How to Get a Scholarship for an MBA in the UK
An MBA is a significant investment, but securing the right scholarship can make it much more attainable. Here’s everything you need to know about how to get a scholarship for an MBA in the UK, from choosing the best business schools to understanding scholarship requirements and application strategies.
Choosing the Best Business School for Your MBA
The first step in your MBA journey is finding a school that aligns with your goals and values. The best business schools often hold “triple accreditation,” certified by EQUIS (European Foundation for Management Development Quality Improvement System), AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), and AMBA (Association of MBAs). This prestigious accreditation signifies a strong commitment to quality, relevance, and student outcomes.
When narrowing down your choices, consider reviewing global MBA rankings, such as those from the Financial Times and CEO Magazine. These rankings evaluate MBA programmes based on teaching quality, salary progression, diversity, and alumni networks, helping you make an informed decision about where to apply for scholarships for MBA students.
Exploring Scholarships for MBA Students in the UK
Most top-tier UK business schools offer a variety of scholarships for MBA students, especially international applicants. To maximise your funding opportunities, research available scholarships well ahead of time. Our comprehensive UK Scholarship Finder for the January intake is ready to explore, and we’ll soon release new details for the September 2025 intake.
If you’re wondering how to get a scholarship for an MBA, start by building a shortlist of schools and reviewing their scholarship options. Each scholarship has different requirements, so be sure to read the details carefully and tailor your application to each opportunity.
Why Business Schools Offer Scholarships for MBA Students
MBA programmes are highly competitive, with each school aiming to attract the brightest and most experienced students. Offering scholarships enables business schools to recruit high-calibre candidates who bring valuable industry insights and leadership skills to the classroom. Some applicants even use multiple scholarship offers to negotiate more favourable terms with their top-choice school.
MBA programmes place significant emphasis on peer learning, so students with extensive work experience are often highly valued. If you have a strong professional background—AMBA-accredited schools, for instance, require at least three years—highlight this through your CV, personal statement, and interview. Showing how you’ll contribute to classroom discussions can increase your chances of receiving a scholarship for an MBA.
Noteworthy MBA Scholarships Available Now
While we complete our full September 2025 database, here are some scholarships which have stood out to us:
Aston Business School: Offers the Gold Scholarship worth £12,000 and the Silver Scholarship worth £6,000, awarded based on the overall strength of your application and interview performance.
Durham Business School: The Executive Dean’s Women in Business Scholarship offers £20,000 to female MBA applicants, helping address the gender imbalance that often exists in MBA cohorts.
Sheffield University Management School: Offers up to 50% scholarships for students who demonstrate academic excellence, career progression, and the potential to make impactful contributions to the MBA programme.
These examples highlight the diversity of scholarship opportunities available and emphasise why a strong, personalised application can make a difference.
How to Get a Scholarship for an MBA: Top Tips for Success
When applying for an MBA scholarship, remember that schools are looking for more than just academic achievements. Highlight your professional journey, career goals, and how you’ll bring value to their programme. Emphasise leadership roles, unique industry insights, and collaborative experiences that set you apart.
Start early, research thoroughly, and put forth a compelling application tailored to each school’s criteria. Following these steps will give you a strong foundation on how to get a scholarship for an MBA and help you turn your dream of studying in the UK into a reality.