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Home » Financial Aid for Psychology and Social Work Studies » 43 Psychology Scholarships

42 Possible Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships for Psychology Students

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Choosing to earn your degree in psychology means entering a field that not only has a meaningful impact on the lives of others but can offer you advancement opportunities and potential for growth. In fact, the job growth for psychologists is expected to grow by 6.1% through 2032—a rate that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says is on track with the national growth average for all occupations.

If you’re looking to join the psychology field—whether it’s in general, clinical, forensic, organizational, or school psychology—you’ll need to complete years (and in some cases, more than a decade) of education to be eligible for a license in your specialty. Figuring out how you’re going to pay for that education can often be overwhelming, but there are options for funding that go beyond student loans. We’ve discovered 42 scholarships, grants, and fellowships tailored to psychology students to help you start your search. Some are reserved for students conducting research that involves people which requires approval by an institutional review board, and some require documentation of exceptional financial need. But all can help ease the financial burden of your education.

In This Article

Undergraduate Funding

Graduate Funding

Funding by Area of Specialty

Funding for Minority Students

Other Financial Resources

Undergraduate Psychology Scholarships and Grants

Pursuing a career in psychology begins with earning a bachelor’s degree. This level of education can set you up for entry-level roles in human resources and social services, as well as prepare you to advance to a graduate degree. With bachelor’s tuition on the rise—an annual average of roughly $20,000 for public institutions—securing scholarships and other financial aid can be more important than ever.

Scholarship Name

Amount

Deadline

APF Brehm Undergraduate Psychology Scholarship

$5,000

July 1

American Psychological Foundation (APF) Sharon Stephens Brehm Undergraduate Scholarship

Who’s Eligible: Current undergraduate psychology students who have a demonstrated financial need and a minimum 3.5 GPA.

Award Amount: Six awards of $5,000 each

Application Requirements: Apply online with a resume, transcript, letter of recommendation, and an essay describing your past, present, and future involvement in the field. You’ll also need to provide proof of your financial need by submitting your FAFSA Student Aid Report and documentation of your tuition.

Apply by: July 1

Fontana Transport Inc. First-Generation Scholarship

$5,000

Mid-March

Fontana Transport Inc. First-Generation Scholarship

Who’s Eligible: Low-income high school seniors with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Applicants must be the first in their family to attend a 4-year university.

Award Amount: One award of $5,000

Application Requirements: Apply online by submitting your current transcripts and proof of your upcoming enrollment. A faculty letter of recommendation isn’t required but is highly recommended.

Apply by: Mid-March

NIH Undergraduate Scholarship

Up to $20,000

Mid-March

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship

Who’s Eligible: Students who are currently enrolled in a program for behavioral or social health-related research, have a minimum GPA of 3.3, and are verified by the NIH as having exceptional financial need. Students must complete a 10-week paid summer research experience at the end of each year they’ve received the scholarship. After graduation, recipients must work for at least 1 full-time year in an NIH research lab for every year they were given funding.

Award Amount: Between 15 and 20 scholarships of up to $20,000. Scholarships are awarded for a single year but can be renewed up to 4 years.

Application Requirements: Apply online by submitting a resume, transcript, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and an exceptional financial need form. In mid-July, semifinalists will be selected for phone interviews.

Apply by: Mid-March

Pilot International Scholarships

Up to $1,500

Mid-March

Pilot International Scholarships

Who’s Eligible: Undergraduate students studying service-oriented fields who have plans to begin a career working with youth development, families in need, or in brain safety and fitness. Applicants need to be enrolled for at least 12 semester hours for the upcoming term, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and demonstrate a financial need.

Award Amount: Five scholarships of up to $1,500. Scholarships are awarded for a single year but can be renewed for up to 3 additional years.

Application Requirements: Via email, submit your resume, transcript, and financial situation. You’ll also need to provide two letters of recommendation and an essay describing your career goals.

Apply by: Mid-March

Psi Chi Undergrad Research Grant

Up to $3,500

January 15, May 1, and October 15

Psi Chi International Honor Society Undergraduate Research Grant

Who’s Eligible: Current undergrad psychology students who are serving as the first author and project director of an original research project. Applicants must be Psi Chi members and have at least one faculty member overseeing the project.

Award Amount: Up to $1,500, or $3,500 for research requiring more than 50 miles of one-way travel on a regular basis. Awards are given out in three rounds per year. The number of awards varies but won’t exceed a total of $25,000 per round. Funds can only be used for costs related to research.

Application Requirements: Submit a proposal of your recent project, including your methodology, anticipated results, and expected usage of funds. You’ll need to provide documentation of approval by an institutional review board, as well as an endorsement from a faculty sponsor.

Apply by: January 15, May 1, and October 15

Psi Chi Undergraduate Scholarship

$3,000

July 5

Psi Chi Undergraduate Scholarship

Who’s Eligible: Students who are currently or will be enrolled in a psychology program for the upcoming fall semester. Applicants must be a Psi Chi member and have a demonstrated financial need.

Award Amount: Eight scholarships of $3,000 each

Application Requirements: Apply online by submitting your resume, transcript, personal financial information, and letter of recommendation from your Psi Chi faculty advisor. You’ll also need to include two essays—one expressing your financial need and the other describing your past, present, and future contributions to the field. You’re not required to include your financial aid package or documentation of your tuition, however not doing so could lower your chances of being selected.

Apply by: July 5

Graduate Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships

With a social work master’s or doctoral degree, you open the door for more career possibilities and potentially higher salary, but doing so also comes with the added price of much more education. Thankfully, students pursuing these degrees could be eligible for scholarships, grants, and fellowships to help cover the costs related to tuition, living expenses, and research.

Scholarship Name

Amount

Deadline

APA Science Directorate Dissertation Research Award

$1,000

September 1

American Psychological Association (APA) Science Directorate’s Dissertation Research Award

Who’s Eligible: Full-time psychology doctoral students who have had their dissertation proposal approved prior to applying. All applicants must be student affiliates or associate members of the American Psychological Association.

Award Amount: Between 30 and 40 awards of $1,000. Funds can only be used for costs related to research.

Application Requirements: Apply online with your transcripts and CV, a summary of your dissertation research, a proposed budget for your research, and a cover letter expressing your interests, experience, and career goals. You’ll also need to include a letter of recommendation from your dissertation advisor and an endorsement from the head of your department.

Apply by: By September 1

APAGS Psychological Science Research Grant

$1,000

Early December

American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS) Psychological Science Research Grant

Who’s Eligible: Graduate-level students conducting innovative research in any subfield of psychology or neuroscience. Applicants must be members of the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS).

Award Amount: Between 12 and 15 grants of $1,000, with a portion of funds specifically awarded to projects related to diversity.

Application Requirements: Submit a research proposal that outlines the purpose, methodology, and anticipated results. If you wish to be considered for the diversity funding, you’ll also need to include a 250-word essay explaining how your research will contribute to this area.

Apply by: Early December

APF Graduate Student Scholarship

Up to $5,000

June 30

American Psychological Foundation (APF) Graduate Student Scholarship

Who’s Eligible: Students at any stage of graduate study who are conducting research related to their master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation. In order to be eligible, master’s degree students must intend to enroll in a doctoral program.

Award Amount: Four awards of $5,000, one award of $3,000, one award of $2,500, and 15 awards of $2,000, for a total of 21 scholarships a year. Funds can only be used for costs related to research.

Application Requirements: Apply online with a transcript, CV, outline of your thesis or dissertation, and a letter of recommendation from your research advisor.

Apply by: June 30

APF McGuigan Dissertation Award

$2,000

June 1

American Psychological Foundation (APF) McGuigan Dissertation Award

Who’s Eligible: Doctoral candidates whose dissertation research addresses any aspect of mental function and seeks to understand the mind from both the behavioral and neural perspectives. The dissertation must have been approved by a doctoral committee prior to application.

Award Amount: One award of $2,000. Funds can only be used for costs related to research.

Application Requirements: Apply online by submitting a CV, project timeline, and detailed budget, along with a proposal that describes your goals, methods, and expected outcomes.

Apply by: June 1

APF Visionary Grant

Up to $20,000

April 1

American Psychological Foundation (APF) Visionary Grant

Who’s Eligible: Graduate students conducting innovative research or working on intervention projects that focus on one of the following areas:

  • Applying psychology to vulnerable populations
  • Preventing violence
  • Understanding the connection between behavior and health
  • Eliminating stigma and prejudice

Award Amount: Up to $20,000. The number of awards varies but has averaged around eight in recent years. Preference will be given to projects that are considered strong candidates for support from major federal or foundation funding agencies.

Application Requirements: Apply online with a CV, timeline of the project, detailed budget, and a proposal that includes your goals, methods, and anticipated outcomes.

Apply by: April 1

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

$138,000

Late October

National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship

Who’s Eligible: Master’s and doctoral students pursuing research-based degrees in an NSF-supported science, including psychology.

Award Amount: A three-year annual stipend of $32,000, along with $12,000 a year for tuition. Fellowships are awarded to approximately 2,000 students per year.

Application Requirements: Submit a proposal of your research plan and budget, current transcripts, at least two reference letters, and a personal statement describing your background and career goals. The NSF offers templates to help you meet the exact criteria.

Apply by: Late October

Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society Scholarships

$1,000–$2,000

Mid-February

Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences Scholarships

Who’s Eligible: First- or second-year graduate students who are studying a field of social science, including psychology and social work. Applicants must have been initiated into Pi Gamma Mu within the previous 4 years.

Award Amount: Ten scholarships a year in amount of $1,000 or $2,000. No more than three scholarships are awarded in any single area of study.

Application Requirements: Mail in an application along with a resume, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement explaining your academic and professional accomplishments and goals.

Apply by: Mid-February

Psi Chi Graduate Research Grant

Up to $1,500

January 15, May 1, and October 15

Psi Chi Graduate Research Grant

Who’s Eligible: Current graduate psychology students who are serving as the first author and project director of an original research project. Applicants must be Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology members and have at least one faculty member overseeing the project.

Award Amount: Up to $1,500. The number of awards varies but won’t exceed a total of $63,000 per year.

Application Requirements: Submit a proposal of your recent project, including your methodology, anticipated results, and expected usage of funds. You’ll need to provide documentation of approval by an institutional review board, as well as an endorsement from your faculty sponsor.

Apply by: January 15, May 1, and October 15

Psi Chi Graduate Scholarship

$3,000

July 15

Psi Chi Graduate Scholarship

Who’s Eligible: Students who are currently or will be enrolled in a psychology program for the upcoming fall semester. Applicants must be members of Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology and have demonstrated financial need.

Award Amount: Eight scholarships of $3,000 each

Application Requirements: Apply online by submitting your resume, transcript, personal financial information, and letter of recommendation from your Psi Chi faculty advisor. You’ll also need to include two essays—one expressing your financial need and the other describing your past, present, and future contributions to the field.

Apply by: July 15

Psi Chi Junior Scientist Fellowship

$1,000

Late June

Psi Chi Junior Scientist Fellowship

Who’s Eligible: First- or second-year graduate students conducting research projects in psychology or neuroscience. Applicants must be members of both Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology and the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students.

Award Amount: 12 fellowships of $1,000 each. Students will also receive written feedback at the end of the fellowship, with the goal being to strengthen a future application for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.

Application Requirements: Submit an application including a CV, research plan, letter of recommendation, and a personal statement describing your background and career goals.

Apply by: Late June

Psychologists in Independent Practice Steven O. Walsh Grant

$2,000

September 30

Psychologists in Independent Practice Steven O. Walsh Grant

Who’s Eligible: Graduate students working on manuscripts that address the evolving standards, practices, and methods in psychological practice. The manuscript must not have been previously published.

Award Amount: Two awards of $2,000 dollars each. Grant recipients might qualify the publication of their manuscript in the journal Practice Innovations.

Application Requirements: Apply online with a CV, letter of recommendation, and a manuscript confirming to APA Publication Manual style.

Apply by: September 30

Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy Gelso Research Grant

$2,000

April 1

Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy Charles J. Gelso Research Grant

Who’s Eligible: Graduate students conducting research into the advancement of psychotherapy process and outcome. Applicants must be members of the Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy. If human participants are involved in your research, you’re required to get approval from an institutional review board.

Award Amount: Three grants of $5,000 each

Application Requirements: Via email, submit a CV, the CV of the mentor overseeing your research, and a description of the project including your goals, methods, and anticipated outcomes. You’ll need to submit a 300-word statement explaining why you’re qualified to successfully carry out this research, as well as two letters of recommendation with one for the mentor of your project.

Apply by: April 1

Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships by Area of Specialty

In addition to scholarships for general studies, many organizations offer funds to focus in a specific subfield of psychology. From addiction to child psychology, an array of scholarships, grants, and fellowships could be available based on your concentration.

Scholarship Name

Amount

Deadline

American Addiction Centers Behavioral Health Scholarship

$2,500–$5,000

May 30

American Addiction Center Behavioral Health Scholarship

Who’s Eligible: Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing behavioral health degrees with a concentration in addiction-related issues. Students in psychology, counseling, social work, and marriage and family therapy programs are all eligible. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.2.

Award Amount: A scholarship of $5,000 is awarded to the first-place student, while the second and third each receive $2,500.

Application Requirements: Submit an application along with no more than 500 words describing what made you want to pursue this career and a goal you hope to achieve.

Apply by: May 30

APA Barlow Grant for Anxiety Research

Up to $8,500

September 15

American Psychological Association Barlow Grant for Anxiety Research

Who’s Eligible: Graduate students conducting basic and clinical research on anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. If human participants are involved in your research, you’re required to get approval from an institutional review board.

Award Amount: One grant of up to $8,500

Application Requirements: Submit a CV, project timeline, and a research proposal describing your goals, methods, and anticipated outcomes, and budget.

Apply by: September 15

APF David Grant for Human Reproductive Behavior/Population Research

$1,500

February 15

APF David Grant for Research in Human Reproductive Behavior

Who’s Eligible: Graduate students conducting ongoing research related to human reproductive behavior or population concerns.

Award Amount: One to two awards per year of $1,500

Application Requirements: Submit an application along with a current CV, detailed research plan, two letters of recommendation, and an essay expressing your interest in human reproductive behavior or population studies.

Apply by: February 15

APF Franks Scholarship

$5,000

May 15

American Psychological Foundation Franks Scholarship for the Study of Mental Illness and Stigma

Who’s Eligible: Graduate students working on projects that address the stigma experienced by Americans living with mental illness and how that stigma provides a barrier to treatment. If human participants are involved in your research, you’re required to get approval from an institutional review board.

Award Amount: One award of $5,000

Application Requirements: Apply with a current CV a letter of recommendation from a faculty advisor. Along with a detailed budget and justification of your project, you must provide a proposal that includes your methods and anticipated outcomes.

Apply by: May 15

American Psychological Foundation Koppitz Graduate Student Fellowship

$25,000

November 15

APF Koppitz Graduate Student Fellowship for Child Psychology

Who’s Eligible: Graduate students producing scholarly work in areas within child psychology, including child-clinical, pediatric, school, educational, and development psychopathology.

Award Amount: $25,000. The number of awards varies but has ranged between four to eight in recent years.

Application Requirements: Apply online with a CV, project timeline, two letters of recommendation, and a research proposal describing your goals, methods, and expected outcomes, along with a detailed research budget.

Apply by: November 15

APF Pearsall Grant for the Study of Physical Disability and Stigma

$10,000

October 1

APF Pearsall Grant for the Study of Physical Disability and Stigma

Who’s Eligible: Graduate students working to increase the public’s understanding of the pain and stigma experienced by adults living with visible physical disabilities. If human participants are involved in your research, you’re required to get approval from an institutional review board.

Award Amount: One award of $10,000

Application Requirements: Submit a current CV, detailed research budget and project timeline, and a letter of recommendation from your faculty advisor. In no more than five pages, outline the goals, methods, and anticipated outcomes of your project.

Apply by: October 1

APF Placek LGBT Research Grant

$10,000

March 1

American Psychological Foundation Placek Research Grant

Who’s Eligible: Graduate students who are conducting empirical research on any topic related to LGBTQ issues. The grant encourages research that addresses the following topics:

  • Heterosexual attitudes toward the LGBTQ community, including prejudice, discrimination, and violence
  • Family and workplace issues relevant to LGBTQ people
  • Special concerns of sections of the LGBTQ population that have been underrepresented in research

Award Amount: $10,000

Application Requirements: Apply with a current CV, project timeline, detailed budget, and justification of the project. In no more than five pages, explain your goals, methods, and expected outcomes.

Apply by: March 1

APF Rosen Fund Grant to Study Gifted Children

Up to $50,000

March 1

American Psychological Foundation Rosen Fund Grant for the Study of Gifted Children

Who’s Eligible: Graduate students who are working on research or pilot programs related to the advancement and application of knowledge regarding the psychology of gifted youth.

Award Amount: One to three grants per year ranging between $1,000 and $50,000.

Application Requirements: Submit a current CV, two letters of recommendation, and a detailed proposal that makes a case for why the case needs to be addressed. Your proposal should also include a budget and a breakdown of your methodology.

Apply by: March 1

APA Rymer Scholarship

$5,000

February 1

American Psychological Association Rymer Scholarship for Psychopharmacology

Who’s Eligible: Graduate students who are specifically studying in clinical psychopharmacology programs to bring integrated care to at-risk members of the community. Preference will be given to applicants to demonstrate a commitment to working with underserved populations.

Award Amount: Up to nine scholarships of $5,000 each

Application Requirements: Apply online with an academic transcript, current, CV, two letters of recommendation, and a statement describing how your experience and career goals align with the purpose of the scholarship.

Apply by: February 1

Foundation for Rehab Psychology Dissertation Award

$1,500–$4,500

October 15

Foundation for Rehabilitation Psychology Dissertation Award

Who’s Eligible: Doctoral students who are conducting research for a dissertation on rehabilitation psychology. All applicants must be student affiliates or associate members of the American Psychological Association and have had their dissertation proposal approved prior to applying.

Award Amount: Between two and three awards of $1,000–$4,000 each, with an additional $500 for travel to present the research at a midyear conference.

Application Requirements: Submit an application that’s been approved by the chair or head of your psychology department, along with a cover letter, CV, summary of your dissertation, proposed research budget, and a letter of recommendation from your academic advisor. All materials must be sent in a single email.

Apply by: October 15

Morris K. Udall Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship

Up to $7,000

Early March

Morris K. Udall Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship for Tribal Policy, Native Healthcare, and the Environment

Who’s Eligible: College sophomores or juniors who have demonstrated public service and a commitment to pursuing careers related to the environment and conservation, Native American or Alaska Native public policy, or Native healthcare.

Award Amount: 55 scholarships of up to $7,000 each

Application Requirements: Submit an online application that describes your career goals, educational and work experience, and community and leadership activities. Include three letters of recommendation that speak to your public service, leadership, and academic experience, along with an 800-word essay on the impact of a speech, legislative act, or public policy statement made by Morris or Stewart Udall.

Apply by: Early March, though some schools have deadlines of up to six months earlier. Contact your school’s Udall faculty representative for exact dates.

NASP Graduate Student Research Grant

Up to $1,000

Mid-September

National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Graduate Student Research Grant

Who’s Eligible: Master’s and doctoral-level students who have demonstrated an exceptional ability to conduct research that furthers the impact of school psychology. Applicants must be enrolled specifically in a school psychology program and be regular or student members of the NASP.

Award Amount: Three awards of up to $1,000 each. At least one award is reserved for a master’s-level thesis and one for a doctoral dissertation.

Application Requirements: Submit a demographic information form signed by your program director, a letter describing your research interests and experience, a CV, a research proposal, and an estimated research budget.

Apply by: Mid-September

SIOP Thayer Graduate Fellowship for I/O Psychology

$10,000

June 30

Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) Thayer Graduate Fellowship

Who’s Eligible: PhD students studying industrial-organizational (I/O) psychology with a specialization in training and development or selection and placement. Applicants must be student affiliates of the SIOP and have some experience in an applied setting relevant to I/O psychology.

Award Amount: One annual fellowship of $10,000. Eligible recipients can reapply for a second year of funding.

Application Requirements: Submit a nomination letter from your university or department, a copy of your graduate transcript, a CV outlining your work related to I/O psychology, a statement of your program and career goals, a summary of your master’s thesis or other completed research, and one to three letters of support from your graduate faculty.

Apply by: June 30

Society for Military Psychology Research Grant

$1,500

October 31

Society for Military Psychology Research Grant

Who’s Eligible: Undergraduate and graduate students with a proposed research project in an area related to military psychology. Applicants must be affiliates of the Society for Military Psychology and have their proposal approved by a faculty advisor prior to applying.

Award Amount: Up to two grants of $1,500 each. An additional $750 can be requested for travel to present the research at an American Psychological Association convention.

Application Requirements: Apply with a cover letter describing your research interests and career goals, a summary of your research and budget, a CV, and a letter of recommendation from your academic advisor.

Apply by: October 31

SPSOGI Maylon Smith Research Award to Study Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Up to $1,000

March 30

Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SPSOGI) Maylon Smith Research Award

Who’s Eligible: Full-time graduate students conducting advanced research on sexual orientation and gender identity. Recipients must agree to submit a 1,500-word abstract of their project for publication in the SPSOGI newsletter.

Award Amount: One award of up to $1,000

Application Requirements: Submit a cover letter, CV, project description in APA style, and documentation of approval by an institutional review board. A faculty advisor will also need to submit a letter addressing the feasibility of the project and the qualifications of the applicant.

Apply by: March 30

SPSSI Clara Mayo Grant to Study Sexism, Racism, or Prejudice

$1,000

May 15 and October 15

Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) Clara Mayo Grant for Research on Sexism, Racism, or Prejudice

Who’s Eligible: Graduate students who are conducting research for a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation related to aspects of sexism, racism, or prejudice. Applicants must me members of the SPSSI. Preference is given to students in terminal master’s degree programs and proposals with an agreement from the university to match the amount. If human participants are involved in your research, you’re required to get approval from an institutional review board.

Award Amount: Up to six awards of $1,000 each cycle

Application Requirements: Apply online with an application describing the project and its proposed budget, along with a letter of recommendation from a faculty advisor.

Apply by: May 15 and October 15

SPRS Research Grant to Study Religion and Spirituality

$500

June 10

Society for the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality (SPRS) Research Award

Who’s Eligible: Undergraduate and graduate students who are proposing a project to address a significant issue related to the psychology of religion. These projects can be an undergraduate independent study or honors thesis, a master’s thesis, or a doctoral dissertation.

Award Amount: Up to six awards of $500

Application Requirements: Submit your contact information, current CV, project proposal, itemized budget, and letter of support from your faculty supervisor. All materials should be emailed to the president of the SPRS.

Apply by: June 10

Scholarships & Fellowships for Minority Students

Scholarships designed for minority students not only support educational opportunities for underrepresented students, but also increase the impact of the field by bringing a greater understanding of the issues that affect diverse groups of people. Some scholarships are open to all minorities, while others are intended to provide funding for particular groups or areas of study.

Scholarship Name

Amount

Deadline

APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship

$4,000

November 15

APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship for Minority Students

Who’s Eligible: Master’s and doctoral degree students who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of marginalized communities. Preference will be given to students who are preparing for a career in clinical service or public policy.

Award Amount: One award of $4,000

Application Requirements: Apply online with a current CV, statement of how you fulfill the purpose of the scholarship, and a letter of recommendation from a faculty advisor.

Apply by: November 15

Ford Foundation Predoctoral Minority Fellowship

$72,000

Mid-December

Ford Foundation Predoctoral Minority Fellowship

Who’s Eligible: African Americans, Alaska Natives, Puerto Ricans, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Mexican Americans who are enrolled in a research-based graduate program leading to a PhD. Applicants must be committed to pursuing a career in teaching or research at the university level.

Award Amount: Approximately 70 fellowships of $24,000 a year for three years.

Application Requirements: Apply online with a proposal for your plan of study and long-term career goals, a statement of your previous research and academic achievements, and an essay describing your experience and commitment to supporting diversity within education and the community.

Apply by: Mid-December

HRSA Native Hawaiian Scholarship

Up to four years tuition and stipends

Early to mid-March

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Native Hawaiian Scholarship

Who’s Eligible: Native Hawaiians who are enrolled in a doctoral degree program for clinical psychology. Recipients must commit to two to four years of employment in a healthcare facility serving Native Hawaiians and other underserved communities within the state.

Award Amount: Ten recipients receive tuition coverage for 1–4 years, plus a monthly stipend of around $1,300.

Application Requirements: Submit an online application complete with transcripts, letters of recommendation, proof of Hawaiian ancestry, and three narrative statements describing your commitment to working with the Native Hawaiian community. You’ll also be required to attend an interview.

Apply by: Early to mid-March

MFP Mental Health and Substance Abuse Fellowship

Up to three years of financial support

Mid-January

Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

Who’s Eligible: Psychology doctoral degree students who are committed to a career providing mental health and substance abuse services to underserved and underrepresented communities. Recipients must sign a letter attesting that they’ll serve for at least two years in a capacity that addresses the behavioral health needs of minority groups.

Award Amount: Up to 30 fellowships a year; reward amount depends on funding. Fellowships provide financial support for up to three years but must be renewed annually.

Application Requirements: Submit the application form along with a brief cover letter, transcript, CV, three letters of recommendation, proof of a training plan that includes at least 12 clock hours related to addition, GRE scores if you have them, and two essays—one expressing your education and career goals and another explaining why you chose the program you’re attending.

Apply by: Mid-January

Indian Health Service Health Professions Scholarship

One-year tuition plus stipends

Late March

Indian Health Service Health Professions Scholarship

Who’s Eligible: American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students pursuing clinical psychology. Applicants must be members of a federally recognized Tribe, have a GPA of at least 2.0, and agree to serve full-time for at least two years at an Indian clinical healthcare facility after graduation. Psychologists must complete a postgraduate clinical training program that fulfills state licensing requirements before they begin their service commitment.

Award Amount: All tuition and fees for a 12-month period, plus a stipend of no less than $1,500 a month for living expenses. An additional one-time payment covers other approved school expenses such as books, lab fees, and tutoring services.

Application Requirements: Submit an application along with proof of your Tribe membership, evaluations from faculty and employers, and essays explaining how you plan to help the Native people. Applications are ranked on a 100-point scale, with academic performance accounting for 40 points and evaluations and essays each taking 30.

Apply by: Late March

NASP Minority Scholarship

$5,000

October 30

National Association of School Psychologists Minority Scholarship

Who’s Eligible: Minority students who are enrolled full-time or accepted into a school psychology specialist degree program. Applicants must be members of the NASP and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Award Amount: At least one award of $5,000

Application Requirements: Submit a demographic information form signed by your program director, a statement describing your career goals, a CV, and the contact information for two academic recommenders.

Apply by: October 30

SIOP Goldstein & Schneider Minority Scholarship

$3,000

June 30

Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology Goldstein & Schneider Minority Scholarship

Who’s Eligible: Full-time minority PhD students studying industrial-organizational psychology. To be eligible, dissertation proposals must be approved prior to application.

Award Amount: One award of $3,000

Application Requirements: Submit a CV, summary of your dissertation research, a letter of recommendation from the chair or director of your program, and a letter stating that your dissertation has been approved.

Apply by: June 30

More Help with Financing Psychology School

There are other a few other financial options beyond scholarships and fellowships for psychology studies that can help alleviate the cost of education by helping you repay your student loans or forgiving them.

  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF): The PSLF is for students who have direct loans through the federal government. If you’re employed full time at a nonprofit or government agency and have made at least 120 repayments on your loans, the remainder can be forgiven.
  • The National Health Service Corps (NHSC): The NCHS offers up to $50,000 in loan repayment to licensed clinical social workers who serve for at least 2 years at an approved Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) site.
  • Faculty Loan Repayment Program (FLRP): This national program is open to students who take faculty jobs at an approved health profession institution. Receive up to $40,000 in loan repayment for 2 years of full-time employment.

Need Even More Resources?

For additional funding, check the APA’s extensive database of scholarships, grants, and fellowships, or look to local and state-level organizations for more options.