The OPM Alumni Scholarship for Business and Social Impact

Applicants will be required to submit:

• A CV
• An academic reference
• A personal statement outlining their leadership potential, career ambitions and commitment to creating positive impact
• A supporting statement detailing how their background aligns with the criteria and the impact the scholarship would have on their studies and future aspirations.

The scholarship provides a £7,000 contribution towards tuition fees for an outstanding University of Derby graduate progressing onto the University's MBA programme. It is designed to support future leaders who demonstrate exceptional potential, entrepreneurial thinking and a commitment to creating positive social and economic impact.

In addition to financial support, the successful recipient will benefit from mentoring opportunities and engagement with an international network of experienced business leaders and Harvard Business School alumni. Through these opportunities, scholars will develop the knowledge, skills and connections needed to make a meaningful difference in their communities, industries and beyond.

The scholarship reflects a shared commitment to supporting talented individuals from backgrounds that are traditionally under-represented in higher education.

Applicants must:

Be a University of Derby graduate from any undergraduate or postgraduate programme.
Hold an offer to study the University of Derby MBA.

Demonstrate:

• Exceptional leadership potential
• Entrepreneurial thinking
• Academic excellence
• A commitment to creating positive social and economic impact
• Ambition to contribute to their community, region or industry.

Preference will be given to applicants who are from under-represented backgrounds in higher education, are the first in their family to attend university, or can demonstrate financial need.

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship includes:

• A £7,000 tuition fee award towards MBA study
• Quarterly mentoring from members of the Harvard Business School OPM alumni community
• Access to networking and engagement opportunities with experienced business leaders
• Participation in an annual Harvard Business School OPM Alumni lecture hosted by Derby International Business School.