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Applications are now open for the fully funded Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship 2026 for international students who wish to study in the UK
If you have been dreaming of earning your Master’s degree in the UK without financial burden, the Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship is your golden opportunity. Designed specifically for high-achieving graduate students from around the world, this scholarship offers complete funding for a dual master’s programme at the University of Oxford, including the world-renowned 1+1 MBA track.
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With this opportunity, scholars not only gain access to world-class education but also to an elite network of global leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers, attending exclusive conferences and networking events hosted across the United Kingdom.
What is the Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship?
The Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship is a competitive, fully funded academic award established through a partnership between the University of Oxford and the Pershing Square Foundation.
It supports international students enrolled in Oxford’s 1+1 MBA programme, a two-year structure combining a specialized Master’s degree in your chosen discipline followed by a year of business education at the Saïd Business School.
This prestigious initiative was founded to empower visionary individuals with the tools, education, and funding needed to solve global social challenges and build impactful careers through innovation and leadership.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Scholarship Benefits include:
- Full payment of tuition fees for both the Master’s programme and the MBA year.
- A generous living stipend valued at a minimum of £20,780 per year to support living expenses throughout the two years.
- Access to online learning resources and leadership training.
- Opportunities to participate in exclusive workshops, speaker sessions, and high-profile global events.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
To qualify for this scholarship, you must meet specific academic and application-related requirements. Here’s a detailed breakdown of eligibility:
You Must:
- Gain admission to both a partnering Master’s programme and the Oxford MBA. Only candidates admitted to both parts of the 1+1 MBA programme are eligible. Applications pending evaluation or on the waitlist will not be considered.
- Apply to a full-time, one-year Master’s course that is officially listed as part of the 1+1 MBA collaborative programmes.
- Not have previously been considered for the scholarship if already admitted to the MBA year (i.e., past applicants who were waitlisted or re-evaluated will be disqualified).
- Currently enrolled or applying to one of the partnering Master’s degrees in the 1+1 MBA track.
To confirm if your preferred Master’s course is eligible, check the list of 1+1 MBA partner programmes on the Oxford Graduate Admissions site.
Who Stands Out: The Selection Criteria
To be shortlisted for this prestigious opportunity, applicants must demonstrate outstanding personal and academic qualities as outlined below:
1. Exceptional Academic Performance
- Strong academic transcripts and a high GMAT or GRE score.
- Evidence of past achievements, including university distinctions, awards, or published work.
2. Leadership and Motivation
- A record of leadership potential in professional, academic, or voluntary settings.
- A strong sense of purpose and proactive engagement in societal issues.
3. Vision and Impact
- A clearly articulated plan to tackle global-scale problems.
- Ambition to lead or create organizations that drive sustainable and scalable solutions.
- A compelling argument on how the Oxford 1+1 MBA programme will amplify your mission.
4. Character and Integrity
- A demonstrated commitment to ethics, empathy, collaboration, and long-term social impact.
Scholarship Essay (500 words max):
“How do you intend to change the world, and what does this reveal about you as a person?”
Your response should reflect your values, aspirations, and long-term vision for global impact.
Why Choose the University of Oxford?
Opting to pursue your graduate education at Oxford University means more than just academic excellence. Here’s why ambitious students across the globe choose Oxford:
Global Recognition
Oxford consistently ranks among the top universities in the world, with a legacy of producing Nobel laureates, prime ministers, and pioneering thinkers.
Elite Network
As a student, you’ll join an international community of influential alumni, world leaders, and trailblazers in business and policy.
Innovation-Driven Education
With access to cutting-edge research, multidisciplinary collaborations, and entrepreneurial support, Oxford equips students to make real-world change.
Unmatched Career Prospects
Graduates from the Oxford 1+1 MBA enjoy an impressive employment rate, with opportunities spanning Fortune 500 companies, global nonprofits, and public policy sectors.
A Platform for Changemakers
Whether your goal is to launch a social enterprise or drive policy reform, the Pershing Square Scholarship gives you a platform to amplify your voice and expand your impact.
How to Apply:
To be considered for the Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship, you must:
- Submit complete applications for both the MBA and your selected Master’s course.
- Upload a scholarship-specific essay in the “Funding” section of the 1+1 MBA application.
Application Timeline
Important Dates:
- Deadline for 1+1 MBA application: 7 January 2026
- Scholarship shortlisting: Early April 2026
- Interview period: Late April to early May 2026
- Master’s programme deadlines: Vary between December and January depending on the course.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Oxford 1+1 MBA programme?
The 1+1 MBA is a two-year graduate programme at the University of Oxford that combines a Master’s degree in a specialized field with one year of business training at the Saïd Business School.
Is the Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship open to all nationalities?
Yes, the scholarship is open to both UK and international applicants who have secured admission to both a 1+1 partnering Master’s programme and the Oxford MBA.
Can I apply if I’ve been waitlisted or re-evaluated before?
No, candidates who were previously waitlisted or re-evaluated for this scholarship are not eligible for consideration in subsequent years.
Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship?
No. Simply upload your scholarship essay in the “Funding” section of your 1+1 MBA application to be automatically considered.
