The University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School has announced applications for the Oxford-Pershing Square Graduate Scholarships, offering up to five fully funded awards for exceptional students pursuing the Oxford 1+1 MBA programme.
The prestigious scholarship provides comprehensive financial support covering both the recipient’s Master’s degree and MBA programme, alongside substantial funding for living costs. The opportunity is designed for ambitious individuals who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a commitment to addressing major social and global challenges through scalable and sustainable solutions.
Fully Funded Scholarship at the University of Oxford
The Oxford-Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship is available to candidates admitted to the Oxford 1+1 MBA pathway. Scholars combine a one-year Master’s degree with the Oxford MBA, creating an integrated two-year academic and professional development experience.
The scholarship provides:
- Full course fees for the eligible Master’s programme.
- Full course fees for the Oxford MBA.
- A living-cost grant of at least £21,805 for each year of study.
- Access to mentorship and professional development opportunities.
- Participation in conferences, forums and scholar community activities.
- Opportunities to connect with leading innovators, organisations and change-makers.
Up to five scholarships are available, making the award highly competitive.
Who Can Apply for the Oxford-Pershing Square Scholarship?
The scholarship prioritises applicants who demonstrate a clear ambition to address large-scale social challenges through their careers, whether through existing organisations or by developing new enterprises.
Applicants are assessed on several areas, including:
- A commitment to solving world-scale social challenges.
- The ability to develop scalable and sustainable solutions.
- Demonstrated leadership potential and motivation.
- Strong academic performance.
- Relevant degree results, GMAT or GRE scores, prizes and other academic achievements.
- Personal character, integrity and commitment.
- A clear understanding of how the Oxford 1+1 MBA can support their long-term objectives.
Candidates are encouraged to demonstrate these qualities throughout their programme applications, scholarship essay and interview responses.
Admission to the 1+1 MBA Is Required
Applicants must complete the required admissions applications before they can be considered for the scholarship.
The first priority is given to new applicants to the Oxford 1+1 MBA programme who have secured admission to both an eligible partnering Master’s programme and the MBA. Applicants who remain on a waiting list are not considered for the scholarship.
Other eligible categories include:
- Applicants admitted to a full-time one-year Master’s programme that is not currently listed among the official 1+1 MBA partnering programmes, alongside admission to the MBA.
- Current Master’s students who have been admitted to the MBA but were not considered for the scholarship during the previous year.
Scholarship Essay Requirement
Candidates must upload a scholarship essay in the Funding section of their 1+1 MBA application.
The essay must answer the following question in no more than 500 words:
“How do you intend to change the world and what does this tell us about you as a person?”
The response provides applicants with an opportunity to demonstrate their leadership vision, personal motivations and commitment to creating meaningful social impact.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the Oxford 1+1 MBA application and the Oxford-Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship is 6 January 2027.
However, applicants must also meet the separate deadline for their chosen Master’s programme. Partnering Master’s programmes have their own application requirements and deadlines, which may fall in December or January.
Applicants are therefore encouraged to review the relevant Oxford graduate course requirements and submit all required applications before the applicable deadlines.
Selection Process
Scholarship shortlisting is expected to take place in early April, with shortlisted candidates expected to participate in interviews in late April or early May.
The selection process will consider the applicant’s academic achievements, leadership capacity, commitment to social impact, personal character and vision for using the Oxford 1+1 MBA to address significant global challenges.
Additional Opportunities for Scholars
Beyond financial support, successful scholars become part of a dedicated community and gain access to a range of enrichment opportunities.
These include:
- Mentorship from members of the Pershing Square Foundation community, Oxford faculty and alumni.
- Access to global forums and prestigious conferences.
- Termly events hosted by the MBA Director.
- Scholar-led events and networking activities.
- Potential participation in a New York Trek featuring meetings and workshops with innovators and change-makers.
The programme is intended to prepare scholars intellectually, professionally and practically for future leadership roles.
Opportunity for Future Global Leaders
The Oxford-Pershing Square Graduate Scholarships represent a significant opportunity for high-achieving individuals seeking to combine advanced business education with social impact. With full funding for both degrees and additional living-cost support, the scholarship is particularly suited to candidates with a strong academic record, leadership experience and a compelling vision for tackling major global challenges.
Prospective applicants should begin preparing their Master’s and MBA applications well ahead of the 6 January 2027 scholarship deadline, while also checking the individual deadlines of their selected Oxford Master’s programme.
