The 2026 Boustany Foundation MBA Scholarship at Cambridge University

The 2026 Boustany Foundation MBA Scholarship at Cambridge University is one of the most prestigious and competitive awards for business students globally. This pillar post provides a definitive guide to securing this scholarship, while also exploring comparable fully funded MBA opportunities in the UK and USA to ensure you have a comprehensive strategy for your university education abroad.

Introduction

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Cambridge is a golden ticket to becoming a global leader. However, the cost of such an elite university education can be a barrier. Enter the Boustany Foundation MBA Scholarship—a life-changing opportunity that covers the majority of your tuition and offers a unique internship in Monaco.

For international applicants seeking a university in UK with scholarship opportunities, this is the pinnacle. But competition is fierce. Whether you are looking to study in UK university programs or exploring mba scholarships in usa, understanding the nuances of this specific award will set you apart from the typical mba applicant.

The Boustany Foundation MBA Scholarship 2026: At a Glance

The Boustany Foundation awards this scholarship once every two years. The next award is for the class commencing Autumn 2026, making now the critical time to prepare.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

Tuition Fees: The scholarship offers financial aid amounting to 75% of the tuition fees. With the Cambridge MBA tuition for 2026 set at approximately £80,000, this scholarship is worth roughly £60,000 (approx. $75,000+ USD), making it one of the most high-value mba scholarships uk has to offer.
Internship Expenses: All travel and accommodation expenses related to the mandatory internship are fully covered.

Monaco Internship: A Unique Benefit

Unlike a standard university scholarship, the Boustany Foundation requires a two-month unpaid internship at the Foundation’s headquarters in Monaco. This is not just a requirement; it is a career accelerator. You will work on projects that impact the Foundation’s philanthropic mission, granting you access to a high-level network of future leaders and philanthropists.

Eligibility: Who Can Apply?

To be a successful mba applicant for this award, you must meet strict criteria.

Academic Excellence: You must have an outstanding academic background. The Foundation looks for candidates who show “considerable promise.”
Admission First: You must apply for Cambridge University and receive an official offer of admission for the MBA program before you can apply for the scholarship. You cannot apply for the scholarship without an offer.
Nationality: The scholarship is open to all nations. However, priority will be given to candidates of Lebanese descent.
- Pro-Tip: If you are not Lebanese, do not be discouraged. The scholarship is merit-based, and exceptional candidates from any country can and do win.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

The application process for the 2026 Boustany Foundation MBA Scholarship at Cambridge University is simple but high-stakes.

Step 1: Ace the Cambridge MBA Application

Your first hurdle is getting into the Cambridge Judge Business School.

GMAT/GRE: A high score is non-negotiable. The average GMAT for Cambridge is often around 690-700.
Experience: You typically need at least 3 years of work experience.
Deadlines: Apply in Rounds 1 or 2 (usually September or January) to ensure you have your offer in hand before the scholarship deadline.

Step 2: Submit the Scholarship Application

Once you have your acceptance letter:

Deadline: May 15, 2026.
Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a photograph.
- GMAT scores.
- Acceptance letter from the University.
Method: Send these documents to admissions@boustany-foundation.org.

Step 3: The Interview

Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview with the Foundation (often in June). This is where you demonstrate your potential as a global leader.

Why Cambridge? The Authority of Judge Business School

When you study mba at Cambridge, you are joining one of the most prestigious business schools in the world.

One Year Program MBA: The Cambridge MBA is a 12-month intensive program, which lowers your opportunity cost compared to a 2-year mba us program.
Global Network: You gain access to the wider University of Cambridge ecosystem, not just the business school.
Curriculum: The mba curriculum focuses on practical application, including the “Global Consulting Project” where you work with real clients.

Note on Costs: The cambridge mba cost is significant (£80,000 tuition + ~£18,000 living). Securing the Boustany scholarship effectively reduces your financial burden to a fraction of the total, making it comparable to a fully funded university in UK opportunity.

Global Comparison: MBA Scholarships in USA vs. UK

If you are researching study abroad masters scholarships, you are likely comparing the UK with the United States. Here is how the Boustany Cambridge offer stacks up against fully funded mba scholarships in usa and other top options.

United States Study Options

The USA scholarship landscape is vast. If you are looking to study usa or find a university in usa offering scholarship for an MBA, consider:

Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford): Truly fully funded (tuition + stipend). Extremely competitive. Best for those targeting mba top schools in the world like Stanford GSB.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program: Covers tuition, airfare, and stipend. Available for mba scholarships in usa for international students from 160+ countries.
Harvard Boustany Scholarship: Similar to the Cambridge one but for Harvard Business School. It is offered in alternate years (usually odd years, e.g., for the class commencing 2025 or 2027), so for 2026, Cambridge is the target.

UK Study Abroad Options

Chevening Scholarships: Great for masters scholarships abroad, but for MBAs, Chevening typically has a fee cap (often £22,000), meaning you must pay the rest of the mba fees yourself. The Boustany 75% coverage is far superior for an MBA.
Skoll Scholarship (Oxford): A fully funded mba option for social entrepreneurs at Saïd Business School.

Feature	Cambridge Boustany	Stanford Knight-Hennessy	Fulbright (USA)
Coverage	75% Tuition + Internship	100% Tuition + Living Stipend	Varies (Often 100%)
Location	UK University	University of United States	USA Universities
Focus	General Leadership	Civic Leadership	Cultural Exchange
Difficulty	Very High	Extremely High	High

Strategic Advice for the Applicant

To win admission into study abroad programs of this caliber, you must position yourself not just as a student, but as a future asset to the institution.

Optimize Your Profile

Keywords in Essays: When writing your mba application, use language that reflects leadership. Discuss how you will contribute to the mba global community.
The “Why Cambridge” Question: Be specific. Mention specific professors, the silicon fen ecosystem, or the college system.
Financial Planning: Even with the scholarship, you need to cover the remaining 25% and living costs. Look into mba financial loans like Prodigy Finance or other business scholarships to bridge the gap.

Alternative Keywords to Watch

When searching for more opportunities, use these high CPC keywords:

“fully funded mba scholarships”
“scholarship for ms in uk” (if you are open to non-MBA masters)
“mba one year program” (to find efficient degrees)
“canada mba scholarship” (as a backup destination; schools like Rotman or Ivey offering mba in canada scholarship options).

The Cambridge MBA Curriculum & Experience

To secure admission into such a competitive program, you must demonstrate a profound understanding of the mba curriculum. The Cambridge MBA is a one year program mba, which is intense and fast-paced compared to the traditional two-year mba us format.

The Structure of Excellence

The program is divided into four terms, designed to transform you into a global leader:

Michaelmas Term (Oct–Dec): Focuses on core analysis. You will study mba courses like Microeconomics, Financial Reporting, and Management Science. This is the foundation of your mba business school journey.
Lent Term (Jan–Mar): Moves to mba global strategy and application. This includes the famous “Global Consulting Project” (GCP), where you work with international companies.
Easter Term (Apr–Jun): Specialization. You choose electives tailored to your career, from Digital Transformation to Energy & Environment.
Summer Term (Jun–Sep): The culmination. You can choose an individual project, a work placement, or a research paper.

Why “One Year” Matters

Choosing an mba 1 year program like Cambridge (or INSEAD) vs. a two-year mba program usa is a financial calculation.

Lower Opportunity Cost: You are out of the workforce for only 12 months.
Lower Living Costs: You only pay for one year of accommodation in the UK.
Intensity: It proves to employers you can handle high-pressure environments.

The Financial Reality: Cambridge MBA Fees vs. ROI

While the Boustany Scholarship covers 75% of tuition, understanding the full mba financial picture is vital. Let’s break down the cambridge mba cost and how it compares to a university of usa scholarship scenario.

Estimated Cost Breakdown (2026 Intake)

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (£ GBP)	Estimated Cost ($ USD)	Notes
Cambridge MBA Tuition	£80,000	~$100,000	The full sticker price.
Boustany Scholarship	-£60,000	-$75,000	75% Deduction.
Remaining Tuition	£20,000	~$25,000	Amount you must pay.
College Membership	~£3,500	~$4,400	Mandatory for Cambridge colleges.
Living Expenses (1 yr)	~£18,000	~$22,500	Rent, food, transport in Cambridge.
Total Investment	~£41,500	~$52,000	With Scholarship.
Total Without Aid	~£101,500	~$127,000	Without Scholarship.

Note: Exchange rates fluctuate. Always check the official cambridge university mba fees page.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Graduates from cambridge judge business school see an average salary increase of 90-100% post-graduation. When you combine this salary bump with the reduced cost of the Boustany scholarship, the ROI outperforms almost any mba university in the US where you might pay full price.

Top Alternatives for “Fully Funded MBA Scholarships”

If you are casting a wide net to study abroad to advance your career, you must look beyond just one option. Here is a comprehensive list of schools offering scholarships in usa, UK, and Canada to ensure you find a fully funded mba.

A. United States: The Holy Grail of MBA Funding

The united states study landscape is famous for high costs, but also high rewards.

Stanford GSB (Knight-Hennessy): As mentioned, this is the premier fully funded mba scholarship in usa. It covers tuition and living for the entire duration.
Harvard Business School (HBS): HBS is need-blind. If you get in, they calculate your financial need and offer mba scholarships in usa to cover the gap. They have a specific Boustany partnership as well (check for the 2025/2027 cycle).
Wharton (UPenn): Offers the Joseph Wharton Fellowships. These are merit-based and can cover full mba tuition.
New York University (Stern): Offers the “Full-Tuition Dean’s Scholarship” for exceptional mba applicant profiles.

B. United Kingdom: Other “University in UK with Scholarship” Options

If your goal is strictly uk study, consider these alternatives to Boustany:

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship: This is the most prestigious fully funded university in uk award. It covers full fees + maintenance allowance. It is open to mba degree applicants, though highly competitive against PhD applicants.
Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship: For the 1+1 MBA program (Master’s + MBA). It covers full tuition and living expenses for two years.
Warwick Business School: Known for generous mba scholarships uk, often up to 50% for high achievers.

C. Canada: The “Migration-Friendly” Option

For many students, the goal is not just education but migration. Study Canada options often lead to easier permanent residency.

Rotman School of Management (Toronto): Offers the “Rotman Scholar Awards.” While rarely fully funded, they offer significant mba canada scholarship packages of $10,000 to $90,000 CAD.
Schulich School of Business (York): Offers the “Global Leader Award” for international students.
Why Canada? A mba university canada degree allows for a 3-year post-graduation work permit, which is longer than the UK’s 2-year route.

Strategic Application Guide: How to Win

Whether you are applying for a scholarship to study in usa or the Boustany award in the UK, the “soft” components of your application are what secure the funding.

1. The Essay: Defining “Future Leaders”

Scholarship committees are not looking for perfect students; they are looking for impact.

Use Keywords in Context: Don’t just say “I want an MBA.” Say, “I seek a university education at a global leader institution to solve [Specific Problem] in my home country.”
The Narrative: Connect your past (experience), your present (the mba course), and your future (leadership).

2. The GMAT/GRE Factor

For a fully funded mba, you generally need a GMAT score of 720+ (or GRE equivalent).

Tip: If your score is lower (680-700), focus on university colleges that look at holistic profiles, or retake the exam. High scores are the easiest way to filter mba scholarship international students.

3. The Interview: “Apply Abroad” Confidence

If shortlisted for Boustany or a university of united states interview:

Research the Foundation: Know the Boustany Foundation’s projects in Monaco and beyond.
Be Ready for “Why Not the USA?”: If you are applying to a UK school, they may ask why you didn’t choose an mba us. Your answer should focus on the “diversity of the cohort” and the “efficiency of the one year program mba.”

Visa & Immigration: UK vs. USA vs. Canada

A major part of your decision to study abroad masters scholarships should be the post-graduation regulations.

UK (Graduate Route)

The Deal: After completing your study in uk university, you get a 2-year “Graduate Visa” (Post-Study Work).
Benefit: You can work in any job at any salary level. It gives you time to find a sponsor.
Relevance: Ideal for those taking the cambridge uni mba.

USA (F1 + OPT)

The Deal: After you study usa, you get 1 year of Optional Practical Training (OPT).
The “STEM” Hack: If your mba degree is STEM-designated (many mba top schools in the world now offer this), you get 3 years total (1 year + 2 year extension).
Risk: The H1B visa lottery after OPT is stressful and uncertain.

Canada (PGWP)

The Deal: A canada mba scholarship graduate usually gets a 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Benefit: It is the clearest path to Permanent Residency (PR) among all english speaking countries.

Checklists for the 2026 Cycle

To ensure you don’t miss out on admission into these top programs, use this timeline:

June – August 2025: Study for GMAT/GRE. Research schools offering scholarships in usa and UK.
September 2025: Applications open for Cambridge (Round 1). Apply for Cambridge University early!
October – November 2025: Submit applications for usa universities scholarship (Round 1 US deadlines are often earlier).
January 2026: Receive Cambridge offer. Start drafting Boustany essay.
May 2026: Submit Boustany Foundation application.
June 2026: Interview and Visa processing.

Conclusion

The 2026 Boustany Foundation MBA Scholarship at Cambridge University is more than just funding; it is a validation of your potential to change the world. While the mba courses fees at top university colleges are daunting, opportunities like this make them accessible.

If you are serious about your university education and want to study in uk university environments that foster innovation, this is your target. Start preparing your GMAT and essays today.

FAQs

Q: Is the Boustany MBA Scholarship fully funded?

A: It is nearly fully funded regarding tuition (75%), but it does not cover living expenses (except during the internship). For a 100% fully funded mba, look at the Knight-Hennessy in the US or the Skoll Scholarship at Oxford.

Q: Can I apply if I want to study in the USA?

A: No, this specific scholarship is for Cambridge (UK). However, the Boustany Foundation also has a scholarship for Harvard (study usa), but it runs on a different cycle (usually odd years).

Q: What is the deadline for the 2026 intake?

A: May 15, 2026. You must have your admission into Cambridge confirmed before this date.

Q: Are there other one-year MBA programs with scholarships?

A: Yes. INSEAD and Oxford Saïd also offer mba one year program options with various international scholarships for masters.

Takeaway: Don’t limit yourself. Apply for the Cambridge University MBA, but also cast a wide net by applying to b schools abroad in the United States and Canada to maximize your chances of landing a fully funded mba.