Who is eligible to apply?
- Anyone enrolled as a full-time or part-time student at an accredited post-secondary institution pursuing a restaurant, food service, or hospitality-related degree.
- Graduate student pursuing a degree in supply chain only.
Can I apply if I work at the National Restaurant Association or NRAEF or if a family member works there?
No. Employees or family members of the National Restaurant Association, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, or any State Restaurant Association are not eligible
What do I need to apply?
- A valid e-mail address, other than your school address, to create an application account
- A PDF of your most current transcript that shows your cumulative GPA or your certificate for a GED
- Military discharge papers, if applying as a veteran
What is the application deadline?
All applications must be submitted by March 15, 2025 at 11:59 PT. Once your application is complete, you will receive an email notification. If you do not receive the confirmation, please return to the application and verify all steps have been completed. There is only one application cycle each year.
What if I already have an undergraduate degree? Can I still apply?
Yes, if you already possess a previous undergraduate or graduate degree and are now pursuing a degree in hospitality, you are still eligible to apply.
Is the scholarship renewable?
NRAEF scholarships are not renewable.
What if I have already received a scholarship from the NRAEF? Can I still apply?
Yes, past scholarships recipients can reapply each year they are in school.
How much are the scholarships?
Scholarships range from $2,500 to $10,000.
When are scholarship awards announced?
Applicants will be notified via e-mail by June 15, 2025. All communications are sent via e-mail, so make sure to provide one that is frequently checked. Scholarship funds must be claimed by August 15.
What can my scholarship funds be used for?
Scholarships are awarded annually and split between the Fall and Spring semesters. Award money may be used for tuition and fees, books, room and board (on or off campus), transportation costs, meal plan costs, or any other school-related expenses (e.g., uniforms, knife kits, supplies, etc.).
Can funds be used to pay school loans if I’ve already graduated?
Funds CANNOT be used to pay off loans or for any school-related expenses, if the student has already graduated.
How are scholarships paid out?
All funds are paid directly to your college/university once the necessary scholarship payment forms are complete. Scholarships are divided equally between the first semester and the second semester. Please allow four to six weeks from when you officially claimed your scholarship for your school to receive the funds. Scholarship funds are valid for one year and are non-transferrable unless approved by the NRAEF.
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.
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.
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