Scholarships FAQs

This page answers common questions about NEWH scholarships, including eligibility, academic requirements, application timing, and how awards are administered.

NEWH scholarships support students pursuing careers across hospitality and adjacent industries. While each scholarship has its own criteria, the answers below address the most frequently asked questions and help clarify how the process works.

If you are exploring scholarships for the first time, this is a good place to start. For specific opportunities and deadlines, visit Available Scholarships or review How NEWH Scholarships Work.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who can apply for a NEWH scholarship?

    NEWH scholarships are open to students pursuing education related to hospitality and adjacent industries at accredited institutions. Eligibility varies by scholarship, but opportunities exist for students at different stages of their education, including two-year, four-year, and graduate programs.

  • Are students attending technical or vocational schools eligible? 

    Eligibility for technical and vocational students depends on the specific scholarship. Some scholarships require enrollment at a regionally accredited institution, while others are open to students at a wider range of programs. Check the criteria for each scholarship you are considering.

  • Do I need to be enrolled in a CIDA-accredited program?

    Not all NEWH scholarships require CIDA accreditation. Some scholarships in design-focused categories may prioritize CIDA-accredited programs, but many scholarships across the broader NEWH portfolio do not have this requirement. Review the individual scholarship criteria to confirm.

  • Can I apply if I am in a two-year or certificate program? 

    Yes. NEWH scholarships are available to students in two-year programs, and some are specifically designed to support students at community colleges and technical institutions. Check the individual scholarship for program-type requirements.

  • Is there a minimum GPA requirement? 

    Most NEWH scholarships require a minimum GPA, typically 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The exact requirement varies by scholarship. Official transcripts are required as part of the application and reviewed as part of the eligibility assessment.  

  • Do I need to demonstrate financial need? 

    Yes, applicants are required to demonstrate financial need in order to be considered for a scholarship. 

  • Is there an age limit to apply? 

    There is no universal age limit to apply for NEWH scholarships. Eligibility is generally based on factors such as financial need, enrollment status, field of study, and other academic criteria rather than age. Some scholarships may include additional requirements related to career stage. 

    Please note that in certain regions of the United States and Canada, applicants under the age of 19 may require parental consent. In Mississippi, this age is 21. If you are under the applicable age and reside in Alabama, Nebraska, Mississippi, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, or Yukon, please contact the NEWH Global Office for guidance before applying. 

  • Do I need to be a citizen of a specific country? 

    Most NEWH scholarships do not require citizenship in a specific country, but they may require enrollment at an institution located in certain regions. Some chapter scholarships are geographically restricted to students attending schools within a chapter’s area. Review each scholarship for regional eligibility requirements.

  • Do I need to be a NEWH member to apply? 

    NEWH membership is not required to apply for most scholarships. The program is designed to support students regardless of membership status. That said, NEWH membership provides additional benefits and is worth exploring if you are pursuing a career in hospitality.

  • Can I apply for more than one chapter scholarship?

    In most cases, students may only apply through the chapter whose geographic area includes their school. Applying through multiple chapters simultaneously is generally not permitted. For global scholarships, students may apply independently of chapter affiliation.

  • What if I am graduating soon? 

    Students who are graduating soon may still be eligible depending on the application deadline and when they will complete their program. Some scholarships require that funds be applied to a current or upcoming academic term, and applicants must demonstrate financial need related to their education. Check the specific scholarship for enrollment requirements at the time of application and award.

  • What happens if I leave school after receiving a scholarship? 

    Scholarship funds are generally disbursed directly to the institution and applied to tuition or approved expenses. If a student withdraws, the institution may return unused funds according to its own refund policy. Contact the relevant NEWH chapter or the global office for guidance specific to your situation.

  • What if I cannot submit my official transcripts by the application deadline? 

    Application deadlines are firm. If you cannot submit required documents including transcripts by the deadline, your application may be considered incomplete. Contact the relevant chapter or NEWH directly before the deadline to ask about options.

  • Do I need to enrolled in a specific-accredited program?

    No, you do not need to be enrolled in  specific accredited program. However, your program or school must be accredited by a recognized accrediting body. 

  • Which chapter should I apply through if I live in one place but attend school in another? 

    Chapter scholarship eligibility is typically based on the location of your school, not your home address. You should apply through the chapter whose geographic area includes your institution. If you are unsure which chapter that is, use the chapter finder or contact NEWH directly.

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