About this opportunity
The Skoll Scholarship is the flagship fully funded MBA award from the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at Oxford's Saïd Business School. It covers full Oxford MBA course fees plus a living stipend of at least £21,805 for up to four social entrepreneurs each year who have built ventures tackling deep social or environmental challenges. Scholars join the vibrant Skoll Scholar community of 80+ alumni across 23 nationalities, with lifelong learning and connection to global social innovators.
The Skoll Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship offered by Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford for applicants heading to United Kingdom. Applications close on Jan 6, 2027.
Who should apply?
This may be a fit if the following points describe you. Always use the official criteria as the final check.
- Have a strong track record in social entrepreneurship: at least three years building or leading a social venture or impact initiative with measurable impact
- Intend to continue creating positive social impact after the MBA
- Meet the Oxford MBA admission requirements (GMAT score of 650+ or GRE 160 verbal / 161 quant recommended)
- Demonstrate entrepreneurial leadership attributes, systemic thinking and collaborative leadership
- Show how a business education will advance your impact career and demonstrate financial need
- Take TOEFL or IELTS if your first language is not English or you did not attend an English-speaking university
- Open to both the standard Oxford MBA and the 1+1 MBA programme (scholarship covers the MBA year only)
What the opportunity may offer
- Full Oxford MBA course fees covered
- Living-cost stipend of at least £21,805
- Membership of the Skoll Scholar community with lifelong learning opportunities
- Connection with social entrepreneurs and innovators worldwide
- Access to the wider academic and professional environment at Oxford Saïd
- Up to four scholarships awarded each year; partial scholarships possible in exceptional cases
Required documents
- Complete Oxford MBA application
- Skoll Scholarship essay document (found in the Funding section of the MBA application)
- GMAT or GRE score report
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (if applicable)
- Academic transcripts
- References as required by the MBA application
- Logistics and Reference Form (only for shortlisted candidates)
Application process
- Apply for the full-time Oxford MBA directly to Saïd Business School in any admissions stage (September 2026 to 6 January 2027)
- Complete the Skoll Scholarship essay responses in the Funding section of the MBA application; there is no separate initial scholarship form
- Oxford MBA admissions assesses your application first; if accepted with the Skoll essays submitted, you proceed automatically to the Skoll Scholarship Selection Committee
- Shortlisted candidates complete a Logistics and Reference Form
- Final interviews take place online in April or May, with offers made shortly after
Before you apply
- □Apply before Jan 6, 2027 — confirm the date in your own time zone
- □Confirm that you meet every eligibility condition set by Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
- □Prepare your 7 required documents in the format asked for
- □Ask referees early and share the official instructions
- □Review the official source once more before submitting
Deadline notes
The official Oxford Saïd page lists 6 January 2027. This is the final eligible Oxford MBA admissions stage (Stage 4); candidates may also apply through earlier stages (September, October and November 2026). The complete MBA application plus the Skoll Scholarship essay document must be submitted by whichever stage deadline you choose. Final shortlisting takes place in late March with interviews in April or May.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Skoll Scholarship cover?
Full Oxford MBA course fees plus a living-cost stipend of at least £21,805, membership of the Skoll Scholar community, and access to the wider Oxford Saïd academic and professional environment. In exceptional cases partial scholarships may be offered.
What is the Skoll Scholarship deadline for 2027?
6 January 2027, the final eligible Oxford MBA admissions stage (Stage 4), per the official Oxford Saïd page. You may also apply through earlier stages in September, October and November 2026; the complete MBA application and Skoll essay must be submitted by your chosen stage deadline.
Do I apply for the Skoll Scholarship separately?
No. There is no separate initial application. You apply for the Oxford MBA and complete the Skoll Scholarship essay document in the Funding section of the MBA application. If you are accepted for the MBA, your application automatically proceeds to the Skoll Scholarship Selection Committee.
Who is eligible for the Skoll Scholarship?
Social entrepreneurs with at least three years building or leading a social venture with measurable impact, who intend to continue creating social change after the MBA. You must also meet Oxford MBA admission requirements including GMAT/GRE scores.
How many Skoll Scholarships are awarded?
Up to four scholarships are awarded each year, making it highly competitive. Selection is based on your social entrepreneurship track record and potential for future systemic impact.
Programme details can change. Check the original listing before you prepare or submit an application.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-25UShireZone is not affiliated with Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. We never charge applicants to apply. Always verify details and submit through the official website.