Skoll Scholarship 2026–2027 for MBA at Oxford University

Are you a driven social entrepreneur with big ideas and an even bigger vision for impact? Do you dream of studying at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions without worrying about tuition or living costs? The Skoll Scholarship at Oxford University offers you exactly that opportunity.

Designed for visionary leaders tackling today’s toughest social and environmental challenges, this fully funded scholarship supports exceptional candidates who want to sharpen their leadership skills through the Oxford Saïd Business School MBA. Beyond financial support, it connects you to a global network of innovators working on sustainable, systemic solutions.

For Nigerian, African, and other international applicants, the Skoll Scholarship is a golden chance to gain a world-class education while joining a community dedicated to long-term change.

Why the Skoll Scholarship Matters

The Skoll Scholarship is not just about funding an MBA; it is about unlocking opportunities. Many talented entrepreneurs face financial barriers that make a top-tier education feel out of reach. By covering tuition and living costs, the scholarship ensures that financial limitations never stand in the way of impact.

Scholars join the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, a hub that equips students with tools, mentorship, and resources to accelerate their ventures. Alumni of this programme have gone on to launch and scale organisations in health, education, renewable energy, finance, and more.

In other words, the Skoll Scholarship invests in people who are building solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, and equips them to scale their vision globally.

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What the Scholarship Covers

The financial benefits of the Skoll Scholarship make it one of the most generous MBA opportunities in the world:

• Full tuition coverage for the Oxford Saïd MBA programme, saving scholars tens of thousands of pounds in fees.

• Living allowance to help with accommodation, food, and day-to-day expenses while in Oxford.

• On rare occasions, partial awards may be offered, but the scholarship typically covers full tuition.

But the value of the Skoll Scholarship goes far beyond money. Recipients become part of a lifelong network — the Skoll Scholar community. This group includes past scholars, mentors, and global partners who offer collaboration opportunities, peer learning, and long-term support.

Who is Eligible?

The Skoll Scholarship is highly competitive. It is designed for leaders who not only talk about change but actively work to make it happen.

To be considered, applicants should:

• Show proven commitment to founding or leading ventures that address urgent social or environmental challenges.

• Adopt a systemic approach — meaning you look at root causes, not just symptoms, and work collaboratively to solve them.

• Demonstrate humility and openness, showing that you are willing to learn from others and adapt as needed.

• See Oxford as a catalyst — you should be clear about how the MBA and Skoll Centre community will expand your reach and impact.

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Selection Criteria

The selection process goes deeper than eligibility. The committee looks for candidates who:

• Have at least three years of practical experience in founding or leading impactful ventures.

• Possess a strong drive to understand the root causes of problems and the persistence to tackle them.

• Bring lived experience or long-term involvement with the communities they serve.

• Show self-awareness about personal strengths, privileges, and limitations — and a willingness to learn.

• Hold a long-term vision for systemic change, not just short-term fixes.

• Can explain clearly how Oxford, Saïd Business School, and the Skoll Centre will amplify their mission.

• Demonstrate financial need for support due to personal or professional circumstances.

Application Process

Applying for the Skoll Scholarship is a two-step journey:

1. Apply to the Oxford MBA via the Saïd Business School admissions portal. You must apply during stages 1 to 4 of admissions.

2. Within your MBA application, upload answers to the Skoll Scholarship essay questions, which allow you to explain your mission, experiences, and need for financial support.

Once your MBA application is successful, it will automatically be forwarded to the Skoll Scholarship Committee. From there, scholarship assessments begin after each MBA admissions round. Applicants are notified shortly after regarding their status.

Oxford MBA Application Portal

Interview Process

If shortlisted, candidates go through a rigorous interview stage:

• You will receive an email with instructions and a request to complete a Logistics and Reference Form.

• First-round interviews are conducted virtually with the selection panel, focusing on your track record, vision, and fit for the Skoll community.

• Finalists are then invited to a second online interview before the committee makes final decisions.

This process ensures that only the most committed, impactful leaders receive the award.

Why Nigerian and African Applicants Should Apply

For Nigerian and African social entrepreneurs, the Skoll Scholarship represents more than just education. It offers:

• Access to global resources for scaling ventures back home.

• A chance to connect with like-minded innovators from every continent.

• The opportunity to spotlight African solutions on a world stage.

Given the continent’s unique challenges in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and climate change, the Skoll Scholarship provides a platform for leaders to shape global conversations while driving meaningful change locally.

Key Dates to Remember

• Application Deadline: January 7, 2026

• Admissions Rounds: Apply during Oxford MBA stages 1–4

• Scholarship Assessments: Conducted after each MBA round

• Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted with details

Don’t wait until the last minute — early preparation gives you more time to refine your essays and strengthen your application.

Final Thoughts

The Skoll Scholarship 2026–2027 for MBA at Oxford is more than an academic award. It is an investment in leaders who are committed to transforming society. If you are a social entrepreneur with a bold vision, financial need, and the determination to scale your impact, this scholarship could be your stepping stone to global influence.

Remember, Oxford is not just a place to earn a degree; it is a launchpad for changemakers. The question is: are you ready to take your mission to the next level?

APPLY FOR THE SKOLL SCHOLARSHIP AT OXFORD