The University of Oxford, in collaboration with the Pershing Square Foundation, offers a prestigious scholarship, the Oxford – Pershing Square Scholarship, for exceptional students who seek to create real and lasting global impact by combining a Master’s degree with an MBA through the renowned 1+1 programme.
Launched in 2014, the Oxford – Pershing Square Scholarship is awarded to up to five students annually and fully covers the costs of both the Master’s and MBA degrees at Oxford. Applicants can choose from any of the partner Master’s programmes within the 1+1 track and combine it with the MBA.
This scholarship targets students with strong leadership potential and a deep commitment to finding scalable and sustainable solutions to global social challenges.
Scholarship Funding
- Tuition Fees: The scholarship covers the full tuition fees for both the Master’s and MBA programmes.
- Living Expenses: A financial grant of no less than £20,780 per year to cover living costs.
- Number of Scholarships Available: 5 scholarships.
Additional Benefits for Scholars
- Opportunity to attend prestigious conferences and regular events throughout the academic year.
- Membership in the active Pershing Square Scholars community.
- A Spring Trek to New York City organised by the Pershing Square Foundation.
- Excellent opportunities for mentorship and professional guidance.
Who Can Apply?
Priority will be given to applicants in the following order:
- New applicants to the Oxford 1+1 MBA programme.
- Those accepted into a partner Master’s programme listed under the 1+1 track as well as the MBA.
- Those accepted into a full-year Master’s programme not officially listed in the 1+1 track, along with the MBA (two separate applications are required).
- Current Master’s students who are later accepted into the MBA and were not considered for the scholarship in the previous year.
Note: Applicants on waiting lists are not eligible for this scholarship.
Selection Criteria
- Academic Excellence: Evaluated through academic records, GMAT or GRE scores, and previous academic awards and scholarships.
- Leadership Ability: Demonstrated through past experience and personal motivation.
- Integrity and Strong Character: A clear commitment to personal and social values.
- Interest in Solving Global Challenges through work in existing organisations or the creation of new initiatives.
- Clear Vision for Scalable and Sustainable Solutions.
- Defined Goals on how the 1+1 MBA programme will help achieve these goals.
Note: Applicants are encouraged to highlight these qualities in their application form, scholarship essay, and interview responses.
How to Apply
- Submit a complete application for both the selected Master’s and MBA programmes.
- Upload a scholarship essay in the “Funding” section of the 1+1 MBA application form.
- 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?"
Deadlines
- You must apply to the 1+1 MBA by 7 January 2026.
- You must apply to the selected Master’s programme by its own deadline (either in December or January depending on the programme) and you can find the deadlines and the available programmes through this link.
Selection Process
- Initial shortlisting is planned for early April.
- Finalists will be invited to interviews in late April or early May.
