Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship 2027 (Fully Funded)
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The Oxford-Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded award at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School for the 1+1 MBA programme. It covers full course fees for both the partner Master’s degree and the MBA year, plus a living grant of at least £21,805 per year. Up to five scholarships are awarded annually, and the deadline to apply is 6 January 2027.
INTRODUCTION
For international students who dream of studying at one of the world’s most prestigious universities without worrying about the bill, the Oxford-Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship is about as good as it gets. Backed jointly by the Pershing Square Foundation and the University of Oxford, this fully funded scholarship supports outstanding students on Oxford’s unique 1+1 MBA — a two-year path that combines a specialised Master’s degree with the Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School.
Established through a £7.8 million gift from the Pershing Square Foundation and matched with £5.2 million from the University of Oxford’s Graduate Scholarship Matched Fund, the scholarship is designed for future leaders who want to tackle large-scale social and global challenges — whether through an existing organisation or by building something new.
Every year, up to five outstanding candidates from anywhere in the world are selected to receive this award. It covers full tuition for both years of the 1+1 MBA and a generous annual living grant, along with mentorship, global networking, and access to the Pershing Square Foundation’s community of changemakers. If you’re aiming for a career with real-world social impact and want Oxford’s global platform to help you get there, this is one of the most valuable graduate scholarships open to international students in the UK for 2027.
QUICK OVERVIEW TABLE
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Oxford-Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship 2027 |
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| Host University | University of Oxford, Saïd Business School |
| Degree Level | Graduate — 1+1 MBA (Master’s + Oxford MBA) |
| Funded By | Pershing Square Foundation, matched by the University of Oxford |
| Scholarship Type | Fully funded |
| Coverage | Full course fees (Master’s + MBA) plus at least £21,805/year living grant |
| Eligible Countries | All countries (international, open competition) |
| Application Deadline | 6 January 2027 (for the 1+1 MBA); Master’s programme deadline separately, Dec/Jan |
| Study Mode | Full-time, on-campus |
| Duration | 2 years (1 year Master’s + 1 year MBA) |
| IELTS Required | English proficiency required as part of Oxford graduate admissions |
| Application Fee | Standard Oxford graduate application fee applies (scholarship itself has no separate fee) |
About the Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship
The Oxford-Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship was created to support students pursuing Oxford’s 1+1 MBA — a distinctive two-year track where scholars first complete a specialised, full-time Master’s degree at Oxford, then move directly into the one-year Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School. This structure lets scholars combine deep subject expertise with the leadership and business training of an MBA.
The scholarship is funded through a landmark £7.8 million gift from the Pershing Square Foundation, matched by a further £5.2 million from the University of Oxford under its Graduate Scholarship Matched Fund — bringing total endowed funding to £13 million. This endowment means the scholarship is funded in perpetuity, supporting new cohorts of scholars every year.
Up to five scholarships are awarded annually. Recipients join a close-knit community known as Pershing Square Scholars, gaining access to mentorship from the Scholarship’s Advisory Board, Oxford faculty, and alumni, along with invitations to global forums, conferences, and a hosted “trek” to New York organised by the Pershing Square Foundation. Because the award is so comprehensive and the cohort so small, competition for the scholarship is intense — selection favours candidates with a genuinely distinctive vision for solving large-scale social problems.
SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS
✔ Full course fees for the Master’s degree year
✔ Full course fees for the Oxford MBA year
✔ A living cost grant of at least £21,805 for each year of study (over £43,000 across the two years)
✔ Mentorship from the Pershing Square Scholarship Advisory Board, Oxford faculty, and alumni
✔ Access to global forums, conferences, and networking events
✔ Termly events hosted by the MBA Director
✔ Scholar-led community events and cohort-building activities
✔ A hosted “trek” to New York with the Pershing Square Foundation
✔ Membership in the Pershing Square Scholar global network
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
The scholarship supports the Oxford 1+1 MBA specifically, structured as:
- Year 1: A full-time Master’s degree in one of Oxford’s official 1+1 MBA partnering programmes (spanning subjects such as public policy, international relations, education, and other fields depending on the current list of partner degrees)
- Year 2: The Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School
Candidates admitted to a full-time one-year Master’s course that isn’t currently on the official 1+1 MBA partner list, combined with a separate MBA application, may also be considered, as can current Oxford Master’s students who have since been admitted to the MBA and weren’t considered for the scholarship the previous year.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicants are considered in the following order of priority:
- New applicants to the 1+1 MBA — you must be admitted to both a 1+1 MBA partnering programme and to the MBA itself before being considered (waitlisted applicants are not eligible).
- Applicants admitted to a non-partnering full-time one-year Master’s course and separately admitted to the MBA.
- Current Master’s students who have since been admitted to the MBA and were not considered for the scholarship the previous year.
Beyond admission requirements, selection is based on:
- A genuine intention to focus your career on large-scale social challenges, whether in an existing organisation or through a new venture
- Ability to articulate scalable, sustainable solutions to those challenges
- Leadership potential shown through real experience and motivation
- Academic achievement — degree results, GMAT or GRE scores, university prizes, and other academic distinctions
- Strong personal character, integrity, and commitment
- A clear, well-argued vision of how the Oxford 1+1 MBA fits your long-term goals
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- Complete application to your chosen 1+1 MBA partnering Master’s programme
- Complete, separate application to the Oxford MBA
- Scholarship essay, uploaded in the “Funding” section of the 1+1 MBA application (maximum 500 words, answering: “How do you intend to change the world and what does this tell us about you as a person?”)
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- CV/resume
- GMAT or GRE score (as part of MBA admissions)
- English language proficiency evidence, if required
- Letters of recommendation, as required by each programme’s admissions process
- Personal statement, as required by your chosen Master’s programme
APPLICATION PROCESS
Step 1: Choose your 1+1 MBA partnering Master’s programme. Review the official list of 1+1 MBA partnering programmes and decide which subject area matches your goals.
Step 2: Apply to your chosen Master’s programme. Submit a complete application by that programme’s own deadline — typically in December or January.
Step 3: Apply separately to the Oxford MBA. The MBA application is submitted independently, alongside your Master’s application, by 6 January 2027.
Step 4: Write and upload your scholarship essay. In the “Funding” section of your 1+1 MBA application, answer the required 500-word essay question on how you intend to change the world.
Step 5: Wait for admissions decisions. You must be admitted to both the Master’s programme and the MBA (not waitlisted) to be considered for the scholarship.
Step 6: Progress through shortlisting and interviews. Shortlisting typically takes place in early April, with interviews following in late April or early May.
IMPORTANT DATES
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| 1+1 MBA & MBA Application Deadline | 6 January 2027 |
| Master’s Programme Deadline | Varies by programme — December or January |
| Shortlisting | Early April |
| Interviews | Late April – early May |
| Results | After interviews, spring 2027 |
| Programme Start | Master’s year begins Autumn 2027, MBA year follows |
IMPORTANT LINKS
- Official scholarship page: Oxford-Pershing Square Graduate Scholarships – Saïd Business School
- 1+1 MBA programme page: sbs.ox.ac.uk/programmes/mbas/oxford-11-mba
- 1+1 MBA partnering programmes list: sbs.ox.ac.uk/11-mba-departments
- University of Oxford Graduate Admissions: ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate
- Pershing Square Foundation: pershingsquarefoundation.org
- Meet current scholars: Scholar profiles
SELECTION PROCESS
- Admissions screening — applicants must first be admitted (not waitlisted) to both their chosen Master’s programme and the MBA.
- Essay review — the 500-word scholarship essay is assessed alongside the wider application.
- Shortlisting — held in early April based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and vision.
- Interviews — shortlisted candidates are interviewed in late April or early May.
- Final selection — up to five scholars are chosen and welcomed into the Pershing Square Scholar community.
How to increaseyour chances for Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship
- Be genuinely specific in your 500-word essay — vague ambitions to “make a difference” rarely stand out
- Show a track record of leadership, not just intentions
- Back up your vision with real evidence: prior projects, ventures, or community impact
- Take your GMAT/GRE and English test early so a strong score is ready in time
- Apply to a 1+1 MBA partnering programme that genuinely aligns with your long-term goals, not just the one seen as easiest to enter
- Prepare for the interview by practising how you talk about your future plans clearly and confidently
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
- Missing the 6 January 2027 deadline for the 1+1 MBA and MBA applications
- Forgetting to upload the scholarship essay in the “Funding” section
- Applying to a Master’s programme not on the official 1+1 MBA partnering list without a clear plan for the separate MBA application
- Submitting a generic essay that doesn’t answer the specific question asked
- Applying to the MBA and Master’s at different, uncoordinated times
- Being placed on the waitlist and assuming you’re still eligible for the scholarship (you are not, unless subsequently admitted)
LIVING IN THE UK
Oxford is a compact, walkable university city with a strong international student community. Living costs for graduate students are significant compared to many other UK cities, with rent, food, and transport typically running £1,200–£1,800 per month depending on lifestyle and accommodation type. The scholarship’s living grant of at least £21,805 per year is specifically designed to help offset these costs. Most Oxford colleges also offer accommodation options for graduate students, and part-time work rules apply under standard UK student visa conditions.
VISA INFORMATION
International students accepted to Oxford typically apply for a UK Student visa. This requires a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the University, proof of funds (which the scholarship helps satisfy), and a valid passport. Visa processing usually takes a few weeks, so it’s best to apply as soon as your CAS is issued. Student visa holders are generally permitted to work part-time during term, subject to standard UK visa conditions.
WHY STUDY IN THE UK
- Home to some of the highest-ranked universities in the world, including Oxford
- The 1+1 MBA structure offers a rare combination of specialised academic depth and business leadership training
- Strong global alumni and professional networks through Oxford and Saïd Business School
- Access to the UK’s Graduate visa route, allowing eligible graduates to work in the UK after study
- A genuinely international student body and city with centuries of academic tradition
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the Oxford-Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship fully funded? Yes. It covers full course fees for both the Master’s and MBA years, plus a living grant of at least £21,805 per year.
Who can apply? International students admitted to both a 1+1 MBA partnering Master’s programme and the Oxford MBA.
Can European students apply? Yes, the scholarship is open to applicants from any country.
Can African students apply? Yes, eligibility is based on admission to the 1+1 MBA, not nationality.
Can Asian students apply? Yes, applicants from across Asia are eligible under the same admissions-based criteria.
Can Pakistani students apply? Yes, provided they are admitted to both the Master’s and MBA components of the 1+1 MBA.
Can Indian students apply? Yes, the same eligibility rules apply regardless of nationality.
Can UK or US students apply? Yes — this is an open, international competition, not restricted to non-UK/non-US nationals, as long as admissions requirements are met.
Is IELTS mandatory? English proficiency is required as part of standard Oxford graduate admissions, though the specific test accepted depends on your background and programme.
Is there an application fee? The scholarship itself has no separate fee, but the standard Oxford graduate application fee applies to your Master’s and MBA applications.
How many students are selected each year? Up to five scholars are selected annually.
Can I apply if I’m on the waitlist for the 1+1 MBA or MBA? No, waitlisted applicants are not considered for the scholarship.
What GPA or academic record is required? There’s no fixed minimum, but selection considers degree results, GMAT or GRE scores, and other academic achievements.
Can I work while studying? Yes, subject to the standard part-time work conditions of a UK Student visa.
How competitive is this scholarship? Extremely — with only five awards given globally each year against many qualified applicants to the 1+1 MBA.
Can I apply with a pending degree? Yes, as long as you meet the admissions requirements of your chosen Master’s and MBA programmes.
What expenses are not covered? Personal travel outside the scholarship’s organised activities and discretionary spending beyond the living grant are not covered.
Can I defer the scholarship? Deferral policies are determined on a case-by-case basis by Saïd Business School — contact the scholarship team directly if this applies to you.
Can I apply if I already have another scholarship or funding? You should disclose any other funding when applying; contact the scholarship office for specific guidance.
How will I know if I’ve been selected? Selected scholars are notified after the interview stage, typically in spring 2027.
What is the “1+1 MBA”? It’s Oxford’s two-year graduate track combining a specialised Master’s degree in year one with the Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School in year two.
FINAL SUMMARY
The Oxford-Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship 2027 stands out as one of the most generous and prestigious fully funded opportunities available to international graduate students anywhere in the world. By covering full tuition for both the Master’s and MBA years, plus a substantial annual living grant, it removes the financial barrier standing between exceptional students and a genuinely transformative Oxford education. If you’re serious about tackling large-scale social challenges and want the platform, mentorship, and global network to back that ambition, start preparing your 1+1 MBA and MBA applications now — the deadline is 6 January 2027, and admission to both programmes is required before you can even be considered.