In today's society, access to quality education plays a crucial role in shaping future leaders. Unfortunately, financial constraints often hinder talented individuals, particularly women, from pursuing higher education. Recognizing this disparity, the Laidlaw Scholarship program aims to empower extraordinary women with clear leadership potential by offering them the opportunity to enroll in the Oxford MBA program at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
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This article explores the Laidlaw Scholarship, its eligibility criteria, its application process, and the impact it has on shaping the future of women leaders.
Overview of the Laidlaw Scholarship
The Laidlaw Scholarship program is designed to encourage exceptional women with a passion for gender equality and a commitment to leading change in their respective sectors. It provides access to best-in-class education, resources, and global networks, enabling recipients to overcome financial barriers that may have prevented them from considering the Oxford MBA qualification. Through the support of the Laidlaw Foundation and in partnership with Oxford Saïd alumni, the program offers up to 10 scholarships for the 2023-24 class.
Scholarship Details
The Laidlaw Scholarships for the Oxford MBA provide financial support to female candidates who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, leadership potential, and a commitment to gender equality.
The scholarships range from £31,000 to full MBA course fees, with up to 8 full awards and 2 partial awards available. The eligibility criteria for the scholarships are open to female candidates who meet the selection criteria outlined by the program.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
To be eligible for the Laidlaw Scholarship, candidates must demonstrate academic excellence through their degree results, GMAT or GRE scores, previous university prizes, and other academic achievements.
Additionally, they must exhibit financial need, which is determined through a financial assessment as part of the scholarship application process. The program also emphasizes leadership potential and a commitment to gender equality, ethical leadership, and paying it forward.
Application Process
The application process for the Laidlaw Scholarship requires candidates to submit a complete MBA application and complete the scholarship application form in the 'Laidlaw' section of the MBA application.
This section is visible to female candidates only. The scholarship application includes a financial need assessment and an essay section, both of which must be completed. The deadline for applications is 5 January 2024, although early application is recommended.
Selection Process and Timeline
The selection process for the Laidlaw Scholarship involves reviewing applications after each MBA admissions stage. Candidates will receive an update on the status of their scholarship application shortly after admissions decisions have been made.
Final shortlisting is planned to take place in late March, with candidates expected to be invited for interviews in early May. The selected scholars will join a unique community and network, benefiting from a range of on-course activities and priority access to School events.
Scholar Community and On-Course Activities
As part of the Laidlaw Scholarship, recipients have the opportunity to be part of a vibrant scholar community. This community fosters a positive and stimulating environment where ideas, experiences, and skills are shared, and new initiatives are created.
Scholars also benefit from a range of on-course activities and priority access to School events. They have the chance to engage with Laidlaw Foundation representatives, Oxford Saïd faculty, and scholars from previous years during an annual dinner, further enriching their experience.
The Laidlaw Foundation: Investing in Education
The Laidlaw Foundation is a philanthropic organization that invests in the education of the underprivileged and underrepresented to break the cycle of poverty, reduce inequality, and develop a new generation of leaders.
Through funding scholarships for exceptional women to pursue degrees at leading business schools like the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School, the Foundation aims to build a pipeline of future women leaders. By providing access to best-in-class education, resources, and global networks, the Laidlaw Foundation empowers women to make a positive impact in their fields.
Scholarship Official website: Laidlaw Scholarship
Conclusion
The Laidlaw Scholarship program offers a transformative opportunity for exceptional women with clear leadership potential to pursue an MBA at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. By providing financial support, access to resources, and a supportive community, the program empowers women to overcome financial barriers and unlock their full potential as future leaders.
Through the Laidlaw Foundation's investment in education and the partnership with Oxford Saïd alumni, the program contributes to building a diverse and inclusive pipeline of women leaders who are committed to driving positive change in their sectors and promoting gender equality.
FAQ
How does the Laidlaw Scholarship program contribute to gender equality in leadership?
- Ans: The Laidlaw Scholarship program promotes gender equality in leadership by giving exceptional women the chance to study for an MBA at the Said Business School, University of Oxford. The initiative reduces financial hurdles that typically discourage women from seeking higher education by providing financial assistance and access to resources. This helps brilliant women to advance their careers by developing their leadership potential, gaining vital skills and information, and gaining access to worldwide networks.
