How to Apply for Oxford Pershing Square MBA Scholarship 2027 Entry Cycle?
If you want to combine a specialist Master’s degree at Oxford with the Oxford MBA, the Oxford-Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship 2027 is one of the strongest full-funding opportunities available.
Oxford offers up to five scholarships, covering the course fees for both degrees plus a living-cost grant of at least £21,805 for each year of study.
But this scholarship is not designed for someone who simply wants a free MBA. It is aimed at applicants who can show that they want to tackle a large-scale social challenge and have a credible plan for creating sustainable, scalable change.
What Exactly Is the Oxford 1+1 MBA?
The Oxford 1+1 MBA allows you to complete two Oxford degrees over two years.
You first study an eligible one-year specialist Master’s programme and then progress to the Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School.
The Pershing Square Scholarship funds both parts of that journey.
Priority is given to new applicants applying directly to an official 1+1 MBA partnering programme, although Oxford may also consider certain applicants combining a separate full-time one-year Oxford Master’s with the MBA.
The key point is that you must be admitted to both programmes before you can ultimately be considered for the scholarship. Applicants sitting on a waiting list are not considered.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Successful Pershing Square Scholars receive:
- Full course fees for the Master’s degree
- Full Oxford MBA course fees
- At least £21,805 toward living costs for each year
- Mentorship and professional development
- Access to conferences and global forums
- Scholar networking and community events
- Potential participation in the Pershing Square Foundation’s New York Trek
This makes the award much more than a tuition discount. It is effectively a two-year academic and leadership package.
Who Is Oxford Looking For?
Strong grades alone will not win this scholarship. Oxford looks for applicants who demonstrate:
- Excellent academic achievement
- Strong leadership potential
- Integrity and personal character
- Commitment to tackling major social challenges
- Ability to imagine solutions that can scale
- A clear explanation of why the 1+1 MBA combination is necessary for their goals
Your career could involve an existing organisation, social enterprise, public institution or a venture you plan to create.
What matters is whether you can explain the problem you want to solve and show that your ambition is backed by evidence rather than slogans.
The Scholarship Essay Matters More Than You Think
Applicants must submit a scholarship essay of no more than 500 words answering:
“How do you intend to change the world and what does this tell us about you as a person?”
A weak answer will spend most of those 500 words describing a global problem.
A stronger answer explains what you have already done, what you learned, what problem you now want to solve, why your proposed solution could scale and why Oxford’s Master’s + MBA combination is the missing step.
The essay should reveal both your ambition and your character.
How Do You Apply for Pershing Square Scholarship at Oxford?
You must submit complete applications for:
- Your chosen Oxford Master’s programme
- The Oxford 1+1 MBA
- The Pershing Square scholarship essay through the Funding section of the 1+1 MBA application
Do not assume one Oxford application automatically covers the other. Each Master’s programme has its own admission requirements and may also have its own December or January deadline.
Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship 2027 Deadline
You must submit the Pershing Square Scholarship at Oxford 1+1 MBA application by 6 January 2027 and apply to your chosen Master’s programme by that programme’s own relevant December or January deadline.
Shortlisting is expected in early April 2027, followed by interviews in late April or early May.
Questions Applicants Commonly Ask
Can international students apply?
Yes. The published scholarship criteria are not restricted to a particular nationality.
Can I apply only for the MBA?
Not for this scholarship. Pershing Square is designed around the Master’s + MBA combination.
Do I need work experience?
Your MBA application must meet Oxford’s normal admissions requirements, while the scholarship additionally looks for demonstrated leadership, achievement and impact potential.
Can I apply if my Master’s is not on the official 1+1 list?
Possibly. Oxford lists applicants admitted to a separate full-time one-year Master’s and the MBA as a secondary priority group.
How many Pershing Square MBA scholarships are available?
Only five, so this should be treated as an exceptionally competitive award.
Not Sure Whether Your Oxford Combination Makes Sense?
If you are confused about your Master’s choice, MBA eligibility, work experience, academic profile or scholarship essay idea, leave your question in the comments below this article. Mention your intended Oxford Master’s and career goal, and we can help you judge whether the Pershing Square route genuinely fits your profile.