Scholarships

All scholarship opportunities listed here are available only to degree program applicants, with the exception of the Scholarship for the Certificate Program in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy and the Future Leaders Scholarships for the Climate Psychology and Sex Therapy certificates.

Scholarship Descriptions

Institutional Scholarships

CIIS is a university focused on supporting and maintaining its Seven Commitments. The University, guided by these principles, is offering five Trustee Scholarships of $12,500, ten Presidential Scholarships of $10,000 and thirty Mirra Alfassa “The Mother” Scholarships of $5,000 for the 2025-2026 academic year.

In line with our institutional mission of embracing traditions that enhance social and political liberation, these scholarships are intended to support academic excellence and the recruitment of an academically successful, diverse, and transformational student body. 

There are three sets of application materials that need to be submitted to be considered: 

1. Complete admissions application for one of our degree programs, where all application requirements have been met.
2. Scholarship application.
3. Financial aid application in the form of a FAFSA application for domestic students, or an international student aid application for non-US citizens.

Eligibility Requirements: All newly admitted students
For questions about the Institutional Scholarships, please reach out to the Admissions Office at admissions@ciis.edu.

Angeles Arrien

In honor of Angeles Arrien, who founded CIIS' Anthropology program, a scholarship of $2,500 is awarded annually to new students who demonstrate a commitment to working in areas of preservation of cultural heritage, multicultural bridging and collaborative efforts, elder support, and youth support.

Eligibility Requirements: Open to one new incoming student who demonstrates commitment to one of the four areas specified above. Students in the Anthropology and Social Change Program are given priority in awarding this scholarship, but if none qualify, then students from other programs are eligible. The scholarship is renewable for a second year depending on satisfactory academic progress.
Application Deadline: February 15

Apply Here

Asia Cummings Endowed Memorial Scholarships

Through donations from the Ernest Christian Klipstein Foundation and other donors, each year two students in the School of Undergraduate Studies Bachelor of Arts completion program will receive a $2,500 scholarship.

Eligibility Requirements: Undergraduate student
No Application Required.

Auen Foundation Scholarships

Three scholarships of $2,500 each will be provided to second- and third-year Community Mental Health students who commit to two semesters of community service.

Eligibility Requirements: Second- and third year Community Mental Health students committed to two semesters of community service
Application Period: August 1 - September 15

Application Form PDF

Carol Ann Wang Family Endowed Scholarship Fund 

Established by Michael and Meili Pinto, the Carol Ann Wang Family Endowed Scholarship Fund supports new incoming students with a demonstrated interest in the study of arts and/or spirituality research. This endowed fund honors the legacy of Carol Ann Wang and reflects the family’s commitment to fostering creative and spiritual inquiry within the CIIS community.   

Each year, one scholarship of at least $5,000 will be awarded to a new incoming student who meet the following criteria:  

• Demonstrate a clear interest in the study of arts and/or spirituality research
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Are enrolled at CIIS (during the semester of distribution/award)
• Demonstrate financial need (preference given) 

Scholarship awards may be applied toward tuition, fees, or other qualified educational expenses. 

Eligibility Requirements: New incoming students with a demonstrated interest in the study of arts and/or spirituality research
Application Deadline: February 15

Apply Here

Caroline Meister Endowed Scholarship Fund

The Caroline Meister Endowed Scholarship Fund awards a single $10,000 scholarship each academic year to a second- or third-year Drama Therapy (PDT) student who is beginning practicum. This scholarship may be divided equally among the fall, spring, or summer semesters.

As a non-tuition scholarship, the funds may be used for books, equipment, supplies, living expenses, or other qualified educational expenses. However, recipients may also choose to apply the award toward tuition and fees if they wish. Previous recipients are not eligible to reapply for this scholarship in subsequent years. The scholarship recipient will be expected to communicate with the donors at the start and end of their practicum.

The Caroline Meister Endowed Scholarship Fund offers a scholarship based on the following criteria: 

• Second-or third year Drama Therapy (PDT) students entering practicum
• Applicants must have a minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA or equivalent (if the student has taken courses pass/fail) and be enrolled in the second or third year of the PDT Program.
• They should demonstrate excellence in coursework and overall receptivity to learning.
• Preference is given to students working at field practicum sites that serve clients from marginalized communities, those with demonstrated financial need, and those who have shown a commitment to the field and constructively contributed to the program.
• Preference is also given to students starting practicum in the fall semester, though students starting in the spring semester (who already have an approved site) may also apply.

To apply, please submit a 1-2 page essay addressing the following:

• Discuss your motivations for pursuing a career in Drama Therapy with a specific focus on your commitment to working with marginalized communities.
• Describe the values and experiences that have shaped your dedication to this work and outline what you hope to contribute to these communities through your future clinical work.
• Finally, explain how receiving the Caroline Meister Endowed Scholarship will support your continued growth, education, and commitment to serving diverse and/or underserved populations.

Please submit your application essay to Dr. Renee Emunah at remunah@ciis.edu by June 30. 

Eligibility Requirements: Second- and third year Drama Therapy (PDT) students entering practicum
Application Period: Summer Semester, Deadline: June 30

CIIS Faculty and Staff Scholarships

Each year one student from three of CIIS' schools — the School of Professional Psychology and Health, the School of Consciousness and Transformation, and the School of Undergraduate Studies — is awarded a scholarship of $1,000 supported by the annual donations of CIIS faculty and staff.

Eligibility Requirements: One student from each school: Undergraduate Studies, Professional Psychology and Health, and Consciousness and Transformation with financial need
No Application Required.

Drama Therapy Merit Scholarships 

The M.A. in Counseling Psychology concentration in Drama Therapy offers a limited number of two-year Merit Scholarships based on the following criteria: 

• Outstanding preparation for the program
• Excellence in undergraduate and/or prior graduate work
• Relevant work experience or special projects
• Notable promise in terms of potential future contribution to the field of drama therapy. application essays
• GPA
• Letters of recommendation
• Interviews
• Applicants who, in addition to the above criteria, are relocating from a geographical distance that adds to their moving expenses, have strong financial need, and add to the diversity of our program
• Full-time status and maintenance of good academic standing (required)

Eligibility Requirements: M.A. in Counseling Psychology concentration in Drama Therapy students
No Application Required.

Future Leaders Scholarships

Eligibility Requirements: Any student enrolled in the certificate programs

Climate Psychology Certificate

As part of our mission to expand the field of climate psychology, CIIS has designated funds to offer two half $1,500 Scholarships and four partial $1,000 scholarships every cohort for those in financial need.

The Future Leader Scholarships are specifically for applicants who plan to use their climate psychology certification not only to expand their personal practice, but to pursue a leadership position within the field of climate psychology. Examples of this could include, but are not limited to:

• Developing programming to provide emotional support to climate activist organizations
• Conducting research into the mental health dimensions of the climate crisis
• Training clinicians on assessing and treating climate distress
• Working with existing community resources, including first responders, to increase awareness of mental health consequences of climate related disasters
• Developing climate curricula for schools
• Teaching parenting skills
• Engaging in climate communications
• Providing behavioral science consultation to agriculture and land use work
• Working with environmental justice groups in BIPOC communities
• Integrating emotional sustainability themes in business or tech organizations

To apply, please upload a 1-2 page essay with your program application that answers the following questions:

• How will you pursue a leadership position within the field of climate psychology after you complete your training?
• How will you bring the climate psychology education you receive in this program to others in your professional and/or other communities?
• What is your financial situation and why are you applying for a scholarship?

Applications for this scholarship are due during the program application periods:

• Spring: October - January
• Summer: February - April
• Fall: May - July

Sex Therapy Certificate

As part of our mission to expand the field of sex therapy, CIIS has designated funds to offer up to three half $3,500 scholarships, and two partial $2,000 scholarships to every cohort for those in financial need.

The Future Leader scholarships are specifically for applicants who plan to use their Sex Therapy Certificate not only to expand their personal practice, but to pursue a leadership position within the field of sex therapy (e.g. pursue AASECT certification to become a Sex Therapy Supervisor, teach sex therapy to others in your profession, bring sex therapy techniques into your workplace and/or community, and more).

To apply, please upload a 1-2 page essay with your program application that answers the following questions:

• How will you pursue a leadership position within the field of sex therapy after you complete your training?
• How will you bring the sexuality and sex therapy education you receive in this program to others in your professional and/or other communities?
• What is your financial situation and why are you applying for a scholarship?

Applications for this scholarship are due during the program application periods:

• Spring: October - January
• Summer: February - April
• Fall: May - July

Haridas Bina Chaudhuri Endowed Memorial Scholarships 

In honor of CIIS' founders, Haridas and Bina Chaudhuri, up to three $1,000 scholarships are awarded to students from India each year. 

Eligibility Requirements: Preferably a student from India (Indian national) with financial need. If no Indian student is available to be a recipient, then any student in good standing.
No Application Required.

Inaugural Scholarship

All newly admitted students in a new degree-granting program are considered for the CIIS Inaugural Scholarship. $2,500 for full-time study will be awarded each semester for the entirety of the program if these requirements mentioned are met: 

• Students must be fully admitted and enrolled full time
• Students must remain in good academic standing throughout the program

Eligibility Requirements: All newly admitted full-time students in good standing
No Application Required.

Joseph L. Subbiondo Scholarships 

In honor of former CIIS President, Joseph L. Subbiondo, two scholarships of $2,500 each will be awarded to CIIS doctoral candidates  with financial need. These scholarships will be awarded in the fall. Applicants must attach a 2-3 page essay on the ways in which their approved dissertation proposal expresses an integral worldview. Applicants must attach the essay to their financial aid application and also submit their essay to Jacob Sherman, Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness Chair (jsherman@ciis.edu) and Shaun Roberts, Director of Annual Giving (sroberts1@ciis.edu). 

Eligibility Requirements: Doctoral candidate researching themes related to CIIS founding mission, including integral studies, East-West comparative studies, peace studies, and evolution of consciousness
Application Period: May 15 – June 30

Laurance S. Rockefeller Memorial Scholarships

The late Laurance S. Rockefeller remains CIIS' single largest benefactor and he is the namesake for CIIS's library. Two scholarships of $2,500 each are awarded in his honor annually. 

Eligibility Requirements: Financial need
No Application Required.

Michael Gityjoon Hebel Scholarships

Michael and Gityjoon Hebel Scholarships support students with financial need enrolled in the Asian Contemplative and Transcultural Studies program. There are six annual scholarships of $5,000 each for students with financial need enrolled in the Master of Arts in Asian Contemplative and Transcultural Studies.

Eligibility Requirements: Students in the M.A. in Asian Contemplative and Transcultural Studies
For Continuing Students Only: Continuing students should apply by submitting a 1,000 word essay to Debashish Banerji at dbanerji@ciis.edu, explaining how you align and embody the studies within your program. Please include how receiving this scholarship will impact your financial situation.
Application Deadline: February 15

New Incoming Students Apply Here

Continuing Students Apply via Email

Opportunity Scholarship

All newly admitted students are considered for the CIIS Opportunity Scholarships, which range from $500 to $3,000. A separate institutional application is not needed for this scholarship. Opportunity Scholarships are on a first-come-first-serve basis. Complete a FAFSA application as soon as possible. You must be fully admitted and enrolled full time. International students do not need to complete a FAFSA application; please complete the International Student Scholarship Application form and return it to the Financial Aid Office at finaid@ciis.edu. 

Eligibility Requirements: Newly admitted full-time students based on the EFC from the student's ISIR, scholarship matrix is used to determine the amount to award based on ISIR EFC.
No Application Required.

Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness Scholarships 

Through the generosity of Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness faculty, students, and alumni, the program offers three scholarships of $5,000 each, which are awarded in fall semester. Newly admitted and current Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness students with financial need are eligible to apply.

Eligibility Requirements: Newly admitted and current Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness students with financial need
For Continuing Students Only: Continuing students should apply by submitting a 1,000 - 1,200 word essay, describing their alignment with the mission of the Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness program to Jake Sherman at jsherman@ciis.edu.
Application Deadline: February 15

New Incoming Students Apply Here

Continuing Students Apply via Email

Richard G. Meech Anima Mundi Scholarship

One scholarship of $10,000 will be awarded annually to one qualified applicant, either resident or online, enrolled in the M.A. or Ph.D. program in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness. Priority will be given to candidates who are applying in the mid-or late-career phase of their lives. Scholarship applicants must demonstrate a resonance with core values central to Richard Meech’s values, including ecological and planetary spirituality, indigenous wisdom, integral ecology, plant medicine, and the importance of the sacred. While priority will be given to Canadian and mid-career applicants, all applicants will be considered. This scholarship may be renewed at CIIS’ discretion. Applicants are encouraged to read The Journey of Richard G. Meech.

Eligibility Requirements: Resident or online M.A. or Ph.D. student in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness with preference for mid-career and/or Canadian students, but all qualified applicants will be considered. Applicants must demonstrate a resonance with Richard Meech’s core values described below. The scholarship may be renewed for subsequent years.
For Continuing Students Only: Continuing students should apply by submitting a 1,000 - 1,200 word essay on their alignment with the mission of the Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness program to Jake Sherman at jsherman@ciis.edu.
Application Deadline: February 15

New Incoming Students Apply Here

Continuing Students Apply via Email

Robert Joseph and Wilhelmina Ann Kranzke Research Scholarships 

The Robert Joseph and Wilhelmina Ann Kranzke Research Scholarships provide up to $5,000 per annum to doctoral students engaged in scholarly research on psychedelic or entheogenic plants and substances. Eligibility for this award is contingent upon the applicant being a registered doctoral student at CIIS, maintaining exemplary academic standing, having completed a minimum of one semester of full-time academic work, and having at least one remaining year in their doctoral program. The application process, with deadlines on June 15 for fall awards and January 15 for spring awards, requires submission of a comprehensive dissertation proposal, encompassing 15 to 25 pages, alongside a recommendation from the student's dissertation chairperson and requisite approval documents. This scholarship is instrumental in promoting a diverse range of research studies, encompassing disciplines such as psychology, historical analysis, ethnographic studies, and spiritual practices. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the application guidelines and submit their signed application and all required documents to amontuori@ciis.edu. 

Eligibility Requirements: Ph.D. student researching psychedelic/entheogenic plants or substances in the form of a doctoral dissertation
Application Period: Rolling

Application Form PDF

Robert Matta Scholarships 

Two scholarships are available, one scholarship for a new incoming master's students in the M.A. in Counseling Psychology concentration in Integral Counseling Psychology and another scholarship for a new incoming Ph.D. student in East-West Psychology.

Eligibility Requirements: New incoming students in the M.A. in Counseling Psychology concentration in Integral Counseling Psychology and new incoming Ph.D. students in East-West Psychology
Application Deadline: February 15

Apply Here

Samuel Benjamin Hanser Endowed Memorial Scholarships

In memory of CIIS Somatic Psychology student Samuel B. Hanser, the Samuel B. Hanser Memorial Trust supports one annual $2,000 scholarship for a Somatic Psychology M.A. student. To apply, send a two-paragraph rationale outlining your particular interests and/or endeavors and accomplishments while a student in the M.A. in Counseling Psychology concentration in Somatic Psychology program to ncarrillo@ciis.edu no later than November 21st, 2025.

Eligibility Requirements: Students in the M.A. in Counseling Psychology concentration in Somatic Psychology with financial need
Application Deadline: November 21, 2025
No Application Required.

Shirley Strong Scholarship

The Shirley Strong Scholarship Fund awards one $7,500 tuition scholarship annually to a trainee accepted into the Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research Certificate. Selection prioritizes financial need and a commitment to serving under-resourced communities. Preference will be given to students who are able and prepared to attend program cohort weekends in person. An additional $1,000 scholarship may be available to the recipient for travel, books, childcare, or other expenses. All Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research Certificate applicants are considered for this scholarship if they submit a scholarship letter as part of their application.

Eligibility Requirements: Trainee accepted into the Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research Certificate program
Submit a scholarship letter as part of their certificate program application.

Vaishali Chadha ACTS/EWP Scholarship 

The Vaishali Chadha ACTS/EWP Scholarship supports students enrolled in either the M.A. in Asian Contemplative and Transcultural Studies or East-West Psychology programs with $5,000 per academic year. Newly admitted and current East-West Psychology doctoral students with financial need are also eligible to apply. Eligibility is based upon enrollment a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester.

Eligibility Requirements: Students in the M.A. in Asian Contemplative and Transcultural Studies, and the M.A. and Ph.D. in East-West Psychology
For Continuing Students Only: Continuing students should submit a 1,000 word essay to Debashish Banerji at dbanerji@ciis.edu, explaining how you align and embody the studies within your program. Please include how receiving this scholarship will impact your financial situation.
Application Deadline: February 15  

New Incoming Students Apply Here

Continuing Students Apply via Email

There is also a Vaishali Chadha Auroville Scholarship, open to students from Auroville who may be directly referred to Debashish Banerji at dbanerji@ciis.edu.

Contact Us

Please contact our Financial Aid Office at finaid@ciis.edu with questions about scholarships and their availability for this year.

If you are interested in supporting CIIS students with a donation to our scholarship fund, please visit our giving page or contact give@ciis.edu.