2025 Retail Education Scholarship Program Your Ticket to a Retail Career in Canada

2025 Retail Education Scholarship Program Your Ticket to a Retail Career in Canada

Bachelors, Masters

Selected courses offered by the university

Last Date 30 November 2025

Introduction

Are you passionate about retail, business, marketing, or fashion — and looking to combine education with real-world retail experience? The 2025 Retail Education Scholarship Program by Retail Council of Canada offers a golden opportunity for students working in retail to get financial support, industry exposure, and a pathway into Canada’s retail sector. Retail Council of Canada+1

This scholarship isn’t just about money — it’s about investing in future retail leaders by combining academic ambition with practical retail experience. Retail Council of Canada+1

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 2025 scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following: Retail Council of Canada+1

• Be enrolled (full-time or part-time) at a Canadian college or university for Fall 2025, or have submitted an application for a retail-, business-, marketing-, fashion- or other retail-related post-secondary program. Retail Council of Canada+1
• Be currently working (part-time or full-time) in the retail industry. Retail Council of Canada+1

If you’re not enrolled (or planning to enroll) in a relevant program — or if you’re not working in retail — you unfortunately aren’t eligible. Retail Council of Canada+1

Application Components

Applying for this scholarship is more than just filling out a form. According to the 2025 guidelines, here’s what you must submit: Retail Council of Canada+1

• Online application and release form — via RCC’s application portal. Retail Council of Canada+1
• Official transcripts — from the last two semesters (either high school or post-secondary institution). Retail Council of Canada+1
• Proof of enrollment in a Canadian post-secondary institution — e.g. letter of acceptance (or conditional acceptance), proof of tuition payment, or a registrar’s letter. Retail Council of Canada+1
• Reference letter (max 200 words) from your current retail employer or supervisor. Should highlight your commitment to retail, what distinguishes you as an employee, and why you deserve the scholarship. Employer/supervisor contact info must be included. Retail Council of Canada+1
• Essay on “Sustainability in Retail” — 800–1000 words (PDF or Word), discussing sustainability practices in retail, their current impact and future importance, plus one challenge (e.g. cost, supply-chain difficulties). Retail Council of Canada+1
• “Make Retail Your Career” presentation/video — 2–3 minute horizontal video (or PowerPoint) introducing yourself, your retail work, your upcoming program (Fall 2025), and why retail is your career choice. Presentations must be compatible with both Mac and PC. Retail Council of Canada+1

Scholarship Benefits & What Winners Get

The 2025 program offers a total of CA$62,000 in scholarships — individual awards range from CA$3,000 to CA$5,000 depending on award type. Retail Council of Canada+2retailcouncilcanada-apply.smapply.io+2

Beyond financial aid, recipients get:

• Mentorship and industry exposure — opportunities to connect with Canada’s top retail professionals. Retail Council of Canada+1
• Networking and national-level recognition within the retail industry. Retail Council of Canada+1
• Access to a major retail conference — winners receive an all-access pass (including travel and accommodation) to attend RCC STORE 2025, where they meet industry leaders and peers. Retail Council of Canada+1

• This makes the scholarship not only a financial boost, but a career-building opportunity. Retail Council of Canada+1

Scholarship Matters — And Who Should Go for It

The retail landscape is evolving fast — with sustainability, ethical sourcing, omnichannel growth, and changing consumer behavior shaping the future. The 2025 Retail Education Scholarship encourages students who combine academic ambition (in retail-related fields) with practical retail experience and forward-thinking insight into retail’s challenges. Retail Council of Canada+1

If you’re studying retail, business, marketing, fashion (or related), working in retail — and motivated to contribute to a sustainable, customer-centric, and modern retail industry — this scholarship is a great stepping stone. It can help you accelerate education, network with key players, and start your career with credibility.

Tips for a Strong Application

Based on the official guidelines and scholarship best practices:

• Start early. Give yourself enough time to gather transcripts, employer letters, and to craft a thoughtful essay and presentation.
• Research well for your sustainability essay. Use credible sources and combine with your own observations or retail-work experience.
• Be authentic and clear — in your reference letter, essay, and presentation. Let your passion for retail, commitment, and long-term vision shine through.
• Follow submission guidelines carefully: horizontal video, file types accepted, proof of enrollment, transcripts, etc. Missing even one requirement can disqualify your application.
• Showcase both academic goals and practical experience — the scholarship values the combo of study and real retail work.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Retail Education Scholarship Program by Retail Council of Canada is more than just financial aid — it’s a launchpad for retail-minded students ready to shape Canada’s retail future. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to put time and thought into your application, this can be a powerful boost to your education and career trajectory.

Whether you aim for store management, retail operations, marketing, merchandising, or retail business strategy — this scholarship gives you funding, experience, and industry exposure to get started.
Apply now