NIAF Scholarship Program Opening Soon
Offered by National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)
About This Scholarship
The National Italian American Foundation runs one of the largest heritage scholarship programs in the country, awarding nearly 200 scholarships a year worth $2,500 to $12,000 each. A single online application places students in consideration for the general awards and for named scholarships that carry extra criteria, such as specific fields of study or study in Italy.
The program is merit-focused. Applicants need at least a 3.5 GPA (some named awards accept less), must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and must enroll full time at an accredited U.S. college or university for fall 2027. You do not have to be of Italian descent, but you do need to show a commitment to or interest in Italian and Italian American culture.
There is a cost to enter: applicants need an active NIAF membership. Students can join at the $50 Student/Teacher level or use a parent's, guardian's or grandparent's membership. The application for 2027-28 opens December 1, 2026.
Eligibility
- Enrolled full time at a U.S. accredited institution of higher education for fall 2027 (incoming freshmen through graduate students)
- Minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale or equivalent (some named scholarships allow lower; pass/fail students eligible)
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Demonstrated commitment to or interest in Italian culture and heritage
- Active NIAF membership required: Student/Teacher membership costs $50 per year, or use a parent's, guardian's or grandparent's membership
How To Apply
- Confirm or purchase an active NIAF membership (Student/Teacher level is $50)
- Create a scholarship account on NIAF's application portal, linked from the NIAF scholarships page, once the application opens December 1, 2026
- Upload a transcript, resume and FAFSA Student Aid Report, and request recommendation letter(s)
- Submit the application and all supporting documents by March 1, 2027, 11:59 p.m. EST; decisions are released May 3, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be Italian American?
No. NIAF asks applicants to demonstrate a commitment to or interest in Italian culture and heritage, but its eligibility list does not require Italian descent.
Is there a fee?
There is no separate application fee, but an active NIAF membership is required. The Student/Teacher membership is $50, or you can use a parent's, guardian's or grandparent's membership.
When will I hear back?
NIAF lists decision notification for May 3, 2027.