Student Support

Our program offers a variety of financial support to students, from grants and federal loans to cost-of-living supplements and both internal and external scholarships. Financial aid is provided to students through UCSF. For more information about grants, loans, the cost-of-living supplement, and program-specific financial aid budgets:

UCSF Student Financial Aid

Internal Departmental Scholarships

Seven internal departmental scholarships are disbursed to over 50 of our students annually. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, need, professionalism, and leadership. No application is required, with the exception of the Alumni Leaders in Physical Therapy award. These scholarships are:

  • Alumni Leaders in Physical Therapy: This scholarship was established to support students who have demonstrated academic excellence and who show promise of leadership and potential to serve the profession of physical therapy. Recipients are nominated through internal process and chosen by faculty vote. No application required.
  • Irene Gilbert: The Irene Gilbert Scholarship supports students enrolled in the UCSF/SFSU Graduate Program in Physical Therapy. Dr. Gilbert was a former beloved Director of the program. Students are selected based on passion for a career in physical therapy, a record of success in initial coursework, and an exceptional commitment to ethics and professionalism. Recipients are nominated through internal process and chosen by faculty vote. No application required.
  • JoAnn Baldwin Peters Memorial Scholarship: The JoAnn Baldwin Peters Memorial Scholarship was established to support students enrolled in the UCSF/SFSU Graduate Program in Physical Therapy who demonstrate promise of leadership and potential to serve the profession of physical therapy. Recipients are nominated through internal process and chosen by faculty vote. No application required.
  • Kean Award:Recipients of the Kean Scholarship are selected by faculty based on a range of criteria, including academic performance, financial need, participation in the academic program, contributions to the physical therapy profession, and the potential to be an exceptional colleague. Recipients are nominated through internal process and chosen by faculty vote. No application required. Congratulations, 2022-23 Kean Award recipients! See more information and awardees of this scholarship below.
  • Keller Family Scholarship: The Keller Family Scholarship was established to support students enrolled in the UCSF/SFSU Graduate Program in Physical Therapy. Recipients are selected for this award based on their passion for a career in physical therapy, a record of success in clinical rotations, and exceptional “bedside manner.” Recipients are nominated through internal process and chosen by faculty vote. No application required.
  • Regents Scholarship: These scholarships are on the basis of outstanding scholastic performance, evidence of achievement, and promise as a leader. Recipients are nominated through internal process and chosen by faculty vote. No application required.

Kean Awardees 2022-23

External Scholarships

The UCSF Financial Aid website provides a current list of all outside scholarships students are receiving. Two scholarship databases to search you can also search for opportunities are: APTA Scholarships, Awards, and Grants, and the OSHPD Advanced Practice Health Healthcare Scholarship Program (APHSP). Additional external scholarship opportunities include:

  • AMBUCS Scholarship Program for Therapists: For graduate students enrolled in a graduate physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech pathology program. Amount: up to $6,000. Additional information about the AMBUCS scholarship
  • American Academy of Physical Therapy: For PT and PTA students in their final year of training. Selection places an importance on contributing to minority affairs. Amount: up to $2,500. Additional information about the AAPT scholarship
  • APTA Minority Scholarship Award: For minority PT students who are US citizens in their final year of schooling and have shown a commitment to minority affairs. Amount varies. Additional information about the APTA scholarship
  • IHS Health Professions Scholarship Program: This scholarship is for American Indians and Alaska Natives who are pursuing a degree full time in a health profession. They must have a 2.0 GPA, practice at an Indian health facility for 2 years following graduation, and be US citizens who are members of a tribe or village that is federally recognized. Amount varies. Additional information about the IHS scholarship
  • Mary McMillan Scholarship Award: This scholarship is for students in their last year at an accredited PT or PTA program. Amount: $5,000. Additional information about the Mary McMillan scholarship
  • VA Employee Incentive Scholarship Program: For employees of the US Department of Veterans Affairs pursuing a degree in health care. Recipients must continue to work for the department for 1-3 years after degree completion. Amount: up to $41,572 over 3 years. Additional information about the VA employee scholarship

Loan Repayment Resources

WICHE Professional Student Exchange Program

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education's (WICHE) Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP) provides financial support to students in certain Western states enrolling in select out-of-state professional programs. Those students earning a PSEP award receive substantial tuition support from their home state or territory. Residents from the following states and territories are encouraged to apply for WICHE funding: They pay reduced levels of tuition: for most students, resident tuition in public institutions or reduced standard tuition at private schools. The home state pays a support fee to the admitting school to help cover the cost of students' education.

Residents of the following states and commonwealth are encouraged to apply for WICHE funding: Alaska, The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Nevada, Hawaii, and Wyoming. Applicants must complete their home state or territory’s PSEP application by October 15 the year before expected enrollment.