UW-Madison OT Program - Tuition Scholarships Financial Aid

Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid

Tuition

Please see the Graduate School website for current tuition rates.

Scholarships and Fellowships Available to Occupational Therapy Students

School of Education Graduate Research Scholars (Ed-GRS)

Please see the Graduate School Fellowships Office website for information on this fellowship, awarded to students of color and/or educational disadvantages.

Occupational Therapy Program Scholarships

Scholarship applications are available in January and due February 1st. 

Scholarship application (link available soon).

• Kiernat Scholarship
  A scholarship award for a student in financial need in the Occupational Therapy Program.
• Caroline G. Thompson Scholarship
  Awarded to entry-level occupational therapy students demonstrating leadership potential within the field of occupational therapy and service to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and/or the community. Preference is given to students enrolled in their final year of didactic study
• Doyan Scholarship
  One scholarship awarded to a woman in occupational therapy, based on scholarship and financial need. Preference is given to students enrolled in their final year of didactic study.
• Mildred Averill Scholarship
  Awarded to graduate women in occupational therapy.
• Witkay Scholarship
  Scholarship awarded to entry-level occupational therapy students who have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA each semester since admission to the professional program. Preference is given to students who demonstrate promise and dedication to occupational therapy and have financial need.
• Caroline G. Thompson Wisconsin Distinguished Graduate Fellowship
  Awarded to graduate students in the M.S. or the Ph.D. in Kinesiology-Occupational Science track. The annual award includes a stipend and full-time tuition. 

• Beth Roughton Memorial Travel Fund-Due: April 15th of each year.

The purpose of this fund is to recognize students who have demonstrated sustained commitment to occupational theray by providing funds enabling them to participate in professional meetings related to their research or professional development. The grant was established in 1999 in honor of Beth Roughton, by her parents. Elizabeth Charlotte Roughton died of cancer on November 18, 1997, at the age of 39. Beth attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating from the Occupational Therapy Program in 1981 and receiving her Masters degree in the Therapeutic Science in 1995. She was involved in research and clinical leadership activities at the University of Wisconsin Waisman Center, Meriter Hospital NICU and Follow-up Clinic, and the Harlow Primate Laboratory. Her inquisitive nature and intelligent mind along with her generous spirit brought an energy and enthusiasm to her classes that led and inspired others. Beth was a passionate lifelong learner and an extraordinary teacher. Through her actions, she taught about compassion, hope, optimism, courage, determination, and gratitude. 

Eligibility: The recipients must be full-time graduate students in the Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy, Masters of Science or Ph.D in Kinesiology, the Occupational Science track. 

Applications:

 There is no application form. Applicants must submit a statement of not more than one page, double-spaced, describing what the applicant would hope to accomplish with the award. For conference presentations submit abstract. Please submit statement to Terri Pope, OT office, Medical Science Center with your name, address, phone number and email address so that we may contact you. 

Additional scholarships may be available from the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) and the Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Association. See FAQ’s below for a variety of funding opportunities.

Assistantships

• Project Assistantships: Appointees assist with research or other projects within the program. Please contact the Occupational Therapy Program Coordinator for information regarding PA opportunities in Occupational Therapy.
• Teaching Assistantships: Applicants must retain eligibility for Wisconsin Occupational Therapy licensure. Please contact the Occupational Therapy Program Coordinator for information regarding TA opportunities in Occupational Therapy.
• Research Assistantships: Appointees work on a particular research project for a faculty member, and may apply part of that work towards a thesis or dissertation. Please contact the individual faculty member regarding the availability of such positions.

FAQs about fees, funding, scholarships, jobs and residency for in-state tuition purposes

1. What are the current fees for the MSOT program? 
   To view current fees for MSOT program on the Web:
   1. go to the Office of the Registrar website.
   2. On the left hand side of the page, select "Tuition & Fees" under "Quick Links"
   3. Select appropriate "Term/semester" from the drop down menu.
   4. Select "Graduate" from the "Student Career" drop down menu.
   5. Select "Submit"
2. Where can I get information on Wisconsin residency for in-state tuition purposes? 
   Check the main UW-Madison website for this information. Go to the UW Home Page, then use the UW Search [ registrar]>Office of the registrar–>Tuition rates–>residency for tuition purposes.
3. Is it possible for MSOT students to have jobs? 
   Yes. However, it is important to realize that your academic responsibilities must take priority. This is an intensive program, and the first Fall semester is particularly demanding. If at all possible, wait until the Spring semester to work outside the program.
4. Does your class schedule allow time for employment?
   Yes. During spring and fall semesters, classes are held three days a week: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Level I fieldwork (40 hours per semester) must be scheduled during the free days of the week. During the summer anatomy course, classes meet at 8 am each day, and labs and a 2-hour discussion section are scheduled as well. Classes are NOT held during the summer recess between the first and second academic years of the program. During the 6 months of internships after course work is over, it would not be possible to be employed. The internships are scheduled for 40 hours per week and include projects that need to be completed during free time.
5. Do many MSOT students have jobs while they are in the program?
   Most of our MSOT have part time jobs and/or have other responsibilities such as childcare, elder care and home/family management.
6. Are there TA (Teachers Assistants) positions available for MSOT students? 
   Seldom. TA positions in the OT program are usually awarded to advanced students who are seeking masters or doctoral degrees in Therapeutic Science.
7. Does UW-Madison offer any scholarships for incoming MSOT students? 
   Yes. Information on our program scholarships is posted above. A student may not apply for these funds until they have been admitted into the program. Scholarship applications are due in early February. If you intend to apply for a scholarship to help fund your first year of instruction, it is important to apply as early as possible. Since we have a rolling admissions policy you may be accepted well before the due date for scholarship applications.
8. Are there any other opportunities connected with UW-Madison to help with funding my education? 
   Yes.
   1. If you are interested in working in pediatrics, you should look into the fantastic opportunities provided by the Wisconsin Maternal and Child Health Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (WI MCH LEND). See their website for information on financial assistance for participating students.
   2. It may be possible to obtain a Project Assistant position in another department or program at UW-Madison. If the position is at least 33 1/3% or approximately 13 hours per week, it may include tuition remission, health insurance and a stipend. Check the UW-Madison home page for a link to employment listings.
   3. Contact the UW-Madison Office of Student Financial Aid to explore loans and other support opportunities.
9. Does UW-Madison have loans available to fund the prerequisite courses for the MSOT program for those with a special student, non-matriculating classification?
Yes. Students who are taking courses that are designated prerequisites for admission into a Graduate or professional program may be eligible to receive a Stafford loan. 
Contact Martina S. Diaz, Sr. Advisor, Office of Student Financial Aid at 608/262-3060.
10. Are you aware of any private scholarship or funding opportunities for MSOT students. 
    Yes. We have been informed of the following opportunities, but cannot provide any more information than is listed below, nor can we assure that these funds are still available.
    1. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) has scholarships available.
    2. Genesis Rehabilitation Services provides $14,000 scholarships for students in their last 2 years of the MSOT program. There are conditions for employment. If interested, contact mark.worley@genesishcc.com.
    3. The makers of Tylenol are giving away $250,000 in scholarships to students pursing careers in health care. There are 150 scholarships for $1,000; and 20 scholarships for $5,000 scholarships available for undergraduate and post-graduate study. Applicants will be judged on leadership qualities and academic performance. For more information or to obtain an application, visit Tylenol's web site. The deadline is September 30.
    4. The Inova Health System in Falls Church, Virginia, provides financial assistance. Students must make a commitment: for each 2 semesters of funded schooling, scholarship recipients will be required to work for 12 months for Inova Health System after graduation. For complete information on Inova Health System's scholarship program, or to obtain an application, call Lisa Livingston at 703/776-8981 or email lisa.livingston@inova.com
    5. HCR Mannor Care has over 500 skilled nursing/rehab centers, assisted living facilities, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, hospice and home health care offices across the nation. They offer a tuition loan program, a loan payment program and a scholarship program that students or new graduates are eligible for. Contact Marsha Bochi, Therapy Recruiter, at 419/720-1439 or 866/772-5627 ext 114, marsha.bochi@hcr-manorcare.com
11. Are you aware of any diversity funding available for MSOT students? 
    Yes.
    1. See the Advanced Opportunity Fellowship available from the UW-Madison referenced above.
    2. Funding is available at Madison area acute care hospitals such as St. Mary’s, Meriter, and UW Hospitals & Clinics. Contact the respective Human Resources Departments for information.
    3. See the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) website.
12. Are you aware of any funding opportunities available for international students? 
    Yes. We have been informed of the following opportunities, but cannot provide any more information than is listed below, nor can we assure that these funds are still available.
    1. AAUW International Fellowships: For women of countries other than the United States. Stipends up to $20,000. Preference is given to applicants who are committed to the betterment of women's lives. Requires minimum TOEFL score of 550. Write: American Association of University Women, Educational Foundation Program, 2201 North Dodge St, Iowa City, IA 52243-4030, U.S.A. Telephone: 319/337-1716. FAX: 319/337-1204. Applications are also available from the Cultural Affairs Officer at the American Embassy in most countries and can also be downloaded.
    2. P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship: For women from countries other than the U.S. or Canada that plan to return to their own country after completion of degree. Stipend up to $6,000. Open to full-time graduate students (except dissertators). Write: P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund, 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312, U.S.A.
    3. Fulbright International Exchange Scholarships: Contact the Cultural Affairs Office at the nearest American Embassy.