Skoll MBA Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded Opportunity at Oxford University
Are you a social entrepreneur dreaming of an MBA from one of the world’s top universities? The Skoll MBA Scholarship 2026 at the University of Oxford is now open for applications! Funded by the Skoll Foundation and hosted by the Saïd Business School, this fully funded scholarship covers full tuition fees and partial living expenses for international students pursuing a one-year MBA. Designed for impact-driven leaders, this scholarship offers access to Oxford’s vibrant community, mentorship from global experts, and a lifelong network of changemakers. Don’t miss your chance to study in the UK and apply by January 7, 2026.
Overview of Skoll MBA Scholarship 2026
- Host University: University of Oxford, Saïd Business School
- Funded By: Skoll Foundation
- Country: United Kingdom
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded (full tuition + partial living expenses)
- Eligible Applicants: International and UK students
- Program Duration: 1 year (full-time MBA, September 2026–August 2027)
- Number of Awards: Up to 4 scholarships annually
- Application Deadline: January 7, 2026
The Skoll MBA Scholarship 2026 empowers social innovators and entrepreneurs to amplify their impact through Oxford’s prestigious MBA program. By covering full course fees and providing a living expenses stipend, the scholarship removes financial barriers for students committed to addressing global social and environmental challenges. Scholars join the vibrant Skoll Scholar Community, a global network of over 100 impact leaders, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and lifelong learning.
Scholarship Focus and Opportunities
The Skoll MBA Scholarship supports students who aim to drive systemic social or environmental change through entrepreneurial leadership. Key opportunities include:
- World-Class MBA Curriculum: Gain expertise in leadership, entrepreneurship, and impact strategy at Oxford’s Saïd Business School.
- Skoll Centre Events: Participate in workshops, conferences, and networking events with global social innovators and investors.
- Mentorship: Receive guidance from faculty, Skoll Centre experts, and alumni to refine your impact-driven career.
- Global Networking: Connect with the Skoll Scholar Community and Oxford’s extensive alumni network for lifelong collaboration.
- Practical Impact: Apply MBA skills to scale social ventures or launch new initiatives, with 91% of Skoll alumni starting new ventures post-graduation.
This scholarship is ideal for those eager to combine business acumen with a passion for social good.
Benefits of the Skoll MBA Scholarship 2026
The Skoll MBA Scholarship 2026 offers comprehensive support to ensure scholars can focus on their studies and impact goals:
- Full Tuition Coverage: Covers all MBA course fees (approximately £80,000 for 2026).
- Living Expenses Stipend: Partial funding (amount varies based on need) to support living costs in Oxford.
- Skoll Scholar Community: Access to a global network of social entrepreneurs for collaboration and mentorship.
- Top-Tier Facilities: Utilize Oxford’s state-of-the-art libraries, technology, and learning resources.
- Leadership Development: Build skills in critical thinking, entrepreneurship, and systemic change through the MBA curriculum and Skoll Centre programs.
- Global Exposure: Attend international conferences and events to showcase your work and connect with impact leaders.
- Oxford Alumni Status: Gain lifelong membership in Oxford’s prestigious alumni network.
These benefits make the Skoll Scholarship a transformative opportunity for aspiring changemakers.
Eligibility Criteria for Skoll MBA Scholarship 2026
To qualify for the Skoll MBA Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Background: Hold a graduate degree or equivalent professional experience (e.g., significant leadership in social ventures).
- Entrepreneurial Experience: Minimum of 3 years building or leading a social venture or impact-driven initiative with demonstrated social or environmental impact.
- Social Impact Commitment: Show a clear intention to pursue a career in systemic social or environmental change.
- Personal Qualities: Demonstrate curiosity, humility, persistence, and a willingness to learn from failure and adapt.
- Lived Experience: Have direct experience with the issues you address or meaningful engagement through long-term work, research, or collaboration with affected communities.
- Financial Need: Articulate why the scholarship is essential due to financial constraints, past work experiences, or personal circumstances.
- MBA Admission: Meet the admission requirements for the Oxford Saïd MBA program, including a competitive academic record and GMAT/GRE scores (if required).
The Skoll Scholarship prioritizes candidates who combine entrepreneurial drive with a systemic approach to social change.
Required Documents
To apply for the Skoll MBA Scholarship 2026, submit the following as part of your Oxford MBA application:
- Oxford MBA Application: Complete the full MBA application, including academic transcripts, GMAT/GRE scores (if required), CV, and two professional references.
- Skoll Scholarship Essay: Respond to specific essay questions (found in the “Funding” section of the MBA application form) addressing your social impact experience, financial need, and how the MBA and Skoll community will advance your goals.
- Proof of Financial Need (Optional): Documentation or a statement detailing financial constraints, if applicable.
All documents must be uploaded in PDF format via the Oxford Saïd MBA application portal.
Application Deadline for Skoll MBA Scholarship 2026
- Application Opening: September 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 7, 2026 (final deadline for MBA Stages 1–4)
- Shortlist Notification: After each MBA admissions stage (October 2025–March 2026)
- Interviews: April–May 2026
- Final Decisions: Late April–May 2026
- Program Start: September 2026
Submit your application early to align with one of the MBA admissions stages (1–4) for timely review.
How to Apply for Skoll MBA Scholarship 2026
Follow these steps to apply for the Skoll MBA Scholarship 2026:
- Review Eligibility: Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria for both the Oxford MBA and the Skoll Scholarship.
- Apply to the Oxford MBA: Submit a complete MBA application via the Oxford Saïd MBA Application Portal during Stages 1–4 (September 2025–January 2026).
- Complete the Skoll Scholarship Essay: Answer the scholarship essay questions in the “Funding” section of the MBA application form, detailing your social impact experience and financial need.
- Pay the MBA Application Fee: £150 (required for all MBA applicants; waivers may be available for financial hardship).
- Submit Application: Ensure all materials, including the Skoll essay, are uploaded by January 7, 2026.
- Await MBA Admission: The MBA Admissions Team evaluates your application for program acceptance. If accepted, your Skoll Scholarship application is forwarded to the Skoll Selection Committee.
- Interview Process: Shortlisted candidates are notified for a first-stage online interview, followed by a final interview in April–May 2026.
- Receive Results: Final scholarship decisions are announced in late April–May 2026.
For detailed guidance, visit the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship or the Oxford Saïd Scholarships Page.
Why Choose the Skoll MBA Scholarship?
The Skoll MBA Scholarship at Oxford’s Saïd Business School is a premier opportunity for social entrepreneurs. Here’s why it stands out:
- World-Class Education: Study at one of the top business schools, ranked among the best globally, with a focus on leadership and impact.
- Global Impact Network: Join a community of over 100 Skoll Scholars and Oxford alumni driving systemic change worldwide.
- Cultural Hub: Experience Oxford’s historic and vibrant academic environment, rich with opportunities for learning and networking.
- Mentorship and Resources: Access personalized guidance from Skoll Centre experts and Oxford’s cutting-edge facilities.
- Career Acceleration: Build skills to scale social ventures or launch new initiatives, with 91% of alumni starting new ventures post-MBA.
This scholarship empowers you to transform your passion for social change into a global impact.
Additional Opportunities
Explore other international scholarships:
Tips for a Successful Skoll MBA Scholarship Application
To increase your chances of securing the Skoll MBA Scholarship 2026, follow these tips:
- Highlight Social Impact: Emphasize your 3+ years of entrepreneurial experience and tangible social or environmental impact in your CV and essay.
- Articulate Financial Need: Clearly explain why the scholarship is essential, citing financial constraints or career commitments to social innovation.
- Tailor Your Essay: Address how the Oxford MBA and Skoll community will amplify your ability to create systemic change.
- Apply Early: Submit during MBA Stages 1 or 2 (September–October 2025) for earlier feedback and scholarship consideration.
- Prepare for Interviews: Practice articulating your vision, leadership, and alignment with the Skoll Centre’s mission for online interviews.
Conclusion
The Skoll MBA Scholarship 2026 is a life-changing opportunity for social entrepreneurs to pursue a fully funded MBA at the University of Oxford. With full tuition coverage, a living expenses stipend, and access to the Skoll Scholar Community, this scholarship equips you to drive global impact. Don’t miss your chance to study at Saïd Business School and join a network of changemakers and apply by January 7, 2026!
For more information or to apply, visit the Oxford Saïd Scholarships Page or the Skoll Centre Official Website and take the first step toward a transformative career in social innovation.