MBA Scholarship at Robert Gordon University

The MBA Scholarship at Robert Gordon University (RGU), also known as the RGU Financial Award for MBA Students, is a merit-based scholarship offered by the Aberdeen Business School to support exceptional candidates enrolling in its online Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs for the September 2025 or January 2026 intakes. Valued at a 10% tuition fee discount (approximately GBP £1,492–£2,038, based on 2025-26 tuition fees of GBP £14,920–£20,380), the scholarship rewards academic excellence, professional achievements, and leadership potential. RGU, ranked #1 in Scotland for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2025) and accredited by AACSB (achieved by only 5% of global business schools), offers three online MBA programs: MBA, MBA Information Management, and MBA Oil and Gas Management. These programs, delivered full-time (1 year) or part-time (2–3 years), include core management modules, elective specializations, a consultancy project, and a nine-day Leadership Week with business masterclasses and simulations. The scholarship supports self-funding students, fostering career advancement with a 96.1% graduate employability rate.

To be eligible for the MBA Scholarship at Robert Gordon University 2025-2026, applicants must:

• Hold an offer for one of RGU’s online MBA programs (MBA, MBA Information Management, or MBA Oil and Gas Management) for the September 2025 or January 2026 intake.

• Meet MBA admission requirements, including:

  • A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2:2 honours (UK equivalent, approximately 50–59% or GPA 2.7/4.0) or an equivalent professional qualification.

  • At least three years of postgraduate full-time work experience in a relevant managerial or professional role (average for Class of 2025: 7 years).

  • English proficiency for non-native speakers (e.g., IELTS 6.5 overall with no subskill below 5.5, TOEFL iBT 88, or equivalent, valid within two years).

• Demonstrate academic merit, motivation, and ambition through the MBA application and interview.

• Be classified as a self-funding student (domestic or international).

• Value: 10% tuition fee discount (approximately GBP £1,492 for MBA/MBA Information Management at GBP £14,920, or GBP £2,038 for MBA Oil and Gas Management at GBP £20,380).

• Disbursement: Applied as a tuition fee reduction upon enrollment in September 2025 or January 2026, typically across payment installments.

• Duration: Non-renewable, covering the duration of the MBA program (1 year full-time or 2–3 years part-time).

• Additional Benefits:

  • Access to RGU’s global alumni network and career services.

  • Participation in Leadership Week, featuring masterclasses and business simulations with industry leaders.

  • Enhanced employability, with 96.1% of RGU graduates employed or in further study within six months.

• Note: The scholarship does not cover living expenses (estimated at GBP £12,000–£15,000/year for UK-based students, though online delivery minimizes relocation costs) or additional fees. Total financial aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance, and adjustments may be made if combined with external funding (e.g., Prodigy Finance loans).

The MBA Scholarship requires a separate application submitted after receiving an MBA offer. Follow these steps:

1. Apply for the MBA Program: Submit a complete application for the online MBA, MBA Information Management, or MBA Oil and Gas Management via the RGU online portal (www.rgu.ac.uk/study/apply) for the September 2025 or January 2026 intake.

2. Submit MBA Application Documents:

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

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

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

   • Two professional references.

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

   • For international students: Passport copy and financial documentation for UK visa (if applicable for online study).

3. Receive MBA Offer: Secure an offer from RGU, typically within 4–6 weeks of application.

4. Apply for the Scholarship:

   • Access the scholarship application form via www.rgu.ac.uk/study/finance-funding/scholarships.

   • Submit a scholarship statement (details on word count/format available on the RGU website) addressing:

     • Why you chose RGU’s MBA program.

     • Personal or professional experiences demonstrating enthusiasm for the subject (e.g., business administration, information management, or oil and gas management).

     • Future career ambitions and how the scholarship supports them.

5. Evaluation: The RGU Scholarship Committee assesses applications based on academic excellence, professional achievements, leadership potential, and the quality of the scholarship statement.

6. Notification: Recipients are notified via email within 4–6 weeks of the scholarship deadline, alongside or after the MBA offer.

7. Accept Offer and Enroll: Accept the MBA offer, meet all conditions (e.g., degree verification), and enroll by September 2025 or January 2026 to activate the scholarship.

Note: International students should apply by Round 2 (February 1, 2025) for September 2025 or Round 3 (October 1, 2025) for January 2026 to allow visa processing (if required) and maximize scholarship chances.

• For MBA Admission:

  • Completed online MBA application form (via www.rgu.ac.uk/study/apply).

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

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

  • Personal statement (500–700 words).

  • Two professional references.

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

  • For international students: Passport copy and financial documentation.

• For MBA Scholarship:

  • Scholarship application form (via www.rgu.ac.uk/study/finance-funding/scholarships).

  • Scholarship statement addressing specified criteria (e.g., motivation, experience, career goals).

• 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 January 2025).

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

    • Round 3: June 27, 2025 (decision by July 2025).

  • January 2026 Intake:

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

    • Round 2: October 1, 2025 (decision by November 2025).

• Scholarship Deadline: June 20, 2025, for September 2025 and January 2026 intakes (per WeMakeScholars, though some sources cite December 31, 2024; verify with www.rgu.ac.uk).

• Notification: Within 4–6 weeks of the scholarship deadline, typically July–August 2025 for September intake or November–December 2025 for January intake.

• Enrollment Deadline: Enroll by September 2025 or January 2026.

• Note: Deadlines may vary. Confirm on www.rgu.ac.uk or contact international@rgu.ac.uk. Early application enhances scholarship chances due to limited funding.

• Email: international@rgu.ac.uk (scholarship and MBA inquiries).

• Phone: +44 (0) 1224 262000 (RGU International Team).

• Address: Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, United Kingdom.

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

• Website: www.rgu.ac.uk/study/finance-funding/scholarships