Scholarships & Resources for Occupational Therapy Students
Figuring out how to pay for an occupational therapy program can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help. This guide will introduce you to some of today’s best scholarships and grants for OT students, along with expert tips to help your application stand out. Explore your funding options, get access to online financial resources, and more.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareOnline Learning
HealthcareNursingAdv NursingWhy Trust EduMed? We partner with 150+ nursing & allied health professionals to bring you the most in-depth data & insights on higher education & careers in healthcare. Meet our team and review our editorial values.
Jump To Section
Scholarships and Grants for Occupational Therapy Students
Scholarships and grants are extremely popular when it comes to funding an occupational therapy degree program. That’s because they amount to essentially “free money” since they aren’t paid back.
It’s because of this, however, that OT scholarships are highly competitive. So, it’s important to put in the time and effort it takes to find those scholarships for which: 1) you meet the eligibility requirements, and 2) you have a good chance of winning.
To get you started on your funding search here are 10 top scholarship opportunities for for OT students:
AMBUCS Scholarship Program for Therapists
The national AMBUCS Scholarship provides multiple awards each year to occupational therapy students who are passionate about improving mobility and independence for individuals with disabilities.
To qualify, you must be enrolled in an accredited OT program, submit a personal statement, and demonstrate financial need through a FAFSA report.
Amount: $600 to $6,000.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Truman Scholarship
The prestigious Truman Scholarship supports occupational therapy and other graduate students who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to working in nonprofit, advocacy, or government roles.
Applicants must be nominated by a faculty representative at their school and submit an application.
Amount: Up to $30,000
American Occupational Therapy Association – E.K. Wise Scholarship
This scholarship supports occupational therapy students who are committed to increasing diversity and inclusion within the profession.
Applicant must be a full-time student in an AOTA-accredited OT or OTA program, an AOTA member, and demonstrate leadership, community service, and a commitment to improving access to occupational therapy services for underrepresented populations.
Amount: $2,500
DAR Occupational/Physical Therapy Scholarship
The Daughters of the American Revolution awards four of these scholarships annually to physical and occupational therapy students who demonstrate financial need and have a 3.25 or higher GPA. Neither DAR membership nor DAR chapter sponsorship is required.
Amount: $5,000
Dr. Gary Kielhofner Doctoral Research Scholarship
This scholarship is for occupational therapists pursuing a doctoral degree with a research focus. The funding supports students in advancing the profession through research in evidence-based practice, program development, and clinical innovation.
Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a research-based doctoral program with their dissertation still to be completed.
Amount: $5,000
AMN Healthcare Champions Scholarship
The AMN Healthcare Champions Scholarship provides two awards annually to students in occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech-language pathology graduate programs.
Application submittals include a 500-minimum word essay describing the applicant’s career goals and how this funding will support their education.
Amount: $5,000
Lands Banks Memorial Scholarship
The Lands Banks Memorial Scholarship supports occupational therapy students who have demonstrated leadership and community service.
Applicant must be pursuing an entry-level OTA, MOT, MSOT, or OTD degree at an AOTA-accredited school, have completed at least one year of coursework, and be actively involved in a community service or leadership role.
Amount: $2,000
Willard & Spackman Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to OT students who have demonstrated academic excellence and commitment to the field.
Applicant must be enrolled in an AOTA-accredited or developing OT program, have completed at least one year of occupational therapy-specific coursework, and show potential for leadership and clinical impact.
Amount: TBD (typically $2,000)
HIE Help Center Scholarship
The HIE Help Center Scholarship is available to occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy students dedicated to helping people with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and related conditions.
Eligibility requirements include a 3.25 or higher GPA and submittal of transcripts and an essay.
Amount: $1,000
OccupationalTherapy.com Scholarship
This scholarship provides two awards each year to graduate students who are committed to advancing the OT profession through education and hands-on practice.
Applicant must be enrolled in an AOTA-accredited or developing occupational therapy program and have completed at least one year of OT-specific coursework.
Amount: $5,000
The Keys to Succeed on Occupational Therapy Scholarship Applications
Winning an occupational therapy scholarship takes more than just good grades. Scholarship committees want to see your passion for the field, commitment to helping others, and long-term career goals.
If you are ready to secure funding for your OT education with a scholarship or grant, employing these five strategies can boost your chances of success.
Key #1: Highlight Leadership and Community Involvement
Scholarship selection committees love applicants who go “beyond the classroom.” So, be sure to share with them if you’ve, for example, volunteered in a rehabilitation center, mentored future OT students, or led a community project.
Being active in student OT organizations, advocacy efforts, or fieldwork projects also makes you a stronger candidate.
Key #2: Showcase Academic Excellence and Career Goals
Good grades are almost always a requirement, but selection committees also want to see where you are headed career wise following graduation.
Therefore, be clear — and specific — about your career aspirations and how you plan to make a real impact in the occupational therapy field. Highlight relevant coursework, research, and clinical experiences that have shaped your journey.
Key #3: Write a Compelling Personal Statement
Scholarship applications typically require submittal of a personal statement outlining the applicant’s dedication to their career choice and professional goals. The personal statement is extremely important in that it’s your chance to tell your story and really give the selection committee a reason to choose you as their award recipient.
So, take the time to provide them with the best personal statement possible. Write, review, and polish it’s content.
And before sending it in, have someone you trust (like a teacher or English major friend) look it over and offer you suggestions on how you can make it even better.
Key #4: Obtain Strong Letters of Recommendation
A glowing recommendation letter can make the difference between winning and losing a scholarship, so be sure to get the very best letters from the very best writers you can.
Ask professors, bosses, and mentors who know your dedication to the field and can speak directly to your strengths. And make sure you give your writers plenty of time to get their letters completed and in by the given deadline.
Key #5: Apply to Lots of Scholarships
Remember, you’re not limited to landing just one or two scholarship awards, so don’t be shy about applying to as many contests as you can. As we mentioned earlier, just be sure you qualify and have a decent chance of winning.
Essential Funding Resources for Occupational Therapy Students
Scholarships are great, but if you’re like most OT students, you’ll need to put together a mix of financial aid resources to pay for your education. Here are eight useful online resources you can access to help you do that:
American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF)
The AOTF awards more than 50 scholarships annually, ranging from $150 to $5,000. They also provide financial planning tools to help students navigate tuition costs and develop a student loan management strategy after graduation.
Essential FAFSA Checklist for College Students
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) unlocks access to federal grants, student loans, and work-study opportunities for OT students. This EduMed guide takes applicants through the FAFSA submittal process to ensure they receive the maximum financial aid available.
Online Student Loan Handbook
Most OT students rely on loans as a major resource for financing their educations. This EduMed guide covers everything you need to know about student loans — from federal and private loan applications to loan forgiveness programs, refinancing options, repayment strategies, and more.
Tuition Payment Plans Guide
Many schools offer tuition deferment and installment plans that allow students to break up their costs into smaller, more manageable payments or put off paying their tuition altogether until after graduation. This EduMed guide explains how to find and enroll in these plans to lessen your reliance on loans and lower your total student debt.
Tuition Exchange & Reciprocity Agreements
Regional tuition exchange programs allow students in one state to pay in-state or reduced tuition rates for education programs at participating schools in other states. This guide explains how these agreements work and how they can help you save thousands in tuition costs.
Financial Planning Association (FPA)
The FPA provides OT students with access to budgeting templates, savings calculators, and financial planning guidance to balance tuition, student loans, and living expenses. Ideal for developing cost planning and loan repayment strategies.
National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE)
The NEFE offers comprehensive financial literacy resources tailored to graduate students, including tools for budgeting, loan repayment, and debt management. With these tools, OT students can develop smart financial habits and avoid unnecessary debt.
OT Potential Financial Resources
OT Potential allows students compare occupational therapy program costs, assess debt-to-income ratios, and explore financial aid options. It helps ensure that OTs can enter the workforce with financial stability and minimal debt stress.
Keep Learning
Online Master's in Occupational Therapy: Finding the OT School for You
How to Smash the NBCOT Exam: Strategies & Expert Advice
OT School Admissions Interviews: How to Impress
