The scholarship

The Skoll Scholarship provides funding for social innovators who are interested in undertaking an MBA to enhance and broaden their skills for more effective social change. The scholarship covers full MBA course fees and provides partial living expenses. 

Beyond financial assistance, scholars join the vibrant Skoll Scholar community which offers an opportunity for lifelong learning and connection with other social innovators. This scholarship recognises the financial strain an Oxford MBA may pose, especially for those committed to social impact and innovation over purely commercial or public sectors. 

Meet the 2024-25 Skoll Scholars

Scholarship eligibility

Entrepreneurial action
  • Proven track record of driving change through entrepreneurial approaches. 
  • Examples include starting or growing a social venture, leading the expansion of a social impact initiative, or addressing a specific social/environmental issue. 
Creating impact with a focus on systems change
  • Visible results and significant impact through entrepreneurial efforts. 
  • Challenging and improving inequitable systems and practices within the candidate's field. 
Personal qualities of a social innovator
  • Persistence and a willingness to take risks and learn from failure.  
  • Bias toward action and exploring environments for opportunities. 
  • Development of networks and collaboration to pursue mutual goals.  
  • Lived experience or a deep understanding of the problems they address. 
Oxford MBA critical to career trajectory
  • Clear articulation of how an MBA will contribute to the candidate’s professional growth and ability to create social impact. 
Financial need
  • Demonstrated financial burden in affording the programme.
  • Ability to articulate the need for the scholarship based on past work experiences or personal circumstances.
Diversity and inclusion

The scholarship aims to create a collaborative environment that values diverse perspectives, fostering a global mindset necessary for addressing complex societal challenges. As such, the Skoll Scholarship emphasises the importance of diversity and inclusion within its community. All candidates, especially women, individuals from historically underrepresented groups, and those from the Global South, are encouraged to apply. 

Apply for the scholarship

  • Apply directly to Saïd Business School for the Oxford MBA during stages 1, 2, 3, or 4 of the admissions process.

  • Upload your responses to the Skoll Scholarship essay questions as part of your MBA application.

  • The MBA Admissions Team will assess your application for MBA acceptance. If accepted, your application automatically proceeds to the Skoll Scholarship Selection Committee.

  • Scholarship applications are reviewed after the relevant MBA admissions stage. Receive updates on your scholarship application status shortly after MBA admission decisions.

  • If shortlisted, expect an email from the Skoll Centre outlining the next steps, including a Logistics and Reference Form to complete. Final shortlisted scholarship applicants will be notified about first-stage online interviews with the Skoll Scholarship Selection Committee. Successful candidates will proceed to a final online interview.

Important reminders
  • Only candidates accepted by Saïd Business School for the MBA and who submit scholarship essays by the deadlines will be considered.
  • Successful MBA applicants must pay a deposit to secure their place; deposit deadlines will be extended for those advancing in the Skoll Scholarship selection process.
  • If your application reaches the final shortlisting stage, you will receive the Logistics and Reference Form directly from the Skoll Centre via email.
  • In order to receive the Logistics and Reference Form and proceed to the next phase of the application process, applicants must have been granted an unconditional offer for the MBA programme. Candidates with conditional offers at this stage will not be considered for the scholarship
Frequently asked questions