Merit Scholarships: Eligibility, Deadline & How to Apply

The Business School MBA Merit Scholarships programme is a prestigious award designed to attract the brightest minds to a world-class MBA education. It is available to applicants holding an MBA offer who can demonstrate exceptional prior qualifications, whether through stellar academic credentials, outstanding professional achievements, or a high GMAT score. This scholarship is a testament to the university's commitment to fostering excellence and building a cohort of high-caliber future business leaders.

For the Fall 2025 intake, the application process is conducted in rounds. While applications for the 2025/26 cycle are now closed, this guide serves as a crucial resource for planning your application for the next academic year. We will detail the eligibility criteria, the application process, and the significant benefits of this award, preparing you to seize this opportunity when applications reopen.

This merit scholarship is exclusively for the Full-time MBA programme at the University of Edinburgh Business School. It is a targeted award for a specific, highly-ranked course at a renowned institution.

The Business School MBA Merit Scholarships Awards

The MBA Merit Scholarship is a significant financial award designed to reduce the cost of your postgraduate education. It provides a £5,000 reduction in your tuition fees, allowing you to focus on your studies and maximize your MBA experience at a top-tier UK university.

The Business School MBA Merit Scholarships Amount

The scholarship offers a substantial award of £5,000. This amount is directly applied to offset your tuition fees for the Full-time MBA programme.

The Business School MBA Merit Scholarships Benefits

Beyond the financial award, receiving a merit scholarship adds a prestigious credential to your CV, signaling to future employers your high academic and professional calibre.

You must be an applicant who has already received an offer for the Full-time MBA to be eligible for this scholarship. The criteria are specific and must be met fully.

The application process is straightforward and is initiated only after you have received your MBA offer. It is completed online via a dedicated webform.

Following receipt of an offer of a place on the MBA programme, you can submit an application via the webform below.

• Secure an MBA Offer: First, apply and receive an offer (conditional or unconditional) for the Full-time MBA.
• Accept Your Offer: Firmly accept your offer or confirm your intention to do so.
• Access the Webform: Locate and complete the specific online scholarship application form provided by the Business School.
• Submit Supporting Information: Provide all required details and documents that demonstrate your exceptional merit.

Application Timeline for The Business School MBA Merit Scholarships

The application process for merit-based awards often works in rounds. For the Fall 2025 intake, the deadlines were as follows:

Please note: The deadlines have passed and applications for 2025/26 scholarships are now closed. Prospective students for the next cycle should monitor the official university website for updated deadlines.

The Business School MBA Merit Scholarships Interview

Typically, for merit scholarships based on documented qualifications, there is no separate interview process. The selection committee assesses candidates based on the strength of their written application and supporting documents. However, always check the specific requirements for the year you are applying.

The Business School MBA Merit Scholarships programme is available to applicants holding an MBA offer who can demonstrate exceptional prior qualifications. You can only apply after you have secured your place on the programme.

Required Documents for The Business School MBA Merit Scholarships
You will need to prepare a strong application showcasing your merit. The exact documents may vary, but typically you should have ready:

• Your application reference number for the Full-time MBA.
• A compelling personal statement or essay outlining your qualifications and why you deserve the scholarship.
• Evidence of your exceptional academic and professional achievements (transcripts, CV, GMAT score report).

• Online Application
• Official Transcripts 
• Personal Statement
• One Professional Reference
• GMAT Score (conditional) 
• CV/Resume
• Degree Certificate
• English Language Proficiency 

FAQs about Merit Scholarships

Who is eligible for the MBA Merit Scholarship?

You must be a candidate who has received an offer for the Full-time MBA and can demonstrate exceptional prior qualifications through your academic or professional background. You cannot be in receipt of another full scholarship or employer sponsorship.

What does the MBA Merit Scholarship cover?

It provides a £5,000 financial award which is deducted directly from your MBA tuition fees.

Can I apply for the scholarship before receiving an MBA offer?

No. You must have already received an offer of a place (conditional or unconditional) on the Full-time MBA programme before you can apply for this scholarship.

Do I need work experience for this merit scholarship?

While the MBA programme itself requires work experience, the scholarship specifically assesses your overall merit, which includes your professional qualifications and achievements as part of the demonstration of "exceptional prior qualifications."

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