Scholarships Questions
Q: Who is eligible to apply?
A: The following people are eligible to apply for a scholarship:
- Any undergraduate student or individual enrolled or accepted as a full-time or part-time student at an accredited post-secondary institution
- Any previous scholarship recipient
- Anyone majoring in a restaurant, foodservice, or hospitality-related program
- Anyone NOT related to any employees or family members of the National Restaurant Association, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, or any State Restaurant Association
Q: What if I already have an undergraduate degree? Can I still apply?
A: Yes, if you already possess a previous undergraduate degree, but are now pursuing a degree in hospitality, you are still eligible to apply.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Undergraduate scholarship applications are accepted between January 15 and March 15. Links to the online application will be posted here and around the NRAEF site, during this time.
Q. How are scholarships paid out?
A. If you’ve been awarded a scholarship and have completed the steps to claim it, your scholarship funds will be mailed directly to the school you indicate during the claiming process.
Q: What scholarships are available?
A: The Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for qualified students. Click here to see a list of available scholarships.
Q: How much are the scholarships?
A: Undergraduate scholarships range from $2,500 to $10,000 with most in the $2,500 range.
Q: How often are scholarships awarded?
A: Scholarships are awarded once during each academic year. NRAEF defines an academic year as any semester, term, or quarter that falls between August 1 of the current year and July 31 the following year. Scholarship funds are valid for one year and are non-transferrable unless approved by the NRAEF.
Q: Is the scholarship renewable?
A: NRAEF scholarships are NOT renewable, but applicants are eligible to apply each year.
Q. Where can I find the NRAEF Scholarship Terms and Conditions?
For specifics on fund usage, distribution of funds, enrollment and other eligibility questions, click here for a full list of our Terms and Conditions.
Q. I'm a Financial Aid Officer. What information do I need?
Scholarship checks are distributed directly from our Finance Department to the post-secondary institution after satisfactory completion of all post-award steps. To ensure that the appropriate person/department receives all important information related to the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Scholarship Program, please provide the appropriate contact information to Shaniel McBurrows via e-mail at: smcburrows@nraef.org
Q: I’m interested in funding a scholarship… how do I set it up?
A: Thank you for your interest in supporting our scholarship program! For more information, please send us an e-mail at scholars@nraef.org and we will connect you to the appropriate personnel.
Looking for Cash? Here’s how to fund your future.
Q: How do I apply for a scholarship?
A: Between January 15 and March 15, complete our online application.
Q: What do I need to apply?
A: You will need the following:
- A valid e-mail address to create an application account
- A PDF of your most current transcript that shows your cumulative GPA or a GED certificate
- Military discharge papers (if applying as a veteran)
Q: When is the deadline to apply?
A: The deadline for undergraduate scholarships is March 15. Check our Timeline for a more detailed timeline for applying!
Q: When are scholarship awards announced?
A: All applicants who submit a complete application on or before March 15 will receive an email confirmation immediately upon completion. If awarded, applicants will be notified via e-mail by May 31, 2023. All communications are sent via e-mail, so make sure to provide one that is frequently checked!
Q: How will I know if I was awarded?
A: All applicants who submit a complete and correct application before the deadline will be notified via e-mail to the e-mail address they provided in their application in June. All communications from our office will be via e-mail so make sure you provide one that you check often!
Q: I’ve been awarded... now what?
A: Congratulations! There are a few additional steps you’ll need to do in order for us to process your scholarship funds. A full listing of these steps can be found here. Make sure to complete all of the required steps before the August 15th deadline!
Q: How are scholarships paid out?
A: If you’ve been awarded a scholarship and have completed the claiming steps, your scholarship funds will be mailed directly to the school. Please allow four to six weeks from when you officially claimed your scholarship for your school to receive the funds.
Q: What can my scholarship funds be used for?
A: Scholarships are awarded annually and split between the Fall and Spring semesters. Funds can be used for any of the following expenses: Tuition and fees, Books, Room and Board, or any other school-related expenses. It can also be used for winter or summer sessions within the academic year the funds were awarded. For more information on the usage and disbursement of your scholarship, check the Scholarship Terms and Conditions document.
Still have questions? Email scholars@nraef.org. We’re here to help
NOTE: A limited number of scholarships are available for Canadian citizens attending school in Canada. For more information, please refer to the DiRoNA scholarship.
Contact Us
Interested in finding out more about our scholarships and grants programs, or looking to connect with someone about funding our scholars? Please use the form below and we’ll connect with you, quickly!