If you’re keen on building a fulfilling career in this highly sought-after area, here are some of the most physical therapy scholarships for international students available exclusively to students enrolled in accredited physical therapy programs.
Recent studies show a lack of physical therapists in the U.S. to meet the rising demand for therapy services, especially with the aging baby boomer population. To address this, various organizations are offering scholarships to physical therapy students.
Despite this shortage, the field remains one of the most stable in healthcare, with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) reporting an unemployment rate of just 0.4% among licensed physical therapists.
Physical Therapy Scholarships For International Students
Scholarships By The American Academy Of Physical Therapy
Every year, the American Academy of Physical Therapy grants several scholarships, each valued at a maximum of $2,500, to exceptional students enrolled full-time in a PT or PTA program at an accredited institution in the United States. Eligible candidates should demonstrate outstanding academic performance, a genuine commitment to minority healthcare, and active involvement in relevant community endeavors.
The APTA Scholarship
Initiated by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the APTA Outstanding Physical Therapy Student Awards offer grants of up to $5,000 to student physical therapists and student physical therapist assistants exhibiting outstanding achievements in the field. Eligible applicants, who must be APTA members in good standing, currently enrolled in a recognized physical therapy program in the U.S., need to furnish a supportive statement from a clinical instructor.
Scholarship In Memory Of Charlotte Money Beatty
The Charlotte Money Beatty Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of a cherished physical therapist who dedicated herself until her passing in 1993, offers an annual award of $1,500 to an eligible graduate student enrolled in the University of North Carolina’s physical therapy program. While the scholarship is available to all academically qualified students, preference is given firstly to minority students, and secondly to those demonstrating a passion for a career in pediatrics.
Scholarship In Memory Of David Potter
The University of Michigan at Flint instituted the David Potter Physical Therapy Memorial Scholarship to commemorate a non-traditional student who excelled in earning his physical therapy graduate degree with honors, making a notable impact on the department.
This scholarship is awarded annually to individuals transitioning to a career in physical therapy, demonstrating resilience in overcoming obstacles to join the program. Selection criteria include academic performance, community involvement, career aspirations, and endorsements.
Scholarship by the Dr. Alvin and Monica Saake Foundation
The Dr. Alvin and Monica Saake Foundation Scholarship, managed by the Hawaii Community Foundation, awards $1,000 annually to junior, senior, or graduate students enrolled full-time in an accredited program for fields such as kinesiology, leisure science, physical education, athletic training, exercise science, sports medicine, physical therapy, or occupational therapy. Eligible applicants should be residents of Hawaii, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7, and exhibit financial need.
Scholarship in memory of Harold “Herk” Cooper
The Harold “Herk” Cooper Memorial Scholarship Fund honors a former orthopedic technician who served in the U.S. Navy and later pursued a graduate degree in physical therapy. It aims to support non-traditional full-time graduate students enrolled in the University of Indianapolis’ accredited physical therapy program, offering up to $2,500.
Recipients are chosen based on their academic achievements, financial circumstances, career aspirations, and community service engagement.
Physical therapy scholarships for international students
The HIS Scholarship Initiative
Established by the Indian Health Service (IHS), the Health Professions Scholarship Program offers financial support to full-time American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate or graduate students pursuing eligible health profession degrees, such as physical therapy. Qualified applicants must hold U.S. citizenship, belong to a federally recognized tribe or village, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, and commit to a minimum two-year service obligation at an Indian health facility.
Scholarship In Honor Of Florence P. Kendall
Funded by the Foundation for Physical Therapy, the Florence P. Kendall Post-Professional Doctoral Scholarship offers financial support of up to $5,000 to exceptional physical therapists and physical therapist assistants embarking on their first year of graduate studies in pursuit of a post-professional doctorate. Eligible applicants must hold a valid physical therapy license in the United States, be enrolled as either full-time or part-time students in a recognized doctoral PT program, and show a strong dedication to advancing the field of physical therapy.
Scholarship Honoring The Memory Of Janet L. Hemzacek
Northwestern University’s Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences presents the Janet L. Hemzacek Memorial Scholarship annually, granting $2,500 to eligible first-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students with demonstrated financial need. Successful candidates must showcase not only financial necessity but also exemplary integrity and compassion, along with significant engagement in various volunteer initiatives within diverse communities.
Scholarship By Joseph Ray and Lorna S. Broadbent
Established to commemorate their son’s experience of enduring a severe truck accident and relying on physical therapy for rehabilitation, the Joseph Ray and Lorna S. Broadbent Scholarship offers a $600 award to a graduate student studying physical therapy at the University of Utah.
This scholarship targets individuals from underrepresented groups within the profession, including those of minority gender, race, or with disabilities. Eligible candidates must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above, display financial need, and engage actively in professional associations.
Scholarship By Katherine H. Dilley
Annually, the Arizona State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) supports the Katherine H. Dilley Scholarship Fund, offering $1,000 to eligible undergraduate or graduate students aiming for a career in physical or occupational therapy at any accredited four-year institution in Arizona. Applicants must submit their application along with a college transcript, two letters of recommendation, and a personal essay detailing their career aspirations.
Scholarships By The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation
Every year, the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation offers scholarships to female Christian students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in medical, nursing, or allied healthcare fields across over 200 accredited institutions in the southeastern United States. Priority is given to applicants dedicated to serving the elderly in nursing homes or hospices.
Scholarship By Linda Craig
Administered by the NBA Indiana Pacers Foundation, the Linda Craig Memorial Scholarship Program grants $2,000 scholarships annually to undergraduates studying in accredited Indiana colleges, focusing on majors such as medicine, sports medicine, physical therapy, and related fields. Eligible candidates, who must be U.S. citizens, should have completed a minimum of four semesters of college coursework, maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above, and demonstrated exceptional character and integrity.
Scholarship Prize Named After Mary Mcmillan
Supported by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the Mary McMillan Scholarship Award offers an annual sum of up to $5,000 to graduate students who are nearing completion, within 12 months, of all requirements for graduation from an accredited entry-level professional physical therapy program recognized by the CAPTE. Selection criteria include outstanding academic achievement, demonstration of potential impact on the physical therapy field, and involvement in APTA activities.
Scholarship By Olive C. Farr
Each year, the Iowa Physical Therapy Foundation offers the Olive C. Farr Scholarship Award of $500 to student members of the APTA who are actively enrolled in an accredited institution in Iowa, pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, and have completed their first year of the program. To apply, candidates need to provide a current transcript, a professionally crafted resume accompanied by a cover letter detailing their achievements, and a letter of recommendation highlighting their clinical performance.
Conclusion:
To excel in the field of physical therapy, aspiring professionals usually need to obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited university. Given the substantial costs associated with advanced education, seeking out scholarships can help mitigate the financial burden and enable students to pursue their career aspirations without being weighed down by excessive student loan debt. Check out these excellent physical therapy scholarships tailored for physical therapy students to help achieve your professional objectives.
