The Skoll Scholarship represents one of the most prestigious opportunities for social entrepreneurs worldwide to pursue an Oxford MBA with full financial support and exclusive access to a dynamic global network of change-makers. Administered through the Saïd Business School (SBS) in collaboration with the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, the scholarship is designed for individuals who are committed to tackling the world’s most pressing social and environmental challenges through innovative and impactful ventures.
Social entrepreneurship has become a critical force in shaping a more equitable and sustainable world. Leaders who blend business acumen with social purpose are uniquely positioned to create systemic change, addressing deep-rooted societal issues such as poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and access to education and healthcare. Recognizing this, the Skoll Scholarship not only alleviates the financial barriers of pursuing a top-tier MBA but also provides scholars with the mentorship, networks, and intellectual resources necessary to accelerate their social impact.
The scholarship embodies Oxford University’s broader mission of cultivating global leaders who combine analytical rigor, practical problem-solving skills, and ethical leadership. By fostering a cohort of talented social entrepreneurs, the Skoll Scholarship contributes to a global ecosystem of innovation and positive change, where ideas are transformed into scalable solutions.
The Skoll Scholarship was established with a clear vision: to empower social entrepreneurs who are dedicated to creating meaningful impact in their communities and around the world. The program acknowledges the challenges faced by social innovators, particularly the financial constraints that often accompany early-stage ventures. Pursuing an MBA is a significant investment, yet the skills, networks, and credibility it provides can dramatically enhance the effectiveness and scale of social ventures.
At its core, the Skoll Scholarship is about enabling leadership for systemic change. Scholars are not just pursuing personal advancement; they are being equipped to address complex social problems with innovative solutions that are both sustainable and scalable. This aligns closely with the philosophy of the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, which has long championed the idea that business principles can and should be harnessed to serve the greater good.
The scholarship emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurial thinking, collaborative leadership, and a systemic approach to tackling societal challenges. Scholars are encouraged to leverage the Oxford MBA experience to refine their strategic thinking, deepen their understanding of global markets, and enhance their ability to mobilize resources effectively for social impact.
The Skoll Scholarship targets social entrepreneurs who demonstrate a proven commitment to creating ventures that address significant social or environmental challenges. Ideal candidates exhibit not only entrepreneurial experience but also the vision, resilience, and leadership qualities necessary to drive systemic change.
The Skoll Scholarship is intentionally inclusive, encouraging applications from individuals across diverse geographic, cultural, and professional backgrounds. Special emphasis is placed on candidates from historically underrepresented groups, women, and individuals from the Global South, ensuring that the scholarship fosters a truly global and diverse community of social innovators.
The process of applying for the Skoll Scholarship is integrated with the Oxford MBA admissions procedure, ensuring a seamless evaluation of both academic and social entrepreneurial potential.
Applicants must first submit their MBA application to Saïd Business School during any of the admissions stages (Stage 1, 2, 3, or 4). The MBA admissions team evaluates candidates based on academic achievements, professional experience, leadership potential, and personal qualities.
As part of the MBA application, candidates are required to upload responses to the Skoll Scholarship essay questions. These essays provide insight into the applicant’s social entrepreneurial journey, leadership philosophy, and vision for systemic change. Strong essay responses are essential for consideration by the Skoll Scholarship Selection Committee.
Following the MBA admissions decision, applications that meet the scholarship’s criteria are automatically reviewed by the Skoll Scholarship Selection Committee. Shortlisted applicants are then invited to complete additional steps, including:
Successful candidates from the first-stage interviews proceed to a final online interview, where their suitability for the scholarship and potential for high-impact social entrepreneurship is assessed. The final selection reflects a combination of entrepreneurial experience, changemaking qualities, and alignment with the Skoll Centre’s mission.
The Skoll Scholarship provides more than financial support; it offers a holistic package designed to accelerate the development of social entrepreneurs.
The Skoll Scholar cohort is composed of diverse leaders who exemplify the scholarship’s mission. Among the selected scholars are:
These individuals represent a range of sectors, geographies, and approaches, demonstrating that the Skoll Scholarship cultivates a truly global community of changemakers.
The Skoll Scholarship prioritizes diversity and inclusion as central to fostering innovation and collaboration. By welcoming candidates from various backgrounds, the program ensures that scholars are exposed to multiple perspectives, enhancing their ability to design solutions that are equitable, scalable, and culturally sensitive.
This commitment is reflected in the scholarship’s emphasis on encouraging applications from women, historically underrepresented groups, and candidates from the Global South. By cultivating a diverse community, the Skoll Scholarship strengthens the global social entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The impact of the Skoll Scholarship extends beyond the individual recipient. By supporting talented social entrepreneurs, the scholarship contributes to broader societal change, driving solutions to critical challenges such as:
Scholars are empowered to leverage their MBA education, combined with the resources and mentorship of the Skoll Centre, to scale innovative solutions that create measurable, lasting impact.
Q: Who is eligible for the Skoll Scholarship?
A: Social entrepreneurs with a demonstrated commitment to high-impact ventures and systemic change. Both early-career and experienced founders are encouraged to apply.
Q: Does the scholarship cover all costs?
A: The scholarship covers full MBA tuition and partial living expenses. Additional funding support may be pursued through other scholarships or loans if needed.
Q: Can international candidates apply?
A: Yes. The scholarship is open to candidates from all countries, with a focus on inclusivity and representation from underrepresented regions.
Q: What is the selection process?
A: Applicants are reviewed during the MBA admissions process, with shortlisting, interviews, and final evaluation conducted by the Skoll Scholarship Selection Committee.
The Skoll Scholarship represents an unparalleled opportunity for social entrepreneurs to amplify their impact through an Oxford MBA. By combining financial support, world-class education, and access to a global network of innovators, the program equips scholars with the tools, insights, and connections needed to lead transformational change.
For aspiring social entrepreneurs, the Skoll Scholarship is more than just a financial award; it is a platform to accelerate social innovation, expand networks, and turn visionary ideas into actionable, systemic solutions. By nurturing talent that blends entrepreneurial drive with social purpose, the scholarship helps shape a future where business and society work together for lasting positive impact.
To learn more about applying, visit: Saïd Business School – Skoll Scholarship
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