The Harvey and Dorothy Miller Graduate Scholarship in Innovative Occupational Therapy is a distinguished award offered by the University of Alberta, one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities. This scholarship supports talented graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence, innovation in clinical practice, and leadership within the occupational therapy profession.
Created in 2015 through the generosity of Linda Miller in tribute to her parents, this scholarship reflects a deep commitment to improving client care through innovation, empathy, and interprofessional collaboration. The award recognizes students who not only achieve top academic results but also demonstrate creativity in enhancing client participation and wellbeing during clinical placements.
Summary
- Host Institution: University of Alberta
- Scholarship Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Category: Master’s (MSc in Occupational Therapy)
- Eligible Countries: Open to students of all nationalities, including Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students
- Financial Coverage: One-time award of CAD $1,000
Scholarship Details
The Harvey and Dorothy Miller Graduate Scholarship honors and supports exceptional MSc in Occupational Therapy students at the University of Alberta who exemplify innovation, leadership, and a strong commitment to client-centered care. This prestigious award seeks to recognize students who not only achieve academic excellence but also translate their knowledge into impactful, real-world solutions that enhance client outcomes in clinical settings.
Award recipients consistently demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to occupational therapy, applying creative strategies and evidence-based interventions that foster greater client participation in daily life. For example, they may use individualized treatment plans, adaptive technologies, or collaborative care models. Through these approaches, these students challenge the status quo and work to expand what’s possible in rehabilitation and inclusive health practices.
Beyond academics and clinical performance, this award places a strong emphasis on interprofessional collaboration and social advocacy. It recognizes students who actively lead and participate in multidisciplinary teams, while also promoting inclusive design. Moreover, it encourages students to champion universal accessibility and engage in initiatives that bridge gaps across health disciplines. Whether it’s through mentorship, student leadership, or participation in community outreach, applicants are expected to demonstrate a deep commitment to equity and the advancement of occupational therapy as a progressive, people-first profession..
Additionally, the scholarship encourages first-generation university students to apply. Students whose parents or guardians did not complete postsecondary education receive special consideration, reflecting the award’s dedication to expanding opportunity and supporting future leaders who bring unique perspectives and resilience to the field.
Benefits of the Scholarship
Receiving the Harvey and Dorothy Miller Graduate Scholarship provides more than just financial assistance—it is a prestigious recognition of a student’s potential to lead and innovate within the occupational therapy field. Benefits include:
- A financial award of CAD $1,000, disbursed as a one-time payment to the recipient
- Recognition of the student’s innovative contributions to client-centered occupational therapy practice
- Validation of leadership and creative problem-solving within clinical settings
- The opportunity to enhance your academic portfolio and résumé with a notable distinction from a top Canadian institution
- Encouragement and visibility within the university and professional communities, which may support future career opportunities or advanced academic pursuits
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Harvey and Dorothy Miller Graduate Scholarship in Innovative Occupational Therapy, applicants must meet a set of well-defined academic and professional criteria. These include:
- You must be enrolled full-time in the MSc in Occupational Therapy program at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine.
- You must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) to qualify for consideration.
- You should demonstrate outstanding performance during clinical placements, particularly by applying innovative or creative approaches that enhance client outcomes or participation.
- You need to show leadership within academic or community settings through mentorship, advocacy, or active involvement in student or professional organizations.
- The selection committee prefers students who excel in interprofessional education modules, especially in areas such as universal design, inclusive practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- If you are a first-generation university student (meaning your parents or guardians did not complete postsecondary education). You are strongly encouraged to apply and will receive additional consideration during the selection process.
Required Documents
To support your application for the scholarship, students must prepare a compelling and complete submission package. Required documents typically include:
- A written statement describing your educational background, career goals, clinical experiences, and how you have demonstrated innovation during fieldwork. This is a critical part of the application and should highlight unique contributions or creative interventions in client care.
- Proof of your academic performance in the MScOT program, including your cumulative GPA.
- Optional Supporting Documents: Additional endorsements from faculty or clinical supervisors may strengthen your application, though they may not be mandatory.
How to Apply for the Harvey and Dorothy Miller Graduate Scholarship
- Contact the Department: Reach out to the Department of Occupational Therapy to express interest and obtain specific application details.
- Prepare Application Materials: Draft a comprehensive letter of application and gather your academic transcript.
- Submit to Department: Submit the application package to the Department of Occupational Therapy by the specified internal deadline.
- Departmental Review: The department will review applications and select a nominee based on the outlined criteria.
- Nomination Submission: The selected nomination is forwarded to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR).
- Final Selection: The Graduate Scholarship Committee evaluates nominations and makes the final decision.
- Notification: Successful applicants will be notified by the department or FGSR.
Application Deadlines
The application deadlines for the Harvey and Dorothy Miller Graduate Scholarship may vary slightly from year to year, depending on the University of Alberta’s internal schedules. However, the general timeline is as follows:
- Internal Department Deadline: Mid to Late September 2025
(Exact date is set by the Department of Occupational Therapy. Students must submit their materials to the department for consideration by this date.) - Nomination Deadline to FGSR (Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research): Early October 2025
(The department forwards its selected nominee to FGSR for final review.)
