The Skoll Scholarship supports social entrepreneurs who want to take the full-time Oxford Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Oxford Saïd Business School. It is administered by the Skoll Centre and funded by a grant from the Skoll Foundation. Scholars receive full course fee cover, a contribution toward living costs, and access to the Skoll Scholar community.
Applications for the class of 2027-28 run through the Oxford MBA admissions stages. To be considered for Skoll funding, you must submit a complete MBA application and the Skoll Scholarship essay questions by Stage 4.
Scholarship overview
- Host: University of Oxford Saïd Business School, United Kingdom
- Award: Skoll Scholarship
- Level: Full-time one-year Oxford MBA
- Value: Full MBA course fees plus a contribution toward living expenses (partial awards may be offered in rare cases)
- Number of awards: Typically up to four scholarships per year
- Citizenship: Open to applicants of all nationalities; women, candidates from historically underrepresented groups, and applicants from the Global South are especially encouraged
- Final stage for scholarship consideration: Stage 4, Wednesday 6 January 2027 (23:59 UK time)
- Programme start: Oxford MBA class of 2027-28 (typically autumn 2027)
What the scholarship covers
According to the Skoll Centre, the scholarship is intended to cover Oxford Saïd MBA course fees. Additional funds are provided as a contribution toward living expenses. In rare cases, partial scholarships may be offered.
Beyond funding, scholars join the Skoll Scholar community for lifelong learning and connection with other social innovators. Recipients are expected to act as ambassadors for the Skoll Centre, support classmates on entrepreneurship projects, help recruit future scholars, and engage with alumni and media opportunities as set out in their letter of agreement.
Who can apply
The Skoll Scholarship is for social entrepreneurs who show a strong commitment to creating and leading ventures that tackle deep social and environmental problems. Selection focuses on entrepreneurial experience, changemaking skills, and high-impact career aspirations, including how you will use the Oxford MBA and the Skoll Centre community for systemic change.
Key eligibility points from the official Skoll Centre guidance:
- You need a minimum of three years of experience building and leading a social venture, with clear evidence of significant social impact
- A social venture or initiative combines innovation, resourcefulness, and opportunity to address a critical social and/or environmental challenge (for-profit, not-for-profit, or a programme led inside a larger organisation)
- Impact career professionals who have used entrepreneurial approaches to the same social or environmental issue across their career may also fit the profile
- There is no age restriction
- The award is only for the full-time one-year MBA (not the part-time Executive Master of Business Administration)
- Applicants to the Oxford 1+1 pathway can be considered, but Skoll funding covers only the MBA year
Eligible fields of study
The scholarship funds the full-time Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School. It is designed for social entrepreneurs and impact leaders rather than a single academic major. Related focus areas include business administration, social entrepreneurship, social innovation, and systems change.
Application timeline (2027 entry)
Apply directly to Saïd Business School for the Oxford MBA during stages 1 to 4. Official Skoll Centre deadlines for this cycle are:
- Stage 1: Wednesday 2 September 2026
- Stage 2: Monday 5 October 2026
- Stage 3: Wednesday 4 November 2026
- Stage 4 (final stage for Skoll consideration): Wednesday 6 January 2027
Scholarship essays are reviewed after each MBA admissions stage. You should receive an update on your Skoll application shortly after MBA admission decisions. Shortlisted candidates complete a Logistics and Reference Form and may be invited to online interviews with the Skoll Scholarship Selection Committee.
How to apply
- Submit a complete Oxford MBA application to Saïd Business School in Stage 1, 2, 3, or 4
- Upload your responses to the Skoll Scholarship essay questions in the Funding section of the MBA application form
- If you receive an MBA offer, your file proceeds automatically to the Skoll Scholarship Selection Committee
- Follow any further instructions from the Skoll Centre if you are shortlisted
Successful MBA applicants must pay a deposit to secure their place. Deposit deadlines are extended for candidates who advance in the Skoll selection process. At the final shortlisting stage, candidates normally need an unconditional MBA offer.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Skoll Scholarship fully funded?
It covers full Oxford Saïd MBA course fees and provides a contribution toward living expenses. Partial awards may be offered in rare cases. Confirm the current fee level on the Saïd Business School site when you apply.
How many Skoll Scholarships are awarded each year?
The Skoll Centre typically awards up to four scholarships every year.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The scholarship welcomes candidates of all nationalities. The Skoll Centre especially encourages applications from women, historically underrepresented groups, and candidates from the Global South.
Do I need a separate scholarship form?
You apply through the Oxford MBA application and upload the Skoll essay responses in the Funding section. There is no separate standalone form beyond that process and any later Skoll Centre shortlist steps.
What is the last deadline for Skoll consideration?
You must apply in Stage 1, 2, 3, or 4. The final stage for Skoll consideration is Wednesday 6 January 2027.
