Regents Physician Loan Forgiveness Program

Deadline & Application Award Eligibility Help & Resources

Loan Forgiveness for physicians practicing in areas of New York State.

  • Receive up to $10,000 per year, for two years

  • Applicants must be a New York State resident

  • Must be licensed to practice medicine in New York State

  • Applicants cannot currently be a recipient of any of the Federal Loan Physician Repayment Award programs

  • Award recipients must serve a minimum of 24 months regardless of the amount of payment received

Deadline & Application

Regents Physician Loan Forgiveness Program is currently closed.

Award

Amount

$10,000

  • The purpose of the Regents Physician Loan Forgiveness Award Program is to increase the number of physicians practicing in areas of New York State designated by the New York State Board of Regents as having a shortage of physicians. Emphasis is placed on primary care
  • At least 80 awards up to $10,000 per year, for two years
  • Award amount is based on undergraduate and medical school student loan amounts, loan interest expense, and income
Frequency

Annual

Award is granted on an annual basis.

Duration

Up to 2 years of qualified service

Any loan forgiveness award payments received may have tax implications. A 1099 form will be issued by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller reflecting the total loan forgiveness payment assistance received by the recipient for the year. Any questions regarding potential tax implications should be directed to a tax professional, the Internal Revenue Service, or the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance.

Eligibility

Undocumented and other immigrant students: before submitting your application material, apply for eligibility under the NYS DREAM Act.

Applicants cannot currently be a recipient of any of the Federal Loan Physician Repayment Award programs.

You can receive award if you meet the following residency requirements: 

  • You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen (aliens lawfully admitted, or class of refugees paroled by AG).
  • You must be a legal resident of New York State who has resided in New York State for 12 continuous months.

Not a citizen or eligible noncitizen? Learn more about the NYS DREAM Act application. 

  • Application must be licensed to practice medicine in New York State.
  • Applicant must have completed a professional residency program within the five years immediately preceding the period for which the first award would be granted or will complete training in 2025 in an accredited residency program in family practice, pediatric, internal medicine, emergency medicine or obstetrics. Psychiatry is also considered primary care in certain State facilities.

Award recipients must agree to practice medicine in a specific area in New York State or serve a specific underserved population designated by the New York State Board of Regents as having a shortage of physicians for a period of 12 months for each annual payment received. 

They must serve a minimum of 24 months regardless of the amount of payment received.

Selection Criteria 

  • First priority: applicants who are completing the second year of the service agreement and are reapplying for an additional two-year award.
  • Second priority: new applicants who agree to practice in an area determined by the Regents to have a severe shortage of primary care physician services.

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