SQFI Scholarships

Food Safety Auditing Scholarships and Education Travel Grants

The FMI Foundation annually sponsors scholarships to students currently enrolled in food and agricultural science majors who have a true interest in the field of accredited food safety auditing. These scholarships are extremely competitive and are based primarily on academic ability, leadership potential, motivation, and initiative, along with a passion for the food industry and the auditing profession. 

Scholarship Details

Amount: $3,000 (USD)

Duration: 1 year

Criteria: Grade Point Average of 3.2/4.0 or higher. See additional criteria below.

Deadline: October 13, 2023

Only complete online applications will be considered.

Applications are now open for the 2023-2024 academic year.

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Eligibility Criteria

Student applicants must:

  • Be enrolled as a full-time student (undergraduate or graduate) in an accredited U.S., Canada, or Mexico college or university.
  • Have completed at least two years of college to apply.
  • Have a minimum grade point average of 3.2.
  • Be able to attend and participate in SQF Unites.
  • Students having completed an internship in a food or agriculture science degree program preferred.
  • Previous FMI Foundation Student Scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply; however, previous applicants are welcome to reapply.
  • Family members of the FMI Foundation Board of Directors or Officers are ineligible.

Application Materials

Student applicants must submit:

  • Current resume or curriculum vitae.
  • A cover letter explaining the student’s interest and career goals in accredited food safety auditing that provides specific examples that demonstrate why they are deserving of this scholarship.
  • A letter or transcript from the school verifying the student meets the minimum 3.2/4.0 grade point average requirement. An official transcript is not required.
  • Two recommendation letters (see more information below).

Letters of Recommendation

Include two recommendation letters along with your completed application. All recommendation letters must be written specifically for this scholarship. A maximum of two letters of recommendation will be accepted on your behalf. Letters from your faculty advisor and a course instructor in your major field of study are highly recommended. Letters must be uploaded by the applicant at the time the application is submitted.

The following guidelines should be provided to those persons who are writing your letters of recommendation:

  • Address letters of recommendation to the FMI Scholarship Review Committee.
  • Include the name of the applicant at the top of the letter.
  • Include your own professional affiliation.
  • Indicate how long you have known the applicant and in what capacity.
  • Offer your evaluation of the applicant’s general academic ability; leadership potential; motivation and initiative; ability to work with others; imagination and creativity; potential to succeed in accomplishing the goal of working in the field of accredited food safety auditing.

Scholarship FAQ

I just completed my undergraduate degree and am beginning a graduate program. What grade point average should I put on my CV?
I have started/completed one year of graduate studies. Am I eligible for the scholarship?
I will graduate in fall/winter of this year and begin a graduate program. Am I eligible for the scholarship?
What is covered under the scholarship stipend?