Chinese American Physicians Society Medical Student Scholarship
Offered by Chinese American Physicians Society (CAPS)
About This Scholarship
The Chinese American Physicians Society (CAPS), a Bay Area nonprofit of physicians founded to serve Chinese American and immigrant communities, runs an annual scholarship program for medical students enrolled anywhere in the United States. For the 2026-2027 cycle, CAPS says it will award at least eight scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $10,000, with recipients notified by email by April 23, 2027 and honored at the society's annual banquet in May 2027.
The program is open to all U.S. medical students in years MS1 through MS5. CAPS gives preference to students of Chinese descent and to students involved in the Chinese American medical community, but heritage is a preference rather than a requirement. The 2025-2026 class of ten recipients came from schools across the country, including Harvard, UCLA, Ohio State, Penn, Texas, and Columbia.
This is a fuller application than most association awards. Along with the form, applicants submit a 600-word essay on an assigned topic (this year: algorithmic bias versus empathetic care for vulnerable immigrant communities in AI-driven medicine), a 500-word personal statement, a financial aid award letter, a tax return, and two letters of recommendation. CAPS requires applicants to agree not to use AI on the application or essay.
Eligibility
- Currently enrolled medical student (MS1 through MS5) at a U.S. medical school for the 2026-2027 academic year
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing health care and contributing to the community
- Preference for students of Chinese descent or students involved in the Chinese American medical community
- Financial information (aid award letter and tax return) is required, so need is considered
How To Apply
- Download the 2026-2027 CAPS scholarship application form from the CAPS scholarships page
- Complete the form, including awards, research, work experience, community service, and estimated cost of attendance
- Write the 600-word essay on the assigned topic and a 500-word personal statement about yourself and your future plans
- Gather your financial aid award letter, your 2026 (or 2025) Form 1040, and two letters of recommendation
- Email all materials to the CAPS scholarship address so they arrive by April 2, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be of Chinese descent?
No. CAPS gives preference to students of Chinese descent or those involved in the Chinese American medical community, but any currently enrolled U.S. medical student can apply.
Do I need to attend medical school in California?
No. CAPS is based in the Bay Area, but eligibility covers medical students anywhere in the United States, and recent recipients attended schools on both coasts and in Texas and Ohio.
Can I use AI to help write the essay?
No. The application asks you to sign an agreement not to use AI for the application or essay, and CAPS says use of AI risks disqualification.