AICP Certification Scholarship

The American Planning Association is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in the organization and the planning profession, thereby providing opportunities for all to achieve excellence in planning.

AICP Certification scholarships help make the planning profession more diverse. Diversity is an inclusive concept that encompasses but is not limited to race, ethnicity, class, gender, age, sexuality, ability, educational attainment, spiritual beliefs, creed, culture, tribal affiliation, nationality, immigration status, financial status, political beliefs, and veteran status.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, self-identify with one or more of the categories above, and have a financial need, please apply. Here are additional details:

• Applicants must be members of APA.
• Fifty scholarships will be awarded through a lottery system. Applicants can receive the scholarship for the exam or the assessment (not both).
• Scholarships cannot be transferred to a future cycle, but recipients can reapply.
• Members who do not receive a scholarship can apply again in any future window.
• All APA members (both domestic and international) can apply for the scholarship.
• Contact information and test results of scholarship recipients will be shared with APA Chapter Professional Development Officers (PDOs).

Scholarship Application

2026 AICP Certification Scholarship Timeline*

February — First scholarship application window opens at the beginning of the month; closes at the end of the month

March — Fifty scholarship recipients selected

May — Second scholarship application window opens at the beginning of the month; closes at the end of the month

June — Fifty scholarship recipients selected

AICP Certification fees for Scholarship recipients