Imperial College Business School in the United Kingdom is offering prestigious MBA scholarships for the 2026 academic year, tailored for international students. ideal candidates are ambitious and proactive individuals with a particular interest in the power of technology and innovation. We look for students who can leverage their networks and resources, demonstrating promising leadership potential and a track-record of driving innovation and collaboration. Join the next generation of impactful business leaders to make a real difference in the world.
These scholarships provide partial to substantial funding opportunities for candidates enrolling in the Executive MBA and other MBA programs at one of the world’s top universities, renowned for its innovation, technology focus, and leadership development.

University and Program Details
Imperial College Business School, located in London – a global financial and innovation hub – offers multiple MBA formats including Full-Time MBA (12 months), Global Online MBA (21-32 months part-time), Weekend MBA (23 months part-time), and Executive MBA (23 months part-time). These programs emphasize leadership, technology integration, and sustainability infused with a rigorous academic curriculum and global insights. Imperial is ranked among the top global business schools, making it an elite choice for MBA candidates seeking exposure to cutting-edge business education and a strong career network.
Available Study Areas
Candidates can pursue MBA studies with opportunities to specialize in core business areas such as finance, technology management, entrepreneurship, and innovation, among others. Imperial’s flexible curriculum allows personalization through elective modules and concentrations tailored to career goals.
Imperial College MBA Scholarships Benefits
- Full-Time MBA scholarships at Imperial Business School:
- Advisory Board Scholarship – Full tuition fee; for self-funded, high-achieving applicants with strong academic/professional record and financial need.
- African Future Leader Award – Up to £20,000, for outstanding African students with leadership potential.
- Black Future Leader Award – Up to 50% tuition fee; for applicants from Black or mixed Black backgrounds with leadership potential.
- Dean’s Impact Scholarship – Up to £30,000; for candidates who have made impact in entrepreneurship, tech, sustainability, social impact, or leadership.
- Engineering Sainsbury Management Fellows Scholarship – £50,000; for UK engineers with strong professional/academic background.
- Forté Fellowships for Women – Up to 50% tuition fee; for female candidates with leadership achievements, includes Forté network benefits.
- FUNED Mexico Scholarship – £20,000; for Mexican nationals applying via FUNED.
- Imperial Loyalty Bursary – 20% tuition fee; for Imperial College London alumni.
- LATAM Future Leader Award – Up to £20,000; for outstanding Latin American students with leadership potential.
- Military & Public Service Scholarship – Up to £25,000; for leaders transitioning from military or public service careers.
- Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) Fellowship – Up to £20,000; for LGBTQ+ leaders, includes retreat, networking, and ambassador role.
- Science Sainsbury Management Fellows Scholarship – £50,000; for UK scientists with 4–10 years’ experience, administered via Royal Academy of Engineering.
- Sir Andrew Witty Scholarship for Leaders in Healthcare – Up to £20,000; for candidates with leadership in healthcare sector.
- Discretionary Scholarships – Awarded to exceptional candidates offering unique perspectives.
Benefits Not Included
- Monthly living expenses and accommodation costs are not covered by these scholarships.
- Health insurance and personal expenses must be budgeted separately by students.
What Imperial Looks For
- Ambitious, proactive candidates
- Strong interest in technology and innovation
- Leadership potential and ability to collaborate
- Track record of driving impact and innovation
- Willingness to contribute to a diverse MBA community
Eligibility Criteria for Imperial College MBA Scholarships
- Work Experience
- Minimum 3 years of continuous, relevant full-time work experience after graduation.
- Average students have around 6 years of work experience.
- Applicants with less than 3 years may be considered in exceptional cases if they have:
- Strong academic results
- Excellent career progression
- International work experience
- A competitive GMAT/GRE score
- They value experience in managing projects, people, and responsibilities.
- Academic Requirement
- At least a UK Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent).
- Certain professional qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, CIPFA, etc. may also be accepted.
- GMAT/GRE
- A valid GMAT or GRE is required.
- GMAT: minimum 555.
- GMAT 10th Edition: minimum 600; current average is 666.
- GRE: minimum 156 Verbal + 158 Quantitative.
- Scores are valid for 5 years.
- GMAT/GRE Waiver
- A small number of candidates may receive a waiver. You need to show:
- Excellent academic performance
- Strong quantitative skills
- You must submit your transcript + updated CV for consideration. If the waiver is rejected, you must submit GMAT/GRE.
English Language
- Required if your degree was not awarded in a qualifying English-speaking country.
- IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall, minimum 6.5 in each section.
- TOEFL iBT: requirements depend on when you took the test.
- Duolingo: 125 overall, minimum 115 in each section.
- References
- 2 professional referees are required.
- One should preferably be your current manager.
- References cannot come from personal email addresses such as Gmail, Hotmail, or Yahoo.
- Essays
- You need to answer 3 application essay questions:
- Career goals: How will the MBA help your short-term and long-term career goals?
- Why Imperial: Why Imperial Business School, and how will you contribute to its community?
- Imperial values: Describe a situation where you demonstrated values such as Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, Innovation, or Excellence.
- You need to answer 3 application essay questions:
- For the Weekend and Global Online MBA application
- Average experience: 11 years
- Minimum required: 3 years of relevant full-time work after graduation
- Career progression, leadership, and people/project management are assessed
- For the Full-Time MBA application
- Average experience: 6 years
- Minimum required: 3 years of relevant full-time work after graduation
- Exceptional candidates with less than 3 years may be considered if they have:
- Strong academic results
- Fast career progression
- International work experience
- Competitive GMAT/GRE score
- Career progression, leadership, and project management experience are assessed
English Language Requirement
For All
(If degree not taught in English)
- IELTS: Overall 7.0, minimum 6.5 in all sections
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 5.0, minimum 5.0 in all sections
- Duolingo: Overall 125, minimum 115 in each band
For Full-Time MBA
GMAT or GRE
- GMAT (current exam): Minimum score 555
- GMAT 10th Edition: Minimum score 600 (average 666)
- GRE:
- Verbal: 156+
- Quantitative: 158+
- Scores are valid for 5 years
- Online GMAT/GRE accepted
- Scores must be uploaded and officially sent to Imperial
GMAT/GRE Waiver
- Limited waivers available each cycle
- Requires:
- Excellent academic performance
- Strong quantitative background
- Documents needed:
- Academic transcripts
- Updated CV
- Must apply before submitting MBA application
- Reviewed within 7 working days
Required Documents
- Completed MBA program application.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Resume/CV highlighting professional experience.
- Letters of recommendation (usually two).
- Personal statement or essay demonstrating leadership and career aspirations.
- GMAT or equivalent test scores (depending on program).
- English language proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL).
- Additional documents for specific scholarships such as video verification for Black Future Leaders Scholarship.
For the Weekend and Global Online MBA application
Essays (Required)
- Career impact of the MBA – short-term and long-term goals
(2,500 characters) - Why Imperial & your contribution to the community
(3,500 characters) - Imperial values (Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, Innovation, Excellence)
(3,500 characters)
Visa Requirement
- No student visa needed
- Short-term study visa required for on-campus periods (non-EU/EEA students)
For the Full-Time MBA application
References
- Two professional referees required
- At least one should be your current line manager
Essays (Required)
- Career Impact of MBA
- Short-term and long-term goals
- How Imperial MBA helps achieve them
- 2,500 characters
- Why Imperial & Your Contribution
- Why you chose Imperial
- How you will add value to the community
- 3,500 characters
- Imperial Values Essay
- Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, Innovation, Excellence
- Describe a real experience and its impact
- 3,500 characters
Imperial College MBA Scholarships Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Submit application for the MBA program at Imperial College Business School.
- Ensure submission includes all required academic and professional documents.
- Receive an offer of admission to the MBA program.
- Depending on scholarship, submit additional scholarship applications or materials by the stated deadlines.
- Attend interviews or provide supplementary materials if requested.
- Await scholarship decision notifications (some scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis).
- Accept scholarship offer and complete registration.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply early to meet scholarship deadlines, some as early as 10 March 2026.
- Highlight leadership experience and career impact in your essays.
- Prepare thoroughly for interviews, showcasing your unique contributions.
- Obtain strong, personalized letters of recommendation.
- Demonstrate alignment with scholarship values such as innovation, diversity, and social impact.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)
- London is a high-cost city; monthly living expenses range from $1,500 to $2,500 covering accommodation, food, transportation, and personal items.
- On-campus or shared accommodation may reduce costs.
- Budget for health insurance, study materials, and occasional travel separately.
Why Choose This Scholarship?
- Prestigious international recognition from a top-ranked UK business school.
- Financial support easing the burden of high tuition fees.
- Access to a global network of leaders, alumni, and industry partners.
- Focus on leadership, innovation, and social impact aligns with career advancement.
- Flexible MBA formats to suit working professionals and full-time students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the application deadline for Imperial College MBA Scholarships 2026?
A: The general deadline is January 16, 2026, but some scholarships require earlier applications, e.g., October 16, 2025.
Q: Can international students apply for these scholarships?
A: Yes, all international students meeting eligibility criteria can apply.
Q: Are living costs covered by the scholarships?
A: No, scholarships primarily cover tuition fees; living expenses are the student’s responsibility.
Q: What leadership experience is required?
A: Evidence of leadership through professional roles, community involvement, or academic leadership is essential.
Q: Is GMAT mandatory?
A: GMAT or equivalent test scores may be required for admission; check specific program requirements.
Deadlines for 2027 entry
| Admissions round | Application submission deadline | Interview dates | Application and scholarship decision deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 September 2026 | 12 – 23 October 2026 | 13 November 2026 |
| 2 | 12 January 2027 | 1 – 19 February 2027 | 12 March 2027 |
| 3 | 16 March 2027 | 29 March – 16 April 2026 | 30 April 2027 |
| 4 | 11 May 2027 | 31 May – 11 June 2026 | 25 June 2027 |
Official Link:
Apply Link:
This comprehensive guide empowers prospective MBA candidates to understand and apply for the prestigious Imperial College MBA Scholarships 2026 in the UK, maximizing their chances for career-transformative education with financial support at one of the world’s leading business schools.
Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarships 2027 in Qatar
University of Vienna Andreas Tietze Memorial Fellowship 2027 in Austria


Pingback: Best Scholarships of this Week (January 3rd, 2026) - Scholarships Future