Scholarships
GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS
COTF DOCTORAL AND MASTERS SCHOLARSHIPS ONLY ****
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2024 APPLICATIONS:
1.Applicants will remain anonymous, the review committee will not be able to see applicant’s name or referee’s name, for this reason, COTF no longer will ask for a CV
2. Only one letter of reference will be required
3. COTF no longer requires the applicant to upload transcripts
General Information
- The COTF Scholarship Review Guidelines, Scholarship Criteria and Application Forms can be accessed by clicking on the appropriate links below.
- Applicants may submit information in French, though the forms are in English as COTF has bilingual Review Committee Members.
Answers to questions to help applicants understand to which scholarships they can apply:
- Who can apply to the COTF Master’s Scholarship, the Thelma Cardwell Scholarship and the Golden Howland Scholarship?
– Qualified OT’s who are enrolled in a research Masters that requires completion of a full thesis.
- Who can apply to the Barb Worth Emergent Leader Award?
– Students who are working towards an OT degree who are in their second year and have leadership qualities. For students at universities in Québec, it would be the last year of the combined Bachelors/Master’s program.
For up to date information, please contact amcdonald@cotfcanada.org
Scholarships Offered
COTF Graduate Scholarships ($3,000 doctoral and $1,500 master’s)
The above mentioned changes apply to these two scholarships only ****
These scholarships are awarded annually to a student enrolled full-time or part-time in a master’s or doctoral program in a discipline related to occupational therapy research.
Doctoral: https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/66228-Canadian-Occupational-Therapy-Foundation
Master’s: https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/98210-Canadian-Occupational-Therapy-Foundation
Deadline: October 1 annually
Gowan Health Indigenous Scholarships ( 2 x $1,500)
The scholarship aims to support Indigenous academics in attaining their graduate degree in the Occupational Therapy Masters program within Canada. The intention is to support Indigenous people pursuing graduate studies’ unique needs financially. This support will foster pathways to success in the field of Occupational Therapy, amplifying Indigenous perspectives and honouring Indigenous ways of living.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/91475-Canadian-Occupational-Therapy-Foundation
Deadline: October 1 annually
COTF Scholarships for Financial Need ( 5 x $1,000)
The scholarship aims to support students in attaining their graduate degree in the Occupational Therapy Masters program within Canada. The intention is to support students struggling with financial burdens brought on by inflation, natural disasters, family responsibilities, just to name a few.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/91611-Canadian-Occupational-Therapy-Foundation
Deadline: October 1 annually
Barb Worth Emergent Leader Award (2 X $2,500)
The Barb Worth Emergent Leader Award was introduced in 2014. Barbara Worth had a very distinguished career and contributed significantly to the regulation of OT in Ontario.
She graduated from the first BScOT class at the University of Toronto (1975) and received a Leadership Award from her peers. Following graduation, Barbara joined McMaster University Medical Centre. During her 20 plus years of clinical care, Barbara took on many academic and managerial roles.
She was the Director of Complex Continuing Care in her last role within the Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation. Barbara was also active within the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT), including contributing to the design and testing of the CAOT Certification Exam. At COTO (College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario), Barbara held many positions, including serving as the President from 1999-2000, and COTO Registrar from 2002 to 2013.
Most recently, Barbara had an influential role of spearheading initiatives that addressed the issues of
She also contributed to the regulatory community through committee work for the Council on Licensure, Enforcement
This modest award is to remind a leader of tomorrow to balance emotional investment in the challenges at hand with personal wellbeing. Relaxing and re-energizing with small self-indulgences are also part of leadership, for often the effort that makes leadership appear effortless goes unrecognized by anyone but the leader.
Please watch this video from Art Worth, Barb’s husband for a special message.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUq2uZkxcis
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/74036-Canadian-Occupational-Therapy-Foundation
Deadline: October 1 annually
Thelma Cardwell Scholarship ($2,000)
Established in 1985 in honour of Dr. Thelma Cardwell on the occasion of her retirement from the Occupational Therapy Division of the University of Toronto. This scholarship is awarded annually to a student enrolled in part-time or full-time studies in a master’s or doctoral level program, related to occupational therapy, which has broad implications for the scope of the profession. The applicant must have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to occupational therapy.
Applicants can use the COTF Master’s or COTF Doctoral Scholarship link.
Deadline: October 1 annually
Janice Hines Memorial Award for Pediatrics
Awarded annually to an occupational therapist for an activity which supports the transfer of knowledge of best practices in pediatric occupational therapy. For researchers, clinicians and students as well – does not have to be research related.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/66230-Canadian-Occupational-Therapy-Foundation
Deadline: October 1 annually
Goldwin Howland Scholarship ($2,000)
Established in 1945 in appreciation of the tireless work of Dr. Goldwin W. Howland, first President of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). This scholarship is awarded annually to a student enrolled in part-time or full-time studies in a master’s or doctoral level program, related to occupational therapy, which has broad implications for the scope of the profession. The applicant must have demonstrated leadership and vision within the profession.
Applicants can use the COTF Master’s or COTF Doctoral Scholarship links.
Deadline: October 1 annually
Lorna Reimer Legacy Award for Leadership ($500)
“Leaders in Action”
Who can apply? Occupational Therapists currently working in the profession * see below
The Lorna Reimer Legacy Award for Leadership was launched in 2019 to honour Lorna Reimer (1954-2008) who was an exemplary leader in the profession of occupational therapy at the local, provincial, national and international levels.
Lorna sought meaningful leadership opportunities throughout her career.
Lorna was also an active community advocate. One of her career goals was to ensure that every client and community could receive the services of occupational therapists, and another was to create and recognize leaders in the profession to ensure that occupational therapy would be recognized as a “core profession”.
*This award is given annually to an occupational therapist currently working in the profession who has demonstrated leadership through a) involvement at provincial, national or international levels, b) advocating for clients, c) representing the profession in the community or workplace, and/or d) leading positive changes in practice.
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/67655-Canadian-Occupational-Therapy-Foundation
Deadline: October 1 annually