Scholarships & Resources for Occupational Therapy Students
Graduate school is expensive, and figuring out how to pay for an occupational therapy program can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through some of the best scholarships and grants for OT students, along with expert tips to help your application stand out. Explore financial aid options, learn strategies to improve your chances of securing scholarships, and take a confident step toward funding your OT education without unnecessary debt.
Why 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 some of the best ways to pay for Occupational Therapy school programs. They provide free money that does not need to be repaid, unlike student loans that quickly add up. In one example, the American Occupational Therapy Foundation offers more than 50 scholarships annually. OT scholarships are highly competitive, though, and applying takes time and effort.
To make your search easier as you strive to become an OT, we’ve provided a list of top occupational therapy scholarships. Since many awards have a limited number of recipients, applying early and following the guidelines can improve your chances of securing financial aid.
AMBUCS Scholarship Program for Therapists
The national AMBUCS Scholarship helps occupational therapy students who are passionate about improving mobility and independence for individuals with disabilities. This program awards multiple scholarships each year. To qualify, you must be enrolled in an accredited OT program, submit a personal statement, provide proof of enrollment, and demonstrate financial need through a FAFSA report.
Amount: $600 to $6,000.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Truman Scholarship
The Truman Scholarship supports occupational therapy students who are dedicated to public service and advocacy. This prestigious award provides money to graduate school students who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to working in nonprofit, advocacy, or government roles. To apply, you must be nominated by a faculty representative at your school and submit an application.
Amount: $3,000
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. Applicants must be full-time students in an AOTA-accredited OT or OTA program, be AOTA members, and demonstrate leadership, community service, and a commitment to improving access to occupational therapy services for underrepresented populations.
Amount: $2,500
DAR Healthcare Scholarships
The Daughters of the American Revolution awards multiple annual scholarships to OT students who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships support students committed to careers in healthcare and rehabilitation. Applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled in an accredited OT program. While DAR membership is not required, most scholarships do require a minimum 3.25 GPA.
Amount: $2,000 to $5,000
Dr. Gary Kielhofner Doctoral Research Scholarship
If you are an occupational therapist pursuing a doctoral degree with a research focus, this scholarship can support your academic work. It’s for students advanced the profession through research in evidence-based practice, program development, or clinical innovation. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a research-based doctoral program with the dissertation still to go.
Amount: $5,000
AMN Healthcare Scholarship
The AMN Healthcare Scholarship provides two annual awards to graduate students studying occupational therapy. This scholarship is open to OT, PT, and SLP students, and recipients are not required to work for AMN after graduation. To apply, submit an essay about your OT career goals and how this funding will support your education.
Amount: $5,000
Lands Banks Memorial Scholarship
The Lands Banks Memorial Scholarship supports occupational therapy students who have demonstrated leadership and community service. It’s for students pursuing an entry-level OTA, MOT, MSOT, or OTD degree at an AOTA-accredited school. Eligible applicants must have completed at least one year of OT coursework and be actively involved in community service or leadership roles.
Amount: $2,000
Willard & Spackman Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to OT students who have demonstrated academic excellence and commitment to the field. It recognizes students who show potential for leadership and clinical impact. Applicants must be enrolled in an AOTA-accredited or developing OT program and have completed at least one year of occupational therapy-specific coursework.
Amount: $2,000
HIE Help Center Scholarship
The HIE Help Center supports occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech therapy students with this scholarship. It’s for students dedicated to helping people with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and related conditions. To qualify, you must be enrolled in an accredited OT program, maintain a GPA of at least 3.25, and submit 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 profession through education and hands-on practice. Applicants 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, here are five strategies to boost your chances of success.
Key #1: Highlight Leadership and Community Involvement
Scholarship committees love applicants who go beyond the classroom. Tell them if you’ve volunteered in a rehabilitation center, mentored future OT students, or led a community project. These experiences show dedication to making a difference. 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 important, but scholarship reviewers also want to see where you are headed. Be clear about your career aspirations in areas like pediatrics, neurorehabilitation, or mental health and how you plan to make an impact in OT. Highlight relevant coursework, research, and clinical experiences that have shaped your journey.
Key #3: Write a Compelling Personal Statement
The personal statement is your chance to tell your story. Instead of writing a generic essay, explain what led you to OT, the challenges you have overcome, and how this scholarship will help you succeed. Let your passion shine through and make it personal. Scholarship reviewers are looking for authenticity, not just a list of achievements.
Key #4: Obtain Strong Letters of Recommendation
A glowing recommendation can set you apart from other applicants. Ask professors, fieldwork supervisors, or mentors who know your dedication to the field and can speak about your strengths. Give authors plenty of time to write a thoughtful letter, and provide details about your goals and accomplishments so it will be personalized.
Key #5: Apply for Occupational Therapy-Specific Scholarships
There are plenty of general scholarships out there, but applying for OT-focused awards gives you a better shot at winning. Organizations like the AOTF, state OT associations, and professional organizations offer scholarships designed specifically for students like you. These awards often have fewer applicants than broader financial aid options.
Essential Funding Resources for Occupational Therapy Students
Most OT students need a financial aid mix of grants, student loans, tuition assistance programs, and financial planning tools to manage costs and minimize debt. Whether you need help applying for federal aid, finding tuition payment plans, or creating a loan repayment strategy, these funding resources can make your OT education more financially sustainable.
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.
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Guide
The FAFSA unlocks access to federal grants, student loans, and work-study opportunities for OT students. This guide walks applicants through the process to ensure they receive the maximum financial aid available.
EduMed’s Online Student Loan Handbook
Most OT students rely on loans to finance their education. This guide covers everything from federal and private loan applications to loan forgiveness programs, refinancing options, and repayment strategies.
EduMed’s Tuition Payment Plans Guide
Many schools offer tuition payment plans that allow you to break your costs into smaller, more manageable payments. This guide explains how to find and enroll in tuition installment plans to lessen reliance on loans.
EduMed’s Tuition Exchange & Reciprocity Agreements
Regional tuition exchange programs allow OT students to pay in-state or reduced tuition rates at participating schools. This guide explains how these agreements work and how they can help you save thousands.
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. It’s ideal for cost planning or loan repayment after graduation.
National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE)
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 helps students compare occupational therapy program costs, assess debt-to-income ratios, and explore financial aid options. It helps ensure OTs can enter the workforce with financial stability and minimal debt stress.
