MBA Excellence Scholarship 2025 at Leeds University, UK

The MBA Excellence Scholarship at Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds, is a prestigious merit-based award for exceptional candidates enrolling in the full-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) program starting in September 2025. This scholarship, offering up to 50% tuition fee reduction (approximately GBP £16,250 based on 2025-26 tuition fees of GBP £32,500), recognizes outstanding academic achievements, rapid career progression, and leadership potential. Leeds University Business School, triple-accredited by AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, is ranked 9th in the UK and 26th in Europe (QS Global MBA Rankings 2025). The one-year MBA program integrates business theory with practice, focusing on leadership, strategy, and emerging trends like AI and Industry 4.0. With up to GBP £500,000 available for scholarships, the program fosters a diverse cohort (over 140 nationalities) and offers access to global networks, career services, and a vibrant campus in Leeds, ranked the best place to live in the North and North-East of the UK

To be eligible for the MBA Excellence Scholarship 2025-2026, applicants must:

• Be offered a place in the full-time MBA program at Leeds University Business School for the September 2025 intake.

• Meet MBA admission requirements, including:

  • A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2:1 honours (UK equivalent, approximately 60–69% or GPA 3.0/4.0) or a recognized professional qualification.

  • At least three years of postgraduate full-time work experience demonstrating significant career progression (average for Class of 2025: 6 years).

  • GMAT (average 600) or GRE scores (equivalent, optional but recommended for scholarship consideration).

  • English proficiency for non-native speakers (e.g., IELTS 6.5 overall with no subskill below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 88 with minimum scores of 19 Listening, 20 Reading, 22 Speaking, 21 Writing, or PTE Academic 64 with at least 60 in each skill).

• Demonstrate a combination of:

  • Outstanding career achievements, including rapid progression and high levels of leadership responsibility.

  • An excellent academic record, reflecting a desire for knowledge and professional development (e.g., 2:1 honours or higher).

  • Potential to contribute to the MBA program through diverse professional and cultural viewpoints.

  • Evidence of supporting communities, strong ethical values, or engagement in sustainable initiatives.

  • Potential to contribute to the alumni network and positively impact the school, business, and society.

• Be open to all nationalities (domestic and international students).

• Exclusions:

  • Not available for part-time MBA, MSc Sustainable Business Leadership (online), or Executive Leadership Level 7 Apprenticeship/MSc.

  • Candidates receiving full employer sponsorship may be ineligible.

  • Cannot be combined with other Leeds University Business School scholarships, but may be paired with the 10% Leeds Alumni Bursary or external funding (e.g., Postgraduate Masters Loan for UK nationals) if within cost-of-attendance limits.

• Value: Up to 50% tuition fee reduction (approximately GBP £16,250, based on 2025-26 full-time MBA tuition of GBP £32,500).

• Disbursement: Deducted from tuition fees upon enrollment in September 2025, typically applied across payment installments.

• Duration: Non-renewable, covering the one-year full-time MBA program.

• Additional Benefits:

  • Access to a global alumni network and professional connections.

  • Career services, leadership development, and networking opportunities through Leeds’ triple-accredited Business School.

  • Enhanced employability, with 90% of graduates employed within three months (average salary: GBP £70,000).

• Note: The scholarship does not cover living expenses (estimated at GBP £12,000–£15,000/year), accommodation, or additional fees. Total financial aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance, and adjustments may be made if combined with other funding sources (e.g., Prodigy Finance loans).

No separate application is required for the MBA Excellence Scholarship; candidates are automatically considered upon receiving an offer for the full-time MBA program. Follow these steps:

1. Apply for the Full-Time MBA: Submit a complete application via the University of Leeds Applicant Portal (courses.leeds.ac.uk/a992/full-time-mba) for the September 2025 intake.

2. Submit Required Documents:

   • Official academic transcripts and degree certificates (2:1 honours or equivalent).

   • CV/resume detailing 3+ years of postgraduate work experience with career progression.

   • Two professional references.

   • Personal statement (500–700 words) outlining career goals, leadership experience, and motivation for the MBA.

   • GMAT or GRE scores (optional, recommended 600+ for GMAT).

   • English proficiency scores for non-native speakers (e.g., IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 88, PTE Academic 64).

   • For international students: Passport copy and financial documentation for UK student visa.

3. Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited for a mandatory interview (virtual or in-person) with the MBA Programme Director to assess leadership, suitability, and scholarship eligibility.

4. Evaluation: The selection committee assesses candidates based on:

   • MBA application responses (e.g., personal statement, CV, references).

   • Interview performance, focusing on leadership, career progression, and potential contributions.

   • Academic excellence and professional achievements.

5. Notification: Scholarship recipients are informed via email within two weeks of the MBA admission decision (February–July 2025, depending on the application round).

6. Accept Offer and Enroll: Accept the MBA offer, meet all entry requirements (e.g., degree verification, English proficiency), and enroll by September 2025 to activate the scholarship.

Note: Apply by Round 2 (February 1, 2025) for international students to allow visa processing and maximize scholarship chances, as funds are limited.

• Completed online MBA application form (via courses.leeds.ac.uk/a992/full-time-mba).

• Official academic transcripts and degree certificates (2:1 honours or equivalent).

• CV/resume detailing 3+ years of work experience.

• Personal statement (500–700 words).

• Two professional references.

• GMAT or GRE scores (optional).

• English proficiency scores for non-native speakers (e.g., IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 88, PTE Academic 64).

• For international students: Passport copy and financial documentation.

• Note: Documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations. Unofficial documents are accepted initially, but official versions are required upon admission.

• MBA Application Deadlines (September 2025 Intake):

  • Round 1: November 1, 2024 (decision by February 2025).

  • Round 2: February 1, 2025 (decision by April 2025, recommended for international students).

  • Round 3: April 1, 2025 (decision by June 2025).

  • Round 4: June 1, 2025 (decision by July 2025).

• Scholarship Deadline: July 10, 2025 (all admitted candidates are automatically considered).

• Notification: Within two weeks of the MBA admission decision (February–July 2025).

• Enrollment Deadline: Enroll by September 2025 for the MBA program start.

• Note: Deadlines may vary. Verify on business.leeds.ac.uk or contact mba@lubs.leeds.ac.uk. Early application (Round 1 or 2) enhances scholarship chances due to limited funding.

• Email: mba@lubs.leeds.ac.uk (MBA and scholarship inquiries).

• Phone: +44 (0) 113 343 4908 (Leeds University Business School).

• Address: Leeds University Business School, Maurice Keyworth Building, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom.

• Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (GMT).

• Website: business.leeds.ac.uk