The NRF Foundation Retail Brand Licensing Scholarship presented by Licensing International, introduces students to career paths in brand licensing within the retail industry.
If you are an undergraduate college student, in a four-year college program or a two-year community college program, with an interest in careers in the retail industry and brand licensing, you could earn a $5,000 tuition scholarship and a trip to New York City to attend the 2027 NRF NXT (formerly known as the NRF Foundation Student Program).
You will have the opportunity to meet with dozens of retail recruiters hiring for both internships and entry-level roles, hear from top leaders and executives in the industry, and learn about careers in brand licensing.
The application period runs from August 24 through October 13, 2026. Apply for the opportunity to gain recognition as an emerging leader in brand licensing and attend NRF NXT in New York City. Students will be notified of selection decisions by November 20, 2026.
The NRF Foundation Retail Brand Licensing Scholarship presented by Licensing International application consists of a written statement, a short video response to a choice of prompts, a resume, and an unofficial transcript to verify enrollment.
Compose a written statement in response to the following question (maximum of 300 words):
Describe your career interest in the retail industry and brand licensing. What motivated you to apply for this scholarship, and what excites you about the industry?
Record your answer to the following prompt in a 2-to-3-minute video. We ask that you appear on camera for at least 30 seconds. There are no other format requirements, so you can be creative. Begin your video with a brief introduction of yourself, then respond to the following prompt:
Briefly introduce yourself. Then, identify an example of a brand licensing deal in the retail industry that you find exciting. What benefits did the licensing partnership bring to the brand and why is it an effective strategy both for the business and for the consumer?
Focus on sound quality and consistency throughout your video and identify locations with low background noise. We are not looking for professional videography, but we must be able to clearly see and hear you throughout your entire video.
You must upload a current resume as part of your application materials.
You must upload a copy of your college transcript (does not have to be official transcripts) to verify your enrollment.
Application opens
August 24, 2026
Deadline to submit application
October 13, 2026
Award selection and notification
November 20, 2026
Enrolled full-time at a fully accredited U.S. college, university or a community college.
Undergraduate level: sophomore, junior or senior in a four-year college program, or a first- or second-year undergraduate student enrolled in a community college in January 2027.
Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Legal U.S. citizen or resident over 18 years of age.
Pursuing studies in business, marketing, design, engineering, e-commerce, merchandising, product development, entrepreneurial studies or other brand licensing industry-related program.
Have not previously attended NRF NXT (formerly NRF Foundation Student Program) through a scholarship from the NRF Foundation.
Must be available to attend NRF NXT, Jan 7-10, 2027 in NYC.
No affiliation with Licensing International or with NRF or the NRF Foundation.
The scholarship will open for applications on August 24, 2026, and close on October 13, 2026.
Students will be notified of their application status and selection by November 20, 2026.
