For over 30 years, the Tylenol Future Care Scholarship has been a beacon for aspiring healthcare professionals, awarding over $8 million to students dedicated to a lifetime of caring.
If you are a medical, nursing, or pharmacy student looking to alleviate the burden of tuition, this scholarship is one of the most prestigious opportunities available.
Scholarship Summary
The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship is designed to support students who display academic excellence and exemplary leadership in healthcare.
It is not just about grades; it is about your commitment to community service and your vision for the future of patient care.
- Scholarship Name: Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
- Provider: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (Makers of Tylenol)
- Award Amounts: $5,000 or $10,000
- Number of Awards: 35 total (10 awards of $10,000; 25 awards of $5,000)
- Renewable: No (One-time award)
Eligibility Criteria
To avoid wasting time on an application that won’t be accepted, review these requirements carefully. The eligibility for this program is stricter than general “healthcare” scholarships.
Who Can Apply?
| Criteria | Requirement Details |
| Citizenship | Must be a resident of the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia. |
| Academic Status | Must be a Graduate Student OR a College Senior enrolling in graduate school for the upcoming academic year. |
| Field of Study | Must be enrolled in a Medical, Nursing, or Pharmacy program. |
| School Location | Your program must be at an accredited, nonprofit college/university in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or D.C. |
| Remaining Schooling | You must have one or more years of school remaining. |
Who Is NOT Eligible?
- Current undergraduates who will not be in graduate school by the coming Fall.
- Students seeking degrees in fields outside of direct patient care (e.g., pure research without a clinical component, though this can be nuanced).
- Employees or relatives of employees of Johnson & Johnson, Kenvue, Inc., or ISTS (the scholarship administrator).
- Previous winners: If you have won this scholarship before, you cannot win it again.
2026 Application Timeline (Projected)
While the official 2026 dates have not yet been released by Tylenol, we can predict the schedule with high accuracy based on the 2024-2025 cycle. Use this timeline to plan your application strategy.
| Event | Projected Date | Notes |
| Application Opens | May 1, 2026 | Mark your calendar to check the portal early. |
| Application Deadline | August 1, 2026 | Typically closes at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. |
| Semifinalist Notification | Mid-August 2026 | Applicants selected to move forward will be emailed. |
| Semifinalist Docs Due | Early September 2026 | Usually a short window to upload transcripts/photos. |
| Winners Announced | Early October 2026 | Winners notified; checks issued by late October. |
> Note:Always verify the exact dates on the official Tylenol website once the cycle opens in May.
Scholarship Coverage and Payout
Understanding how the money works is crucial for your financial planning.
Usage
Funds must be applied to tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for a full-time course load.
Distribution
Checks are not sent to you personally. They are made payable to your university and mailed to your home address. You must then deliver the check to your school’s financial aid or bursar’s office.
Taxability
Generally, scholarship funds used for tuition/books are not taxable in the U.S., but room and board expenses are.
Since this scholarship is strictly for tuition/books/fees, it is likely tax-free, but always consult a tax professional.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
The application process is handled by International Scholarship and Tuition Services (ISTS). Here is how to navigate it successfully.
1. Create an Account
Visit the ISTS portal (usually linked from the Tylenol site) and create an account. Do not wait until the last minute, as you will need to familiarize yourself with the dashboard.
2. Gather Documents (The “No Word Docs” Rule)
This is a common stumbling block. The system does not accept Microsoft Word documents. If you upload one, it will be rejected.
- Acceptable formats: .pdf, .tif, .png, .jpeg, .jpg, .bmp, .xps.
- Naming convention: Ensure your name is visible on all documents (e.g., transcripts).
- Proof of Enrollment: You must prove you are enrolled in a qualifying graduate program.
3. Write the Essay
The essay is the most critical component. The selection committee evaluates based on:
- College GPA
- Academic records
- Community involvement/volunteer service
- Essay content
Tip: Tylenol’s brand is built on “caring.” Your essay should not just list your achievements; it should demonstrate your empathy, your dedication to serving underserved communities, and your specific goals for improving patient outcomes.
4. Submit and Monitor
Once you submit, your dashboard status will change.
- Grey “Started”: You haven’t submitted yet.
- Orange “Started”: Submitted, but missing documents or documents are processing.
- Green “Complete”: You are good to go!
> Warning: It takes 1 business day to process uploaded documents. Do not upload documents on deadline day expecting them to be approved instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students apply?
No. You must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident (Green Card holder) to apply.
If I am undecided on my school, can I still apply?
Yes. List your first-choice school on the application. If you are selected as a recipient, you can update your final university choice in your profile later (usually up until the check issue date in October).
Is the scholarship renewable?
No. The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship is a one-time award. However, if you apply and do not win, you are welcome to reapply the following year provided you still meet the eligibility criteria.
What happens if I upload a password-protected PDF?
It will be rejected. Ensure all transcripts and documents are unlocked and readable before uploading.
How do I contact the scholarship committee?
Tylenol uses ISTS for support. You can usually reach them at contactus@applyists.com or via the live chat function on the application portal.
Next Steps for Applicants
- Bookmark the Date: Set a reminder for May 1, 2026.
- Polish Your Resume: Start documenting your community service hours and leadership roles now so you aren’t scrambling in July.
- Prepare Transcripts: Ensure you have access to official or valid unofficial transcripts that clearly show your name and current enrollment status.
The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship is competitive, but for dedicated healthcare students, it is a career-changing opportunity. Good luck!
Emily Carter is an academic writer with 7+ years of experience in education research, specializing in scholarships, admissions, and student calculators. She creates clear, reliable and helpful content to support students in making informed academic decisions.
