Illinois Restaurant Association Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Illinois Restaurant Association
Overview
Since it began, the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF) has granted more than $3.6 million to Illinois students pursuing postsecondary degrees in culinary arts and hospitality management.
2025–2026 Scholarship application
The IRAEF scholarship application for the 2025–2026 academic year will open on January 1, 2026.
Who is eligible
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a permanent resident of Illinois.
- Have been accepted to, or intend to apply to, an accredited culinary or hospitality program at a school, college, or university.
- Be enrolled as a full-time or substantial part-time student, carrying at least 9 credit hours each term.
- Major in, or plan to major in, culinary arts, restaurant management, foodservice, or a closely related field.
- Be under 30 years of age at the time of application.
Award distribution
Scholarship awards are processed in June/July and are sent directly to the recipient’s institution—specifically to the school’s financial aid office—which will manage disbursement to the student.