Iran, which was once the birthplace of the Persian Empire – the oldest and largest empire in the world – undoubtedly has one of the richest histories and cultures in the entire world. In an attempt to spread the word of the abundant Iranian culture, the Houtan Foundation offers scholarship to students from all origins – Iranian and non-Iranian – who have high academic performance and proven interest in promoting Iran’s great culture, heritage, language and civilization. The candidates for the award must demonstrate leadership ability and the desire to make a difference in the society where they reside. The Houtan Foundation has a strong interest in each of these students’ achievements throughout the scholarship period and beyond, as the foundation’s goal is to participate in each student’s success.

Currently, one award of $3500 per year will be given toward a graduate school education for the selected applicant. The award is offered for a combined fall and spring semester. The application is acceptable if it is received no later than the 1st of June preceding the award year.

Criteria:

• The applicant should have a working knowledge of Parsi and should demonstrate an active
  interest in Iranian culture, heritage, and literature.
• The applicant must presently be attending or anticipate attending an accredited graduate school.
• The applicant must have superior academic performance or a significant increase of academic
  performance over the course of his/her academic career.
• Financial need will be a factor in determining the scholarship recipients.

Selection of Recipients:

• The scholarship will be awarded to an eligible graduate student, regardless of the student’s field
  of study; the scholarship will be sent directly to the graduate school.
• After the board has reviewed the application and other submitted documents, the finalists will be
  notified by mail or email.
• Each finalist must complete an interview, either by phone or in person, with Mina Houtan, PhD,
  Founder and Chairperson of the Houtan Scholarship Foundation. This is the Foundation’s first
  step in establishing a relationship with the student.
• The recipient will be selected from the pool of finalists based on submitted documents, the interview,
  and finantial need; the recipient will be notified by mail or email.
• Once you are selected as a winner – you are expected to acknowledge the receipt of the notice
  and contact us by e-mail within a month of the date you receive the notice. Failure to do so will
  result in losing the award.

Re-application Criteria:

• If contact information remains the same within one(1) application year, there is no need to fill out the
  application form.
• Submit all grades following the receipt of the scholarship.
• The applicant must show that he/she has continued an active interest in Iranian culture, heritage, and
  literature following the receipt of the scholarship. Interest must be proved with appropriate
  documentation.
• Applicants must apply by the deadline. Your re-application process will be reviewed and compared to
  the new pool of applicants.