The Skoll Scholarship 2026–2027 supports social entrepreneurs who want to study for the Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. It provides full coverage of MBA tuition fees plus additional funding for living expenses, allowing students to focus fully on academic growth and social impact work.

The scholarship is for people who already lead or contribute to social ventures that address major social or environmental challenges. Applications close on 7 January 2026.

Scholars also join the global Skoll Scholar Community, a network of past and present awardees supported by the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship.

Overview of the Skoll Scholarship 2026–2027

The scholarship is designed for social entrepreneurs who want to strengthen their leadership through the Oxford MBA. It supports individuals working on long-term solutions to social or environmental problems.

The scholarship:

• Covers the full Oxford Saïd MBA tuition fee
  
• Provides additional financial support for living expenses
  
• May occasionally be awarded as a partial scholarship
  
• Gives access to Skoll Centre programmes, events, and networks
  

What the Scholarship Covers

Successful candidates receive:

• Full MBA tuition coverage
  
• A financial contribution toward living costs for the study year
  
• In rare cases, a partial scholarship instead of full funding
  

This support allows social impact leaders—often coming from low-paying mission-driven roles—to pursue an elite MBA without financial barriers.

Who the Scholarship Is For

The award targets social entrepreneurs who:

• Create or lead social ventures addressing systemic challenges
  
• Work on problems with a deep social or environmental root
  
• Show humility, self-awareness, and openness to learning
  
• Demonstrate collaboration and a commitment to long-term change
  

Ideal candidates will use the Oxford MBA to scale their impact and deepen their systems-change knowledge.

Selection Criteria

Strong candidates typically:

• Have 3+ years of experience leading or building a social venture
  
• Demonstrate proven social or environmental impact
  
• Show curiosity and persistence in understanding root causes
  
• Have lived experience of the issue or strong community engagement
  
• Display self-awareness and willingness to listen and evolve
  
• Present a clear career plan focused on long-term social impact
  
• Show how Oxford and the Skoll Centre will support their mission
  
• Demonstrate financial need for the scholarship
  

How to Apply for the Skoll Scholarship

The scholarship is tied directly to the Oxford MBA application.

Application Steps

1. Apply for the Oxford MBA via Saïd Business School during admissions stages 1–4.
   
2. Upload responses to the Skoll Scholarship essay questions within the MBA application portal.
   
3. Saïd Business School first reviews your MBA application.
   
4. If you receive an MBA offer, your materials are forwarded to the Skoll Scholarship Selection Committee.
   
5. Scholarship review happens shortly after each MBA admission round.
   

There is no separate initial application for the scholarship.

Shortlisting and Interview Process

If shortlisted, applicants will:

• Receive an email from the Skoll Centre
  
• Complete a Logistics and Reference Form
  
• Attend a first-stage online interview with the selection committee
  

Candidates who pass the first stage will:

• Be invited to a final online interview
  

Interviews assess the strength of your social venture, your leadership approach, and your alignment with Skoll Centre values.