Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, in collaboration with the 30% Club GCC, is excited to announce the Shaping ‘Women Entrepreneurs’ MBA Scholarship for the January 2026 intake. This competitive scholarship is offered to an exceptional female candidate admitted to the full-time or part-time MBA programme at the Heriot-Watt University Dubai campus.
Heriot-Watt University was founded in 1821 in Edinburgh, Scotland, making it one of the world’s oldest technical universities. It began as the School of Arts of Edinburgh, focusing on practical education in science and engineering for working people. Over time, it grew into a globally recognised university known for strong links with industry and applied research, with campuses in the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia.
Table of Briefs
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Shaping ‘Women Entrepreneurs’ MBA Scholarship |
| University | Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University |
| Campus | Dubai |
| Study Level | Postgraduate MBA |
| Study Mode | Full-time / Part-time |
| Award Value | Up to 50% of MBA tuition fees |
| Number of Awards | 1 |
| Eligibility Region | GCC |
| Application Deadline | 16 January 2026 |
| Start Date | January 2026 |
Background
The Shaping Women Entrepreneurs MBA Scholarship was created through a collaboration between Edinburgh Business School and the 30% Club GCC, an organisation committed to improving gender balance in leadership roles. The scholarship reflects a shared vision to empower women entrepreneurs by providing access to high-quality business education and leadership development.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
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Must be female
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Must be residing in the GCC region
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Must have received and accepted an unconditional offer for the full-time or part-time MBA at Heriot-Watt University Dubai
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Must have paid the MBA deposit to secure the place
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Must be fully self-funded no employer or external sponsorship
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Must be available to start the MBA in January 2026
Benefits
The scholarship offers financial support of up to 50% of MBA tuition fees.
What the Scholarship Covers:
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Study materials
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Teaching sessions
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Revision seminars
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Examination fees for all eight MBA courses
What the Scholarship Does NOT Cover:
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Interim award fees
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Exam deferment or absence fees
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Graduation fees
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Accommodation in Dubai
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Living or personal expenses
Students should plan additional funding for living and incidental costs while studying in Dubai.
Application Process
The scholarship requires a separate application in addition to the MBA admission process.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
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Apply for the MBA full-time or part-time at Heriot-Watt University Dubai
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Accept your unconditional offer and pay the deposit
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Request the scholarship application form by emailing:
DubaiMBA@hw.ac.uk -
Complete the scholarship form, including an 800-word essay
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Shortlisted candidates may be invited for:
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A panel interview, or
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A telephone interview
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Important Dates
Application Deadline: 16 January 2026.
Conclusion
The Shaping ‘Women Entrepreneurs’ MBA Scholarship is a powerful opportunity for ambitious women in the GCC who are ready to scale their leadership and entrepreneurial impact. With generous tuition support and access to a world-class MBA programme, this scholarship can be a major stepping stone toward senior leadership and business success.