About the opportunity
The Skoll Scholarship is provided by the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at Oxford Saïd. It offers funding for social innovators who are undertaking the MBA or 1+1 MBA programme to enhance and broaden their skills for more effective social change. The scholarship recognizes the financial strain an Oxford MBA may cause for those committed to social impact and innovation. Beyond financial assistance, scholars join the vibrant Skoll Scholar community, which provides opportunities for lifelong learning and connection with other social innovators. Up to four scholarships are available per cycle.
Funding and benefits
- Full MBA course fees covered
- A stipend for living costs of at least £21,805
- Membership in the Skoll Scholar community offering lifelong learning and networking with other social innovators
Who can apply?
- Candidates must have a strong track record in social entrepreneurship
- Applicants must intend to continue creating positive social impact after their studies
- Must apply for and be admitted to the Oxford MBA or 1+1 MBA programme
Required documents
- Complete MBA application form
- Skoll Scholarship essay document (available within the 'Funding' section of the MBA application form)
When to apply
- Application deadline: 6 January 2027
- Scholarship essays are reviewed after each MBA admissions stage
- Final shortlisting takes place in late March, with interviews conducted in April or May
How to apply
- Submit a complete MBA or 1+1 MBA application by the deadline
- Complete and submit the Skoll Scholarship essay document found in the 'Funding' section of the MBA application form
Additional information
- Applicants will receive an update on their scholarship application status shortly after admissions decisions are made.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Ideal for experienced social innovators and entrepreneurs who want to scale their impact through a world-class business education.
- Strong fit for candidates seeking an integrated community of peers dedicated to tackling world-scale problems and systems change.
- Well-suited for professionals applying to the Oxford MBA or 1+1 MBA who can demonstrate a proven track record of driving positive social outcomes.
What should you think carefully about?
- Highly competitive with only up to four scholarships available per cycle.
- Requires meeting all rigorous admission standards and deadlines for the Oxford MBA or 1+1 MBA programme alongside the scholarship essay requirement.
- Relocation to Oxford, United Kingdom, is required for the duration of the full-time MBA programme.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This opportunity directly supports individuals whose career goals center on social entrepreneurship, impact investing, or leading systemic social change. Earning an Oxford MBA combined with full financial backing and specialized community support provides a powerful launchpad for scaling ventures or taking on high-impact leadership roles globally.
Our take
Candidates with a distinguished background in social entrepreneurship and a clear commitment to ongoing social impact should strongly consider applying. Those who do not meet the rigorous profile requirements for social innovation leadership or the MBA admissions criteria will find this scholarship less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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