Eligibility and Application

The application for the IFMA Foundation Academic Scholarship is closed until January 2027.

The IFMA Foundation Scholarship

The IFMA Foundation scholarship program has awarded more than $2 million dollars to more than 830+ students since the program started in the early 1990’s. Scholarship recipients receive a cash award and fully subsidized World Workplace conference travel, registration and participation.

The individual scholarships range in value from $1,500 to $10,000 and are awarded to undergraduate (2- year and 4-year) and graduate students enrolled in facility management or FM related programs.

These scholarships change lives and are a principal strategy in creating the next generation of FM professionals. The Global Workforce Initiative explores the expansion of scholarship opportunities to high school seniors, associate degree students, and veterans.

Eligibility requirements for applicants:

At time of application, students must be enrolled in a facilities management program, facilities management specialization or closely adjacent program such as construction management, architecture, engineering, hospitality, business management, interior design, environmental studies, or real estate management. Other programs of study may apply if students demonstrate a pursued interest in facility management through course selection, projects, and/or experience
Must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 in FM or related courses. For international students, equivalent documentation of academic achievement level equivalent to a 3.2 GPA. Click International Grade Equivalencies or Dutch Grade Equivalencies as a basis to determine eligibility.
Scholarship recipients receive fully subsidized attendance at IFMA’s World Workplace 2026 Conference & Expo in Anaheim, California, USA. The World Workplace Student Experience is a phenomenal opportunity to connect, learn and get involved. Attendance and on-site participation are required of scholarship recipients; so, please ensure your availability 16-20 November 2026.
Students are limited to a maximum of two awards of this scholarship.
Working students are encouraged to apply.

Support the Future of FM

You can help ensure a strong facility management workforce by sponsoring scholarships for FM students through the IFMA Foundation. Each year, IFMA components, businesses and individuals help students progress in their post-secondary and graduate studies through scholarship support. Scholarship recipients not only receive a financial academic scholarship but also a subsidized trip to IFMA’s annual World Workplace Conference and Expo during which they participate in customized programs, educational sessions, opportunities to engage with their sponsors, and networking opportunities.

Listen to what some of our recent recipients say about their scholarship experience.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact Brad Fuglsang at bradley.fuglsang@ifma.org. You can find the Scholarship Sponsorship Form below.

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The Impact of the IFMA Foundation Academic Scholarship

Mahnaz Ensafi

Where did you study?

I received my PhD in Environmental Design and Planning from Virginia Tech. My dissertation focused on the application of AI in facility management.

When did you receive the scholarship from IFMA Foundation?

I received my first IFMA Foundation scholarship in 2021, and I was also part of the winning team for the IFMA Ignite FM competition that same year. I received a second scholarship in 2022.

What did you gain from the scholarship experience?

The scholarship gave me more than financial support. It connected me to the FM community early on and helped me see how technology and data could be applied in real-world operations.

It also gave me the opportunity to meet and learn from experienced professionals in the industry. Those connections played an important role in both my research and my career growth by offering guidance, sharing practical insights, and helping me better understand how to navigate my path.

How did you leveraged that in your career pathway since then?

The IFMA community has directly supported my journey. Members contributed to my PhD research through surveys and interviews, which was invaluable in shaping my work and how I approached real-world problems. I have also benefited from mentorship and support from professionals in the IFMA community, which has played an important role in my growth.

That experience influenced the direction of my career. Today, I focus on applying technology in real operational settings, including implementing enterprise platforms and exploring AI-driven use cases in facility management.

Along the way, I have stayed involved with IFMA through volunteer roles with the Capital Chapter, Young Professionals, and the IT Community, and by contributing to initiatives such as industry reports and working groups as a way to give back to a community that has supported me and continues to support me.

What is your advice for current FM students?

Take full advantage of the IFMA community early on. It is one of the most valuable resources you have access to, not just for learning but for building relationships.

Get involved, attend events, ask questions, and do not hesitate to reach out to professionals. The connections you build and the perspectives you gain will shape your career far beyond what you learn in the classroom.

Also, make use of the resources IFMA provides, including reports, research, and publications such as FMJ. They are a great way to stay informed and better understand the real challenges and priorities in the industry.