A Life-Changing Opportunity at Oxford
Every once in a while, a scholarship comes along that doesn’t just fund your education it transforms your future. The Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship is one of those rare opportunities.
Imagine spending two years at one of the world’s most respected universities, surrounded by changemakers, visionaries, and leaders from every corner of the world. That’s exactly what the Pershing Square Scholarship offers complete funding for both a selected master’s degree and Oxford’s prestigious MBA program.
For many, the dream of studying at Oxford feels distant, almost impossible because of cost. But this scholarship doesn’t just remove financial barriers it opens the door to global leadership. It’s about shaping students who can solve real-world challenges, from poverty and healthcare to climate and technology.
What the Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship Covers
The Pershing Square Foundation funds up to six full scholarships every year for exceptional individuals enrolled in the Oxford 1+1 MBA program.
Here’s what it includes:
- Full tuition for both years – your chosen master’s degree and the MBA.
- Living expenses of at least £17,668 per year, covering accommodation, meals, and personal needs.
- Access to networking events, mentorship, and leadership programs exclusively for Pershing Square Scholars.
- Opportunities for summer internships and field projects with the Pershing Square Foundation’s partner organizations.
This means scholars don’t just get a free education they join a lifelong community of leaders across business, social innovation, and policy.
Quick Tip: Many scholars say the biggest value isn’t the money it’s the people you meet. The Pershing Square community connects you to global CEOs, founders, and impact investors who genuinely want you to succeed.
The Oxford 1+1 MBA – A Unique Two-Year Program
Unlike traditional MBAs, Oxford’s 1+1 MBA program allows students to combine a one-year master’s degree from another Oxford department with a one-year MBA at the Saïd Business School.
This structure attracts individuals who want to mix academic depth with business strategy. For example:
- A student studying Public Policy can apply business insights to global governance.
- A Computer Science scholar can combine AI research with entrepreneurship.
- A Sociology major can bring social innovation into organizational leadership.
Over 30 Oxford master’s programs are eligible for the 1+1 MBA. Some popular ones include:
- MSc in Environmental Change and Management
- MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine
- MSc in Education (Comparative and International Education)
- MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- MSc in Social Science of the Internet
By pairing your academic interest with an MBA, you become the kind of leader Oxford wants to shape someone who thinks deeply and acts globally.
Who Can Apply and Key Eligibility Rules
The Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship welcomes applicants from all countries, backgrounds, and academic disciplines. However, it’s also one of the most competitive scholarships worldwide so eligibility is both clear and demanding.
You’re eligible if you:
- Apply to the Oxford 1+1 MBA program, combining a master’s degree and the MBA.
- Meet the academic entry requirements for both the master’s and MBA courses.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and leadership potential.
- Show a strong commitment to addressing global challenges social, environmental, or economic.
- Submit your application by the January 2025 deadline for both programs.
You can also apply if you are:
- Currently enrolled in one of Oxford’s master’s programs and want to continue to the MBA.
- A new applicant directly applying for the full 1+1 program.
Reality Check:
The Pershing Square Scholarship is not only about grades. Many past winners stood out because of their clarity of purpose they could explain exactly why they wanted to make a difference, not just what they’d studied.
Academic and Professional Excellence
Most Pershing Square Scholars have first-class or strong upper second-class honors degrees (GPA 3.7+ or equivalent). But Oxford also values experience. Many successful candidates have:
- Worked with NGOs, startups, or international organizations.
- Led university projects or social ventures.
- Published research or contributed to community development.
Oxford looks for evidence of impact, not perfection.
As Andrew Wiles often tells his mentees:
“Oxford doesn’t expect you to have changed the world yet. They just want to see that you’ve started.”
What Makes You Stand Out
A strong personal statement or scholarship essay can be the deciding factor. Oxford’s reviewers read hundreds of essays, so they’re not impressed by fancy vocabulary they want authenticity.
Tips for your essay:
- Be specific. Explain which global problem you want to tackle and how Oxford fits into that mission.
- Show evidence of leadership, not just titles. Describe how you motivated others or solved real challenges.
- Make your story personal what inspired your goals?
- Connect your master’s and MBA choice logically. Show how the two degrees together make you more effective.
Quick Tip: Don’t say, “I want to be a leader.” Instead, show how you already lead through your projects, ideas, or service.
How to Apply for the Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship
The process may feel long, but each step counts. Here’s the complete roadmap:
- Choose your master’s program from the list of eligible 1+1 MBA courses.
- Apply separately for the master’s degree and the MBA via Oxford’s Graduate Admissions website.
- In your MBA application form, select the option to be considered for the 1+1 MBA and Pershing Square Scholarship.
- Complete both applications by January 2025 (exact dates vary per program).
- Upload all required documents: academic transcripts, CV, references, and test scores (GMAT/GRE).
- Write a Pershing Square scholarship essay (up to 500 words) answering:
How do you intend to change the world, and what does this tell us about you as a person?
Mini Checklist:
- Oxford master’s application submitted
- MBA application submitted
- Scholarship essay uploaded
- GMAT/GRE score submitted
- References uploaded before the deadline
Common Mistake: Many applicants forget that the scholarship deadline matches the earliest course deadline. Missing it disqualifies you automatically.
Application Timeline and Key Dates
While Oxford’s 1+1 MBA applications open in September 2024, the key date for Pershing Square consideration is the January 2025 deadline.
- September 2024: Applications open
- December 2024: Early program deadlines begin
- January 2025: Final deadline for scholarship consideration
- March–April 2025: Shortlisted candidates invited for interviews
- May 2025: Scholarship results announced
Quick Tip:
Start preparing your documents by October. Scholars say early organization makes the difference between a calm submission and a chaotic one.
Documents You’ll Need
Prepare these in advance:
- Academic transcripts (with English translations if necessary)
- Degree certificates
- CV (one page preferred)
- Statement of purpose for both degrees
- Pershing Square essay (500 words max)
- Two or three recommendation letters
- GMAT or GRE results (average GMAT for Oxford MBA ≈ 690)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL, if applicable)
Keep everything labeled and uploaded before the deadline Oxford’s system doesn’t allow late additions.
What Scholars Say About the Experience
Many past Pershing Square Scholars describe Oxford as more than a university it’s a launchpad for purpose.
One scholar from Kenya shared that her year at Oxford changed how she viewed leadership:
“At Oxford, I realized leadership isn’t about being loud. It’s about clarity knowing what problem you’re meant to solve.”
Another scholar from Pakistan combined an MSc in Water Science with the MBA and now works on sustainable water policy across South Asia.
Their stories share a common theme impact starts with perspective. Oxford’s environment challenges you to rethink everything you know about progress, innovation, and responsibility.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
1. Start Early.
Give yourself at least three months to draft your essays. Most applicants submit several revisions before they’re confident.
2. Get Feedback.
Ask mentors or alumni to review your statement. A second pair of eyes can catch unclear logic or weak examples.
3. Be Authentic.
Oxford’s panels easily spot exaggerated achievements. Write honestly about what drives you.
4. Highlight Global Awareness.
Show you understand world issues climate, inequality, health, or technology and how you aim to contribute.
5. Show Collaborative Spirit.
Pershing Square Scholars are team players. Demonstrate how you learn from others and value diversity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing generic essays that could fit any university.
- Submitting without proofreading (typos reflect carelessness).
- Over-focusing on your master’s field and ignoring your MBA goals.
- Missing deadlines for either program.
- Forgetting to mention your social impact vision.
Reality Check:
Oxford wants future global changemakers, not just high achievers. If your story shows persistence, empathy, and vision you’re already halfway there.
Life at Oxford as a Pershing Square Scholar
Life at Oxford feels like walking through history while building the future. Scholars live in ancient colleges with libraries older than many countries, attend high-profile lectures, and collaborate with thought leaders.
But the Pershing Square experience goes beyond classrooms. Scholars participate in:
- Annual Dinners and Leadership Retreats hosted by the Pershing Square Foundation.
- Global Leadership Seminars where scholars meet CEOs and Nobel laureates.
- Impact projects focused on sustainability, healthcare, and inclusive business.
You’ll also be part of the Oxford Foundry a hub for innovation and startups where students pitch real business ideas.
What Students Say:
“It’s not just about business. It’s about belonging to a place that believes in your ability to make a difference.”
Why This Scholarship Stands Out Globally
Compared to other elite awards like Chevening, Rhodes, or Gates Cambridge, the Pershing Square Scholarship stands out for its integration of business and purpose.
- Chevening focuses on leadership across all fields.
- Rhodes values academic excellence and service.
- Gates Cambridge supports innovation and research.
- Pershing Square uniquely links business with social impact.
It attracts a new generation of leaders who understand that profit and purpose can coexist.
How to Stay Motivated While Waiting for Results
After you submit, there’s a quiet, anxious waiting period. Every applicant feels it. Use that time wisely:
- Continue community or volunteer projects.
- Read about your target field to strengthen your knowledge.
- Stay humble and hopeful remember, being shortlisted already means Oxford saw potential in you.
If you don’t get selected, don’t stop. Many scholars applied again the next year and succeeded.
Reality Check:
A rejection doesn’t mean failure it means redirection. Oxford often remembers strong candidates and encourages reapplication.
Beyond the Scholarship – The Pershing Square Legacy
Even after graduation, Pershing Square Scholars remain part of a thriving global network. Many alumni now lead organizations in sustainability, public policy, healthcare, and technology.
They mentor new scholars, fund social projects, and speak at Oxford events to inspire the next generation.
Examples:
- A 2018 scholar now runs a renewable energy startup in Africa.
- A 2020 scholar works at the World Bank developing inclusive education strategies.
- A 2022 scholar co-founded a digital health company improving access to care in South Asia.
Each story proves the same truth: education multiplied by purpose creates real change.
Final Words of Encouragement
If you’re reading this, you’re already thinking like a leader. Applying to Oxford might feel intimidating but remember, every scholar once stood exactly where you are now: uncertain, hopeful, and determined.
The Pershing Square Scholarship isn’t just for the “perfect” student. It’s for the one who refuses to give up on a dream that matters.
So prepare your application with care. Write your essay from the heart. And when you hit submit, know that you’ve already taken a brave step toward becoming part of a global community that believes in leadership with purpose.
Because Oxford doesn’t just build careers it builds changemakers. And the next one could be you.
Andrew Wiles, Higher education expert with 15+ years guiding students in PhD, postgraduate, and research scholarships. Andrew simplifies visas, interviews, and application planning.