Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about applying for an AREF scholarship? You're in the right place. We've compiled answers to the most common questions about eligibility, application requirements, scholarship selection, and award distribution. We encourage all applicants to review these FAQs before submitting their application.

If you can't find the information you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact the AREF team.

General Eligibility

  • AREF scholarships are open to eligible students pursuing post-secondary education who meet the criteria outlined for each scholarship category. Applicants should review the eligibility requirements before applying.

  • Yes. High school students who have been accepted into a post-secondary institution may apply under the Entrance Scholarships category.

  • With the exception of the AREF Al-Quds Awards, applicants must be: 

    • Edmonton or surrounding area residents (the applicant or the applicant’s parent(s) must have resided in Edmonton or surrounding area during the previous 24 months); and 

    • Permanent residents of Canada or Canadian citizens.

Application Process

  • Applications must be submitted through the online application portal before the published deadline.

  • No. There is no fee to apply for AREF scholarships.

  • Yes, you can apply to more than one scholarship. A separate application must be submitted for each scholarship you are interested in applying for. 

  • Required documents may include (but are not limited to):

    • At least two signed, dated, and current (less than one year old) reference letters (references from friends are discouraged and references from family members will not be accepted).

    • Transcripts:

      • For entrance scholarship applicants, a high school transcript. All transcripts must show the name of the student and their birthdate. Screenshots of transcripts, progress reports, and other similar documentation will not be accepted. 

      • For undergraduate and postgraduate students, a PDF transcript for all courses taken during the current degree you are working towards. All transcripts must show the name of the student and their birthdate. Screenshots of transcripts, progress reports, and other similar documentation will not be accepted.

    • A recent official proof of enrolment document for post-secondary studies. Please note that the Letter of Acceptance, screenshots, class schedules, financial reports, and other similar documentation are not considered as valid proof of enrollment. Please note that AREF has modified the requirement to include a proof of enrolment in the initial application. It is now optional to include the proof of enrolment in the initial application. Students who are selected to receive a scholarship will be required to provide a proof of enrolment that verifies their eligibility as documented above, including their current degree specialization, their completion of at least one year in the program specific to the scholarship, and their full-time enrolment in the upcoming academic year (e.g., both Fall 2026 and Winter 2027). Failure to provide a valid proof of enrolment that verifies the eligibility of the applicant will result in the ineligibility of the applicant for the scholarship.

    Please refer to the application instructions for the complete list.

  • You may submit a PDF copy of your unofficial transcript, provided it lists your full name and date of birth.

  • Once submitted, applications cannot typically be modified. Please review all information carefully before submitting. If you would like to make a change to your application, please email scholarship.committee@alrashideducation.com. 

  • To ensure fairness for all applicants, late applications cannot be accepted. Please give yourself sufficient time before the stated deadline to complete and submit your application. 

Community Involvement

  • Community service may include:

    • Volunteering with charities or non-profits

    • Youth mentorship

    • Advocacy and community leadership

    • Organizing community initiatives

  • Paid work may demonstrate leadership, responsibility, and service, but volunteer and community contributions are generally assessed separately.

References

  • Requirements vary by category, though most applications require at least two signed and dated reference letters (that are less than 24 months old). Please review the application instructions.

  • References should be individuals who can speak to your academic performance, leadership, character, or community involvement.

  • No. References should not be family members or friends.

Selection Process

  • Applications are reviewed by an independent adjudication committee based on the published evaluation criteria. Please refer to the Selection Process page for a detailed outline. 

  • Award values vary by scholarship. Current scholarship amounts are listed on the website.

  • Generally, recipients receive one AREF scholarship award per application cycle. Exceptions may occur with selection-based scholarships, such as the Super Math Award, where a student may simultaneouly be an EIA Entrance Award recipient.

  • Currently, students can win up to 3 scholarships from AREF. This is to ensure that more students can benefit from the available scholarships. 

  • The Top Female and Top Male Scholarships are awarded to the applicants who the adjudication committee deemed as outstanding from the entire application pool. No separate application is required. The adjudication committee selects the recipient after reviewing all applications.

Notification and Fund Distribution

  • Applicants will be notified after the adjudication process is complete. Timelines are announced each year.

  • Successful applicants will be contacted directly by email.

  • Due to the competitive nature of the program, not all qualified applicants can receive an award. Applicants are encouraged to apply again in future years if eligible.

  • Scholarship funds are typically distributed at the AREF Awards Gala.

Other Questions