2026-2027 NRF Foundation University Challenge
Introduction
The NRF Foundation University Challenge isn’t an average business case competition. This unique experience gives undergraduate students the chance to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom in a real-world setting. Since its launch, the NRF Foundation University Challenge, formerly Student Challenge, has provided over $570,000 in scholarship funds to students across the country, and priceless career opportunities.
It’s more than an exercise. A handful of teams will earn the chance to present their pitch to leaders from retail’s biggest companies, with the top team earning $30,000 in tuition awards.
Description
The 2026-27 NRF Foundation University Challenge is our business competition for teams of three to four undergraduates studying all majors. Get real-world experience, make your pitch to retail leaders and your team could earn up to $30,000 in scholarships.
Application Process
The NRF Foundation University Challenge application process consists of three phases. In the first phase, teams are required to submit a 25-slide pitch presentation deck and 90-second video presentation that addresses the business challenge. There will be a review period during which teams will be evaluated by retail judges at various companies.
A maximum of 10 teams will be selected to advance to the second phase. In phase two, teams will revise their pitch decks and videos and complete Q&A interviews with a group of retail judges. The interviews, revised pitch decks and videos will be evaluated by a second group of retail judges.
Three teams will be selected to advance to the third and final phase. In this phase, teams will present their pitches live to a panel of executive retail judges. The first-place team will receive a $30,000 tuition scholarship per team, the second-place team will receive $20,000 per team and the third-place team will receive $20,000 per team.
Qualifications
The NRF Foundation University Challenge is exclusively open to undergraduate university students. Each team will consist of three to four students each; interested applicants should check with their school’s NRF Advisor to see how they are selecting teams to enter. Participating students must be sophomores or above at the time the scholarship is awarded in January 2027. Please view more details and the official rules here on our website.
The NRF Foundation provides access to the education and opportunities needed for successful retail careers, helping people build better lives and stronger communities. Connecting college and university students from 120+ universities with roles in retail industry, NRF Foundation Campus programs launch careers, hosting virtual and in-person events and providing more than $850,000 in scholarships each year.