2027 doctoral scholarships are now open!
|
Pre-candidate (PODSI) |
Candidate (PODSII) |
What are the key 2027 dates?
| October 13 | Applications open in ProposalCentral at 5:00 p.m. EDT |
| January 20, 2027 | Application deadline at 4:59 p.m. EST/3:59 p.m. CST/1:59 p.m. PST |
| Late June 2027 | Provisional awardees will be notified via email. |
Who can apply?
Licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who are APTA members pursuing a PhD, EdD, DSc, or other academic doctoral degrees with the intent to pursue a career in physical-therapy-related research.
What types of scholarships are offered?
An annual* award of $7,500 to support the coursework phase of academic research doctoral studies prior to candidacy.
An annual* award of $15,000 to support the candidacy phase of academic research doctoral studies.
*Applicants must reapply each year
More About 2027 Awards
We offer a mix of awards, some of which are in specialty areas, some of which have additional requirements, some that can be for any specialty area, and achievement awards. Which awards are offered varies by year and whether the award is for pre-candidates (PODSI) or candidates (PODSII). More details about awards are in respective guidelines. We expect to offer up to 11 PODSI and up to 11 PODSII awards. As of October 13, there is one more PODSI and two more PODSII that are still under consideration. If the Foundation adds any more awards, they will be confirmed in an email update, so be sure to sign up to get them.
We encourage first year applicants, previous applicants, and new applicants to apply. An analysis done this summer shows that roughly one in two applicants receive a PODSI award. Additionally, the analysis found that first year applicants are successful and the feedback they receive is helpful in improving future applications. The chances fluctuate more from year to year for PODSII, mainly due to the years when there were fewer than 10 awards available. Starting in 2026, the Foundation has been working to increase the number of PODSII awards. The chances of being awarded a PODSII are currently roughly better than one in three. In terms of chances for nationally competitive awards, these are excellent odds. Further, applying and getting constructive reviewer comments helps build essential grant-writing skills.
For both scholarships, awards being offered in 2027 are listed in the respective guidelines, including details about specific requirements, awards without any specific requirements, and achievement awards. Below is a list of the seven awards that focus on specialty areas:
| Specialty Area | Scholarship Type |
|---|---|
| Cardiovascular and Pulmonary* | One PODSII |
| Electrophysiology | One PODSII |
| Geriatrics* | One PODSI and one PODSII |
| Health Services Research | One PODSI and one PODSII |
| Neurology* | Three PODSI and two PODSII |
| Pediatrics* | One PODSI |
| PT Education* | One PODSI |
*Indicates academy membership is required
How are applications reviewed?
Visit our Application Review Process page for an overview of how applications are reviewed
Promotion of Doctoral Studies Scholarship FAQs
Receive Doctoral Scholarship Email Updates Directly
Applicants for either PODS award are very strongly encouraged to sign up for our emails to receive important FAQs or urgent notifications that clarify current application documents or the application form on ProposalCentral.
View the 2026 Promotion of Doctoral Studies Scholarship Awardees
| PODSI Guidelines and Instructions | PODSII Guidelines and Instructions |
The Foundation relies on a range of contributions from APTA and its components and from the estate planning of individuals and families that have established endowment funds or contributed to funds that help make our scholarships possible. Our sincere thanks to the following:
- Bella May Endowment Fund
- Charlene Mae Nelson Endowment Fund
- Florence P. Kendall Endowment Fund
- Mildred L. Wood Endowment Fund
- Phoebe Rhomberger Endowment Fund
- St. John Family Foundation
- Viva J. Erickson Endowment Fund