Oxford Saïd Future Leaders Scholarships: Eligibility, Deadline & How to Apply

The Oxford Saïd Future Leaders Scholarships are prestigious awards, introduced in 2024, to honour the achievements and support the ambitions of the brightest and best MBA students at the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School. Supported by Wafic Saïd and the Saïd Foundation, these scholarships are designed to identify and nurture individuals who will become future leaders in their respective fields, enabling them to pursue a world-class MBA. If you possess a proven track record of success and the potential to drive positive change, this scholarship provides a significant financial boost to help you achieve your goals.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, there is no fixed application deadline. All MBA applicants are automatically considered for this scholarship at each stage of the admissions cycle. This guide will walk prospective students through every aspect of the scholarship, including eligibility, the selection process, the financial award details, and the immense benefits of becoming a Future Leaders scholar.

This scholarship is exclusively for the full-time MBA programme at the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School. It is not applicable to other courses or universities.

Oxford Saïd Future Leaders Scholarships Awards

The Oxford Saïd Future Leaders Scholarship is a prestigious, merit-based award for outstanding candidates applying to the Oxford MBA. It provides a substantial financial contribution towards the cost of the programme, allowing you to focus on your studies, networking, and personal development at one of the world's top universities.

The scholarship offers a range of awards, contributing significantly towards your course fees. The support is designed to reduce the financial burden of a top-tier MBA.

Oxford Saïd Future Leaders Scholarships Amount

The scholarship offers awards of up to £40,000. This is a contribution towards your MBA course fees and does not typically cover full tuition or living expenses. The financial support is substantial and highly competitive.

Oxford Saïd Future Leaders Scholarships Benefits

Beyond the financial award, being a Future Leaders Scholar places you within an elite group of high-potential individuals and offers lifelong professional advantages.

All applicants to the Oxford MBA programme are automatically eligible for this scholarship. There are no separate eligibility criteria based on nationality or background. The selection is based purely on the merit demonstrated in your MBA application.

Countries Eligible Under Oxford Saïd Future Leaders Scholarships

This scholarship is open to candidates of all nationalities who apply to the Oxford MBA. The programme aims to build a diverse and truly global cohort of future leaders.

The application process is seamlessly integrated into your MBA application. There is no separate form or process for this scholarship, making it straightforward for all candidates.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility for the Oxford MBA
Before you begin, ensure you meet the entry requirements for the Oxford MBA programme, including work experience, academic history, and English language proficiency.

Step 2: Prepare Your MBA Application
Gather all required documents, including your CV, transcripts, test scores, and prepare your application essays carefully, as they are crucial for the scholarship assessment.

Step 3: Complete the Online MBA Application
Submit your complete application for the Oxford MBA via the official online portal before one of the stated MBA application deadlines.

Step 4: Automatic Scholarship Consideration
Upon submitting your MBA application, you will be automatically considered for the Future Leaders Scholarship. No further action is required.

Step 5: Await Admissions and Scholarship Decision
The admissions committee assesses your application for both a place on the MBA programme and scholarship suitability. Decisions are released after each application stage.

Step 6: Receive Your Offer
If successful, you will receive a formal offer from the University of Oxford. Scholarship details, if awarded, will be included in your offer letter.

Application Timeline for Oxford Saïd Future Leaders Scholarships

The scholarship consideration aligns with the MBA admissions stages for the 2025-2026 intake.

Oxford Saïd Future Leaders Scholarships Interview

There is no separate interview for the Future Leaders Scholarship. Your suitability is assessed entirely based on the strength of your written MBA application. However, if you are shortlisted for the MBA programme itself, you will be invited to an interview as part of the standard admissions process. Performing well in that interview is implicitly important for your overall candidacy and scholarship chances.

All MBA applicants are eligible.

All offer-holders will be considered at each MBA admissions stage. 

No additional documents are required specifically for the Future Leaders Scholarship. The selection committee will use the information and documents you submit as part of your standard MBA application. These typically include:

• A completed online MBA application form.
• A one-page CV/resume.
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• GMAT or GRE test scores.
• English language test results (if applicable).
• Two professional or academic references.
• Application essays.

Who is eligible for the Oxford Saïd Future Leaders Scholarship?

All applicants to the full-time Oxford MBA programme are automatically eligible. There are no restrictions based on nationality or background.

What does the Oxford Saïd Future Leaders Scholarship cover?

It provides a financial award of up to £40,000, which is a contribution towards your MBA course fees. It does not cover full tuition or living expenses.

Do I need to submit a separate application for the scholarship?

No. There is no separate application required. All MBA applicants are automatically considered based on the strength of their programme application.

What are the main selection criteria for the scholarship?

The committee looks for: 1) Exceptional career progression and stellar potential, 2) Superb leadership ability and strong communication skills, 3) Academic success, and 4) Enthusiasm to become a leading ambassador for the School.