Overview

The Skoll MBA Scholarship 2026 at the University of Oxford (Saïd Business School) is a golden opportunity for international students who are passionate about social entrepreneurship and leadership for global change. Funded by the Skoll Foundation, this prestigious scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides living expenses for exceptional students who aim to solve social and environmental challenges through innovation and business acumen.

The Oxford MBA is a globally top-ranked, one-year intensive program, and this scholarship makes it accessible to social innovators who otherwise couldn’t afford such a high-caliber education.

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Host Institution and Duration

• Host University: University of Oxford – Saïd Business School

• Location: Oxford, United Kingdom

• Program Duration: 1 Year (Full-time MBA)

• Scholarship Funded By: Skoll Foundation

• Application Deadline: January 7, 2026

• Financial Coverage: Fully Funded (Tuition + Living Allowance)

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Financial Coverage and Benefits

The Skoll MBA Scholarship 2026 provides comprehensive financial and professional benefits that make it one of the most competitive awards globally:

• Full Tuition Fees: Covers the entire MBA tuition at Oxford Saïd.

• Living Expenses: Contribution toward living costs in Oxford (usually around £15,000–£17,000 per year).

• Networking Opportunities: Access to the Skoll Scholar Community, which includes changemakers, mentors, and impact leaders worldwide.

• Mentorship & Leadership Development: Scholars receive guidance from the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship.

• Access to Oxford Resources: Full use of Oxford’s world-class libraries, research centers, and innovation labs.

• Professional Recognition: Scholars are highlighted as social impact ambassadors within Oxford and globally.

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet both Oxford Saïd MBA admission requirements and the Skoll Scholarship criteria.

Academic Requirements

• A strong undergraduate record (minimum first-class or upper second-class degree, or equivalent to 3.5/4.0 CGPA).

• If the degree is from outside the UK, it should be equivalent to a minimum of 3.5 GPA (87%).

English Language Proficiency

Since Oxford Saïd’s MBA is delivered entirely in English, all non-native English speakers must prove proficiency through one of the following:

Applicants who completed their degree in English may be exempt, subject to Oxford’s approval.

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Professional & Leadership Requirements

The Skoll Scholarship is not just an academic award; it is designed for leaders and entrepreneurs driving social change. Applicants must demonstrate:

• At least 3 years of experience leading or founding an entrepreneur-led venture or impact organization.

• A proven track record of addressing social, environmental, or community issues through innovation.

• Evidence of measurable results or social impact.

• A clear vision for systemic change and how the Oxford MBA will amplify their mission.

• Strong leadership and risk-taking abilities, plus the willingness to learn from failure.

• Demonstrated financial need — i.e., candidates who cannot otherwise afford the MBA fees.

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Selection Criteria

Applicants are evaluated based on:

1. Entrepreneurial Impact: How effectively they’ve initiated or expanded ventures addressing societal challenges.

2. Social Leadership: Their ability to influence others, build teams, and scale impact.

3. Innovation & Creativity: The novelty and sustainability of their social solution.

4. Personal Integrity: Commitment to ethical leadership and long-term impact.

5. Alignment with Skoll Vision: How the candidate’s goals complement the Skoll Centre’s mission of systemic change.

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Application Process

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Apply for the Oxford MBA:

   • Submit an MBA application via the Oxford Saïd Business School website.

   • Select “Skoll Scholarship” in the funding section.

   • Upload all required documents (CV, academic transcripts, essays, test scores).

2. Complete the Skoll Scholarship Essays:

   • The scholarship application includes four essay questions focused on your social impact work, leadership experiences, and vision for change.

3. Shortlisting & Interview:

   • After MBA admission, the Skoll Centre reviews eligible scholarship applicants.

   • Shortlisted candidates will be invited for Stage 1 online interview.

   • Successful candidates proceed to the final interview round with the Skoll Committee.

4. Notification:

   • The final list of Skoll Scholars is typically announced in April–May 2026.

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Required Documents

• Oxford MBA Application Form

• Updated CV/Resume

• Academic Transcripts (Bachelor’s or equivalent)

• Two Professional or Academic References

• GMAT/GRE Scores (Average GMAT for Oxford MBA ≈ 690)

• English Proficiency Proof (IELTS/TOEFL)

• Scholarship Essay Answers

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Deadline

• Application Deadline: January 7, 2026

• Interview Period: February–March 2026

• Final Results: April 2026

It’s strongly recommended to apply in the first or second MBA round to maximize your scholarship chances.

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Why Choose the Skoll MBA Scholarship?

The Oxford MBA, combined with the Skoll network, creates unparalleled opportunities:

• Purpose-Driven Business Education: Integrates core MBA disciplines (finance, strategy, marketing) with social innovation modules.

• Global Alumni Network: Connect with more than 30,000 Oxford Saïd alumni and the exclusive Skoll community of social impact leaders.

• Career Growth: Graduates pursue impactful careers in NGOs, social enterprises, consulting, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

• Innovation Exposure: Engage in research at the Skoll Centre, attend the Skoll World Forum, and collaborate with top entrepreneurs.

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Tips for a Strong Application

1. Show measurable results: Include statistics or evidence from your projects (e.g., number of people impacted, funds raised, communities served).

2. Connect your mission to business education: Explain how MBA skills (finance, operations, marketing) will help scale your social venture.

3. Be authentic: The Skoll panel values honesty about failures, challenges, and lessons learned.

4. Emphasize global relevance: Show how your work contributes to solving global issues such as poverty, education, sustainability, or climate change.

5. Start early: Essays require deep reflection; allocate time for revisions and feedback.

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Example Profile of a Strong Candidate

• Education: Bachelor’s in Economics (CGPA 3.7/4.0)

• Experience: 5 years leading a social enterprise providing clean water in rural Pakistan.

• Achievements: Reached 50,000+ people, built partnerships with UNDP, raised $150,000 in grants.

• Vision: Use Oxford MBA to build scalable sustainable business models across developing regions.

• English Test: IELTS 8.0 overall (no band less than 7.5)

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Summary Table

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Final Thoughts

The Skoll MBA Scholarship 2026 is more than just financial aid — it’s a gateway to global influence. It empowers leaders from around the world to use business as a force for good. If you are a changemaker with a passion for social innovation and a drive to make a measurable difference, this scholarship could transform your life and career.

Don’t miss the deadline  apply by January 7, 2026, and take your next step toward becoming part of Oxford’s global community of impact leaders.