Paying for a top business school in London can be one of the biggest challenges for an international student. Tuition, living expenses, travel, visa costs, and other study-related expenses can make an otherwise attractive programme difficult to afford. Fortunately, London Business School Scholarships for International Students can reduce the financial burden for eligible applicants across programmes such as the MBA, Masters in Management, Executive MBA, and other graduate business degrees.
London Business School (LBS) offers a range of scholarships funded by the School, alumni, foundations, and other organisations. Some awards are based on academic or professional merit, while others focus on factors such as nationality, gender, financial need, leadership potential, or regional background. Importantly, not every scholarship requires a separate scholarship application. Some eligible candidates are automatically considered after receiving an offer, while others require an additional application.
This guide explains the major funding opportunities, who can qualify, how scholarship selection works, the costs applicants should prepare for, and how to apply. It also includes a practical application guide so international students can take the next step with confidence.
What Are London Business School Scholarships for International Students?
London Business School scholarships are financial awards that help eligible students reduce the cost of studying at London Business School. They can take different forms, including partial tuition awards, substantial tuition support, and scholarships targeted at particular groups of students.
LBS offers scholarships across several postgraduate programmes. These include the MBA, Masters in Management, Global Masters in Management, Masters in Analytics and Management, Masters in Financial Analysis, Executive MBA, and Sloan Masters in Leadership and Strategy, among others.
For the 2026 MBA intake, the published tuition fee is £123,950, while the 2026 Masters in Management tuition fee is £52,950. The One-Year MBA has a published 2026 tuition fee of £77,950. These figures demonstrate why scholarship funding can be important when planning an LBS education.
Scholarships should therefore be viewed as part of a broader funding strategy rather than something applicants should rely on exclusively.
London Business School Scholarships for International Students: What Funding Is Available?
The scholarship portfolio changes according to programme, intake, eligibility requirements and available funding. Some awards are specifically designed for international or regional candidates.
Below are several important examples.
| Scholarship | Typical Value | Programme | Main Eligibility/Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| African Scholarship | £20,000 | MBA | Successful MBA applicants from African countries |
| London Business School Fund Scholarships | Variable | MBA | Academic/professional merit and contribution to the MBA community |
| Ty Danjuma MBA Scholarship | Variable | MBA | Successful African MBA applicants |
| LBS Regional Scholarship | £20,000 | Selected Master’s programmes | Candidates from regions including Africa |
| LBS Merit Scholarship | Typically around £20,000 | Selected Master’s programmes | Academic/professional strength, ambitions and contribution |
| Laidlaw Women’s Leadership Fund | 50%–100% tuition for selected awards | MBA, MiM, EMBA | Outstanding women demonstrating financial need |
Scholarship amounts and eligibility can change between intakes, so applicants should always check the current requirements associated with their programme.
African Scholarship
The African Scholarship is particularly relevant to applicants from Africa.
The award currently listed by London Business School is valued at £20,000 and is available to successful MBA applicants from African countries. Eligible candidates are automatically considered for the award, meaning that a separate scholarship application is not required for this particular scholarship.
This can be especially relevant for applicants from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and other African nations who are considering an LBS MBA.
However, automatic consideration does not mean that admission or funding is guaranteed. Candidates still need to satisfy the MBA admissions requirements and demonstrate the qualities expected by the School.
London Business School Fund Scholarships
The London Business School Fund Scholarships are a broader source of MBA funding.
These awards have variable values and are available to successful MBA applicants who demonstrate strong academic and professional merit and the ability to contribute to different aspects of the MBA programme.
One useful feature is that candidates are automatically considered. Therefore, applicants should treat the main MBA application itself as an important opportunity to demonstrate their strengths.
Your application should clearly communicate:
- Professional achievements
- Leadership experience
- Academic performance
- Career objectives
- Community involvement
- International exposure
- Contributions you could make to the LBS community
Ty Danjuma MBA Scholarship
The Ty Danjuma MBA Scholarship is another opportunity relevant to African candidates.
It is available to successful African applicants to the MBA programme, with the scholarship value varying according to the award.
Because the award has specific eligibility requirements and its application process can differ from automatically awarded scholarships, prospective applicants should check the current instructions before submitting their application.
London Business School Regional Scholarship
The LBS Regional Scholarship provides another opportunity for candidates from particular geographical regions.
The current scholarship listing gives a value of £20,000 and identifies regions including Africa, the Middle East, North America and South America.
The scholarship applies to selected Master’s programmes, including the Global Masters in Management, Masters in Management, Masters in Financial Analysis and Masters in Analytics and Management.
Eligible candidates are automatically considered.
This means international applicants should not assume that they need to find a separate scholarship form for every LBS award. Understanding the difference between automatic consideration and separate applications can save considerable time.
London Business School Scholarships for International Students: MBA Funding
The MBA is one of the most expensive programmes at LBS, making scholarship planning particularly important.
For the 2026 MBA intake, the published tuition fee is £123,950, excluding certain additional costs such as programme-related travel. There is also a Student Association fee.
LBS offers a portfolio of scholarships intended to support talented students. These include general awards, regional opportunities, awards connected to specific backgrounds and scholarships focused on leadership or financial need.
International MBA candidates should therefore consider several potential sources of funding rather than applying for only one award.
What makes an MBA application scholarship competitive?
A strong scholarship profile can include a combination of:
Academic achievement: Strong academic results can help demonstrate your ability to manage demanding graduate-level study.
Professional achievement: LBS considers the quality and impact of your professional experience, not simply the number of years you have worked.
Leadership: Evidence that you have led people, projects, organisations or initiatives can strengthen your overall profile.
Career clarity: Explain what you want to achieve after the MBA and why LBS is relevant to that objective.
Community contribution: Business schools look beyond classroom performance. Demonstrating how you have contributed to communities, organisations or professional groups can be valuable.
International perspective: International business schools value candidates who can contribute different perspectives to the classroom and wider student community.
London Business School Scholarships for International Students in Master’s Programmes
Scholarships are not limited to the MBA.
LBS also provides funding opportunities for students applying to programmes such as the Masters in Management, Global Masters in Management, Masters in Analytics and Management and Masters in Financial Analysis.
For example, the published 2026 tuition fee for the Masters in Management is £52,950.
For these programmes, LBS lists merit scholarships in addition to regional and other targeted awards.
The LBS Merit Scholarship, for example, generally considers factors including experience, academic performance, ambitions, intended contribution to the LBS community, interview performance and diversity of thought. Awards are typically around £20,000, although amounts can vary.
For international students, this means that your entire admissions application can potentially play a role in scholarship consideration.
Laidlaw Women’s Leadership Fund
Another important funding opportunity is the Laidlaw Women’s Leadership Fund.
The fund supports outstanding women applying to the MBA, Masters in Management and Executive MBA programmes.
The current scholarship structure includes:
- MiM: Four awards covering 100% of tuition
- MBA: Twelve awards covering 50% or 100% of tuition
- EMBA: Four awards covering 50% of tuition
Successful candidates need to demonstrate financial need in addition to meeting the scholarship’s other requirements.
Unlike some automatically awarded scholarships, eligible women who are invited to interview may be invited to submit a separate scholarship application.
This distinction is important: being eligible for an LBS programme does not automatically mean that every scholarship is automatically considered.
Who Can Apply for London Business School Scholarships?
Eligibility depends on the individual scholarship.
Generally, international applicants should first determine whether they meet the admission requirements for their chosen programme. Scholarship eligibility is then assessed according to the specific award.
Depending on the scholarship, selection may consider:
- Nationality or country of residence
- Academic performance
- Professional experience
- Leadership potential
- Financial circumstances
- Career ambitions
- Gender
- Regional background
- Contribution to the LBS community
- Interview performance
- Professional and personal achievements
For example, an African applicant to the MBA may qualify for scholarships specifically intended for African candidates, while a female applicant may also potentially qualify for a women-focused award if she meets its additional requirements.
This is why applicants should examine multiple funding opportunities rather than assuming that there is one general London Business School scholarship.
How Much Can International Students Receive?
There is no single scholarship amount that applies to all LBS students.
Some scholarships provide a fixed monetary award, while others offer a percentage of tuition fees or have variable values.
For example, the African Scholarship is currently listed at £20,000, while the Laidlaw Women’s Leadership Fund includes awards ranging from 50% to 100% of tuition for eligible programmes.
Some general MBA scholarships have variable amounts.
As a result, prospective students should calculate their remaining funding requirement after considering any potential scholarship.
For example, if a student receives a £20,000 scholarship toward a £123,950 MBA tuition fee, the scholarship would reduce the tuition component but would not cover the full cost of attendance. The student would still need to budget for the remaining tuition, accommodation, food, transportation, visa-related expenses and other living costs.
How to Improve Your Chances of Winning an LBS Scholarship
Although no scholarship can be guaranteed, applicants can take practical steps to present a stronger application.
1. Build a strong admissions application
For scholarships connected to programme admission, your first priority should be submitting a compelling application.
Do not treat the scholarship as something separate from the admissions process. Your CV, essays, academic record, references and interview performance can all help demonstrate your suitability.
2. Explain your career goals clearly
Avoid vague statements such as “I want to become a successful business leader.”
Instead, explain:
- Where you are professionally now
- What skills you need to develop
- What role you want after graduation
- What industry or sector interests you
- Why an LBS education is relevant
- How you intend to use the education after graduation
3. Demonstrate measurable impact
Where possible, quantify your achievements.
Instead of:
“I helped improve company performance.”
Consider explaining the measurable result, such as:
“I led a five-person project that reduced processing time by 25%.”
Specific evidence gives admissions and scholarship reviewers a clearer understanding of your contribution.
4. Show leadership beyond your job title
Leadership does not always require being a manager.
You can demonstrate leadership through:
- Entrepreneurship
- Volunteer projects
- Community initiatives
- Professional associations
- Student organisations
- Social-impact projects
- Mentoring
- Team leadership
The key is to explain what you did, why you did it and what changed because of your involvement.
5. Research scholarships before applying
Create a simple funding spreadsheet containing:
| Item | What to Record |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | Exact award title |
| Programme | MBA, MiM, EMBA, etc. |
| Eligibility | Nationality, gender, experience, etc. |
| Value | Fixed amount or percentage |
| Automatic consideration? | Yes/No |
| Separate application? | Yes/No |
| Deadline | Exact date/time |
| Required documents | Essays, financial information, etc. |
| Status | Planned, submitted or completed |
This can prevent you from overlooking an important scholarship requirement.
Do International Students Need to Apply Separately for Scholarships?
Not always.
This is one of the most important things prospective applicants should understand.
Some LBS scholarships automatically consider eligible candidates after they receive an offer. For example, the African Scholarship and several general or regional awards use automatic consideration.
Other scholarships may require a separate application.
The Laidlaw Women’s Leadership Fund is an example where eligible candidates may be invited to complete a scholarship application after progressing through the programme admissions process.
Therefore, applicants should never assume that all LBS scholarships use the same procedure.
What Documents Should You Prepare?
Although requirements vary by programme and scholarship, international students should generally prepare the following:
- Academic transcripts
- Updated CV
- Passport or identification information
- Professional references
- Personal or programme essays
- GMAT or GRE results where required
- English-language test results where applicable
- Employment information
- Scholarship-specific financial information where required
- Evidence of leadership or professional achievements
For the MBA, LBS currently requires applicants to have a valid GMAT or GRE score before submitting an application. English-language evidence may also be required depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
Prepare these materials early rather than waiting until the application deadline.
How to Apply for London Business School Scholarships for International Students
The application process depends on the scholarship, but the general process is straightforward.
Step 1: Choose your programme
First decide whether you are applying for the MBA, One-Year MBA, Masters in Management, Global Masters in Management, Executive MBA or another eligible programme.
Step 2: Check admission requirements
Make sure you meet the academic, professional and testing requirements for the programme.
Step 3: Prepare your application
Complete your programme application and prepare your CV, essays, references, transcripts and required test results.
Step 4: Submit the programme application
Submit your application before the relevant deadline.
Step 5: Check scholarship consideration
After applying, determine whether your eligible scholarships are automatically considered or require a separate application.
Step 6: Complete any additional scholarship application
If LBS invites you to apply for a particular scholarship, complete the additional form and provide any required financial or personal information.
Step 7: Monitor your email
Scholarship communication may be connected to the admissions process, so regularly check the email account used in your application.
How to Apply — Official Application Link
To begin, use the official London Business School application portal:
Practical tip: Apply to your chosen programme first and carefully review the scholarship instructions associated with that programme. Some awards are automatic, while others require an additional application.
Important Costs to Consider Beyond Tuition
A scholarship does not necessarily cover every expense associated with studying in London.
International students should create a complete budget covering:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Food
- Local transportation
- Flights
- UK visa-related expenses
- Health-related immigration costs where applicable
- Study materials
- Personal expenses
- Programme-related travel
- Emergency funds
This is particularly important when a scholarship covers only part of tuition.
For example, receiving a £20,000 award does not mean that your entire LBS education is fully funded. The remaining tuition and living expenses must still be planned for.
Common Mistakes International Students Should Avoid
Applying only for one scholarship
LBS has multiple funding opportunities. Investigate awards that match your nationality, programme, background and circumstances.
Assuming every scholarship is fully funded
Many scholarships are partial awards. Always check exactly what the scholarship covers.
Waiting until after admission to research funding
Some scholarships have separate deadlines or eligibility conditions. Research funding while preparing your programme application.
Using generic essays
Scholarship essays should directly address the award’s purpose. A generic personal statement may fail to explain why you fit a particular scholarship.
Ignoring financial need requirements
Some awards, including the Laidlaw Women’s Leadership Fund, require evidence of financial need. If a scholarship has a financial-need component, prepare the relevant information carefully.
Missing deadlines
Scholarship deadlines may not always be identical to programme deadlines. Keep a separate calendar for both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are London Business School scholarships available to international students?
Yes. London Business School offers scholarships that can be available to international candidates, including regional, merit-based and programme-specific awards. Eligibility depends on the individual scholarship.
Does LBS offer scholarships for African students?
Yes. The African Scholarship is currently listed for successful MBA applicants from African countries and has a published value of £20,000. LBS also lists other funding opportunities that can be relevant to African candidates, including the Ty Danjuma MBA Scholarship and regional funding.
Can Nigerian students apply for London Business School scholarships?
Yes. Nigerian applicants can apply to eligible LBS programmes and may qualify for scholarships whose eligibility includes African candidates. However, meeting the nationality requirement alone does not guarantee admission or a scholarship.
Are LBS scholarships fully funded?
Not all of them. Some scholarships provide fixed monetary awards, while others cover a percentage of tuition. Students should check the exact value and coverage of each scholarship before making financial plans.
Do I need admission before applying for an LBS scholarship?
It depends on the scholarship. Several LBS scholarships automatically consider successful applicants, while certain awards require an additional scholarship application after progressing through the admissions process.
What makes an LBS scholarship application strong?
Strong applications generally provide convincing evidence of academic or professional achievement, leadership, clear career objectives, and potential contribution to the LBS community. For scholarships requiring financial need, applicants must also demonstrate their financial circumstances.
Conclusion: London Business School Scholarships for International Students
London Business School Scholarships for International Students can significantly reduce the financial cost of studying at one of London’s leading business schools. However, funding opportunities differ considerably by programme, nationality, background and scholarship criteria.
International applicants should look beyond one general scholarship. African MBA candidates, for example, can investigate the African Scholarship and other awards open to African applicants. Students applying to Master’s programmes can explore regional and merit-based funding, while eligible women can investigate the Laidlaw Women’s Leadership Fund.
The most important step is to start early. Prepare a strong programme application, identify every scholarship for which you may qualify, understand whether each award requires a separate application, and keep track of deadlines.
If you are ready to begin, visit the official London Business School application portal and start preparing your application materials
Scholarship amounts, eligibility rules and deadlines can change between intakes. Always verify the current requirements in the LBS application and funding system before submitting your application.