The Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship 2027 is one of the world’s premier fully funded postgraduate fellowships. Established by the Pershing Square Foundation in 2014, this prestigious award supports exceptional leaders who combine a specialist Master’s degree with the Master of Business Administration (MBA) through the unique Oxford 1+1 MBA Programme at the University of Oxford.
The Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship 2027 offer up to five fully funded awards for exceptional international students pursuing the unique 1+1 MBA program at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School. This prestigious scholarship combines a one-year Master’s degree from a partnering Oxford department with the one-year MBA, covering full tuition, college fees, and a living stipend of at least £19,237–£20,780 per year for both years.
Basic Information About the Scholarship
The Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship funds up to five extraordinary candidates each year for the two-year Oxford 1+1 MBA. Candidates spend year one completing a master’s degree in a partner Oxford department and year two pursuing the full-time Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School.
- Host Institution: University of Oxford (Saïd Business School & Partner Departments), United Kingdom
- Scholarship: Oxford-Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship
- University: University of Oxford
- Programme:1+1 MBA
- 1 year of a Master’s degree
- followed by 1 year of Oxford MBA
- Number of scholarships: Only 5Scholarship type: Fully funded
- Target Group: Open to international applicants from all nationalities
- Number of Awards: Up to 5 full scholarships annually
- Application Deadline for 2027 Intake: January 6, 2027 for the 1+1 MBA application. (Note: You must also meet the specific application deadline for your chosen partnering Master’s program, which typically falls in December 2026 or January 2027).
University and Institution Details: The Oxford & Saïd Business School Experience
Founded in the 12th century, the University of Oxford is consistently ranked among the top academic institutions globally. Oxford combines collegiate tradition with cutting-edge global research across over 30 academic colleges.
Saïd Business School is the young, vibrant business faculty at Oxford. Unlike traditional business schools focused strictly on corporate finance or strategy, Oxford Saïd focuses on embedding social impact, ethical governance, and global problem-solving directly into business leadership. As a Pershing Square Scholar, you belong simultaneously to your specialist academic department, your assigned Oxford college, and the Saïd Business School network.
Study Areas & Partnering Master’s Programs
To be eligible for the Pershing Square Scholarship, you must apply to the Oxford 1+1 MBA alongside an approved one-year Master’s program. Oxford pairs its top business training with over 20 specialized master’s departments.
Oxford 1+1 MBA Partnering Programmes
The 1+1 MBA allows you to combine one year of another Oxford master’s degree + one year of MBA.
Public Policy & Social Sciences
- Master of Public Policy (MPP) – Public policy, government, leadership and public service.
- MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice – Crime, criminal justice, criminological theory and research methods.
- MSc Comparative Social Policy – Social welfare systems and policies across countries.
- MSc Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation – Research methods, policy evaluation and evidence-based policies.
- MSc Sociology – Social research, sociological theory and preparation for PhD research.
Education
- MSc Education – Child Development and Education – Child development, education programmes and policies.
- MSc Education – Comparative and International Education – Education systems and policies around the world.
- MSc Education – Digital and Social Change – Technology, education and society.
- MSc Education – Higher Education – Higher education policy, research and leadership.
Technology & Data
- MSc Advanced Computer Science – Advanced computer science and technical subjects.
- MSc Statistical Science – Statistics, computational methods and modern data analysis.
- MSc Social Data Science – Social science + data science; analysing human behaviour using data.
- MSc Social Science of the Internet – Internet, society, policy, research and digital behaviour.
Health
- MSc International Health and Tropical Medicine – Global health and health challenges in developing/resource-limited countries.
- MSc Health Service Improvement and Evaluation – Improving and evaluating healthcare services.
- MSc Pharmacology – Drug discovery, molecular biology and pharmacology.
Development, Migration & International Studies
- MSc Migration Studies – Migration, mobility, development and social transformation.
- MSc Modern South Asian Studies – South Asian history, politics, society and contemporary issues.
- MSc African Studies – African politics, society, history and development.
- MSc Contemporary Chinese Studies – Contemporary China, research and Chinese society.
- MSc Japanese Studies – Japan, Japanese language, research and society.
- MSc Latin American Studies – Latin American history, politics and society.
- MSc Russian and East European Studies – Russia and Eastern Europe: politics, economics, history and society.
Environment & Sustainability
- MSc Environmental Change and Policy – Environmental challenges + policy-making.
- MSc Nature, Society and Environmental Governance – Environment, society, politics and governance.
- MSc Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment – Sustainability, business, economics, finance and climate.
- MSc Water Science, Policy and Management – Sustainable water management.
- MSc Biodiversity, Conservation and Nature Recovery – Biodiversity, conservation and environmental governance.
Law & Finance
- Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) – Advanced law for students with a strong law background.
- Magister Juris (MJur) – Advanced law and legal theory.
- MSc Law and Finance – Combination of law, finance and economics.
Humanities & History
- MSc Economic and Social History – Economic activities and social organisation throughout history.
- MSt Modern Languages – Advanced study of foreign languages and literature.
- MSt Comparative Literature and Critical Translation – Comparative literature, world literature and translation.
- MSt Music – Advanced music studies:
- Composition
- Performance
- Musicology
Anthropology & Culture
- MSc Social Anthropology – Society, culture and human behaviour.
- MSc Visual, Material and Museum Anthropology – Museums, material culture, visual anthropology and research.
Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarships Benefits
- Full tuition fees for both the Master’s and MBA
- Living-cost grant of at least £21,805 per year
- Mentorship opportunities
- Access to conferences and global forums
- Networking with Oxford faculty, MBA students, alumni and global leaders
- Termly scholarship events
- Scholar-led events
- Possible New York Trek with meetings and workshops with leading innovators
Benefits Not Included
Travel costs to/from Oxford, personal entertainment expenses, and costs exceeding the fixed stipend fall outside coverage. Visa fees, pre-arrival health checks, and non-essential purchases require self-funding. The stipend targets basic living but may not fully offset high lifestyles.
Eligibility Criteria for Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarships
Who Can Apply?
You generally need to:
- Apply for the Oxford 1+1 MBA
- Be admitted to both:
- an eligible Master’s programme, and
- the Oxford MBA
- Applicants on the MBA waiting list are not considered.
There is also a route for applicants who are admitted to:
- a full-time, one-year Master’s programme that is not currently an official 1+1 partner, and
- the MBA through a separate application.
Current Master’s students may also be considered if they have been admitted to the MBA and were not considered for the scholarship in the previous year.
What Kind of Candidate Are They Looking For?
The scholarship is highly competitive. They want someone who:
- Wants to solve large-scale global/social problems
- Has a clear vision for creating sustainable and scalable solutions
- Shows leadership potential
- Has strong academic achievements
- Has good GMAT/GRE results, if applicable
- Has won academic prizes/awards or has other strong academic achievements
- Demonstrates integrity, commitment and strong character
- Has a clear idea of how the Oxford 1+1 MBA will help achieve their career goals
- Oxford 1+1 MBA
- English Language Requirement
- TOEFL: minimum 110, with section minimums.
- IELTS Academic: minimum 7.5, each component 7.0.
- Cambridge C1 or C2: minimum 191, components 185.
- GMAT or GRE (required for all applicants)
- GMAT
- Competitive score: 595+ (new GMAT) or 650 (old GMAT).
- Median score: 635 (new) / 690 (old).
- All sections required.
- Scores valid for 5 years.
- GRE
- Competitive: 160 verbal, 160 quantitative.
- Median: 160/160.
- All sections required.
- Scores valid for 5 years.
- GMAT
Selection Criteria
- Strong academic track record (grades, GMAT/GRE, awards).
- Leadership experience and potential.
- Integrity, strong character, and commitment to impact.
- Clear intention to address global social challenges.
- Ability to propose scalable, sustainable solutions.
- Clear vision of how the 1+1 MBA supports your goals.
Required Documents
- Written Essays
- 1 supporting statement (max 250 words): something not covered in your application.
- Oxford 1+1 MBA: additional 250-word essay.
- Re-applicants: one more 250-word essay on improvements.
- Assessed for communication, leadership, analytical skills, and fit.
- Online Video Assessment (Kira Talent)
- 3 random competency-based questions.
- Tests leadership qualities, quick thinking, personality.
- Takes about 30 minutes.
- Done after submitting application + referee details.
- References
- Two references (preferably professional).
- Must come from official institutional/professional email, not Gmail/Hotmail
- Pay £75 application fee.
Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarships Application Process
- Verify entry requirements for your chosen partnering Master’s and Oxford MBA.
- Apply to both the MBA and your chosen Master’s.
- Submit Master’s application by its December 2025/January 2026 deadline via Oxford Graduate Admissions.
- Complete 1+1 MBA online form by January 7, 2026, selecting 1+1 option.
- Upload a scholarship essay (max 500 words):
- “How do you intend to change the world and what does this tell us about you as a person?”
- Apply for the 1+1 MBA by 7 January 2026.
- Apply to the Master’s programme by its own deadline (December/January).
- Upload scholarship essay, CV, transcripts, tests, references, and essays in MBA portal (£75 fee).
- Shortlisted candidates attend interviews in late April/early May 2026.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Answer the Essay Question Holistically: The 500-word prompt asks what your vision tells us about you as a person. Don’t just list ambitious policy goals; weave in personal values, life experiences, and defining moments of resilience.
- Demonstrate Scalability: Pershing Square values ideas that can grow. Explain how your proposed solution can be scaled across regions, industries, or communities sustainably.
- Connect the Master’s and MBA Synergy: Clearly explain why you need both degrees. How does the technical depth of your year-one Master’s pair with the management and business strategy of the MBA?
- Target a Strong GMAT/GRE Score: While test scores aren’t everything, a strong quantitative score proves to the MBA admissions committee that you can handle rigorous business analytics.
Monthly Living Expenses in Oxford for International Students
Oxford is a thriving university town located 60 miles northwest of London. While your scholarship stipend of £21,805+ per year easily covers essential costs, here is a realistic monthly breakdown of living costs in Oxford converted to USD ($):
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (USD) | Oxford Local Context |
| Accommodation | $950 – $1,400 | College graduate housing vs. private rentals |
| Food & Groceries | $350 – $500 | Dining in College Formal Halls and local markets |
| Local Travel & Biking | $40 – $70 | Oxford is extremely bicycle-friendly; minimal bus fees |
| Books & Academic Supplies | $50 – $90 | Course packs, software, and library printing allowances |
| Utilities & Mobile Data | $100 – $160 | Internet, electricity, and local SIM mobile plans |
| Social & Extracurriculars | $200 – $350 | College balls, pub culture, and student societies |
| Total Estimated Budget | $1,690 – $2,570 / month | Fully covered by your Pershing Square Stipend! |
Why Choose the Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship? (5 Core Reasons)
- Unique 1+1 MBA Dual Degree Structure: You earn both a specialized Master of Science/Public Policy degree and a prestigious MBA in just two years.
- 100% Fully Funded Security: Full coverage of tuition fees for both degrees plus a monthly stipend eliminates financial strain.
- New York City Spring Trek: Direct access to global leaders, foundation directors, and impact investors during an exclusive trip to NYC.
- Lifelong Community & Mentorship: Join an elite global network of Pershing Square alumni, mentors, and social entrepreneurs driving global reform.
- Prestige of the Oxford Brand: Graduate with credentials from the world’s top university and its forward-thinking Saïd Business School.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply if I am already enrolled in a Master’s degree at Oxford?
Yes. Current Oxford Master’s students can apply for the 1+1 MBA and the Pershing Square Scholarship during their current academic year, provided they were not considered for the scholarship in the previous cycle.
Is work experience required for the Oxford 1+1 MBA?
Yes. The Oxford MBA generally requires at least two years of full-time professional work experience prior to entering the MBA phase of the program.
How many Pershing Square Scholarships are awarded each year?
Up to five full scholarships are awarded annually to candidates across the global applicant pool.
What happens if I get accepted to the Master’s program but rejected by the MBA?
To hold the Pershing Square Scholarship, you must receive dual offers from both your partner Master’s program and the Oxford MBA. If accepted to only one, you cannot activate the Pershing Square funding, though you may explore individual departmental funding.
Application Deadline
- 1+1 MBA: Apply by 6 January 2027
- Master’s programme: Deadline varies by programme, usually December or January
- You must complete applications for both programmes to be considered.
Selection Timeline
- Shortlisting: Early April 2027
- Interview: Late April or early May 2027
