The University of Oxford is home to some of the most ambitious thinkers in the world. Among its many prestigious funding opportunities, the Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship stands out as a premier award for those who want to combine deep subject-matter expertise with a world-class business education.
Established by the Pershing Square Foundation, this scholarship supports students through the unique Oxford 1+1 MBA programme. This is not just a financial grant; it is a two-year investment in future leaders dedicated to solving global social challenges.
What is the Oxford 1+1 MBA?
Before diving into the scholarship, it is essential to understand the “1+1” structure. This programme allows you to spend your first year completing a specialized Master’s degree (MSc or MSt) from a variety of Oxford departments, followed by a second year pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Saïd Business School.
The Scholarship Package
The Pershing Square Scholarship is fully funded, providing a comprehensive support system for both years of study:
- Full Tuition & Course Fees: Covered for both your Master’s year and your MBA year.
- Living Stipend: A grant of at least £20,780 per year (for 2026/27) to cover living expenses in Oxford.
- Mentorship & Networking: Access to the Pershing Square Foundation’s community of innovators and world-scale changemakers.
- The New York Trek: An invitation to a spring “trek” to New York City to meet leading social entrepreneurs and foundation leaders.
Are You a “Pershing Square Scholar”?
The foundation isn’t just looking for high grades; they are looking for vision. Successful applicants usually demonstrate:
- Academic Excellence: High undergraduate GPA and strong GMAT/GRE scores.
- Leadership Potential: A track record of taking initiative and motivating others.
- Social Commitment: A clear desire to tackle issues like climate change, poverty, or healthcare inequality.
- Scalable Vision: The ability to explain how your combined degrees will help you create sustainable and large-scale solutions.
Eligible Master’s Programs
You can pair your MBA with dozens of different Master’s degrees. Popular choices include:
- Public Policy (MPP)
- Computer Science
- International Health and Tropical Medicine
- Environmental Change and Management
- African Studies / Contemporary Chinese Studies
- Criminology and Criminal Justice
The Application Process (2025/2026)
To be considered, you must apply to both programs and the scholarship simultaneously.
1. Apply for the 1+1 MBA
When applying to the MBA via the Saïd Business School portal, you must select the “1+1 MBA” option.
2. Apply for Your Chosen Master’s
Submit a separate application to the department offering your first-year Master’s degree.
3. The Scholarship Essay
Under the “Funding” section of your MBA application, you must upload an essay of no more than 500 words answering:
“How do you intend to change the world? What does this tell us about you as a person?”
Important Deadlines
Timing is critical because each Master’s program has its own cutoff.
| Milestone | Key Date |
| MBA Round 2 Deadline | January 7, 2026 |
| Master’s Degree Deadline | December 2025 or January 2026 (Course dependent) |
| Shortlisting Notification | Early April 2026 |
| Scholarship Interviews | Late April / Early May 2026 |
Tips for a Winning Essay
- Be Specific: Don’t just say you want to “help people.” Identify a specific problem (e.g., “energy poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa”) and explain your proposed mechanism for change.
- Connect the Degrees: Explain why you need both the technical depth of your Master’s and the management skills of the MBA.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Use examples from your past to prove you have the integrity and resilience to follow through on your big ideas.
The Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship is more than a degree; it is a commitment to a career of impact. If you are ready to think big and act bold, this could be the defining chapter of your professional life.
Would you like me to help you brainstorm a structure for your “How do you intend to change the world” essay?