Do you aspire to earn your master’s degree in Business Administration at a prestigious university like Oxford University? If so, you can apply for a Skoll Scholarship to study your master’s degree at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School. This scholarship is awarded through a competitive process to students from Afghanistan and other countries. So, if you want to be an entrepreneur and pursue entrepreneurial solutions to significant social and environmental problems while also making a positive difference in the world, don’t miss out on this incredible chance.

Details

• Country: United Kingdom
• University: Oxford University
• Supported by: Skoll Foundation
• Application Deadlines:
  • Stage 1: 1 September 2025
  • Stage 2: 1 October 2025
  • Stage 3: 3 November 2025
  • Stage 4: 7 January 2026
• Number of opportunities: 4
• Level of Study: Master’s of Business Administration
• Scholarship type: Fully Funded

Benefits:

• The Oxford Said MBA program’s course costs are intended to be covered by the scholarship.
• Funds are provided in addition to help with living costs.
• Partial scholarships might be offered in exceptional cases.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the Skoll Scholarship, you must meet the requirements listed below:

• Applicants must have a strong commitment to leading social ventures that address deep social or environmental issues
• Minimum three years’ experience building or leading a social venture/initiative with measurable impact
• Open to founders of for-profit or non-profit ventures, or leaders of impactful programs within larger organizations
• Career professionals with a consistent track record of addressing a specific social/environmental challenge are eligible.
• Must show entrepreneurial skills, systemic thinking, and collaborative leadership
• Ready to leverage the Oxford MBA and Skoll Centre community to expand social impact
• Applicants for the Oxford 1+1 MBA program are welcome (scholarship covers MBA year only)
• There are no age restrictions

Admission Requirements – Oxford MBA 2026–27

Applicants must prepare the following:

• Work Experience: Minimum two years full-time, with evidence of career progression, leadership potential, and international exposure.
• Career Plan: Clear post-MBA goals showing how the Oxford MBA supports your professional trajectory.
• Undergraduate Degree: Recognised degree with official transcripts (with English translation if required).
• GMAT/GRE: Competitive scores (GMAT 595+/650+ old version; GRE 160 verbal & 160 quantitative). Scores are valid for 5 years.
• Written Work:
  • Supporting statement (max 250 words).
  • Additional essays required for Oxford 1+1 MBA or re-applicants.
• Online Assessment: Three competency-based questions via the Kira Talent platform (approx. 30 minutes).
• References: Two professional/academic referees (institutional email addresses required).
• English Proficiency: TOEFL (110+), IELTS (7.5 overall), or Cambridge C1/C2 (191+). Waivers possible for recent English-medium degrees or professional experience.
• Application Form & Fee: Complete the online application and pay the £75 fee.

Criteria for Selection
Candidates are assessed according to the following standards:

Experience as an entrepreneur: at least three years running a social enterprise with a track record of improving the environment or society. Making Changes Attributes: Inquisitiveness, modesty, perseverance, and significant involvement with the matter, including firsthand or extended experience Self-awareness is the ability to acknowledge one’s privilege, limits, and willingness to listen, learn, and adjust. Systemic Impact Objectives: A definite desire to work for a long time promoting environmental or social change Oxford MBA Alignment: Describes how the MBA and Skoll Center will improve professional development and impact. Financial Need: Indicates that the scholarship is necessary to meet impact and career objectives.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following:

• Completed online application form (£75 application fee)
• Full academic transcripts
• One-page CV (highlighting professional experience)
• GMAT or GRE score report
• English proficiency test (if required)
• Two professional/academic references
• Supporting statement
• Online assessment

How to apply for the Skoll MBA Scholarship at Oxford University?

To apply for the Skoll Scholarship, follow these steps:

• Apply for the Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School during stages 1–4
• Submit Skoll Scholarship essay responses with your MBA application
• Only candidates accepted into the MBA program will be considered for the scholarship
• Scholarship review begins after MBA admission decisions
• Shortlisted applicants:
• Receive a Logistics & Reference Form
  • Complete online interviews with the Selection Committee
• Final eligibility requires an unconditional MBA offer (conditional offers not accepted)
• MBA deposit deadlines are extended for candidates progressing in the scholarship process