Eligibility criteria are the specific requirements that individuals must meet to qualify for a program, service, or opportunity. These criteria can include factors such as age, education level, residency status, or income. For example, a scholarship may require applicants to be high school seniors with a minimum GPA. Organizations use eligibility criteria to ensure that participants are suitable for their offerings. This helps maintain standards and ensures that resources are allocated effectively. For instance, a job position may require candidates to have a certain number of years of experience in a related field, such as software development.