Students pursuing a career in one of several professions may be eligible to apply for the New York State Regents Professional Opportunity Scholarships.

Eligible Programs of Study

Acupuncture
Athletic Trainer
Architecture
Audiology
Certified Public Accountancy
Chiropractic
Dental Hygiene
Dietetics/Nutrition
Interior Design
Landscape Architecture
Law
Massage Therapy
Midwifery
Nurse Practioner
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Ophthalmic Dispensing
Optometry
Pharmacy
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy Assistant
Podiatry
Professional Engineering
Psychology
Registered Nurse
Registered Physician Assistant
Respiratory Therapy
Social Work
Speech-Language Pathologist
Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary Technician

    Amount

    Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year for up to 4 years of study or up to 5 years in certain programs. Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate or graduate students, depending on the program.

    Eligibility

    Students must:
    • Study full time and be matriculated in an approved program of study in New York State.
    • Be New York State residents.
    • Be U.S. citizens or qualifying non-citizens.

    Selection is based on the following priorities:
    • Those who are economically disadvantaged and who are members of a minority group that is historically underrepresented in the chosen profession.
    • Those who are members of a minority group historically underrepresented in the chosen profession.
    • Those enrolled in or graduated from the following opportunity programs: SEEK, College Discovery, EOP, or HEOP.

    Service Obligation

    Upon completion of study, the student must work as a licensed professional 1 year for each annual payment received. Employment must be in the studied profession and must be in New York State. If the student does not begin practice within 1 year of program completion, s/he will be required to repay twice the amount of all scholarship monies received plus interest.

    How to Apply

    Apply by requesting an application and further information from:
      NYS Education Department
      Bureau of HEOP/VATEA/Scholarships
      Education Building Addition
      Room 1071
      Albany, NY 12234
      Phone: (518) 486-1319