Explore psychology scholarships for undergraduates, graduates, and research students. Discover eligibility criteria, award types, deadlines, and tips to help you fund your psychology education.
Psychology scholarships are financial awards specifically for students studying psychology, behavioral science, counseling, or related fields. These scholarships may be offered by universities, psychology associations, nonprofit organizations, community foundations, corporations, or research institutions. Some awards prioritize academic achievement, leadership, or research experience, while others target financial need, diversity, or specific subfields within psychology. Scholarship sizes vary from modest one-time awards to multi-year funding packages.
Psychology Scholarships (11 Available)
Browse all scholarships in this category—featured partners highlighted at top.
1. Align Scholarships With Your Psychology Career Path
Psychology is broad. Tailor your scholarship search to your subfield:
Clinical & Counseling Psychology — Look for awards tied to therapeutic practice, mental health advocacy, or clinical internships.
Research & Cognitive Psychology — Prioritize research support scholarships and foundations that fund experimental work.
School & Educational Psychology — Seek awards from education associations or school psychology networks.
Industrial-Organizational Psychology — Include business, HR, and organizational behavior funding sources.
Matching awards to your path increases relevance and success.
2. Integrate Research Funding Early
For graduate and doctoral students:
Apply for research assistant stipends and conference travel awards
Look for scholarships with grant components for thesis or dissertation work
Include research impact in personal statements
This elevates your profile and expands funding beyond tuition support.
3. Use Professional Organizations for Network-Driven Funding
Professional psychology associations often have:
Member-only awards and scholarships
Regional chapter opportunities
Annual conference scholarship competitions
Mentorship grants
Joining these organizations early can unlock hidden or exclusive scholarships.
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning
1. Start Early
Begin your scholarship search and applications at least 2–3 months before deadlines. This gives you time to craft compelling essays and gather strong recommendations.
2. Personalize Your Essays
Avoid generic responses. Share your unique story, challenges overcome, and specific goals. Show reviewers why you're the ideal candidate for this particular scholarship.
3. Apply to Multiple Scholarships
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to 10–20+ scholarships to maximize your chances. Even smaller awards add up to significant funding.
4. Follow Instructions Carefully
Many applications are rejected for not following directions. Read requirements thoroughly, meet word counts, and submit all required materials by the deadline.
Common Application Requirements
Required
Personal Essay
500–1000 word essay explaining your background, goals, and why you deserve the scholarship.
Required
Academic Transcripts
Official or unofficial transcripts showing your current GPA and coursework.
Often Required
Letters of Recommendation
1–3 letters from teachers, counselors, or mentors who can speak to your qualifications.
Sometimes
Additional Materials
Resume, portfolio, financial documentation (FAFSA), or proof of specific eligibility criteria.
What types of psychology scholarships are available?
Psychology scholarships include merit-based, need-based, diversity, specialization, and education-level specific awards. Some are open to all psychology majors, while others target specific interests or backgrounds.
Who is eligible to apply for psychology scholarships?
Eligibility varies by scholarship, but many are open to undergraduate and graduate psychology students, including those from underrepresented backgrounds, first-generation students, and international students.
Do psychology scholarships require a psychology major?
Most do, but some awards accept related fields like behavioral science, counseling, neuroscience, or social work. Always check eligibility.
Are there scholarships for graduate psychology students?
Yes, many scholarships specifically support students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in psychology, including those focusing on research, clinical practice, or specialized fields.
Can high school students apply for psychology scholarships?
Some scholarships are available to high school seniors who plan to major in psychology in college. These awards often require proof of intent to enroll in a psychology program.
Do I need to submit the FAFSA to apply for psychology scholarships?
Some need-based psychology scholarships require FAFSA submission to determine financial eligibility, while others may not have this requirement.
Are there scholarships for minority or underrepresented students in psychology?
Yes, many organizations offer scholarships to support diversity in psychology, including awards for women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ students, and first-generation college students.
What can I use psychology scholarship funds for?
Scholarship funds can typically be used for tuition, fees, books, and sometimes living expenses, depending on the scholarship's terms.