Culinary Arts Scholarships

Students and, for some funds, licensed professionals in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nails, and massage therapy may apply for 20+ named scholarships through the Beauty Changes Lives Submittable portal. Proof of enrollment or licensure is required. Individual seasonal awards range from about $1,500 to $20,000 depending on the sponsor (Wella, OPI, amika, Dermalogica, Miller Family Foundation, and others). Applications run in four seasonal windows: Spring (March 1-April 30), Summer (June 1-July 31), Fall (September 1-October 31), and Winter (December 1-January 31). The Summer 2026 window is open as of July 14, 2026. Beauty Changes Lives is a nonprofit backed by major beauty brands to fund cosmetology and wellness trade education.

U.S. citizens ages 17 to 25 who are transition-aged or aging-out foster youth with proof of foster care experience, a high school diploma or GED, and plans to attend an accredited vocational, trade, or two-year college program in a high-demand trade field may apply. Foster Love and AVB BrandSource select ten scholars per cycle for awards of up to $10,000 over up to two years, plus career coaching and personal development support. Submit the application with proof of foster care, acceptance into an accredited program, a personal statement, and two recommendation letters. Applications close once all slots are filled.

U.S. citizens or permanent residents in the Washington, DC metropolitan area accepted into a full-time culinary or hospitality post-secondary program of at least four semesters may apply for the Frans Hagen Scholarship from Educated Eats. Scholarships of up to $5,000 are paid half in the first semester and half in the second. Applicants need at least a 2.75 GPA or top-third class standing, plus culinary coursework or at least 400 hours of foodservice experience with proof. Submit the application with acceptance documentation, work experience verification, and transcripts.

Future full-time students enrolling at Mariano Moreno Culinary Institute in Miami for certificate or associate programs in culinary arts or pastry and baking may apply for the President's Scholarship. Awards range from $500 to $5,000 per recipient and are applied to tuition after the first billing period for the current enrollment period only. Complete the President's Scholarship application and a one- to two-page essay on career goals and how you will represent the school. Financial need is considered as part of the financial aid package.

BIPOC esthetics students age 18 or older enrolled in an accredited U.S. or Canadian program that leads to licensure may apply if they are pursuing aesthetics, skincare formulation, or cosmetic chemistry. Up to five recipients each receive a $5,000 award funded by Circadia through Beauty Changes Lives, along with mentorship and an all-expenses-paid Circadia Connect trip. Complete the online application through the Beauty Changes Lives portal and submit proof of enrollment or attendance. Also submit a YouTube video of three minutes or less answering application questions.

Endowed Rosen College scholarship providing at least two annual awards of $5,000 to UCF hospitality students, established by Marriott Vacations Worldwide in honor of Stephen P. Weisz. Applicants must be enrolled in Rosen College with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preference is given to students interested in or experienced with the timeshare industry and those with demonstrated community volunteer service. Students apply through UCF's Access 2 Opportunities scholarship portal during the open scholarship cycle and must accept awards in A2O.

Missoula College scholarship providing up to $5,000 for students in the Culinary Arts program who demonstrate financial need. The Missoula College scholarship committee determines recipient numbers and individual award amounts from the fund. Apply through the UM Scholarship Universe portal by the April 1 Missoula College deadline. Complete the general scholarship application to be matched with this and other Missoula College opportunities. Recipients are notified after the committee meets in early May for the summer, fall, and spring academic year.

The George Macht Culinary and Baking Scholarship Challenge is an annual competition at College of DuPage's Culinary and Hospitality Center for first-year students in Culinary, Baking, and Pastry Arts programs with a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Students compete in separate pastry and culinary challenges for scholarships supporting tuition, fees, books, and supplies. First-place winners receive $4,500 and second-place winners receive $2,000 in each track. George Macht established the endowment upon retiring in 2008 after building COD's Culinary and Hospitality program. Students prepare recipes with faculty support before the live competition.

U.S. citizens enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university with a major or primary focus in business, finance, marketing, food service, hospitality, franchising, or entrepreneurship may apply. One $3,500 tuition award includes complimentary IFA Annual Convention registration and up to $1,500 for travel. Two $1,000 runner-up awards are also given. The scholarship honors franchising leader Doc Cohen. Application timing is posted on the IFA National Scholarship Fund page when the cycle opens.

Students accepted for full-time enrollment at Johnson & Wales University in culinary arts, culinary nutrition, or baking and pastry arts may apply for one of two ACFEF scholarships. Each scholarship is $2,500 per year for up to four years, applied directly to the student's institutional account. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and must intend to become a chef or pastry chef. The American Culinary Federation Education Foundation awards these scholarships on a points-based application reviewed by a selection committee.