FSF Case Study Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Fashion Scholarship Fund

Description
The FSF Case Study Scholarship is the Foundation’s flagship, annual student challenge that asks participants to solve a real, current problem faced by the fashion industry. Each year the topic changes to reflect emerging issues, and the competition is open to students with interests across all industry sectors. The format emphasizes in-depth research, practical solutions and professional presentation—preparing applicants for careers across design, business, sustainability and technology. The program is competitive and designed to identify promising early-career talent for ongoing development.

Key takeaways
- Annual, signature scholarship focused on a rotating, real-world case study.
- Open to students across all fashion industry sectors.
- Emphasizes research, practical solutions and professional presentation.
- Designed to prepare students for careers in multiple industry disciplines.

Eligibility
To enter the 2027 competition applicants must meet specified enrollment and institutional criteria and follow visa-related guidance if applicable. Eligible applicants are full-time sophomores, juniors, or seniors who will graduate in Spring 2027 and must attend a four-year U.S. college or university. International students on F-1 visas may participate; they are encouraged to submit prior-semester CPT documentation by the competition deadline. Students from non-member schools are also eligible if they meet the stated requirements.

Key takeaways
- Must be full-time sophomore, junior, or senior (graduating Spring 2027).
- Must attend a four-year U.S. college or university.
- F-1 international students may compete; CPT documentation recommended.
- Non-member school students may participate if otherwise eligible.

Award Value
The scholarship provides flexible financial support intended to offset educational costs and related expenses. Funds can be applied toward tuition, summer housing for internships, study abroad expenses, or other education-related costs determined by the recipient. Specific award amounts are not listed here; recipients will receive funds to help support their educational and professional development needs.

Key takeaways
- Scholarship funds are flexible education support.
- Eligible uses include tuition, intern housing, and study abroad.
- Award amounts are determined by the program and allocated to recipient needs.

Benefits & Opportunities
Beyond financial support, winners gain access to mentorship, industry networking, recruitment pathways and ongoing alumni resources. Recipients may join the FSF Mentor Program and select a mentor during their award year. Winners are invited to FSF LIVE, the Foundation’s Awards Gala in New York City, with complimentary hotel and travel provided; they also receive priority access to internships and job opportunities through partner companies and Talent Acquisition Events. Alumni perks include membership in the FSF Alumni Association and continued professional-development programming.

Key takeaways
- Access to the FSF Mentor Program and one-on-one mentorship.
- Invitation to FSF LIVE gala with travel and hotel provided.
- Priority access to internships and job recruitment opportunities.
- Ongoing development through the FSF Alumni Association.

Application Timeline
The 2027 FSF Case Study Scholarship competition opened on February 2, 2026; applicants should note key submission deadlines and document requirements. International F-1 students are advised to provide Curricular Practical Training (CPT) documentation from any prior semester by the Case Study submission deadline (October 12, 2026). Applicants should confirm all final dates, submission portals and required materials with their institution’s FSF educator or official program contact to avoid missing deadlines.

Key takeaways
- 2027 competition opened February 2, 2026.
- CPT documentation for F-1 students must be submitted by October 12, 2026.
- Verify final dates and submission requirements with your FSF educator.

Application & Contacts
Application access and submission procedures are managed through an institutional FSF educator or program contacts; applicants should request login and application instructions through their school’s FSF representative. If you attend a member school, contact your assigned FSF educator for login details and application guidance. For general questions about the FSF Scholarship, contact Marie Colletta, Head of Education Programs. For questions specific to the Virgil Abloh Post‑Modern Scholarship, contact Farai Simoyi, Head of the Virgil Abloh™ “Post‑Modern” Scholarship Fund & Equity.

Key takeaways
- Request login and application instructions from your school’s FSF educator.
- Contact Marie Colletta for general FSF Scholarship inquiries.
- Contact Farai Simoyi for Virgil Abloh Post‑Modern Scholarship questions.

History of the Award
The FSF Case Study Scholarship has been offered annually as the Foundation’s principal student program and is intended to address evolving industry challenges. Over time the scholarship’s case-study topics have changed to reflect shifts in sustainability, technology, supply chain, design ethics and business models. The program’s design—combining a rigorous case challenge with industry engagement—has made it a notable pipeline for emerging fashion talent. The Foundation continues to adapt the competition to ensure relevance to current industry needs and career pathways.

Key takeaways
- Annual program updated yearly to reflect contemporary industry issues.
- Topics historically span sustainability, technology, ethics, and business.
- Serves as a talent pipeline connecting students with industry leaders and opportunities.