The Fully Funded Skoll MBA Scholarship 2026 at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School isn’t just a scholarship; it’s a launchpad for leaders dedicated to solving the world’s most pressing social and environmental problems. If you’re a social entrepreneur with a proven track record of impact, this guide is your first step toward turning a world-class MBA into a powerful tool for global change. We’ll break down everything you need to know, from eligibility to crafting an application that truly stands out.
Fully Funded Skoll MBA Scholarship 2026
| Key Fact | Details |
| Primary Benefit | Full funding for tuition and a partial living stipend for the Oxford MBA. Skoll Centre Official Site |
| Focus Area | Social entrepreneurship and systems-level change. Saïd Business School |
| Number of Awards | Approximately five scholarships are awarded each year. |
| Key Requirement | At least 3 years of experience founding or leading a social venture. |
What is the Skoll Scholarship?
The Skoll Scholarship is a competitive merit award for incoming MBA students to the University of Oxford who are committed to driving positive change through social entrepreneurship. Established by the Skoll Foundation, it provides a unique opportunity to join a vibrant ecosystem of innovators, thought leaders, and academics at the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, which is embedded within the Saïd Business School.
This isn’t just about financial support. The scholarship is a gateway to an exclusive community. It offers unparalleled networking opportunities, specialized programming, and mentorship designed to accelerate your impact. You’ll be learning alongside a cohort of peers who share your passion for creating a better world, all while gaining the rigorous business acumen of an Oxford MBA.
Unpacking the “Fully Funded” Benefit
When we say “fully funded,” what does that truly cover? For a Skoll Scholar, the benefits are substantial and designed to allow you to focus entirely on your studies and your venture.
- Full Tuition and College Fees: The scholarship covers the entire course fees for the one-year Oxford MBA program. This is the most significant financial component, removing a massive barrier for many aspiring leaders.
- Partial Living Stipend: You’ll also receive a grant to assist with living expenses during your year in Oxford. While it may not cover all your costs, it provides a solid foundation for accommodation and daily life in one of the world’s most historic academic cities. The exact amount is confirmed upon offer, but in past years it has been around £17,668.
Are You the Ideal Skoll Scholar? Decoding the Eligibility
The Skoll Centre is looking for a specific type of leader. They want individuals who are not just dreaming of change but are already in the trenches, making it happen. Here’s a breakdown of the key criteria.
The Core Requirements
To be considered for this social entrepreneurship scholarship, you must first receive an offer of admission to the Oxford MBA program. Beyond that, the Skoll Centre looks for these essential qualities:
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: You must have founded or co-founded a social venture that has been running for at least three years. Alternatively, you could have been a key driver of a social venture’s growth and impact for the same duration.
- A Track Record of Impact: You need to demonstrate how your actions have created positive, systems-level change. This isn’t about small, incremental improvements; it’s about tackling the root causes of problems.
- Personal Qualities of a Social Leader: They seek individuals who are persistent, resourceful, and deeply committed to their cause. You should be able to show a bias toward action and a willingness to take risks.
- A Clear Vision for the Future: You need to articulate how the Oxford MBA and the Skoll Scholarship will specifically help you scale your impact after graduation. It’s about connecting the dots between your past achievements, the MBA program, and your future ambitions.
In my experience advising candidates, one common hurdle is failing to connect their personal story to their venture’s mission. The selection committee wants to see you—your grit, your passion, and your unwavering belief in your solution. Your venture is the proof, but your character is the core.
Navigating the Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The journey to becoming a Skoll Scholar is a two-part process. You must apply to the Oxford MBA and the Skoll Scholarship simultaneously.
Step 1: The Oxford MBA Application
Your first task is to put together a stellar application for the Saïd Business School funding and MBA program. This includes your GMAT/GRE scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a series of essays.
Ensure you apply during one of the eligible MBA application stages—typically Stages 1, 2, or 3. The official Oxford MBA admissions page is your best resource for exact dates and requirements.
Step 2: The Skoll Scholarship Essay
Within the MBA application, you’ll find a section dedicated to the Skoll Scholarship.12 Here, you will answer specific essay questions about your social venture and your leadership journey. This is your moment to shine.
The core of your essay should answer:
- What is the problem you are trying to solve?
- What is your venture’s innovative solution?
- What impact have you achieved so far? (Be specific with metrics!)
- How will an Oxford MBA and the Skoll community help you amplify this impact?
Be authentic and data-driven. Tell a compelling story, but back it up with concrete evidence of your venture’s success and scalability.
Step 3: The Interview Stage
If your written application impresses both the MBA admissions and Skoll Scholarship committees, you will be invited for an interview. This is a rigorous, in-depth conversation with the Skoll Centre team. They will probe your understanding of the problem you’re tackling, your venture’s business model, and your personal leadership style.
Prepare to discuss your venture’s finances, governance, and long-term strategy. Be ready to defend your theory of change and explain why you are the right person to lead this work.
Crafting a Winning Application: Insider Tips
Competition for the Skoll Scholarship is fierce. I’ve seen many successful applicants focus on these three key areas to set themselves apart.
- Focus on “Systems Change”: The Skoll Centre is interested in ventures that don’t just treat symptoms but change the underlying system. Explain how your solution alters market dynamics, shifts policy, or changes cultural norms.
- Quantify Your Impact: Don’t just say you “helped a community.” Say you “provided clean drinking water to 10,000 people by implementing a new filtration system, reducing waterborne illnesses by 40%.” Use numbers and clear metrics.
- Show, Don’t Just Tell: Instead of saying you are “resilient,” describe a time your venture almost failed and what you did to save it. Use stories to illustrate your leadership qualities.
Life as a Skoll Scholar at Oxford
Becoming a Skoll Scholar is more than just attending an MBA program; it’s about joining a lifelong community. Throughout the year, you’ll engage in a series of exclusive events:
- Welcome Week: An orientation with your fellow scholars to build community.
- Masterclasses & Workshops: Sessions with leading social entrepreneurs and academics.
- Mentorship: Access to a network of world-class experts and previous Skoll Scholars.
- The Skoll World Forum: An opportunity to attend the premier international conference for social entrepreneurship.
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FAQs
When is the deadline for the Skoll MBA Scholarship?
The deadline for the scholarship coincides with the Oxford MBA application deadlines for Stages 1, 2, and 3. You must submit your MBA application and the Skoll essay questions by the deadline for the stage you choose. Always check the official Saïd Business School website for the most up-to-date deadlines for the 2026 intake.
Can I apply if my social venture is still just an idea?
No. The Skoll Scholarship is for entrepreneurs who have been running a social venture for at least three years.18 The committee needs to see a proven track record of impact and leadership. It is not intended for ventures at the ideation stage.
What are the main selection criteria?
The primary criteria are: demonstrating entrepreneurial action for at least three years, a history of creating systems-level impact, strong leadership qualities (persistence, a bias toward action), and a clear plan for how the Oxford MBA and Skoll community will enhance your ability to create change.
Is there an age limit for the Skoll Scholarship?
There is no specific age limit. The focus is on the maturity and impact of your venture and your leadership experience. The typical Oxford MBA cohort has a wide range of ages and professional backgrounds.
