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Sainsbury Science Management Fellows

Enabling high potential career scientists to undertake a full time MBA at a major UK business school.

About the scheme

The Sainsbury Management Fellows scholarship scheme provides talented UK-based engineers and scientists with the opportunity to gain MBAs from some of the world’s top business schools. 

EIBF is a charity that promotes the importance and value of business education for engineers and scientists. Since the scholarship scheme launched in 1987, it has helped over 400 recipients to make an impact on the UK and global economies. Working in a diverse range of sectors including manufacturing, engineering, energy, finance, IT, telecommunications and technology, Fellows combine their technical skills with a world-class business education to make a difference in today’s world.

About the Sainsbury Science Management Fellows Scholarship

In 2024, EIBF announced a new collaboration with NPL to provide up to eight MBA scholarships of £50,000 each year to UK scientists who are looking to take their business skills to the next level.

The impact

Eligibility criteria

Applications can be submitted at any time, either with or without a confirmed place.

Successful candidates must:

  • be UK nationals, currently living in the UK.
  • have achieved a GMAT score of at least 650 before applying for this scholarship.
  • have a first degree in a science discipline, preferably a first or upper second class.
  • have four to ten years’ experience, post degree.
  • demonstrate strong business leadership qualities and show a strong commitment to the economic development of the UK.

Eligible business schools

The scholarship award is £50,000 for a full-time MBA course at any of the following business schools:  

Imperial College Business School

Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

Cambridge Judge Business School

Warwick Business School

Alliance Manchester Business School

Cranfield School of Management

Funding pledge

On acceptance of a Sainsbury Science Management Fellows MBA bursary, Fellows are expected to pledge their support to the work of the SMFs.

Download pledge

How do I apply?

Application process

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and encourage applicants from all groups who are currently underrepresented in science.

Before starting your application, we encourage you to read the current guidance notes, which provide detailed information, supporting you through the application process.

You may submit an application at any time prior to starting your MBA course, however, we suggest you do not apply until you have submitted an application to one of the eligible business schools and think you will have a decision before the SMF interviews. Applicants who have already started at business school are also eligible to apply.

You may apply at any time, whether you have secured a place at an eligible school or not.

Download guide to applicants

1. Application submission and eligibility assessment

  • The applicant submits their application via the NPL website.
  • The application is assessed for eligibility.

Outcome:

  • If eligible, the application moves forward to the review stage.
  • If not eligible, the applicant is notified via email, providing details about why they did not meet the requirements.

2. Application review

  • Eligible applications are reviewed by a panel of experts.

Outcome:

  • If successful, the applicant is invited to an interview.
  • If unsuccessful, the applicant is informed via email, with feedback provided where appropriate.

3. Interview Panel

  • Successful applicants are interviewed (45 mins) by a panel.

Outcome:

  • If successful, the applicant is recommended for the award.
  • If unsuccessful, the applicant is informed via email, with feedback.

4. Awarding process

Successful interviewees are formally notified of their award.

  • Applicants who already have a confirmed place at an approved business school will receive a ‘letter of offer’.
  • Applicants without a confirmed place at an approved business school will be given an ‘offer in principle,’ which must be taken up within 12 months.

Read our Guide to Applicants for more information.

The application submission form will open shortly.

Contact us for more information