Application Deadline:
4 October 2025
About Organisation
The Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, launched in 2003 at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, is a global hub for advancing social entrepreneurship. Founded with support from the Skoll Foundation, the Centre seeks to nurture and empower leaders working to create systemic solutions to complex social and environmental challenges. It fosters knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and innovation, providing intellectual resources, networks, and training for social entrepreneurs. The Centre is committed to encouraging entrepreneurial thinking, ethical leadership, and sustainable development. Through its scholarships, events, and research initiatives, the Skoll Centre connects individuals and organisations dedicated to transforming lives, alleviating poverty, and creating equitable, thriving communities. By blending academic rigor with practical experience, it prepares change-makers to address pressing global issues and implement scalable solutions. The Centre’s unique approach balances business leadership with compassion and collaboration, cultivating a new generation of innovators who are equipped to tackle the world’s most urgent challenges.
About the Grant
The Skoll Scholarship is designed to support social entrepreneurs pursuing an MBA at Oxford University. It provides full tuition coverage and partial living expenses to individuals committed to creating meaningful change through social ventures. The scholarship recognises that aspiring changemakers often face financial barriers while seeking advanced education and leadership training. In addition to financial support, scholars become part of the Skoll Centre’s vibrant community, which offers lifelong learning, mentorship, and peer networks. The scholarship aims to amplify the impact of social entrepreneurs by helping them build the skills, confidence, and relationships necessary to expand their ventures. Applicants are expected to have at least three years of experience leading initiatives that address social or environmental challenges, with demonstrated evidence of significant impact. The programme places emphasis on systemic approaches, humility, openness, and collaboration. Scholars benefit from access to global networks, workshops, and leadership development opportunities, strengthening their capacity to tackle deep-seated issues. The scholarship aligns with Oxford’s mission to cultivate ethical, responsible leaders equipped to navigate complex global problems.
Who can Apply?
The Skoll Scholarship is open to social entrepreneurs with a proven commitment to creating and scaling ventures that address social or environmental challenges. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years’ experience leading a social enterprise and be able to demonstrate significant, measurable social impact. Candidates should exhibit a systemic approach to social change, with entrepreneurial creativity, resilience, and leadership skills. They are expected to lead with humility, embrace collaboration, and actively engage with diverse perspectives. The scholarship particularly values those ready to enhance their ventures through advanced education at Oxford Saïd Business School. Applicants must apply for the Oxford MBA during the designated admissions stages and submit responses to the Skoll Scholarship essay questions. Selected candidates must hold or be offered a full-time position at an educational or research institution that supports their leadership role. The scholarship welcomes individuals from all backgrounds who are passionate about effecting lasting change. Candidates should also be prepared to leverage the Oxford MBA experience and the Skoll Centre’s community to broaden their ventures’ impact. This programme is aimed at those seeking both personal growth and societal transformation.
How to Apply?
Interested candidates must apply for the Oxford MBA during stages 1, 2, 3, or 4 of the admissions process and submit the Skoll Scholarship essay responses as part of the MBA application. After acceptance, applications are forwarded to the Skoll Scholarship Selection Committee. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online interviews and further steps. Final selections are based on leadership potential, entrepreneurial experience, and commitment to social change.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Skoll Scholarship must be submitted by 4 October 2025 as part of the Oxford MBA admissions process. Candidates should ensure they complete all required materials before the deadline.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
