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HPSP

HPSP Application Process

Application Package Submission

The application process requires the student applicant to complete an online application which includes the submission of these requirements:

  • Application (Completed by student applicant)
  • Academic Verification (Completed by Dean of Program or equivalent)
  • Evaluations and Recommendations:
    • Required: Academic Faculty
    • Required: Either an Employer/Manager or Other
    • (VA Employee) Required: Supervisor
  • Resume
  • Transcript (Must show a minimum 3.0 CGPA with at least 15 earned credit hours)
  • DD214 (former service members)
  • SF50 (current and former VA employees)

The VA’s Application Management System (VA AMS) enables students to provide the required data and documents for the successful submission of the scholarship application package.

The application package includes two requirements that are completed by outside parties other than the student applicant. These are the Academic Verification and Evaluation/Recommendations.

The Academic Verification is completed by the Dean (or equivalent) of the academic program associated with the scholarship. The Evaluation and Recommendations are completed by academic and personal/professional references of the student applicant. The VA AMS is also used by these parties to submit the necessary requirements.

Application Package Review

Once the application package is submitted by the student applicant, it is reviewed by the VA Scholarship Program Office to confirm all of the required information and requirements have been provided. In instances when the package is incomplete, the student applicant is notified by email and is requested to address the deficiencies before the final application deadline.

Application Package Evaluation

After the VA Scholarship Program Office confirms that the application package is complete, the application package is evaluated by the Scholarship Program Selection Committee specific to your field of education. The members of the Selection Committee evaluate the student applicant’s academic and professional details, as well as the essay responses that are part of the application package. The Selection Committee members also review the academic and personal/professional references that are part of the application package.

The Selection Committee evaluation can take several months after the submission of the complete application package. Students will need to monitor their AMS dashboard and email for further guidance and results. 

Scholarship Award Decision

The VA Scholarship Program Office uses various criteria to evaluate applicants for scholarship awards. The award decisions include the following factors, but not limited to:

  • Veteran status of the applicant (being a Veteran is not required)
  • Work/volunteer experience, including prior health care employment and Department of Veterans Affairs employment;
  • Faculty and employer recommendations;
  • Academic performance; and
  • Career goals.
  • Total cost to fund the scholarship

The application review process may take several months. During this time, we will provide updates by email and on the application management system. You are responsible for ensuring your email address is correct and should notify HPSPteam@va.gov of any changes to your contact information. 

Tentative Scholarship Award Notification and Acceptance
Student applicants are notified immediately after the scholarship award decision has been completed. Students that have been awarded the scholarship are required to formally accept the award in order to complete the application process. Student applicants that have been awarded the VA scholarship are initially offered a tentative scholarship award. The student applicant must complete a security background check. Selected student applicants have 15 days to accept or decline the tentative scholarship award.
Security Background Check
Applicants must pass and maintain a background investigation commensurate with the VA occupation for which the scholarship is being offered. If selected to receive the scholarship, the student applicant will be contacted by the VA Security Office with requirements to complete the investigation. A complete investigation is required prior to the final scholarship offer.

Final Scholarship Award Notification and Acceptance

Once the background check is complete, the student applicants will receive their final scholarship award offer. The student applicant must accept the final award offer and agreement forms in order to complete their enrollment in the VA scholarship program. Accepting the final award offer includes the acceptance of the terms of the scholarship program. These terms include the service obligation to the VA after the completion of their academic program and professional licensing.

The acceptance of the formal scholarship award is a contract between the VA and the student applicant. A breach of the contract will enact penalties against the student.

Selected student applicants have 15 days to accept or decline the final scholarship award.

The student applicant is officially enrolled in the VA scholarship program once the final scholarship award is accepted and the scholarship agreement forms are completed.