Deadline:
January 07, 2026
Location(s)
United Kingdom
Oxford
Overview
Full scholarships to support outstanding students on the 1+1 MBA.
Established in 2014, the Oxford-Pershing Square Graduate Scholarships provide up to five full awards covering both the Master's and the MBA degrees. Scholars can pursue any of the 1+1 MBA partnering programmes and combine it with our MBA.
Recipients are exceptional individuals who can demonstrate the potential and commitment to find sustainable solutions to large-scale challenges.
You will benefit from a range of on-course activities such as attending conferences, termly and scholar community events, and mentorship opportunities.
Details
Scholarship co-curricular activities
As a scholar, you will benefit from a range of on-course activities which are unique to the Oxford-Pershing Square Graduate Scholarships.
These have been designed to enhance the scholarship experience and help to prepare you intellectually, professionally and practically for your future leadership positions.
Mentorship
You will have the chance to benefit from mentorship and network with inspiring individuals and organisations within the Pershing Square Foundation's community, providing valuable opportunities to discuss your research, future plans, and professional development.
Mentors can include members of the Oxford-Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship Advisory Board, faculty and members of Oxford Saïd and the wider University of Oxford community, and Oxford-Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship alumni.
Access to forums and conferences
You will have the opportunity to speak and play an active part in global forums or attend prestigious conferences and events while networking with key stakeholders.
Termly events hosted by the MBA Director
You will meet main contributors to the Scholarship at termly events hosted by the MBA Director. These gatherings, ranging from lunches, brunches and afternoon teas to dinners, are thoughtfully designed to strengthen the Oxford-Pershing Square community.
Scholar-led events
As part of the Pershing Square Scholar community, your cohort will be supported to organise your own events, ranging from social gatherings to group conferences. These events offer valuable opportunities to strengthen the bonds within your cohort, fostering collaboration and deeper connections. Whether through informal meet-ups or more structured discussions, these will not only enhance your sense of community but also encourage the exchange of ideas, insights, and experiences as you embark on your journey to create meaningful impact together.
New York Trek
You may be invited to take part in a 'trek' to New York hosted by the Pershing Square Foundation. Throughout the trek, you will participate in a series of meetings and workshops with leading innovators and change-makers and engage in in-depth discussions, learn from industry leaders, and explore ideas and solutions.
These sessions provide valuable insights into various fields, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in creating social impact. The experience not only broadens perspectives but also inspires you to apply these learnings in your future endeavours.
Please note that events and opportunities are subject to change.
How to apply
You must submit a complete application for both courses and upload the scholarship essay in the 'Funding' section of the 1+1 MBA programme application by the deadline to be considered.
Answer the following question in no more than 500 words:
- How do you intend to change the world and what does this tell us about you as a person?
Pershing Square Foundation
The foundation supports exceptional leaders and innovative organisations that tackle social issues and deliver scalable and sustainable impact. It is committed to supporting areas such as economic development, education, healthcare, justice and the arts.
The Pershing Square Foundation’s gift of £7.8m has endowed the scholarships in perpetuity. The University of Oxford has provided a further £5.2m under the Oxford Graduate Scholarship Matched Fund, taking the total funding to £13m.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Eligible criteria
You will be considered in order of priority for the scholarship:
-
New applicants to the Oxford 1+1 MBA programme.
You must be admitted both to a 1+1 MBA partnering programme and to the MBA before being considered for the scholarship (applicants on the waiting list will not be considered).
-
Applicants admitted to both a full-time one-year master’s course that is not currently part of the official list of 1+1 MBA partnering programmes, and to the MBA (as a separate application).
- Current master's students who have been admitted to the MBA and were not considered for the scholarship in the previous year.
Selection criteria
- Academic achievement demonstrated through degree results, GMAT or GRE score, previous university prizes and awards, and other academic achievements.
- Leadership potential demonstrated through experience and motivation.
- Strong personal character, integrity, and commitment.
- Intention to focus on addressing world-scale social challenges in your career, either in an existing organisation or through the development of a new enterprise.
- Ability to envision how to achieve scalable and sustainable solutions to these challenges.
- Articulated vision on how the Oxford 1+1 MBA will allow you to fulfil your objectives.
You are advised to highlight these attributes in your 1+1 MBA application, scholarship essay and interview answers.
Dates
Deadline: January 07, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
Value
Course fees for both the Master's degree and MBA programme, plus a grant for living costs of at least £20,780 for each year of study.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
