Top Exercise Science Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines

As the top choice for undergraduate students looking for scholarships, Bold.org has awarded over $36 million in funding. Keep reading to find exclusive scholarships for exercise science, or jump to our research-backed best practices to maximize your chances of winning. Filters make it easy to check the eligibility, deadlines, and award amounts of each scholarship. Apply on-page in minutes and create a free account to access new scholarships, updated daily.

Odds of Winning an Exercise Science Scholarship

With programs across the country offering scholarship funding for students of all majors, here are some key numbers from the Education Data Initiative to give you context on the scholarship landscape of the U.S.

1. 11% of college students receive a scholarship.
2. The average combined financial aid award is worth $15,750 for first-time undergraduate students.
3. Students from families in the $30,0001 to $48,000 income bracket receive the most amount of financial aid per year.

No matter what your family's income level is, or how you think you compare to your peers, we're here to make sure you have the best possible resources to be one of the lucky recipients of an exercise scholarship!

How Bold.org can help you win scholarships for exercise science:

As a leading scholarship platform trusted by millions of students, Bold.org offers actionable resources and exclusive scholarships to help you get money for your degree. Here's what you'll find in this guide:

1. Exclusive, vetted exercise science scholarships
2. Easy guide on how to apply for exercise science and health scholarships
3. Actionable tips and research-backed strategies to improve your application
4. More funding from reputable organizations:
5. National Strength and Conditioning Association
6. American Council on Exercise

From national foundations to department-specific awards, we’ll walk you through the best scholarships, how to apply, and how to boost your chances of winning.

Create a free applicant profile on Bold.org and unlock thousands of exclusive scholarships to fund your exercise science degree!

Best Exercise Science Scholarships

1. Physical Therapy Scholarships

If you're studying exercise sciences, chances are you've come across some fundamentals of physical therapy as well, since the two majors are highly connected. In fact, many exercise science students go on to become physical therapists, and these physical therapy scholarships can help you get there!

2. Occupational Therapy Scholarships

While exercise science may focus on heavier physical activity, it still has its merits in the field of occupational therapy, which takes a more day-to-day look at the body and mind. As an exercise science student, you may have a leg up on some of these key scholarships, so apply today and graduate debt-free!

3. Athletic Scholarships

Athletic scholarships aren't just for aspiring professional athletes, but rather anyone who contributes to the field of athletics as a whole, including exercise scientists! Without these cutting-edge innovators, athletes would not be able to break the records they have, and these scholarships seek to honor those contributions!

If you're a graduate student looking for some money to fund your degree, look no further than our scholarships for graduate students!

Easy Scholarships for Exercise Science Majors

1. Easy Scholarships

If you're majoring in exercise science and juggling labs, training sessions, and coursework, you're probably short on time—and energy! That’s where easy scholarships come in. Whether it's a quick questionnaire or a short form, these scholarships are perfect for exercise science students who want free money without the hassle.

2. No-Essay Scholarships

You spend enough time writing research papers and tracking biomechanics, so why should you have to write another essay just to get a scholarship? No-essay scholarships are a breath of fresh air. All it takes is a few clicks to apply, and you could be on your way to winning funds that help you cover tuition, gear, or certification costs. If you're an exercise science student who'd rather lift weights than lift a pen, these are for you!

3. $500 Scholarships

Every dollar counts, especially in a field like exercise science, where extra expenses can add up fast. $500 scholarships may seem modest, but they can make a real difference. Whether you're saving up for textbooks or CPR certification, these manageable awards are often easier to win and stack well with other funding. Apply for a few, and watch your college costs shrink!

Exercise Science Scholarships for Minorities

1. Scholarships for Hispanic Students

Hispanic students represent 20.3% of all undergraduate enrollment in the U.S., but many still face financial barriers to completing their degrees. That’s why there are scholarships designed specifically to support Hispanic students! As an exercise science student, your heritage and your passion for health and movement can work together to earn you funds that help lighten the load, so take pride in your roots and apply confidently!

2. Scholarships for Black Students

Black students must face many systemic inequities that can still make higher education more difficult to access and afford. That’s where targeted scholarships come in. Not just to provide funding, but to invest in the future of Black leaders in fields like kinesiology, sports medicine, and physical therapy. Whether you’re planning to work in underserved communities or break barriers in research and athletics, these scholarships are here to support your journey!

3. Scholarships for Asian American Students

Asian American students are one of the fastest-growing college demographics, accounting for approximately 6.2% of U.S. undergraduates, and numerous scholarships exist to reflect this momentum. In a competitive field like exercise science, where academic achievement and cultural diversity matter, your background and goals can set you apart. Apply for these scholarships if you are an Asian American student to get your work ethic rewarded!

For more general scholarships, check out our top selection of scholarships for minorities!

How to Apply for Exercise Science Scholarships

1. Warm Up with Research

Like stretching before a workout, this part is all about preparing your mind and making sure you have a well-selected batch of scholarships to apply for.

1. Start early. Ideally, begin searching for scholarships in your junior or senior year of high school (or early in college if you're already enrolled).
2. Search smart. Use sites like Bold.org and your university’s financial aid page. Use keywords like:
3. “Exercise science scholarships”
4. “Kinesiology major scholarships”
5. “Health & human performance scholarships”
6. Check with your department. Many exercise science programs have scholarships reserved for majors—sometimes they’re hidden gems known only to faculty or advisors.

2. Keep Your Fitness Resume Ready

Time to flex your academic and extracurricular muscles.

1. Update your academic profile. Include your GPA, relevant coursework (biology, anatomy, exercise physiology), and any honors or awards.
2. Highlight your involvement. Were you a team captain? A certified personal trainer? Volunteered at a rehab clinic? These all boost your credibility and show commitment.
3. Secure your letters. Ask professors, coaches, or supervisors who can speak to your passion for exercise science and your character.

3. Choose the Right Scholarships

Don’t waste energy on ones that don’t fit.

1. Read eligibility criteria closely. Some are only for students in accredited programs, others for undergraduates entering their junior year, or for those with a focus like physical therapy or athletic training.
2. Note the deadline. Keep a calendar with alerts at least two weeks in advance. Late submissions are an automatic disqualification.
3. Look for local options. Community foundations, local gyms, and health organizations sometimes offer small but helpful awards.

4. Write a Personal Statement That Hits Hard

Your essay should pack a punch. Think HIIT, not a casual stroll.

1. Answer the prompt. Stick to what they’re asking: your career goals, passion for exercise science, or how you've made a difference in your community.
2. Get specific. “I love fitness” is a weak statement. “After shadowing a strength and conditioning coach for collegiate athletes, I knew I wanted to merge performance science with coaching” is strong.
3. Keep it personal. Tell a story. Maybe you recovered from an injury that inspired your career, or saw a family member benefit from physical therapy.
4. Proofread. A typo in a scholarship essay is like skipping leg day. Don’t do it.

5. Submit with Confidence

Final reps—let’s finish strong.

1. Follow all instructions. If they ask for a PDF, don’t send a Word doc. If they want three references, don’t send two. Make sure all your documents are structured in accepted formats.
2. Attach everything. Transcript, resume, essay, recommendation letters, and other materials unique to your scholarship! Double-check you've included everything.
3. Click submit (or send). Breathe. That’s one scholarship down. Celebrate with a protein shake!

6. Repeat and Track Progress

Like training for a marathon, this is a process.

1. Apply to multiple scholarships. Aim for quantity and quality. Some may offer $500, others $5,000, you never know what you'll get.
2. Track submissions. Use a spreadsheet or notebook to log deadlines, submission dates, and responses.
3. Follow up if needed. Some scholarships may ask for additional documents later—stay on top of your email.

Learn how to write a killer scholarship essay with our comprehensive guide!

Tips for Applying to Exercise Science Scholarships

Tip #1: Apply Even If You Think You're Not "Perfect"

Scholarships aren't just for straight-A students. In fact, many scholarships don't even take your GPA into account; they just want to see that you have the grit and passion to make a difference in your chosen field. You have nothing to lose by applying, and everything to gain, so go for it!

Tip #2: Send Thank-You Notes

Many students who win scholarships will simply take the funds without acknowledging the sponsors who made their college education possible. It's important to practice gratitude by sending a thank-you note, whether through email or snail mail, to continue the cycle of generosity and forge important relationships with the people who believe in you!

Tip #3: Don’t Ignore Smaller Scholarships

Many students focus only on large, full-ride scholarships and overlook the smaller ones, assuming they’re not worth the effort. But those $250 to $1,000 awards can add up quickly, and often have fewer applicants, which means better odds for you! Applying to several smaller scholarships can significantly reduce your college expenses while showing your dedication and hustle.

Extra Financial Aid for Exercise Sciences, Health Sciences, Human Sciences

1. NSCA Scholarships

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is one of the biggest organizations for exercise physiologists in the nation. Not only are their $2,000 scholarship opportunities a great way to pay for college, they also have a built-in network of role models and peers who can help you succeed in your studies and post-graduation!

2. American Council on Exercise (ACE)

This organization offers many opportunities to obtain credentials and take micro-courses on exercise science, which may help you with job prospects and buff up your resume for other scholarship applications. If you attend Penn State, Duke University, or Manhattan College, they also offer a $1,000 scholarship to pay for an exam preparation study package through ACE.

3. Community Foundations

While not specifically focused on exercise science, community foundations are an often-overlooked yet extremely valuable resource for student financial aid. To find your community foundation, simply look up the name of your district or city followed by "community foundation." Many of these organizations offer scholarships available only to students living in their districts, making them far less competitive than nationwide scholarships and giving you a good chance at winning one!

Maximize your education with our guide to the best kinesiology programs in the country!

Learn more about scholarship opportunities and college life with our scholarship blog, written for students, by students!