Scholarships for Massage Therapy Students
Massage therapy school is expensive any way you cut it, and financial aid -- especially scholarships – can be extremely helpful. Here, we’ll give you a list of massage therapy scholarships and show give you a few tips on how to wow scholarship judges.
Scholarships for Massage Therapy School
Note: If the scholarship deadline has passed, check the URL to see an updated deadline.
| Name of Scholarship | Provided By | Award Amount | Deadline | Target Audience | Degree Level | Essay? | # of Awards | GPA | Renewable? |
| ISPA Foundation Mary Tabacchi Scholarship | The International SPA Association (ISPA) Foundation | $5,000 | 5/30/2019 | Student enrolled full-time in a program pertaining to spa management, leadership or entrepreneurship | Undergraduate | Y | 1 | - | N |
| Massage Therapy Foundation Research Grants | Massage Therapy Foundation | Up to $30,000 | TBA | Awarded to those conducting studies that seek to advance our understanding of specific therapeutic applications of massage, public perceptions of and attitudes toward massage therapy, and the role of massage therapy in health care delivery | Graduate | Y | 8-10 | - | N |
| AMTA Student Scholarship | American Massage Therapy Association | $5,000 | 12/6/2019 | Currently be enrolled, or admitted, in a 500-hour minimum entry-level massage therapy program at the time you apply for the scholarship | Diploma/Certification | Y | 1 | - | N |
| The Imagine Scholarships | Imagine America Foundation | $1,000 | - | These scholarship awards are for high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in massage | High School | Y | Varies | - | N |
| Massage Therapy Foundation Research Grants | Massage Therapy Foundation | $5,000 | TBA | This program is designed to promote working partnerships between the massage therapy profession and community-based organizations | Diploma/Certification | Y | 4 | - | N |
| Successful Hands Grant | Performance Health and Massage Envy | Varies | 10/15/2019 | To help students prepare for the rewards of a career in massage therapy. | Diploma/Certification | Y | 8 | - | N |
| Massage Envy Spa Massage Scholarship | Beauty Changes Lives Foundation | $1,500 | TBA | Students must be enrolled in a massage therapy program at a school that belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools | Diploma/Certification | Y | 6 | - | N |
| Bob King Massage Therapy Student Scholarship | $5,000 | 12/6/2019 | Student who has demonstrated excellence in the study of massage therapy and devotion to the profession | Diploma/Certification | Y | 1 | - | N | |
| Fascia Research Congress Scholarship | Ida P. Rolf Research Foundation and the Fascia Research Society | Varies | 9/17/2019 | Several scholarships are available for graduate students, undergraduates and clinicians who have registered for the Fascia Research Congress | Undergraduate | Y | Varies | - | N |
| Massage Therapy School Scholarship | Massage Envy | $1,000 | 1/28/2019 | Anyone ready to begin their journey toward becoming a massage therapist by enrolling in a massage therapy program at a participating Cortiva Institute | Diploma/Certification | N | 15 | 3.0+ | Y |
| Student Case Report Contest | Massage Therapy Foundation | $1,500 - $2,500 | 6/3/2019 | Opportunity for students to develop research skills and enhance their ability to provide evidence-informed massage to the public | Diploma/Certification | Y | 3 | - | N |
| Jeannette Rankin Foundation Scholarship | Jeannette Rankin Foundation | Varies | 3/1/2019 | This non-profit organization offers grants to women who are older than 35 and who are low income and who are pursuing either a vocational or technical education or who are working toward a bachelor’s degree for the first time or an associate’s degree | Undergraduate | Y | Varies | - | N |
| AAUW Career Development Grants | American Association of University Women | $2,000 – $12,000 | 11/15/2019 | Women pursuing a certificate or degree to advance their careers, change careers, or reenter the workforce and whose bachelor’s degree was received at least five years before the award period | Undergraduate | Y | 1 | - | Y |
| Massage Magazine Grant | Massage Magazine | $1,000 | TBA | Students studying massage therapy if your school participates in the Massage Magazine Schools Program | Diploma/Certification | Y | 5 | - | N |
| Healing Arts Scholarship | Banyan Tree Healing Center | $250 - $500 | 12/1/2019 | We are interested in endeavors that help people to become healthy and whole, expand consciousness, improve communities and make the world a cleaner, harmonious, and more compassionate place to live | Undergraduate | Y | 1 | 3.5+ | Y |
| MAPCCS Scholarships | Maryland Association of Private Colleges and Career Schools | Varies | 5/1/2019 | High school seniors interested in attending private colleges and career schools | High School | Y | Varies | - | N |
| Michael Moody Fitness | Michael Moody Fitness | $1,500 | 7/15/2019 | Interest in pursuing a career in the health and fitness related fields | Undergraduate | Y | 1 | - | N |
| MedicareSupplementalInsurance.com Therapy Professionals Scholarship | MedicareSupplementalInsurance.com | $1,000 | 12/31/2019 | Applicants must be any person 17 years of age or older who demonstrates interest in physical, massage, recreational, or occupational therapy or psychology professions | Graduate & Undergraduate | Y | 1 | - | N |
| Winning Woman Scholarship | Incorporate Massage | $2,000 | 8/31/2019 | Applicants must be female business or entrepreneurship majors currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited United States college or university | Undergraduate | Y | 1 | - | N |
| Massage Master Scholarship | Incorporate Massage | $2,000 | 5/31/2019 | To be eligible, applicants must be currently enrolled in a 500+ hour accredited massage program in the United States | Diploma/Certification | Y | 1 | - | N |
| MTSI Massage Therapy School Scholarship Award (Spring) | Massage Therapy Schools Information | $1,000 | 3/31/2019 | Prospective massage school students who are looking to get started within the next 12 months | Undergraduate | Y | 1 | - | N |
| MTSI Massage Therapy School Scholarship Award (Winter) | Massage Therapy Schools Information | $1,000 | 11/30/2019 | Prospective massage school students who are looking to get started within the next 12 months | Undergraduate | Y | 1 | - | N |
| Rejuvenators Health Massage Scholarship | Rejuvenators Health Massage | $1,000 | 2/10/2019 | To enter our scholarship contest, submit an original, well-researched, and factual essay on any topic about the benefits of therapeutic massages | Undergraduate | Y | Varies | - | N |
| ABMP Scholarship Sweepstakes | Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals | $1,000 | 12/31/2019 | Legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are age 18 or older and enrolled in a state-approved massage therapy or bodywork program in the United States as of the date of entry | Diploma/Certification | N | 12 | - | N |
| Scholarship Opportunity by Massage Envy | Massage Envy | $1,000 | Monthly | Describe your passion for massage therapy and future career | Undergraduate | Y | 12 (per year) | 3.5+ | N |
| Inner Horizon Wellness Massage Scholarship | Inner Horizon Wellness | Varies | 12/15/2019 | This is a scholarship of need. Please only apply if massage sessions would constitute a financial burden without assistance | Diploma/Certification | Y | 4 | - | N |
| Semiannual MBLExGuide Scholarship (Spring) | MBLExGuide | $1,500 | 2/15/2019 | Available to any massage student currently enrolled in an approved entry-level massage therapy training school or program in the US | Diploma/Certification | Y | 1 | - | N |
| Semiannual MBLExGuide Scholarship (Fall) | MBLExGuide | $1,500 | TBA | Available to any massage student currently enrolled in an approved entry-level massage therapy training school or program in the US | Diploma/Certification | Y | 1 | - | N |
| The Skin Care Ox: Beauty + Wellness Scholarship for Women | Skin Care Ox | $1,000 | Quarterly | Established to provide financial support to college women who are striving to lead healthy lifestyles. If you’re a female high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who is committed to maintaining personal wellness, then this is the scholarship for you | Graduate & Undergraduate & High School | Y | 3 (per quarter) | - | N |
| Montem Health and Wellness Scholarship | Montem | $1,500 | 3/31/2019 | Students who are currently enrolled in a high school, college, university, or trade school are encouraged to submit their application. Passion for a healthy lifestyle is a must | Undergraduate & High School | Y | 2 | - | N |
| National Wellness Institute (NWI) Scholarship | National Wellness Institute | Varies | 4/5/2019 | Supports professionals, students, and organizations promoting health and wellness in underserved communities and supports underserved individuals (those who face economic, cultural, or language barriers, or those in an underserved geographic location) | Undergraduate | Y | Varies | - | N |
| iVein Health & Wellness Scholarship | The Intermountain Vein Center | $2,500 | 8/31/2019 | To reward students who are committed to a lifetime of healthy habits | Graduate & Undergraduate | Y | 2 | 3.4+ | N |
| Start Standing Scholarship (Spring) | Start Standing | $1,000 | 3/31/2019 | In an effort to make things a little easier, we are proud to offer a biannual $1,000 scholarship to students who are currently attending or planning on attending college | Undergraduate & High School | Y | 1 | 3.0+ | N |
| Start Standing Scholarship (Winter) | Start Standing | $1,000 | 11/15/2019 | In an effort to make things a little easier, we are proud to offer a biannual $1,000 scholarship to students who are currently attending or planning on attending college | Undergraduate & High School | Y | 1 | 3.0+ | N |
| The Es-Zone Healthy Living Scholarship | Es-Zone | $1,000 | 1/31/2019 | The Es-Zone Healthy Living Scholarship is for undergraduate or post graduate students who are striving to live a healthy life | Undergraduate & High School | Y | 1 | - | N |
| Hiking Ambition Wellness Scholarship (Spring) | Hiking Ambition | $1,000 | 3/31/2019 | For high school, undergraduate or postgraduate students who are committed to a lifetime of healthy habits | Undergraduate & High School | Y | 1 | - | N |
| Hiking Ambition Wellness Scholarship (Winter) | Hiking Ambition | $1,000 | 09/30/2019 | For high school, undergraduate or postgraduate students who are committed to a lifetime of healthy habits | Undergraduate & High School | Y | 1 | - | N |
| Atcemsce.org College Student Scholarship | Atcemsce.org | $1,000 | 8/31/2019 | Awarded to the student with the best essay about staying healthy and fit | Undergraduate | Y | 1 | - | N |
| Massage Student Scholarship | Idaho State University | $1,500 | 2/15/2019 | All students who are currently enrolled in an approved entry-level massage therapy training school or program in the US | Diploma/Certification | Y | 1 | - | N |
| Iowa High School Achievement Scholarships | Iowa School of Beauty | $2,500 | Ongoing | This scholarship is open to all graduating students from Iowa high schools | High School | Y | 2 | - | N |
| RMTBC Scholarship Award | RMTBC | $1,000 | 1/31/2019 | The scholarship is awarded following the successful completion of an essay based on a chosen topic related to the profession of Registered Massage Therapy, must be in British Columbia | Diploma/Certification | Y | 1 | - | N |
| The Health and Wellness Scholarship | Marion Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa | $500 | 7/31/2019 | Any current student of an accredited U.S. college or university, write a short essay about how your physical health can affect your self-esteem | Undergraduate | Y | 1 | - | N |
| Soma Weight Loss Health & Wellness Scholarship | Soma Weight Loss | $1,000 | 3/31/2019 | Will be awarded to a student (undergrad or graduate) in a field that promotes achieving and maintaining a healthy weight | Graduate & Undergraduate | Y | 2 | - | N |
| Women in Wellness 2019 Scholarship | The Spa Mart | $1,000 | 6/1/2019 | For women in the wellness industry looking to develop their professional and personal leadership skills while networking with their peers | Graduate & Undergraduate & High School | Y | 2 | - | N |
| ABMP Scholarship Sweepstakes | Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals | $1,000 | 12/31/2019 | Legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are age 18 or older and enrolled in a state-approved massage therapy or bodywork program in the United States as of the date of entry | Diploma/Certification | N | 12 | - | N |
Where to Find Scholarships
When looking for ways to pay for your education, don't limit yourself to student loans. Consider exploring scholarships! Each involves a select amount of money awarded to help pay for your tuition or other school costs.
A fellowship typically involves an internship or service commitment in your field. A scholarship is often awarded to a wider range of students based on merit, while grants are often need-based. Unlike loans, you don’t have to pay the money back.
To find scholarships, you’ll want to check multiple sources including:
- Your school – Most schools offer scholarships awarded only to their students, often based on academic achievement or skill.
- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – This is how you’ll receive government financial aid, based on your income and education costs. All students should fill out this form when applying to school. FAFSA is well known for providing college students with loans, but they also distribute funds to need-based students in the form of a grant that doesn’t require repayment.
- Professional organizations – Professional massage therapy associations, such as Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) or the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), may offer scholarships for students. Association members may even receive free or cheaper continuing education after graduation to stay on top of industry trends.
- Scholarship category – You may find scholarships specifically designed to support women or minority students, for example. You may also find scholarships in your field (for example, healing professions), or in your home state or region.
How to Win Scholarships
If you want to stand out against the other scholarship applicants, use the following tips to win the award you apply for:
- Update your resume – Highlight your accomplishments on your resume, and make sure to summarize any awards you’ve won or activities you participate in. You can then give a copy of your updated resume to teachers you’ve asked to write a letter of recommendation for you.
- Apply on time – Never miss a scholarship deadline or your application is likely to wind up straight in the trash. Deadlines are strict, and most scholarships have fall and spring deadlines just before the semester begins. Apply as soon as possible for the best results, the earlier the better.
- Apply to as many options as you can – Scholarships can come down to luck as much as skill, so you’ll want to increase your chances of winning by applying to all the options you can.
- Check with your family’s connections – Students should check in with everyone they know on scholarship opportunities. Perhaps someone has a connection with a professional organization and can put in a good word for you.
- Try smaller scholarships or essay contests – With a smaller pool of applicants, you have a much better chance of standing out from the crowd.
- Customize each scholarship essay – Don’t simply copy and paste the same essay for every application you send out. Think of a unique answer to the essay question and proofread your work before submission.
- Maintain a professional online presence – With social media accounts like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, you can bet scholarship finalists commonly follow the funder attempting to make a great online impression.
- Dress like a pro – If your application involves an interview, make sure to dress appropriately.
- Don’t procrastinate – Some applications will require a written essay, interview, or letters of recommendation from your previous teachers. It pays to prepare these in advance rather than waiting until the last minute to gather everything together.
- Write an essay that will help you stand out – Illustrate any industry experience you already have and how you mesh with the organization’s goals.
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