerequisites, including any required U.S.-based coursework, well in advance of applying
- Highlight genuine research interest and experience, since the program’s structure integrates research training throughout the MD curriculum
- Budget realistically for living expenses as an international applicant, given limited non-tuition aid availability
- Compare this against other fully funded medical programs like the NYU Grossman School of Medicine Full-Tuition Scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every enrolled student receive free tuition?
Yes, this has been the Lerner College’s consistent policy since 2008.
Can international students apply if their undergraduate degree is from outside the U.S. or Canada?
Yes, but they must first complete at least one year of advanced science coursework at an accredited U.S. institution before applying.
Does the scholarship cover living expenses?
No, tuition is covered automatically, but living expenses are the student’s own responsibility, with limited aid available to non-citizens.
How long is the MD program at the Lerner College?
Five years, integrating research training with clinical education.
Is there a separate application for the tuition scholarship?
No, it is automatic for every enrolled student.
How large is each incoming class at the Lerner College?
Class sizes are notably small compared to many medical schools; check current admissions materials for the exact recent cohort size.
Does the research integration add extra time to the program compared to a standard MD?
The five-year structure, compared to the typical four-year MD, reflects the added research training built directly into the curriculum.
Does Cleveland Clinic guarantee residency placement after graduation?
No, graduates apply for residency through the standard national Match process like any other MD graduate.