AMBUCS Scholarships for Therapists 2026
Introduction
Since 1955, National AMBUCS, Inc. has awarded scholarships to students pursuing degrees in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and audiology. To date, more than $10 million in scholarships have been awarded to over 16,757 students.
Description
Students must be accepted in a graduate-level US based program that is accredited by the appropriate therapy profession authority in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, or audiology. Assistant or undergraduate programs are not eligible. Awards are based on financial need, commitment to local community, character for compassion and integrity, and career objectives.
Over $200,000 is awarded annually with individual awards ranging from $600 to $1,500. There is one two-year award in the amount of $6,000. Award monies are deposited into the student’s credit account with the financial aid office of the educational institution.
In addition to the filling out general information, the student will be required to upload:
Their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Submission Summary
Proof of enrollment into an accredited program as outlined above and
One page personal statement.
FAFSA: Please be aware that the taxes of whoever is financially supporting the student must be filed before the FAFSA can be filled out, so please plan ahead so you can meet the deadline.
In order to apply for this scholarship you must fill out the FAFSA and supply us with your Submission Summary and Student Aid Index (SAI); even if you do not want to apply for Federal aid. You can accept or decline any aid offer made by the government.
Past the eligibility requirements, financial need is the first hurdle every applicant must pass (including those that are chapter sponsored). On the application, you will find an area to provide details about new financial information not reflected on your Submission Summary(additional loans, etc.).
Proof of Enrollment: Please upload a document from your registrar’s office confirming your enrollment (you might also find this on your student portal somewhere). If this is your first year, the registrar’s office may not be willing to give you proof of enrollment at this early stage. In that case, please email [email protected].
Tips on writing your personal statement: It should be one page, double spaced and at least 10 point font. But, beyond that, it should be…personal. You don’t need to tell us school is expensive and long and all the other things that are true for every single applicant. We would like to hear what sort of therapist you want to be and why as well as any volunteerism (especially serving people with challenges to mobility or independence – through AMBUCS or other organizations). We will be looking for all three of those elements in your statement…and, yes, we actually read them!
National AMBUCS, Inc. is a nonprofit charitable organization with a diverse membership dedicated to inspiring mobility & independence. National AMBUCS, Inc. has determined that providing for the needs of Americans with physical and cognitive challenges presents a significant hurdle for this country both at the present time and in the future. National AMBUCS, Inc. has committed certain of its resources to improving the quality of life for these persons through the advancement and encouragement of students engaged in various fields of clinical therapy.
National AMBUCS, Inc. believes educational opportunities should be made available to all interested students. The organization believes that qualified applicants should not be denied the opportunity to pursue their education and training for solely financial reasons.
Selection Process
Demonstrated financial need is a requirement for all our scholarships. All applicants must file their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and you will need to submit your Submission Summary and Student Aid Index (SAI) as part of your scholarship application.
Students should exemplify:
Commitment to Local Community
Character for Compassion and Integrity
Commitment to Career Objectives
