Fall 2026
VMSD Scholarship + Experience
Recognizing and supporting students pursuing careers in retail and consumer environment design.
The 6th annual VMSD Scholarship + Experience recognizes and supports students preparing for careers in retail and consumer environment design.
One student will receive a $1,500 scholarship and the opportunity to attend the 2026 International Retail Design Conference (IRDC) in Las Vegas on October 7–8, including airfare, hotel accommodations, and a daily per diem.
Quick Facts
-
Scholarship: $1,500 USD + Travel to the 2026 International Retail Design Conference (IRDC)
-
Who: 3rd- or 4th-year undergraduate students and graduate students in eligible design-related programs
-
Where: Students must be studying within the United States or Canada
-
IRDC: October 7–8, 2026 | Las Vegas, Nevada
-
Deadline: September 17, 2026
-
Time to apply: ~45–60 minutes
The Scholarship + Experience
The VMSD Scholarship + Experience recognizes one exceptional student whose work, goals, and potential reflect a strong commitment to the future of retail and consumer environment design.
The recipient will receive:
-
$1,500 scholarship
-
Airfare to Las Vegas
-
Hotel accommodations
-
Daily per diem*
-
Attendance at the 2026 International Retail Design Conference (IRDC), October 7–8
Important Travel Note: Because of the short turnaround between the application deadline and IRDC, applicants should monitor their email closely after September 17th for communications from PAVE Global regarding their scholarship status. The selected recipient will need to respond promptly so travel arrangements can be coordinated.
Eligibility Guidelines
To be eligible for the VMSD Scholarship + Experience, applicants must:
-
Be a 3rd- or 4th-year undergraduate student or a graduate student (any year) as of October 7, 2026.
-
Be currently enrolled in a program working toward a degree in Interior Design, Retail Design, Hospitality Design, Visual Merchandising, UX Design, Architecture, Engineering, Product Design, or a similar field.
-
Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
-
Be located and studying within the United States or Canada.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible to apply, please contact us at info@paveglobal.org.
Application Materials
To complete your application, you will need to submit the following:
1. Personal Statement
Maximum 500 words answering: Why are you interested in pursuing a degree or career in the design of retail environments/consumer experiences?
2. Portfolio
8–10 pages maximum highlighting your most recent retail-related work*. Work may be student- or professional-based.
*Retail-related work may include design related to retail, restaurant/F&B, hospitality, healthcare, workplace, education, pop-ups, immersive experiences, products, store fixtures, displays, and similar consumer environments.
3. One Professional Reference
Provide the name, phone number, and email address of one professor, faculty member, employer, or internship supervisor. Friends and family members may not serve as references.
4. Current Transcript
A complete copy of your current transcript, official or unofficial.
5. Completed Application
All application materials must be submitted through PAVE Global’s Submittable portal.
Application Process
Step 1: Prepare Your Materials
Gather your personal statement, portfolio, professional reference information, and current transcript.
Step 2: Complete Your Application
Complete the application form and upload all required materials through PAVE Global’s Submittable platform.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Submit your completed application by Thursday, September 17, 2026, before 11:59 PM Eastern / 8:59 PM Pacific.
Once your application has been received, you will receive a confirmation email from Submittable.
Step 4: Watch Your Email
Because of the short turnaround between the application deadline and IRDC, keep a close eye on your email after September 17 for updates from PAVE Global regarding your scholarship status. The selected recipient will need to respond promptly so travel arrangements can be coordinated.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed blindly by a panel of industry professionals.
The recipient will be selected based on the strength of their application materials, demonstrated interest in the retail and consumer environments industry, and overall potential.
Before You Submit
Before submitting your application, make sure you can check off each item below:
-
☐ I meet all eligibility requirements.
-
☐ My personal statement is 500 words or fewer.
-
☐ My portfolio is 8–10 pages maximum.
-
☐ My portfolio highlights my recent retail-related work.
-
☐ I have complete contact information for one professional reference.
-
☐ I have a current transcript, official or unofficial.
-
☐ I have reviewed my application for completeness and accuracy.
Recommendation: For best viewing by the judges and faster upload times, we recommend submitting flattened PDF files when possible. Landscape-oriented documents are also preferred, but not required.
Application Deadline
Thursday, September 17, 2026, before 11:59 pm Eastern/8:59 pm Pacific
Have a Question?
About VMSD
Since 1897, VMSD (Visual Merchandising Store Design) has been committed to providing retail professionals with the most up-to-date, innovative retail design ideas and industry news -- and to do so in a way that inspires, challenges, and motivates. www.vmsd.com
About IRDC
Presented annually by VMSD magazine, the International Retail Design Conference (IRDC) is a one-of-a-kind conference that delivers two full days of education and design dialogue centered on the newest best practices, emerging opportunities, and fresh strategies for engaging shoppers, maximizing resources, and rethinking the retail experience.
IRDC is recognized as the premier educational and networking event for the store design and visual merchandising communities. www.vmsd.com/irdc
Past VMSD Scholarship Recipients
Each year, the VMSD Scholarship + Experience recognizes a student with strong potential and a clear interest in the future of retail and consumer environments.
Meet the students who have received the scholarship and taken part in the IRDC experience.
