2026 Boustany Foundation MBA Scholarship at Cambridge University.

The 2026 Boustany Foundation MBA Scholarship at Cambridge University represents one of the most prestigious funding opportunities for international students. In a landscape where the cost of a master university degree can be prohibitive, securing a scholarship master uk opportunity of this caliber is a life-changing event.

This guide is your ultimate resource. We will dive deep into everything you need to know: from the specific eligibility criteria of the Boustany Foundation to the rigorous admissions process at the Cambridge Judge Business School. Whether you are searching for fully funded mba options, curious about mba scholarships in usa for international students (as a comparison), or ready to apply for Cambridge University, this post covers it all.

Why the Boustany MBA Scholarship?

For many professionals, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is the golden ticket to C-suite roles, entrepreneurship, and global networking. However, with tuition fees at top-tier institutions often exceeding £70,000, finding financial aid is critical.

The Boustany Foundation MBA Scholarship is unique. Unlike a standard university scholarship, it offers a blend of high-level financial support (75% of tuition) and practical, hands-on experience through a philanthropic internship.

While many students scour the web for master degree scholarship in usa for international students or fully funded mba scholarships in uk, the Boustany scholarship at Cambridge stands out because it focuses on performance, potential, and impact. It is designed for the future leaders of the world—individuals who will not just study business education, but who will shape it.

The “Pillar” of Prestige

Cambridge University is consistently ranked among the top university colleges globally. When you combine the Cambridge Uni MBA brand with the exclusivity of the Boustany Foundation, you get a credential that opens doors in London, New York, Hong Kong, and beyond.

The 2026 Boustany Foundation MBA Scholarship

Let’s look at the hard facts. If you are planning your 2026 academic journey, mark these details on your calendar.

Scholarship Name: Boustany MBA Cambridge Scholarship.
Host Institution: Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, UK.
Degree Level: Masters / MBA Program.
Scholarship Value: Financial aid covering 75% of tuition fees.
Additional Benefits: Travel and accommodation expenses covered for the internship.
Target Audience: International students (priority to Lebanese nationals, but open to all nationalities).
Application Deadline: May 15, 2026.
Notification Date: June 2026.

Is it Fully Funded?

This is a common question for those searching for a fully funded mba program. The Boustany Scholarship covers 75% of tuition. While this is not 100%, it is significantly higher than most uk university scholarships, which often only provide small bursaries. When combined with personal savings or smaller grants, it makes the cost of living in Cambridge and tuition manageable.

Key Takeaway: You must have an offer of admission from the Cambridge MBA program before you can apply for the scholarship. This means your journey starts with the university application, not the scholarship application.

The Cambridge Judge MBA: A World-Leading One-Year Program

Why choose Cambridge? When you search for mba top schools in the world, Cambridge Judge Business School is a fixture in the top tier.

The One-Year Advantage

Unlike many master’s degree programs in usa for international students, which typically last two years, the Cambridge MBA is an intensive one year program. This is a massive advantage for mid-career professionals:

Lower Opportunity Cost: You are out of the workforce for only 12 months.
Intensive Learning: The curriculum is condensed, rigorous, and fast-paced.
ROI: You return to earning a salary sooner.

The Curriculum: Real-World Focus

The MBA curriculum at Cambridge is famous for its practical application. It isn’t just theory; it is about “learning by doing.”

The Global Consulting Project (GCP): You will work with a major international company on a live project.
Concentrations: You can tailor your mba degree with specializations like Digital Transformation, Entrepreneurship, Energy & Environment, or Finance.
The Cambridge Ecosystem: Known as “Silicon Fen,” Cambridge is a hub for biotech and tech startups. If you are interested in mba global business or tech, there is no better place.

The Class Profile

You will be studying alongside a diverse cohort. The typical class includes:

~200-240 students.
40+ nationalities (a true global scholarship environment).
Average work experience: 6 years.
Backgrounds ranging from finance and consulting to non-profits and the arts.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

To be considered for this international scholarship program, you must meet strict criteria. The Boustany Foundation looks for “global citizens” with exceptional academic and professional records.

1. Academic Excellence

You must have an excellent academic background. In UK terms, this usually means a First Class or high Upper Second Class (2:1) undergraduate degree. If you studied mba or another master’s previously, that will also be scrutinized.

Note for US applicants: This is roughly equivalent to a GPA of 3.6 or higher.

2. Confirmed Admission

This is the most critical step. You cannot apply for the scholarship without an official offer letter from the University of Cambridge. You must navigate the university application process first.

3. GMAT/GRE Scores

While the university has its own requirements, the Foundation places high weight on GMAT scores. A high score (typically 690+) demonstrates your aptitude for the rigorous mba course.

4. Nationality

The scholarship is scholarship open to candidates of all nations. However, the Foundation explicitly states that priority is given to candidates of Lebanese descent. Do not let this discourage you. Many non-Lebanese scholars have been awarded based on pure merit.

Step-by-Step Application Process for 2026

Securing this mba scholarship requires strategic planning. You cannot leave this until the last minute. Here is your roadmap.

The University Application

You must apply to the Cambridge Judge Business School first. The admissions process works in rounds.

Round 1: Deadline usually late August 2025.
Round 2: Deadline usually early October 2025.
Round 3: Deadline usually January 2026.
Round 4: Deadline usually March 2026.
Round 5: Deadline usually May 2026.

Critical Strategy: To meet the Boustany Foundation deadline of May 15, 2026, you generally need to have your offer in hand. Therefore, you should aim to apply to Cambridge by Round 3 (January) or Round 4 (March) at the absolute latest. If you wait for Round 5, you might not get your offer in time to apply for the scholarship.

Application Components:

Online Application: Personal details and employment history.
Essays: Cambridge usually asks 3-4 essay questions focusing on your career goals, a time you failed, and what you will contribute to the class.
References: One from a supervisor, one from a peer or academic.
GMAT/GRE: Ensure you have a valid score.
English Proficiency: IELTS (minimum 7.5) or TOEFL (minimum 110) if you are from a non-English speaking country.

The Scholarship Application (Once Offered Admission)

Once you receive your “Conditional” or “Unconditional” offer from Cambridge, you can execute the scholarship application abroad steps.

Prepare Your Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Must include a photograph. Tailor this to highlight your leadership and social impact (fitting for a Foundation).
- GMAT/GRE Score Report: A copy of your official report.
- Acceptance Letter: The official PDF from the University of Cambridge.
Draft the Email:
- Send your documents to: admissions@boustany-foundation.org
- Subject Line: “Boustany MBA Scholarship Application 2026 – [Your Name]”
Deadline: May 15, 2026.

The Interview (June 2026)

If shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview with the Foundation. This is distinct from your university interview. They will assess your personality, your vision, and your fit with the Foundation’s values.

Financial Breakdown: Tuition, Living Costs, and Scholarship Value

Understanding the financials is key for any international scholarship applicant. Let’s break down the costs associated with the mba cambridge for the 2026 intake.

Estimated Costs (2026 Intake)

Tuition Fees: ~£74,000 (Estimate based on inflation from previous years).
College Membership Fee: Some colleges charge a separate fee, though often included for MBAs.
Living Expenses: ~£18,000 – £20,000 for the year (Rent, food, transport).
Total Estimated Cost: ~£92,000 – £94,000.

How the Scholarship Helps

The Boustany Scholarship covers 75% of tuition fees.

If Tuition is £74,000, the scholarship covers £55,500.
You are left to pay: £18,500 (Tuition balance) + £19,000 (Living).
Total Remaining Cost: ~£37,500.

While this is a significant sum, it is much easier to finance through a student loan, savings, or other scholarships financial aid compared to the full amount.

Other Funding Options

To bridge the gap and create a “virtual” fully funded mba, consider stacking this award with:

College Scholarships: Many cambridge university colleges (like Pembroke, Kings, Trinity) offer their own bursaries.
External Loans: Prodigy Finance or Lendwise often support Cambridge MBAs.
Country-Specific Funding: Look for scholarship opportunities canada, usa scholarship programs, or uk funding specific to your nationality (e.g., Chevening, though Chevening rules on combining scholarships can be strict).

The “Secret” Weapon: The Boustany Internship

Most mba scholarships in usa or uk scholarship fully funded options just give you a check. The Boustany Foundation gives you a career experience.

Successful scholars are required to complete a two-month unpaid internship with the Foundation.

Projects: You will work on varied projects relating to the Foundation’s activities or its partners.
Networking: This puts you in direct contact with high-level philanthropists and business leaders.
Location: Historically, these internships have taken place in prestigious locations like Monaco.
Expenses Covered: While unpaid, the Foundation covers all travel abroad and accommodation costs for this period.

This internship is a resume booster that differentiates you from other MBA graduates. It demonstrates a commitment to social good—a trait highly valued by modern employers.

Comparing Global MBA Options: UK vs. USA

You might be searching for master degree in usa for international students or mba us options to compare. Here is how the Cambridge MBA (UK) stacks up against US giants.

Feature	Cambridge MBA (UK)	Top US MBA (Harvard, Stanford, etc.)
Duration	One Year Program (12 Months)	Two Years (21-24 Months)
Tuition Cost	~£74,000 (Total)	~$160,000+ (Total for 2 years)
Opportunity Cost	1 year lost salary	2 years lost salary
Scholarships	uk international scholarship (Chevening, Boustany, Gates)	mba scholarships in usa for international students (Fulbright, Knight-Hennessy)
Focus	Global business, consulting, experiential learning	General management, deep specialization, summer internship
Work Visa	Graduate Route Visa (2 years post-study)	OPT (1-3 years depending on STEM)

If you want a fast ROI and a global cohort, the UK model is often superior. If you want a career pivot that requires a summer internship to test a new industry, the mba us two-year model might be better. However, the Boustany scholarship makes the UK option financially unbeatable.

Visa and Relocation: Moving to Cambridge as an International Student

For international students, the study abroad dream comes with paperwork. Here is what you need to know about the uk study visa.

The Student Visa (Formerly Tier 4)

To study in uk, you will need a Student Visa.

CAS Number: Once you accept your Cambridge offer and pay the deposit, the university issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Proof of Funds: You must prove you have the money for tuition (minus the scholarship) and living expenses. The Boustany Scholarship letter acts as powerful proof of financial stability.
Healthcare Surcharge: You will pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access the NHS.

Moving to Cambridge

Cambridge is a beautiful, historic city, but it is expensive.

Accommodation: You can live in university colleges (halls) or private rentals. Colleges are usually cheaper and offer a community feel.
Transport: It is a cycling city! You do not need a car.
Connectivity: London is only 50 minutes away by train, making it easy to attend mba global networking events in the capital.

Mastering the Cambridge Application

To secure the Boustany Scholarship, you first need admission into the Cambridge MBA. The university application is rigorous, and the admissions committee (AdCom) at Cambridge Judge Business School (CJBS) is looking for specific traits: academic intellect, collaborative spirit, and ambition.

Decoding the 2026 Essay Prompts

The cambridge uni application essays are your chance to speak directly to the committee. Unlike many mba us applications that focus heavily on individual achievement, Cambridge emphasizes collaboration and self-awareness.

Here is a breakdown of the typical essay themes you must master for the 2026 cycle:

1. The “Career Objectives” Essay

The Prompt: Please provide details of your post-MBA career plans. What are your short and long-term career objectives?
The Strategy: Be specific. If you want to work in financial aid fintech or renewable energy consulting, say so. Mention specific companies (e.g., McKinsey, Google, World Bank). Connect your past experience + the cambridge mba + your future goals.
Keywords to hit: Show you are a global leader with a clear vision.

2. The “Professional Mistake” Essay

The Prompt: Tell us about a time when you made a professional mistake. How could it have ended differently?
The Strategy: Do not use a “humble brag” (e.g., “I worked too hard”). Choose a real error. Focus 20% on the mistake and 80% on the learning. This shows emotional intelligence, a key trait for future leaders.

3. The “Team” Essay

The Prompt: Tell us about the best team you worked with. What made the team successful?
The Strategy: Cambridge relies heavily on the “study group” model. They want to know you are a team player. Discuss diversity, conflict resolution, and shared goals.

The Interview: The Final Hurdle

If your paper application is strong, you will be invited to an interview. This is usually conducted by a faculty member. They will ask:

“Why Cambridge?” (Do not just say “prestige”; mention specific mba curriculum modules).
“What will you contribute to the college?”
“How do you handle conflict in a diverse group?”

The “College” Experience: A Unique British Tradition

One concept that confuses many international students searching for university in uk scholarships is the “Collegiate System.”

When you apply for cambridge university, you are technically applying to two entities:

The Department: The Judge Business School (where you study).
The College: Where you live, eat, and socialize.

Why the College Matters

There are 31 cambridge university colleges. As a Boustany scholar, you often have a link to Pembroke College, one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges in cambridge.

The “Harry Potter” Factor: You will wear gowns to “Formal Hall” dinners.
Interdisciplinary Networking: At dinner, you might sit next to a PhD student in astrophysics or a master university student in literature. This expands your network far beyond just business education.
Accommodation: Colleges provide housing, which simplifies the relocation process for international scholarship recipients.

Tip: When filling out your application, you can state a college preference. Researching university colleges like King’s, Trinity, or Hughes Hall (mature students) shows you have done your academic research.

Alternative Fully Funded Routes

While the Boustany Scholarship is the “Gold Standard,” it is highly competitive. A smart applicant always has a backup plan. If you are looking for fully funded mba scholarships in uk or scholarship masters uk opportunities, consider these alternatives:

1. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship

What it is: One of the most prestigious international scholarships for masters in the world.
Value: Fully funded scholarship (Tuition + Living Stipend + Airfare).
Criteria: Outstanding intellectual ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
Process: You apply via the standard Cambridge application.

2. Chevening Scholarships

What it is: The UK government’s global uk scholarship program.
Value: Fully funded (Tuition + Stipend).
Requirement: You must have 2 years of work experience and return to your home country for 2 years after your study in uk.
Strategy: You must apply to three different uk university courses. This is great if you are also looking at Oxford or LBS.

3. The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship (Oxford)

If you are applying to Oxford as well (many do), this is the equivalent fully funded scholarship in the uk for leaders from developing and emerging economies.

4. Commonwealth Scholarships

For students from Commonwealth countries (e.g., Nigeria, India, Canada). These often cover tuition fees and living costs for study in uk university programs.

The North American Alternative: USA & Canada

Perhaps you are weighing the uk study option against a master degree in usa for international students or mba canada scholarship opportunities. Let’s compare the landscape to help you decide where to go abroad.

USA: The Land of Big Endowments

If you search for fully funded mba scholarships in usa for international students, you will find that American universities often have massive endowments.

Harvard/Stanford: They offer need-based financial aid. If you are admitted and cannot afford it, they often cover the difference.
Fulbright Program: The classic usa scholarship. It covers tuition and living costs but is highly competitive and requires you to apply a year in advance.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford): Similar to the Gates Cambridge, this is a fully funded university award for future leaders.

Pros of USA: Higher post-MBA salaries on average. Cons of USA: 2-year programs mean double the opportunity cost; H1-B visa lottery can be stressful compared to the UK’s Graduate Route.

Canada: The Immigration Friendly Route

Searching for scholarship opportunities canada? Canada is aggressive in recruiting top talent.

University of Toronto (Rotman): Offers the Joseph L. Rotman Scholarship (up to full tuition).
UBC Sauder: Offers Regional Top Talent Scholarships for international students.
Visa Advantage: Canada offers a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to 3 years, and the path to Permanent Residency (PR) is clearer than in the UK or USA.

Verdict: If your goal is purely immigration and settlement, study in canada might be safer. If your goal is prestige and a global network, Cambridge (UK) or Harvard (USA) wins.

Life as a “Global Leader”

The term global leader is thrown around a lot in scholarship application abroad forms. But what does it mean to the Boustany Foundation and Cambridge?

It implies a “borderless” career.

Mobility: You might work in Dubai, London, and Singapore within 5 years.
Cultural Intelligence: You can navigate a boardroom in Tokyo as easily as a startup hub in Berlin.
Impact: You are not just making money; you are solving problems (climate change, inequality, healthcare).

The mba course at Cambridge is designed to foster this. With a cohort of 40+ nationalities, you are learning abroad every time you sit in a lecture. You are not just studying international business; you are living it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply for the Boustany Scholarship before I get into Cambridge?

A: No. You must have a valid offer letter from the University to apply for scholarship to study abroad with Boustany.

Q: Is the scholarship only for Lebanese citizens?

A: No. While they have priority, the scholarship is international scholarship open to all. If you are a top-tier candidate from Nigeria, India, Brazil, or the USA, you should absolutely apply.

Q: Does the scholarship cover the MBA application fee?

A: No. You must cover the application fee for the university (~£165) yourself.

Q: Can I use this for other universities?

A: No. This specific scholarship is exclusively for the Cambridge University MBA. The Foundation has separate scholarships for Harvard (USA), but this guide focuses on the UK award.

Q: What if I want to study for a PhD?

A: The Boustany Foundation does offer scholarship research grants for PhDs in some fields, but the MBA scholarship is strictly for the Master of Business Administration.

Q: Is there an age limit?

A: There is no strict age limit, but MBA programs generally prefer candidates with 3-10 years of work experience.

Conclusion

The 2026 Boustany Foundation MBA Scholarship at Cambridge University is more than just financial aid; it is a validation of your potential to lead. It combines the historic academic rigor of Cambridge University with the philanthropic vision of the Boustany Foundation.

If you are serious about this opportunity, your timeline starts now.

Your Action Plan:

Start GMAT/GRE Prep: Aim for a 700+ to be competitive for both the university and the scholarship.
Refine Your CV: Highlight not just your job, but your leadership and impact.
Research Cambridge: Browse the Cambridge Judge Business School website. Look at the mba curriculum and identify which concentration suits you.
Draft Your Essays: Start writing your admission essays well before the university application deadlines.

Do not let the cost of a “master university” degree hold you back. With preparation and strategy, you can secure this uk scholarship fully funded (almost!) opportunity and change the trajectory of your life.