Thinking about a UK MBA but worried about the price tag? You’re not alone. Tuition at top British business schools can exceed £60,000—and that’s before living costs. The good news: there are excellent MBA scholarships in the UK for foreign students, from full‑tuition awards like Chevening Partner Scholarships and the Oxford Skoll Scholarship to dean’s excellence awards across LBS, Cambridge, Imperial, Warwick, Manchester, Cranfield, Durham, Bath, and more.
This guide shows you the best UK MBA scholarships for international students, who qualifies, how much you can get, what deadlines to watch, and exactly how to maximize your chances—all in one place.
What you’ll learn:
- A curated list of the best MBA scholarships in the UK for foreign students (full and partial)
- Chevening, GREAT, Forté, and school‑specific awards—amounts and eligibility
- Round‑by‑round deadlines, required documents, and a 60‑day application plan
- Insider tips to win: essays, GMAT/GRE, leadership impact, and negotiation
- Alternatives if you need extra funding (assistantships are rare; loans and employer support)
Note: Scholarship amounts, names, rules, and deadlines change. Always verify on the official scholarship and school pages before you apply.
Quick list: best UK MBA scholarships for international students (at a glance)
| Scholarship/Provider | Typical Amount | Who It’s For | Deadline Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarships (UK FCDO) | Full tuition + stipend + flights (MBA may be capped; partners often top up) | 1‑year master’s; leadership potential; citizens of eligible countries | Aug–Nov (year prior) | Many schools run Chevening Partner Awards that fully cover high MBA fees—confirm with your school |
| Oxford Saïd Skoll Scholarship | Full MBA fees + living stipend | Social entrepreneurs with impact track record | Jan–Mar (apply for MBA + Skoll) | Extremely competitive; requires additional Skoll essays/interview |
| Oxford Pershing Square (1+1) | Full fees (MBA + partnering MSc) + living grant | Future leaders tackling global challenges | Early rounds (autumn/winter) | Two‑year programme (MSc + MBA) |
| Cambridge Judge (Boustany MBA Scholarship) | ~£23,000 towards fees + travel for internship | Exceptional CV; offered biannually | Varies (typically spring) | Requires acceptance to Cambridge MBA; additional selection by Boustany Foundation |
| Forté Fellowships (various UK partners) | Typically £10,000–£30,000+ | Women in business with leadership potential | With MBA rounds | Offered by Oxford, Cambridge, LBS, Imperial, Manchester, Warwick, Cranfield, etc. |
| GREAT Scholarships (British Council) | £10,000 tuition | Selected nationalities at participating unis | Jan–May | Some schools apply GREAT awards to the MBA—check partner list each year |
| London Business School (LBS) Scholarships | £10,000–£50,000+ (some near full fees via partner awards) | Merit, women in business, region‑based | Rounds (Sep–Apr) | Dozens of named funds; most candidates receive some scholarship consideration |
| Imperial College Business School (MBA) | Up to ~£52,000 | Dean’s Excellence, Women in Finance/ STEM, regional awards | With MBA rounds | Multiple school‑funded scholarships; essays required |
| Warwick Business School (WBS MBA) | 10%–50%+ of tuition (rare full) | High‑achievers, women in leadership, social impact | Rolling by round | Awards applied automatically—add scholarship motivation to essays |
| Alliance Manchester Business School | Up to ~£30,000–£40,000 | Merit, women, regional | With rounds | Large portfolio; assess early applicants more favourably |
| Cranfield School of Management | £10,000–£30,000 | Leadership, social impact, regional | Rolling | Multiple named scholarships; stackable with external awards |
| Durham University Business School | Up to ~£17,500 or % tuition | Merit; women; region‑based | With rounds | Several competitive awards; clear scholarship essay helps |
| University of Edinburgh Business School | Up to ~£25,000 | Leadership, sustainability, women, emerging markets | With rounds | Tiered awards across rounds—apply early |
| Bayes (City, University of London) | Up to 50% of tuition | Merit; women; region | With rounds | Named awards for Latin America, MENA, Women in Business, etc. |
| University of Bath | Up to ~£20,000 | Merit; leadership; sector awards | With rounds | Global Leaders & MBA Excellence awards |
Tip: “Full ride” MBAs are rare. Most candidates assemble 2–3 partial awards (school + Forté/GREAT + sometimes Chevening partner top‑up) to cut net cost dramatically.
Chevening for MBAs: how it really works
- Coverage: Chevening typically covers full tuition, stipend, flights, and fees for 1‑year master’s. For some high‑fee MBAs, Chevening contributes up to a maximum tuition amount and expects either the school’s Chevening Partner Award or the candidate to cover the difference.
- Strategy:
- Target schools that advertise Chevening Partner Awards for their MBA (they often fully top up).
- Apply to Chevening Aug–Nov, and apply to MBA programmes in early rounds to meet conditional offers before Chevening deadlines.
- Eligibility: Citizenship in an eligible Chevening country, undergraduate degree, 2+ years’ work experience, leadership and networking potential, return‑to‑home‑country intent.
- Essays: Leadership, networking, study in the UK, and career plan/impact; quantifiable outcomes matter.
Always check both the Chevening site and your target schools’ “Chevening Partner” pages for current MBA terms.
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| Best MBA Scholarships in the UK for Foreign Students |
School‑by‑school: standout MBA scholarships for foreign students
Below are representative highlights. Amounts/awards change each intake—verify details.
Oxford Saïd Business School (Oxford MBA)
- Skoll Scholarship: Full fees + living stipend; for social entrepreneurs creating scalable impact.
- Forté Fellowships (women): Amounts vary (often five figures).
- Oxford–Pershing Square (1+1): Full fees + grant for students admitted to a partnering MSc + MBA.
- Oxford Regional/sector scholarships: Africa, India, Middle East, tech/finance pathways (amounts vary).
- Deadlines: MBA rounds typically Sep/Nov/Jan/Mar; scholarship consideration strongest early.
Cambridge Judge Business School (Cambridge MBA)
- Boustany Foundation Cambridge MBA Scholarship: ~£23k + internship travel/accom; awarded biennially.
- CJBS Dean’s/Director’s awards: Merit‑based, varied amounts.
- Forté Fellowships (women), college‑level scholarships, regional awards.
- Deadlines: Round‑based; earlier rounds maximise funds.
London Business School (LBS MBA)
- LBS Fund Scholarships: £10k–£30k+.
- Women in Business, Laidlaw Women’s Leadership, SARI Foundation Trust, Africa/LatAm regional funds.
- Forté Fellowships; external donor scholarships.
- Deadlines: 4–5 rounds (Sep–Apr). Scholarship forms often embedded in the application.
Imperial College Business School (Imperial MBA)
- Dean’s Excellence Scholarship: up to ~£52,000.
- Imperial Women’s Scholarships; Africa/India/LatAm awards.
- Forté Fellows at partner schools.
- Deadlines: Round‑based; funding prioritised for early applicants.
Warwick Business School (WBS MBA)
- WBS Scholarships: 10%–50%+ (rare full for exceptional cases).
- Women in Leadership; Social Impact; Change Maker awards.
- Rolling consideration within each round.
Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS MBA)
- Significant awards up to ~£30,000–£40,000 for merit, women, regional talent.
- Corporate scholarships tied to sectors.
- Early rounds get priority.
Cranfield School of Management (Cranfield MBA)
- Excellence, Social Impact, Regional awards: £10,000–£30,000 typical.
- Cranfield–Chevening partner places.
Durham, Edinburgh, Bath, Bayes, Strathclyde and others
- Consistent merit/leadership/regional awards ranging from £5,000 to ~£25,000+; some offer % tuition reductions (25–50%).
- GREAT Scholarships (£10k) frequently layered at these schools for eligible nationalities.
Who wins UK MBA scholarships? (Selection criteria)
- Academic and test strength
- Strong GPA (or class rank) and competitive GMAT/GRE (GMAT 680+ often strengthens merit case—even at test‑optional schools).
- Professional experience
- 3–7+ years with clear progression; international exposure; sector expertise.
- Leadership impact
- Quantified outcomes: revenue grown, costs reduced, teams led, policies changed, ventures built.
- Diversity and mission fit
- Women in leadership, underrepresented geographies/sectors, social impact, sustainability.
- School fit
- Essays that tie your goals to specific school strengths (centres, tracks, geography, alumni network).
60‑day plan to win a UK MBA scholarship
Days 1–7: Shortlist and verify
- Pick 5–8 target schools; download their MBA scholarship pages.
- Identify external awards: Chevening, GREAT, Forté, regional funds. Confirm MBA eligibility.
Days 8–21: Materials and tests
- One‑page leadership CV (impact bullets).
- Essays (goals, “why school,” leadership, contribution).
- GMAT/GRE/EA: schedule or request waiver (a good score boosts merit odds).
- Two referees: brief them with 3–5 key achievements.
Days 22–35: Apply early (Round 1/2)
- Submit MBA applications and scholarship forms.
- If Chevening‑eligible: start Chevening essays now (Aug–Nov window).
- Ask employer about tuition assistance; collect policy PDF.
Days 36–50: Interviews and negotiation
- Prep for motivation + behavioural + case discussions.
- After an offer, politely request scholarship reconsideration if you have competing awards or an updated test score.
Days 51–60: Stack funding and confirm visas
- Combine school award + GREAT/Forté/Chevening partner support + employer contribution.
- Ensure your CAS reflects scholarship amounts for the UK Student Route visa; verify maintenance funds.
Email template (scholarship reconsideration):
- Subject: Scholarship Reconsideration – [Your Name], [MBA Intake]
- Body: Thank the committee; restate fit; share new developments (promotion, updated GMAT, additional award); attach evidence; ask if any additional consideration is possible.
Documents & deadlines (what to expect)
- Core: Application form, essays, CV, degree transcripts, GMAT/GRE/EA (or waiver), English test (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE if required), two references.
- Scholarship extras: Motivation statements, leadership essays, regional/sector fit narratives, financial need statements (if need‑sensitive).
- Timing: UK MBA rounds typically run Sep–Apr. Chevening: Aug–Nov (prior year) with interviews Mar–May. GREAT: Jan–May (varies by school). Forté: alongside school rounds.
How to cut your net MBA cost (beyond scholarships)
- Employer tuition assistance
- Many employers sponsor £5k–£20k+; some match school scholarships. Present an ROI memo (projects you’ll deliver).
- Early rounds
- Scholarship budgets are largest in Round 1/2.
- GMAT/GRE upgrade
- A 20–40 point GMAT/GRE improvement can unlock thousands in merit funding.
- External awards
- Regional foundations, women‑in‑business, sector funds (banking/tech), and alumni chapter scholarships.
- Budgeting: London vs. regional cities
- Living costs vary widely; consider high‑value programs outside London with generous awards (Warwick, Manchester, Cranfield, Durham, Bath, Strathclyde, Edinburgh).
Common pitfalls (and easy fixes)
- Waiting for Round 3/4
- Funds are thinner; apply in early rounds for best scholarship odds.
- Thin leadership evidence
- Quantify results (KPIs, £ saved/£ gained, headcount, markets launched).
- Generic essays
- Tie your goals to specific labs, tracks, geographies, and employers in the school’s network.
- Assuming Chevening automatically covers any MBA fee
- Some MBAs exceed Chevening’s tuition cap; target Chevening Partner Awards or secure a school top‑up.
- Ignoring visa proof
- Ensure scholarship letters detail tuition covered so your CAS reflects correct financials.
Sample scholarship values by school (illustrative)
| School | Flagship Awards | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| LBS | LBS Fund, Women in Business, Regional | £10k–£50k+ |
| Oxford Saïd | Skoll (full), Forté, regional | £10k–full fees + stipend (Skoll) |
| Cambridge Judge | Boustany (~£23k), Forté, college funds | £10k–£30k+ |
| Imperial | Dean’s Excellence, regional | £15k–£52k |
| Warwick | WBS Excellence, Women in Leadership | 10%–50%+ |
| Manchester | Merit & regional awards | Up to ~£40k |
| Cranfield | Excellence/Social Impact/Regional | £10k–£30k |
| Durham/Edinburgh/Bath/Bayes | Merit, regional, women | £5k–£25k+ |
Verify exact names/amounts on each school’s site for the intake you’re applying to.
FAQs: Best MBA Scholarships in the UK for Foreign Students
Q: Can international students get a fully funded MBA in the UK?
A: Full‑ride awards are rare but possible (e.g., Oxford Skoll for social entrepreneurs; Chevening Partner Awards that fully top up MBA fees; occasional school‑specific full tuition awards). Most candidates combine multiple partial scholarships to reduce costs significantly.Q: Does Chevening cover MBAs?
A: Yes—Chevening funds 1‑year master’s, including MBAs. However, high‑fee MBAs may exceed Chevening’s tuition cap. Many schools partner with Chevening to top up MBA fees. Confirm with your target school.Q: Do I need GMAT/GRE for scholarships?
A: Many UK MBAs are test‑optional, but a strong GMAT/GRE can meaningfully improve scholarship odds and award size—especially for merit‑based funding.Q: What is the Forté Fellowship and can I get it in the UK?
A: Forté awards are for women pursuing MBAs at partner schools. Several UK schools (e.g., Oxford, Cambridge, LBS, Imperial, Manchester, Warwick, Cranfield) participate. Awards vary by school and profile.Q: Are GREAT Scholarships available for MBAs?
A: Sometimes. The British Council’s GREAT scheme offers £10,000 awards at partner universities for eligible nationalities; select schools apply GREAT to the MBA—check each year’s partner list.Q: Do Commonwealth Scholarships fund MBAs?
A: Most Commonwealth Master’s and Shared Scholarships prioritise development‑focused programmes and often exclude MBAs. Always check current eligibility; if excluded, look at Chevening and school awards instead.Q: How early should I apply for the best chance?
A: Round 1 or 2 for the MBA and relevant scholarships. Chevening applications open Aug–Nov for the next academic year; GREAT and school awards are typically reviewed with early rounds.Q: Can I work during or after my MBA?
A: As a UK Student Route visa holder, you can work limited hours during study (check current rules) and may be eligible for the Graduate Route (post‑study work visa) after graduation—verify current Home Office guidance.Fund your UK MBA—strategically
The strongest path to a funded UK MBA is simple: apply early, target schools with generous MBA scholarships, pair them with Chevening/GREAT/Forté where eligible, and bring a compelling leadership story backed by metrics and a competitive GMAT/GRE. Negotiate respectfully after admission, stack any employer support, and confirm your scholarship on the CAS for the visa process. Do this, and you can turn a world‑class UK MBA into an affordable investment with outsized returns.