The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) awards a variety of scholarships in two categories each year for recipients to use in the following academic year in support of their educational expenses. Each NIAF scholarship category is merit-based:
General Category I—These awards are given to Italian American students in any field who show high academic achievements and outstanding potential.
General Category II—These awards are given to students from any ethnic or national background who are majoring or minoring in Italian language, Italian studies, Italian American studies, or a related field, and who show high academic achievements and outstanding potential.
Scholarship awards range from $2,500 to $12,000 and are awarded to undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, medical, dental and law students. Each scholarship award can only cover tuition and university-provided room and board. Scholarship recipients are eligible for one year of scholarship support. Scholarship monies not used during one academic year are not transferable to the following academic year. Scholarship applicants and winners can and are encouraged to reapply in subsequent years.