Financial Aid and Scholarship

Scholarships for outstanding researchers not only acknowledge their dedication to advancing knowledge but also provide vital resources to fuel groundbreaking discoveries and contribute to the university’s reputation as a hub of cutting-edge research. Similarly, rewarding community service emphasizes the importance of social responsibility and civic engagement, aligning with the university’s commitment to producing well-rounded individuals who positively impact society.
Ultimately, investing in scholars who excel in academics, research, and community service not only enhances the university’s prestige but also cultivates a diverse and dynamic learning environment that prepares students to make meaningful contributions to their fields and communities.
Below you will find more information about our Scholarship Program and available awards.

How to Apply:

All scholarship requests must be submitted through UMS. Students must first ensure that they meet all scholarship requirements and have all required documents. Students must then select the scholarship they wish to apply to from the list provided, upload all required documents, and submit it.

Selection Process:

The evaluation, selection, and awarding of all scholarships at VWCM is handled through The Office of Students Affairs in coordination with various committees, faculty members, and administrative staff.

VWCM has established a clear and objective selection process that guarantees that all students are evaluated equally and based on measurable standards. These standards may include a student’s Grade Point Average (GPA) or examination scores, personal statements, interviews and research report submissions.

Once the submission has been received in its entirety, the Office of Student Affairs will proceed to verify the application and confirm whether the student complies with the requirements. If so, the Office of Student Affairs will proceed with the selection process.

Academic scholarships are awarded based strictly on academic merit and measurable objectives. Therefore, these scholarships do not require any additional evaluation procedures in the selection process other than the submission of all required documents.

On the other hand, scholarships with limited recipients, such as those aimed at community service and research, will require further analysis in the form of interviews, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. This will aid in determining whether or not the student has truly demonstrated “outstanding” contributions in these areas. The act of simply participating in these activities does not necessarily demonstrate high-achievement and therefore does not entitle students to receive these scholarships.

Benefits:

All students who receive a scholarship will be honored at the next VWCM Ceremony as well as be eligible to receive an VWCM Certificate detailing the scholarship received, and a monetary prize. NOTE: Unless otherwise stated in the scholarship details, all scholarship award funds will be added to the recipient’s VWCM student account and will only be applied as a tuition discount on the student’s next invoice or payment due date.

NOTE: Unless otherwise stated in the scholarship details, VWCM scholarship funds can only be applied to a student’s tuition payments and cannot be used as credit towards university fees, immigration fees, overdue tuition payments, housing fees, meal plans, or any other institutional or external expenses.

Conditions:

In addition to the specific requirements of each scholarship, some awards may require that the applicant demonstrate that they are in good academic and financial standing. This can be done by requesting a Letter of Good Standing from the Registrar’s Office.

Good academic standing is measured by GPA and requires a student to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Good financial standing is achieved when a student has no outstanding fees due on their student account.

NOTE: VWCM scholarships are only available to enrolled students who are registered and actively attending classes.

For Outstanding Service to the Community

Purpose: To provide financial assistance to students who demonstrate the ability to bridge the gap between VWCM and the local community by finding and implementing innovative ways to expand the university’s service to the community. This student must prove their passion and dedication to VWCM’s community outreach programs and beyond while making a real and lasting impact on the Curaçao Community.

Amount: $500.00 (to be applied to their VWCM student account)
Eligibility: All VWCM students.
Conditions: Scholarship may be awarded to a maximum of two students per semester in both the Basic Sciences and Clinical Sciences Phase. A student can only receive this award twice during their time at VWCM. All applicants must be currently enrolled and active students.

Requirements:

In order to qualify for this scholarship, students must submit:

• Letter of Good Standing: Letter from the Registrar’s Office demonstrating good academic and financial standing.
• NOTE: Letters of Good Standing are only valid for 30
• Letter of Recommendation (1): From a member of VWCM
• Letter of Recommendation (2): From a member of the medical community or other community organization attesting the good done by the student on behalf of VWCM.

Personal Statement: Short text explaining why the candidate believes they deserve to be awarded the scholarship including concrete examples demonstrating positive community outreach.

For Academic Achievement on the USMLE Step 1

Purpose: To provide financial assistance to academically talented students who achieve a passing score on USMLE Step 1 on their first attempt. This scholarship will be applied towards the student’s tuition fees with the intention of partially offsetting registration fees associated with the USMLE Step 2 CK Examination.

Amount: $200.00 dollar credit applied to their student account.
Eligibility: MD Program: Basic Science Students.
Conditions: Scholarship is to be awarded to all students who pass the USMLE Step 1 examination on their first attempt and meet the below-stated requirements. This scholarship is not available to transfer students. All applicants must be currently enrolled and active students.

Requirements:

In order to qualify for this scholarship, students must submit:

• Letter of Good Standing: Letter from the Registrar’s Office demonstrating good academic and financial standing.
• NOTE: Letters of Good Standing are only valid for 30
• Personal Statement: Short text explaining why the candidate believes they deserve to be awarded the scholarship.
• USMLE Score Report: Document must demonstrate a PASS on USMLE Step 1 on the first attempt.

For Academic Achievement on the USMLE Step 2 CK Purpose: To provide financial assistance to academically talented students who achieve a high score on the USMLE Step 2 CK examination.

Amount: $750.00
Eligibility: MD Program: Clinical Sciences Students
Conditions: Scholarship is to be awarded to all eligible students and only occurs as a one time award. All applicants must be currently enrolled and active students.

Requirements:

In order to qualify for this scholarship, students must submit:

• Letter of Good Standing: Letter from the Registrar’s Office demonstrating good academic and financial standing.
• NOTE: Letters of Good Standing are only valid for 30
• Personal Statement: Short text explaining why the candidate believes they deserve to be awarded the scholarship.
• USMLE Score Report: Document must demonstrate a score of

+250 without any failed USMLE attempts.

For Academic Excellence

Purpose: To provide financial assistance to an academically talented student who demonstrates the ability to excel at VWCM. Amount: $1,000 per semester applied to their VWCM student account.

Eligibility: MD Program: Basic Sciences Students
Conditions: Scholarship is to be awarded to a maximum of two students per semester. Students are only eligible to obtain this award a maximum of four (4) times during their Basic Sciences can obtain a maximum amount of $4,000 through this scholarship. All applicants must be currently enrolled and active students.

Requirements:

In order to qualify for this scholarship, students must:

• Letter of Good Standing: Letter from the Registrar’s Office demonstrating good academic and financial standing.
• NOTE: Letters of Good Standing are only valid for 30
• Letter of Recommendation: From a member of VWCM
• Unofficial Transcript: Demonstrating a 50 cumulative grade point average (GPA).

Personal Statement: Short text explaining why the candidate believes they deserve to be awarded the scholarship.

For Excellence in Research and Scholarly Activities Purpose: This scholarship aims to recognize and support individuals who have exhibited outstanding dedication, innovation, and achievement in the field of medical research.

Amount: $500 for individual recipients (to be applied to their VWCM Student Account).

$1,000 for groups (to be divided equally among all winners and applied to their VWCM Student Account).
Eligibility: All VWCM students.

Requirements:

• Letter of Good Standing: Letter from the Registrar’s Office demonstrating good academic and financial standing.
• NOTE: Letters of Good Standing are only valid for 30
• Letter of Recommendation: From a senior/supervising member of the research endeavor attesting the outstanding contributions of the student to the research endeavor.
• Research Report: Submission of the final research paper as well as a report detailing the research initiative, including purpose, process, and findings.
• Personal Statement: Short text explaining why the candidate believes they deserve to be awarded the scholarship.
• Published Paper / Report (if available)
• Conditions: Scholarship may be awarded to one student (or group of students) per year and only occurs as a one time award. Students must be active participants in a research initiative and play a vital role in its conception, execution, and Students must undergo an interview with the Research and Scholarly Activities Committee and demonstrate having comprehensive knowledge on the research initiative. It is up to the Committee’s discretion whether or not to grant the scholarship based on their assessment of the applicant’s merit. Scholarship does not apply to additional university fees or certification exam costs. All applicants must be currently enrolled and active students.
• NOTE: Group submissions will be assessed on an individual basis and each member’s contributions will be measured separately. Therefore, not all group members may be found eligible to receive or deserving of this scholarship.