Dreaming of pursuing a Master’s degree at a world-renowned institution like the University of Oxford? Imagine yourself immersed in advanced studies, surrounded by brilliant minds, and on the path to making a significant impact on global challenges. For many ambitious students, the cost of such an education can seem like an insurmountable barrier. However, opportunities exist to turn these aspirations into reality.
The Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship is one such transformative opportunity. This prestigious award is designed to support exceptional individuals who aim to tackle major social issues through their future careers. It offers full funding for a unique dual Master’s degree program, providing a pathway to leadership and impactful change.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know about the 2027 Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship. We will explore what it offers, who is eligible, and the steps required to submit a compelling application. Get ready to discover how you can take the first step towards your academic and professional goals at Oxford.
What is the Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship?
The Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship is a fully funded program offered by the University of Oxford in collaboration with the Pershing Square Foundation. This scholarship is specifically designed for students pursuing a dual Master’s degree, often referred to as the “1+1 MBA” program. This unique structure allows students to complete a one-year Master’s degree in a chosen field followed by a one-year MBA.
The Pershing Square Foundation, established in 2006, is dedicated to supporting leaders and organizations that address significant global challenges. Their commitment to education and social impact makes this partnership with Oxford a powerful force for developing future change-makers. The scholarship aims to attract students with a clear vision for tackling world-scale social issues and developing scalable, sustainable solutions.
Benefits of the Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship
Receiving the Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship offers substantial benefits that cover the full cost of your dual degree program. This allows you to focus entirely on your academic pursuits and personal development without financial stress. The scholarship is designed to support outstanding students who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a commitment to social impact.
The award provides comprehensive funding for all course fees associated with both the Master’s degree and the MBA year. In addition to tuition, scholars receive a generous living grant. This stipend is intended to cover essential living expenses, ensuring a comfortable and productive academic experience in Oxford.
Beyond financial support, scholarship recipients gain access to exclusive opportunities. They are invited to attend prestigious conferences and events throughout their two years of study. These events offer invaluable networking possibilities and exposure to leading figures in various fields, further enriching the academic journey and preparing scholars for future leadership roles.
Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship
To be considered for the Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship, candidates must meet specific academic and personal requirements. The primary condition is admission to a partnering program within the Oxford 1+1 MBA framework. This means you must apply and be accepted into both a one-year Master’s degree program that is part of the 1+1 MBA initiative and the MBA program itself.
Applicants should be aware that only those admitted to the MBA program while simultaneously enrolled in one of the official 1+1 MBA partnering programs are eligible. If you have previously applied and were waitlisted or re-evaluated, you may still be considered if you are now admitted to the MBA program through one of the designated Master’s courses. It is important to check the official list of 1+1 MBA partnering programmes to ensure your chosen Master’s degree qualifies.
The scholarship is open to applicants from all countries, making it a global opportunity. However, meeting the academic standards of both the chosen Master’s program and the MBA is crucial. Strong academic records, including undergraduate results and standardized test scores like the GMAT or GRE, are essential components of the application.
Key Selection Criteria
The selection process for the Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship is rigorous, focusing on identifying individuals with the potential to become influential leaders and problem-solvers. A core element of the evaluation is academic achievement. This includes your undergraduate degree results, performance on standardized tests such as the GMAT or GRE, and any academic awards or distinctions you have received.
Beyond academics, leadership potential is heavily weighted. The committee looks for evidence of your ability to lead, inspire, and motivate others, demonstrated through your past experiences and your stated motivations. This can be shown through work experience, extracurricular activities, or volunteer roles where you have taken on leadership responsibilities.
Strong personal character, integrity, and commitment are also vital. The scholarship seeks individuals who are not only academically capable but also possess a strong moral compass and a dedication to their chosen path. Your intention to focus on addressing world-scale social challenges in your career is a defining criterion. You must articulate a clear vision for how you plan to contribute to solving significant global issues, whether through an existing organization or by creating a new venture.
Finally, your ability to envision scalable and sustainable solutions to these challenges is assessed. The scholarship committee wants to see that you can think strategically and develop practical approaches to complex problems. Your articulated vision for how the Oxford 1+1 MBA program will enable you to achieve your objectives is also a key part of the assessment.
Required Documents for Application
To apply for the Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship, you will need to prepare several key documents as part of your
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship?
It’s a fully funded scholarship for students pursuing a dual Master’s degree and MBA at the University of Oxford, focusing on developing leaders to tackle global social issues.
What does the scholarship cover?
It covers all course fees for both the Master’s degree and the MBA, along with a generous living grant for essential expenses.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be admitted to a qualifying one-year Master’s program and the MBA program as part of the Oxford 1+1 MBA initiative.
What are the main selection criteria?
Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership potential, personal character, and a clear vision for addressing world-scale social challenges with scalable solutions.
