The Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded award for international students aiming to pursue a Master’s degree combined with an MBA at the world-renowned University of Oxford. Offered for the 2026 academic year, this competitive scholarship empowers exceptional individuals with the ambition and vision to drive impactful global change.
Funded by the Pershing Square Foundation, the scholarship supports future leaders who are passionate about solving pressing global challenges through innovative, sustainable, and scalable solutions. It provides not only full financial coverage but also access to a unique community of changemakers committed to shaping a better future.
Benefits of the Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship
- Full tuition coverage for both Master’s and MBA programs at Oxford
- Living stipend of at least £19,237 per year for two years
- Participation in exclusive leadership development and networking events
- Access to Oxford’s global academic and alumni network
- Exposure to cultural and intellectual life at Oxford
Eligibility Criteria for the Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship
- Open to applicants of all nationalities
- Must apply to a 1+1 MBA program (a Master’s course plus the Oxford MBA)
- Must secure admission to both the Master’s and MBA programs
- Strong academic excellence (first-class or equivalent degree)
- Demonstrated leadership potential and personal integrity
- A clear intention to address global challenges through scalable solutions
- Articulated career vision aligned with the scholarship’s mission
Required Documents
- Completed Oxford MBA and Master’s program applications
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- GMAT or GRE scores
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal statement
- 500-word Pershing Square scholarship essay (in the funding section of the MBA application)
- English language test scores (if applicable)
Selection Criteria
- Outstanding academic achievement (e.g., university degree results, GMAT/GRE scores)
- Leadership experience and motivation
- Moral character and commitment to making a positive impact
- Focus on solving social or environmental challenges.
- Scalability of proposed solutions and long-term vision
- Clear articulation of how the Oxford 1+1 MBA will help achieve these goals
How to Apply for Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship
- Visit the Official Website: Start your application via the official Oxford portal
- Choose Eligible Programs: Apply to a 1+1 MBA partnering Master’s program and the Oxford MBA before the deadline.
- Prepare Required Documents: Include academic transcripts, test scores, essays, and other necessary materials.
- Submit by Deadline: Ensure both applications are completed and submitted before January 6, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship offers up to six full awards covering fees and living stipend for both the Master’s and MBA via the 1+1 programme. It targets exceptional leaders committed to scalable social impact and includes mentorship and events.
What is the Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship?
The Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship provides up to six full awards covering both a one‑year Master’s degree and the one‑year Oxford MBA within the 1+1 MBA programme.
Who is eligible for the Pershing Square Scholarship?
Eligibility priority: (1) new applicants to the Oxford 1+1 MBA, (2) those applying to a non‑partner Master’s plus MBA, (3) current master’s students admitted to the MBA who were not previously considered.
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers full tuition fees for both the Master’s and the MBA, plus a living cost grant of at least £20,780 per year.
How many scholarships are available each year?
Each year, the Pershing Square Foundation awards up to six (or sometimes five) full scholarships for scholars combining the Master’s and MBA degrees.
What qualities does the selection committee seek?
Selection focuses on academic excellence, leadership potential, personal integrity, and a clear intention to create scalable solutions to global social challenges.
What is the application process?
Applicants must submit complete applications for both the Master’s and the Oxford MBA via the 1+1 route, and upload a Pershing Square scholarship essay in the Funding section before the deadline.
What scholarship essay is required?
In no more than 500 words applicants must explain: “How do you intend to change the world and what does this tell us about you as a person?”
Are there co‑curricular experiences for scholars?
Yes. Scholars participate in termly events, a spring ‘trek’ to New York hosted by the Pershing Square Foundation, conferences, mentorship and community gatherings.
What deadlines apply to the scholarship?
Applicants must apply to the 1+1 MBA by 7 January 2026 and to their selected Master’s programme by its December or January deadline specific to that course.
Can current Oxford students apply for the Scholarship?
Yes: current master’s students admitted to the MBA who were not previously considered can apply and are considered in the third priority group.
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