Pursuing an MBA is a game-changer. Seriously, it can completely transform your career, your network, and even the way you think about business. And if you’re thinking about doing it in the UK, you’re in luck. The UK isn’t just home to some of the world’s top business schools — it’s also got a one-year MBA format, which means less time, less tuition, and a faster route to your next career leap.
Schools like London Business School, Oxford Saïd, Cambridge Judge, and Imperial College Business School consistently rank globally, and they pull students from every corner of the world. But let’s be real — studying here isn’t cheap. Top MBA programs in the UK range anywhere from £30,000 to over £100,000 in tuition, and that’s before rent, food, and all the other living expenses.
This is where scholarships come in, and luckily, there are plenty for international students. In this 2026 guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about MBA Degree Scholarships UK for International Students. From top schools offering awards, external scholarships like Chevening, eligibility tips, to insider tricks to increase your chances of landing one.
Why Study an MBA in the UK?
Before diving into scholarships, it’s good to understand why the UK is such a hot spot for an MBA. Here’s why it stands out:
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Accelerated Programs: Most UK MBAs are one year long. That’s right, one year — so you save time and money compared to the US two-year model.
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Global Exposure: Students from 100+ countries come here. You’ll be networking with a truly global cohort.
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Access to Financial Hubs: Especially if you study in London, you’re right in the middle of one of the biggest financial ecosystems in the world.
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Post-Study Work Visa: The Graduate Route lets you stay and work in the UK for two years after graduation — perfect if you’re looking to gain international experience.
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Reputation & Rankings: UK MBAs are highly ranked globally and have top accreditations like AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB.
Basically, it’s a mix of quality, speed, and global recognition that makes the UK a no-brainer if you’re serious about your MBA.
Types of MBA Scholarships in the UK
Not all scholarships are the same, so knowing what type you’re applying for helps a ton. Here’s a breakdown:
Merit-Based Scholarships
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Awarded for academic or professional excellence.
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Often tied to GMAT scores, career achievements, or leadership potential.
Need-Based Scholarships
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Designed for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
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They can cover partial or full tuition.
Diversity Scholarships
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Focused on underrepresented groups like women in business, Black or African students, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Regional or Country-Specific Awards
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Scholarships targeted at students from specific regions such as Africa, Asia, or Latin America.
Alumni or Corporate Sponsored Scholarships
Top UK Business Schools Offering MBA Scholarships
Here’s the lowdown on where to look if you’re hunting for scholarships:
London Business School (LBS)
LBS is legendary. Their scholarships can cover full tuition, and some are tailored to leadership, merit, or regional focus.
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LBS Fund Scholarships: Up to full tuition based on merit and leadership.
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Laidlaw Women’s Leadership Fund: Full tuition for female leaders.
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SARI Foundation Scholarship: Supports students from Africa or underprivileged backgrounds.
Pro Tip: Apply early. Most LBS scholarships are awarded in Round 1 and 2.
University of Oxford – Saïd Business School
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Skoll MBA Scholarship: Fully funded for social entrepreneurs with 3+ years running a social venture.
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Saïd Foundation Scholarships: For students from Syria, Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon.
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Rewley Scholarship: Merit-based, partial tuition.
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Forté Foundation Fellowships: For women demonstrating leadership and community service.
University of Cambridge – Judge Business School
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Cambridge MBA Scholarship: £10,000–£25,000 based on academic and career excellence.
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Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trust: For students from outside the EU.
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Women in Business Scholarship: Encourages female leadership.
Imperial College Business School
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Imperial Dean’s Impact Scholarship: Up to £20,000 for candidates making an impact in their career or society.
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Africa Regional Scholarship: For high-achieving African students.
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Women in Finance Scholarship: Focuses on gender equality in finance.
Warwick Business School (WBS)
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Change Maker Scholarship: Covers up to 50% of fees for students with ambitious leadership goals.
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WBS Inspiring Women Scholarship: For empowering women leaders.
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Regional Talent Scholarships: For students from Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and more.
Alliance Manchester Business School
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Manchester Merit Scholarships: Based on academic excellence and professional experience.
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Global Futures Scholarship: Open to students from multiple regions worldwide.
Other Notable Schools
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Cranfield School of Management: Cranfield Scholarship and Cranfield MBA Diversity Award.
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Durham University Business School: Achievement, Women in Business, and Leadership Scholarships.
External Scholarships for MBA Students in the UK
Not all scholarships are from schools. Here’s where else you can look:
Chevening Scholarships
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Fully funded: tuition, living allowance, flights, visa.
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For students with 2+ years work experience and leadership potential.
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Available in over 160 countries.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
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Covers tuition, travel, and stipend.
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For students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
British Council GREAT Scholarships
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£10,000–£20,000 awards
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Country-specific (India, Nigeria, Pakistan, etc.)
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Must apply to a UK university partnered with the GREAT campaign.
Forté Foundation Fellowships
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Aimed at high-potential women leaders.
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Offered via partner UK business schools.
Eligibility Criteria for MBA Scholarships
While every scholarship has its own requirements, most look for:
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Academic Excellence: Strong undergrad record (2:1 or equivalent).
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GMAT/GRE Scores: Often 600+ (some schools offer waivers).
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Professional Experience: Usually 3–5 years minimum.
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Leadership Skills: Shown through work, community, or volunteer involvement.
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English Language Proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL required unless prior degree in English.
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Strong Personal Statement or Essay: Clearly demonstrate goals and impact.
Application Process & Timeline
Here’s a simple roadmap to get your scholarship:
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Choose Business School: Find programs that match your career goals.
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Apply to the MBA Program: Scholarships often require admission first.
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Submit Scholarship Applications: Some are automatic; others need essays or extra forms.
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Highlight Your Impact: Explain how your MBA will change your career or community.
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Track Deadlines:
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Round 1: August–October
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Round 2: November–January
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Government scholarships like Chevening: August–November
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Conclusion
The UK remains one of the best places for an MBA. And with scholarships, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re a rising business leader from Nigeria, a woman executive from India, or a social entrepreneur from Kenya, there’s likely funding out there for you.
Plan early, stay organized, and craft applications that tell your story authentically. Your dream of studying in the UK can absolutely be a funded reality.
FAQs
1. What is the easiest MBA scholarship to get in the UK?
It depends on your profile, but merit-based scholarships or regional scholarships often have higher chances if you meet their criteria.
2. Can international students apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, you can apply for multiple university and external scholarships simultaneously.
3. Do I need a GMAT for UK MBA scholarships?
Most do, but some schools offer waivers based on work experience or prior academic record.
4. How much of an MBA can scholarships cover?
It varies. Some cover full tuition, others cover 25-50% or provide living stipends.
5. Are UK MBA scholarships only for top-ranked schools?
Not at all. While top schools have more funding, many mid-tier UK business schools offer scholarships for international students too.
