The BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship is now accepting applications for 2026. In partnership with ESMT Berlin, the BMW Group is offering eight fellowships across three degree programmes to ambitious mathematics and technology professionals who want to combine technical expertise with leadership and business education.
About the BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship
The BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship is a joint initiative between the BMW Group and ESMT Berlin, one of Europe’s leading business schools. The programme targets candidates with strong quantitative or technology-focused backgrounds who want to deepen their management skills and step into leadership roles in digital innovation.
Funding Size
- Full-time MBA: two fellowships of EUR 45,000, covering 90% of tuition and reducing fees to EUR 5,000
- Master’s programmes (MSc): two fellowships of EUR 17,500, covering approximately 50% of tuition and reducing fees to EUR 18,500
- Global Online MBA: four fellowships covering the full tuition fee of EUR 28,000
- Total fellowships available: eight
- Fellows are also eligible for additional automatic awards, though combined scholarship value cannot exceed full tuition
Who Can Apply
- Citizens or permanent residents of Germany, India, Portugal, Romania, Brazil, China, the United States, or South Africa
- Individuals with recognised refugee status in Germany are also eligible
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or technology, or be currently employed in a relevant field such as computing, IT, automation, or digitalisation
Geographic Eligibility
- Germany
- India
- Portugal
- Romania
- Brazil
- China
- United States
- South Africa
Sector or Thematic Focus
- Digital transformation and technology leadership
- Mathematics, computer science, information technology, and automation
- Innovation in the mobility and automotive ecosystem
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Application Process
Applications for the BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship are submitted directly through the ESMT programme application form, under the Scholarships section. Candidates may apply for multiple scholarships but will only be awarded one. As part of the fellowship application, candidates must respond to the following question: “The BMW Group seeks to actively shape the future of mobility; what aspect of a digital future fascinates you the most and why?”
Required Materials
- Completed ESMT programme application form with the fellowship scholarship section filled in
- Written response to the BMW Group fellowship essay question
- Evidence of undergraduate degree or current employment in a mathematics or technology field
- Admission test results where required: GMAT, GRE, or ESMT’s own BAT test, depending on the programme
- All documents required under the general admissions criteria of the chosen ESMT programme
Key Dates
- MSc programmes intake: September 2026
- Global Online MBA fellowship application deadline: 30 June 2026
- Global Online MBA intake: October 2026
- Remaining Global Online MBA fellowships deadline: 15 September 2026
- Full-time MBA intake: January 2027
- Full-time MBA and MSc fellowships: awarded on a rolling basis
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Selection Notes
Fellowships are awarded to select, exceptional candidates on a competitive and rolling basis. The BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship cannot be combined with other ESMT scholarships. Candidates who apply but are not selected for the fellowship may still be admitted to their chosen programme and can be considered for other available scholarships. Award details will be included in each candidate’s official offer letter.
