The Cambridge Bridge to Business Scholarship: Eligibility, Deadline & How to Apply

The Cambridge Bridge to Business Scholarship is a prestigious award offered by the University of Cambridge Judge Business School. It is specifically designed to support outstanding individuals from non-traditional MBA sectors and industries, whose unique perspectives and experiences will enrich the learning environment and challenge conventional thinking within the cohort.

This scholarship recognises the immense value of interdisciplinary voices in shaping the future of global business leadership. It aims to support mission-driven professionals who are ready to bridge their deep industry expertise with the world of business, bringing fresh, innovative insight to complex business challenges. If you are a professional from fields like arts, healthcare, sustainability, or non-profits looking to pivot into business leadership, this scholarship provides a transformative opportunity to pursue a world-class MBA at one of the most renowned universities in the world.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, the application is processed through the standard MBA rounds. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, including eligibility, how to apply, the value of the award, required paperwork, and key deadlines. Prepare to seize this chance to study at Cambridge and pivot your career towards global business leadership.

This scholarship is exclusively for the full-time MBA programme at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School. It is a singular, top-tier course designed to accelerate your career.

Cambridge Bridge to Business Scholarship Awards

The Cambridge Bridge to Business Scholarship is a significant financial award designed to reduce the economic barrier for talented professionals from non-traditional backgrounds to pursue an MBA at Cambridge.

The scholarship provides a grant of up to £40,000 (approximately INR 42 Lakhs), which will be offset against your tuition fees. This substantial support allows you to focus on your studies, networking, and personal development without the burden of full tuition costs.

Cambridge Bridge to Business Scholarship Amount

The financial award is a key component, making the Cambridge MBA more accessible.

Cambridge Bridge to Business Scholarship Benefits

Beyond the financial award, being a Bridge to Business Scholar places you within an elite network and provides unparalleled advantages.

The eligibility for this scholarship is closely tied to your professional background and academic potential. The criteria are specific and must be met fully.

Who Can Apply for the Cambridge Bridge to Business Scholarship

The Cambridge MBA Bridge to Business Scholarship seeks to support individuals from non-traditional MBA sectors and industries whose perspectives and experiences enrich the learning environment and challenge conventional thinking. This includes professionals from:

• Culture, Arts, and Media
• Energy and Environment
• Healthcare
• NGOs and Non-profit Sectors
• Social Enterprise
• Sports Industry
• Sustainability
• Family Business

The application process is integrated into the standard Cambridge MBA application. It is highly competitive and involves multiple stages of assessment. You must follow each step carefully.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before you begin, carefully review the MBA and scholarship eligibility criteria on the official Cambridge Judge Business School website. Ensure your professional background and experience align with the Bridge to Business scholarship's mission.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application Components
Gather all required documents, including your transcripts, CV, and secure your one professional reference. Prepare diligently for your GMAT/GRE exam.

Step 3: Complete the Online MBA Application
Fill out the detailed online application for the Cambridge MBA in one of the five recruitment rounds. This includes writing the required essays and providing a supporting statement that highlights your fit for the Bridge to Business Scholarship.

Step 4: Submit and Await Interview Decision
After submitting your application, it will be evaluated by the MBA admissions committee. If shortlisted, you will receive an invitation for an interview.

Step 5: Attend Your MBA Interview
Prepare for and attend your interview. Your performance and overall application strength are key to admission and scholarship consideration.

Step 6: Automatic Scholarship Consideration
There is no separate application. Your profile is automatically reviewed by the Scholarships Committee after your interview.

Step 7: Await the Final Decision
After the interview, wait for the final decision, which includes both your admission and any scholarship award. Decisions are released according to the round deadlines.

Step 8: Receive Your Offer
If successful, you will receive your official offer letter, detailing any scholarship award, and can begin preparations for your MBA.

Please note: You must apply in one of the five MBA application rounds. The final deadline for the 2025 intake is January 5, 2026.

Application Timeline for Cambridge Bridge to Business Scholarship

The entire process from application to starting your studies takes nearly a year. Adhering to the timeline is critical for success.

Cambridge Bridge to Business Scholarship Interview

There is no separate interview for the Bridge to Business Scholarship. The primary assessment is through your written application and the standard MBA interview you undergo if shortlisted.

This MBA interview is a key part of the selection process for both admission and scholarship. It is typically conducted online or in person by senior admissions staff or alumni. The interview will assess your leadership potential, career ambitions, intellectual curiosity, and how your unique background would contribute to the Cambridge MBA cohort.

You must ensure your one reference letter and all educational documents are submitted before your interview stage, as a complete application is required for consideration.

The Cambridge MBA Bridge to Business Scholarship seeks to support individuals from non-traditional MBA sectors and industries whose perspectives and experiences enrich the learning environment and challenge conventional thinking.

You need to prepare several documents for your overall MBA application, which will also be used for scholarship consideration. Start gathering them early.

• Completed Online Application
• Application Fee (As required by the MBA programme)
• Academic Transcripts (From your undergraduate degree)
• One Professional Reference (From a supervisor, not a peer or relative)
• CV/Resume (Using the Cambridge MBA template, not exceeding one page)
• Essays (Including the 500-word career objectives statement and three 200-word essays)
• Supporting Statement (Within the application form, demonstrating how you meet the scholarship criteria)
• GMAT/GRE Test Scores (Sent directly from the testing agency)
• English Language Proficiency Test (If applicable, as per university requirements)

FAQs about Cambridge Bridge to Business Scholarship

Who is eligible for the Cambridge Bridge to Business Scholarship?

You must be a candidate applying for the Cambridge MBA with a professional background in a non-traditional sector (e.g., arts, NGO, healthcare, sustainability). You need an undergraduate degree, a valid GMAT/GRE score, and at least two years of work experience.

What does the Cambridge Bridge to Business Scholarship cover?

It provides a grant of up to £40,000, which is applied directly to your MBA tuition fees. It is not a full-ride scholarship, so you will need to cover the remaining tuition balance and all living costs.

Do I need to apply separately for this scholarship?

No. All applicants to the Cambridge MBA are automatically considered for all scholarships for which they are eligible. You simply need to express your interest and fit for this scholarship within your main MBA application.

What is the most important part of the application for this scholarship?

Your professional background and your essays are critical. You must compellingly articulate how your experience in a non-traditional sector has shaped you and how you plan to use the MBA to bridge that expertise into the business world.