Dreaming of getting an MBA in the United Kingdom but worried about the costs? You are not alone. Fortunately, there are plenty of fully funded MBA scholarships in UK 2026 that cover tuition, living costs, and even visa support for international students. These scholarships are designed to help high-achieving candidates reach their career goals without the financial stress. Think of it as getting a golden ticket to some of the most prestigious business schools in the world.
The UK is home to world-renowned institutions like London Business School, Oxford Saïd Business School, Cambridge Judge Business School, and Warwick Business School. But the reality is an MBA can cost anywhere between £30,000 and £90,000, making these scholarships a game-changer for international students.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about fully funded MBA scholarships in UK 2026, including the top schools, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.
Why Choose the UK for an MBA?
Choosing the UK for your MBA has more perks than just prestige. Here are the main reasons international students flock to British business schools:
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World-Class Business Schools: UK MBAs consistently appear in global top ten rankings. From London Business School’s financial clout to Cambridge Judge’s entrepreneurial focus, you get unmatched education quality.
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Networking Opportunities: Studying in the UK connects you to a global community of ambitious leaders, future CEOs, and international entrepreneurs.
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Shorter Programs: Unlike the US, most UK MBAs last just one year. This means you save time and money while fast-tracking your career.
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Diverse Scholarships: Universities and organizations offer scholarships that specifically cater to international students, including full tuition and living stipends.
If you are aiming for a world-class degree with minimum financial stress, the UK is the ideal destination.
Top Fully Funded MBA Scholarships in UK 2026
Here’s a breakdown of the most prominent scholarships for international students wanting an MBA in the UK.
London Business School MBA Scholarships
London Business School is a dream for many international students. Their scholarships include:
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LBS Fund Scholarships – Covers partial to full tuition.
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Laidlaw Women’s Leadership Fund – Supports female leaders in business.
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African Scholarships – Designed for candidates from African countries.
Eligibility: Strong academic records, leadership potential, and financial need.
Apply Here: LBS MBA Scholarships
University of Oxford – Saïd Business School
Oxford’s Saïd Business School offers several fully funded opportunities:
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Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship – Full tuition plus living stipend.
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Saïd Business School Foundation Scholarship – Partial to full coverage depending on merit.
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Skoll Scholarship – Focused on social entrepreneurship.
Eligibility: Leadership potential, strong academics, and sometimes entrepreneurial experience.
Apply Here: Oxford MBA Scholarships
University of Cambridge – Judge Business School
Cambridge Judge provides scholarships like:
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Cambridge MBA Scholarship – Covers tuition partially or fully.
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Boustany Foundation Scholarship – Up to £30,000 in tuition, plus travel and living support.
Eligibility: Academic excellence and candidates aiming for global careers.
Apply Here: Cambridge MBA Scholarships
Warwick Business School MBA Scholarships
WBS is well-known for producing global business leaders. Their scholarships include:
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Dean’s Scholarship for Excellence – Up to 50 percent of tuition fees.
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Global Leaders Scholarship – Supports high-performing candidates.
Eligibility: Strong GMAT scores, leadership experience, and career progression potential.
Apply Here: Warwick MBA Scholarships
Alliance Manchester Business School
Manchester offers scholarships like:
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Manchester Merit Scholarships – Partial tuition coverage.
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Women in Business Scholarships – Supports female international students.
Eligibility: Academic excellence and leadership commitment.
Apply Here: Manchester MBA Scholarships
Imperial College Business School
Imperial’s scholarships include:
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Dean’s Excellence Award – Up to £25,000 tuition reduction.
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Africa Regional Scholarship – For candidates from African countries.
Eligibility: Strong leadership and academic track record.
Apply Here: Imperial MBA Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships
Chevening is the UK government’s flagship scholarship for international students:
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Coverage: Full tuition, living allowance, airfare.
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Eligibility: Exceptional leadership potential, commitment to returning home after studies.
Apply Here: Chevening Scholarships
Comparison Table of Scholarships for International MBA Students in UK 2026
| University / Provider | Scholarship Name | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| London Business School | LBS Fund, Laidlaw Women’s Leadership, African Scholarships | Partial to full tuition |
| Oxford – Saïd Business School | Pershing Square, Skoll, Foundation Scholarships | Full tuition + living stipend (Pershing Square) |
| Cambridge – Judge Business School | Cambridge MBA, Boustany Foundation Scholarship | Up to £30,000 tuition + travel & living |
| Warwick Business School | Dean’s Scholarship, Global Leaders Scholarship | Up to 50% tuition |
| Manchester – Alliance MBS | Merit Scholarships, Women in Business Scholarships | Partial tuition |
| Imperial College Business School | Dean’s Excellence Award, Regional Scholarships | Up to £25,000 tuition reduction |
| UK Government (Chevening) | Chevening Scholarship | Full tuition + living allowance + airfare |
How to Apply for Fully Funded MBA Scholarships in UK 2026
Here’s the roadmap for snagging one of these amazing scholarships:
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Start Early – Universities often have deadlines 6 to 12 months before the program starts.
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Prepare Documents – GMAT or GRE scores, transcripts, reference letters, and a compelling personal statement are key.
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Highlight Leadership – Scholarships heavily favor candidates with leadership potential and clear career ambitions.
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Apply to Universities Directly – Most scholarships are tied to program applications.
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Check Government/Foundation Scholarships – Look into Chevening, Boustany Foundation, and other international funding options.
Remember, preparation is half the battle. The more polished and early your application, the higher your chances.
Final Thoughts
Landing an MBA in the UK does not have to drain your savings. With fully funded MBA scholarships in UK 2026, you can pursue a world-class degree, live comfortably, and get international exposure. These scholarships give ambitious students a shot at top careers in global business, finance, and entrepreneurship.
The key takeaway? Start early, research thoroughly, and apply widely. The right scholarship can open doors to unparalleled opportunities and lifelong networks.
FAQs About Fully Funded MBA Scholarships in UK 2026
1. Can international students get full tuition plus living costs covered?
Yes, scholarships like Chevening and Oxford Pershing Square cover full tuition, living allowance, and sometimes travel.
2. Do I need a high GMAT score?
While not all scholarships require it, a strong GMAT or GRE score significantly boosts your chances.
3. Are there scholarships for women?
Absolutely. LBS Laidlaw Women’s Leadership and Manchester Women in Business are specifically for female candidates.
4. When should I apply?
Most scholarships have deadlines 6 to 12 months before the start of the MBA program, so early application is essential.
5. Can I combine university and government scholarships?
Yes, some students combine scholarships from universities and government programs like Chevening to maximize funding.
