The Ultimate List of Scholarships for PA Students

Written by Phoebe Kubo in Careers in Healthcare,PA Students

When I started physician associate/assistant (PA) school, I had no idea how many scholarship opportunities existed for PA students. Like most of my classmates, I assumed financial aid meant loans, loans, and more loans and that scholarships were more for undergraduate or medical students.

However, during my time in PA school, I did some digging and found out that there were a lot of scholarships out there for PA students. I barely scratched the surface of what was available and ended up receiving three during my time in PA school.

Basically, I put together this list of PA student scholarships because it’s something I wish I had when I was in school—everything all in one place. (Now, you don’t have to waste time searching all over the internet!)

Note: While there are many scholarships available for graduate students and healthcare students in general, this list focuses specifically on those for PA students.

Understanding PA Student Scholarships

Let’s start with what you need to know: most PA student scholarships range from $500 to $2,500, with $1,000 being the most common amount. These aren’t going to cover your entire tuition bill, but they’re also not nothing. A thousand dollars is a large chunk of a month’s rent; it’s the cost of supplies for your didactic year or gas money for your clinical rotations.

Note: I’ve included some full-tuition scholarship options that are available to PA students later in this article. These usually cover the total cost of attendance but come with service commitments, typically requiring you to work in specific locations or settings for a certain number of years after graduation.

These programs can be excellent options if you’re interested in primary care, underserved populations, or military medicine, but they’re a different category than the traditional scholarships that we’ll cover first.

Scholarships also come with benefits beyond the money. They show excellence and can be listed on your CV to show future employers that you’re engaged with the profession. They also connect you with organizations that can be a great support long after graduation. Some scholarships even come with mentorship opportunities or complimentary conference registration.

Without further ado, let’s get into all the scholarships! 😄

Disclaimer: Specific scholarships are subject to change and may or may not be available in any given academic year.

The Ultimate List of PA Student Scholarships

Physician Associate Foundation (PAF)

The Physician Associate Foundation (PAF) is the philanthropic arm of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), dedicated to supporting the PA profession through scholarships, grants, and research funding. PAF scholarshipsOpens in a new tab. are among the most well-established and reliable scholarship opportunities for PA students. They’re offered annually in a single application cycle, typically opening in February and closing in March.

Note: All of the scholarships listed in this section can be found on the same PAF application.

  1. PA Foundation Scholarships
    • Application cycle: February 2, 2026 to March 16, 2026
    • Amount: $1,000 each
    • Number of Awards: Varies
    • Description: General scholarship for PA students demonstrating passion for the profession
  2. AAPA Past Presidents Scholarship
    • Application cycle: Same
    • Amount: $1,000 each
    • Number of Awards: Varies
    • Description: Recognizes service leadership through community health organizations or PA programs
  3. AAPA Rural Health Caucus Scholarship & Ron Nelson Memorial Scholarship
    • Application cycle: Same
    • Amount: $2,000 each
    • Number of Awards: 2 (1 for each scholarship)
    • Description: Awarded to students from a rural area who are committed to serving a rural community
  4. NCCPA Endowed Scholarship
    • Application cycle: Same
    • Amount: $2,000
    • Number of Awards: Varies
    • Description: Awarded to students who identify as part of a historically marginalized group and/or as economically disadvantaged and/or as educationally disadvantaged
  5. Timi Agar Barwick Scholarship for Humanism in Medicine
    • Application cycle: Same
    • Amount: $1,000
    • Number of Awards: 1
    • Description: Awarded to students who identify as part of a historically marginalized group and/or as economically disadvantaged and/or as educationally disadvantaged
  6. William H. Marquardt Community Health Access Scholarship
    • Application cycle: Same
    • Amount: $2,500
    • Number of Awards: 4
    • Description: Aims to benefit PA students who are dedicated to promoting accessible primary and preventive healthcare amongst underserved populations
  7. Joyce Nichols Memorial Scholarship
    • Application cycle: Same
    • Amount: $1,000 each
    • Number of Awards: 5
    • Eligibility: Awarded to Black or African American PA students
  8. Women in Philanthropy Scholarship
    • Application cycle: Same
    • Amount: $1,000
    • Number of Awards: Varies
    • Description: Awarded to PA students who demonstrate a dedication to promoting women’s and/or children’s health locally and globally
  9. Ron Pace Memorial Scholarship
    • Application cycle: Same
    • Amount: $1,000
    • Number of Awards: 1
    • Description: Awarded to student members of the AAPA who are attending an ARC-PA-accredited PA program in Florida. Children or dependents of a U.S. Armed Forces veteran are eligible to apply.
  10. Ruth Ballweg Memorial Scholarship
    • Application cycle: Same
    • Amount: $2,500
    • Number of Awards: Varies
    • Description: Awarded to students who identify as part of a historically marginalized group.
  11. PA Moms Advocacy and Leadership Scholarship
    • Application cycle: Same
    • Amount: $1,000
    • Number of Awards: 3
    • Description: Awarded to women demonstrating a commitment to the PA profession through advocacy and leadership

AAPA Specialty Organization Scholarships

If you’re interested in a specific specialty, these scholarships are a great opportunity. Receiving a specialty-focused award can also strengthen future job applications by demonstrating your commitment to the field, particularly in competitive areas. One of the scholarships I received during PA school was the American Association of Surgical PAs (AASPA) Susan and Tom Lusty Memorial Scholarship!

  1. American Academy of Nephrology PAs (AANPA) Nephrology PA ScholarshipOpens in a new tab.
    • Application cycle: February 2, 2026 to March 30, 2026
    • Amount: $1,000
    • Number of Awards: 1
    • Description: Awarded to healthcare professionals who are passionate about advancing patient care in nephrology
  2. American Association of Surgical PAs (AASPA) Susan and Tom Lusty Memorial ScholarshipOpens in a new tab.
    • Application cycle: December 15 to July 15
    • Amount: $1,000
    • Number of Awards: Varies
    • Description: Awarded to PA students who are interested in a career in surgery
  3. Association of PAs in Oncology (APAO) Student ScholarshipOpens in a new tab.
    • Application cycle: February 28 to April 30
    • Amount: $2,500
    • Number of Awards: Varies
    • Description: PA students with strong interest in oncology
  4. Eva Dimitrov, MD & PAs in Hospice and Palliative Medicine (PAHPM) Student ScholarshipOpens in a new tab.
    • Application cycle: June 1 to August 31
    • Amount: $1,500
    • Number of Awards: 1
    • Description: Awarded to PA students demonstrating interest in hospice and palliative medicine
  5. PAs in Orthopedic Surgery (PAOS) Susan Lindahl Memorial Scholarship
    • Application cycle: January 15, 2026 to April 31, 2026
    • Amount: $5,000 each ($500 for finalists)
    • Number of Awards: Varies
    • Description: Awarded to students interested in becoming a PA in orthopedics
  6. Society of Emergency Medicine PAs (SEMPA) Paul S. Robinson Student AwardOpens in a new tab.
    • Application cycle: Unknown
    • Amount: $1,500
    • Number of Awards: 2
    • Description: Awarded to PA students who are pursuing a career in emergency medicine
  7. Society of PAs in Otorhinolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery (SPAO-HNS) Student ScholarshipOpens in a new tab.
    • Application cycle: Unknown to May 1, 2026
    • Amount: $1,500
    • Number of Awards: 1+
    • Description: Awarded to PA students interested in ENT
  8. Society of PAs in Pediatrics (SPAP) ScholarshipOpens in a new tab.
    • Application cycle: Spring
    • Amount: $500
    • Number of Awards: Unknown
    • Eligibility: Awarded to PA students interested in pediatric medicine

AAPA Caucus Scholarships

  1. PAs for Women’s Empowerment (PAWE) Student Scholarship
    • Application cycle: February 10 to April 14
    • Amount: $500
    • Number of Awards: 1
    • Description: Awarded to a PA student aligned with promoting women’s empowerment within the profession
  2. PAs in Asian Health (PAAH) PA Student ScholarshipOpens in a new tab.
    • Application cycle: Unknown to March 31, 2026
    • Amount: Varies
    • Number of Awards: Varies
    • Description: Awarded to PA students demonstrating commitment or passion toward Asian health, community engagement, leadership, or advocacy (Applicant does not need to be of Asian descent to apply.)
  3. PAs for Latino Health (PALH) ScholarshipOpens in a new tab.
    • Application cycle: January 1, 2026 to March 31, 2026
    • Amount: Varies
    • Number of Awards: Varies
    • Description: Awarded to PA students demonstrating leadership in the Latino community or interest in Latino health issues (Applicant does not need to be of Latino descent to apply.)
  4. Prentiss L. Harrison Memorial/African Heritage PA Caucus ScholarshipOpens in a new tab.
    • Application deadline: November 30, 2025 to February 2, 2026
    • Amount: $500-$1,000
    • Number of Awards: 3
    • Description: Awarded to a student member of the African Heritage PA Caucus (AHPAC)
  5. Rural Health Caucus Scholarship & Ron Nelson Memorial Scholarship (See above.)
  6. Veterans Caucus Moritsugu Memorial ScholarshipOpens in a new tab.
    • Application cycle: November 1, 2025 to February 1, 2026
    • Amount: $2,500
    • Amount: Varies
    • Description: The AAPA Veterans Caucus Scholarship provides financial assistance to veterans of any of the uniformed services. Students who are studying to become PAs are welcome to apply.


State, U.S. Territory and Federal Service Chapter Scholarships

Make sure to visit your state chapter’s website! Most state chapters award annual scholarships to PA students, which can provide valuable financial support. I received one of the New York State Society of PAs (NYSSPA) 2024 PA Student ScholarshipsOpens in a new tab.!

  1. Alabama Society of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  2. Alaska Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  3. Arizona State Association of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  4. Arkansas Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  5. California Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  6. Colorado Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  7. Connecticut Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  8. Delaware Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  9. District of Columbia Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  10. Florida Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  11. Georgia Association of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  12. Hawaii Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  13. Idaho Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  14. Illinois Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  15. Indiana Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  16. Iowa PAs SocietyOpens in a new tab.
  17. Kansas Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  18. Kentucky Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  19. Louisiana Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  20. Maine Association of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  21. Maryland Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  22. Massachusetts Association of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  23. Michigan Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  24. Minnesota Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  25. Mississippi Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  26. Missouri Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  27. Montana Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  28. Naval Association of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  29. Nebraska Academy of Opens in a new tab.PAs
  30. Nevada Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  31. New Hampshire Society of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  32. New Jersey State Society of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  33. New Mexico Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  34. New York State Society of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  35. North Carolina Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  36. North Dakota Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  37. Ohio Association of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  38. Oklahoma Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  39. Oregon Society of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  40. PA Academy of VermontOpens in a new tab.
  41. Pennsylvania Society of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  42. Public Health Service Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  43. Puerto Rico Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  44. Rhode Island Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  45. Society of Air Force PAsOpens in a new tab.
    • Application cycle: November 1 to February 1
    • Amount: $1,500
    • Amount: Varies
    • Description: Society of Air Force PAs Scholarship provides financial assistance to Air Force veterans who are studying to become PAs.
  46. Society of Army PAsOpens in a new tab.
    • Application cycle: March 1 to May 1
    • Amount: $1,000
    • Number of Awards: 1
    • Eligibility: Society of Army PAs Scholarship provides financial assistance to Army veterans who are studying to become PAs.
  47. South Carolina Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  48. South Dakota Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  49. Tennessee Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  50. Texas Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  51. United States Virgin Islands Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  52. Utah Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  53. Veterans Affairs PA AssociationOpens in a new tab.
  54. Virginia Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  55. Washington Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  56. West Virginia Association of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  57. Wisconsin Academy of PAsOpens in a new tab.
  58. Wyoming Association of PAsOpens in a new tab.

Program-Specific & Institutional Scholarships

Finally, don’t overlook your own PA program when searching for scholarships. Many programs offer internal awards funded by alumni donations, institutional endowments, or partnerships with local health systems.

These scholarships often go underutilized simply because students don’t know they exist. Check with your program director, financial aid office, or academic advisor to find out what’s available at your school—you might be surprised by how many opportunities are sitting right under your nose.

Full-Tuition & Service Commitment Scholarships

  1. National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship ProgramOpens in a new tab.
    • Application cycle: March to May
    • Amount: Full tuition + required fees + book allowance + monthly stipend
    • Service commitment: 1 year of full-time service per year of scholarship support (2 years minimum [up to 4 years maximum]) at an NHSC-approved site in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA)
    • Note: Currently supports 650+ PA students nationwide
  2. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP)Opens in a new tab.
    • Application cycle: January 12 to February 27 (rolling)
    • Amount: Same
    • Service commitment: 1 year per year of scholarship support (2 years minimum) working as a PA at a VA health care facility
  3. U.S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)
    • Application cycle: Rolling (The best time to apply is the Fall before the year you plan to attend school.)
    • Amount: Same
    • Service commitment: 1 year active duty per year of scholarship support (2 years minimum), serving as an Army PA
  4. U.S. Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)Opens in a new tab.
    • Application cycle: Same
    • Amount: Same
    • Service commitment: 1 year active duty per year of scholarship support (2 years minimum), serving as an Navy PA
  5. U.S. Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)Opens in a new tab.
    • Amount: Same
    • Service commitment: 1 year active duty per year of scholarship support (2 years minimum), serving as an Air Force PA
  6. Indian Health Service (IHS) Scholarship ProgramOpens in a new tab.
    • Application cycle: December to February
    • Amount: Same
    • Service Commitment: 1 year of full-time service per year of scholarship support (2 years minimum) as a PA at an IHS, Tribal, or Urban Indian Health Program facility
    • Eligibility: American Indian and Alaska Native health professions students

Professional Conference Attendance Grants & Scholarships

Attending PA conferences is extremely valuable for networking, learning, and professional development. However, registration and travel costs can be prohibitive for many students.

The AAPA offers several scholarships specifically to help PA students attend major conferences like the annual AAPA conference and the Leadership and Advocacy Summit (LAS). These awards typically cover registration fees, making it possible to participate in these important professional events without adding too much to your financial burden.

Note: Several of the specialty organizations and caucuses mentioned earlier also offer conference attendance scholarships so be sure to look around late winter/early spring.

For instance, the LBGT PA CaucusOpens in a new tab. offers a $1,000 travel stipend for conference if you’re selected for the LBGT Student Leader Fellowship (deadline June 1).

  1. AAPA Student Member Travel Grant ApplicationOpens in a new tab.
    • Deadline: March 9, 2026
    • Amount: $200
    • Number of awards: 12
    • Description: Financial assistance for PA students to attend the annual AAPA conference
  2. AAPA Student Academy Travel Grant—House of Delegates (HOD) ApplicantsOpens in a new tab.
    • Deadline: March 9, 2026
    • Amount: $200
    • Number of awards: 2
    • Description: Financial assistance for elected student HOD delegates to attend the annual AAPA conference
  3. Recipients of the Michael Powe Leadership in Advocacy ScholarshipOpens in a new tab.
    • Deadline: July 31, 2025
    • Amount: $2,000
    • Number of awards: 5
    • Description: Awarded to PA students who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to advocacy work on behalf of the PA profession. The award must be used to support attendance at the 2025 Leadership & Advocacy Summit.

Conclusion

Hunting for scholarships as a PA student requires effort, organization, and persistence—commodities that are in short supply when you’re trying to learn pharmacology, master physical diagnosis, and survive clinical rotations. But the payoff is real, both financially and professionally.

The scholarships that I received during PA school weren’t necessarily life-changing amounts of money, but they were meaningful and helped a lot. Additionally, just the process of applying for scholarships connected me with organizations that I’m still involved with, gave me additional points to list on job applications, and taught me to articulate myself in ways that were beneficial in interviews.

The bottom line is this: opportunities exist for students who are willing to look for them and put in the effort to apply. You don’t have to have a 4.0 GPA or be president of your class. You just have to be genuine, engaged with the profession, and willing to tell your story.

Now, go get that scholarship! Stay healthy and keep learning.

Recent Posts