BMW Change Maker Fellowship 2026: Study at ESMT Berlin with Full or Partial Funding. The BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship 2026/2027 is a prestigious opportunity for talented young professionals in technology and mathematics to study at ESMT Berlin, one of Europe’s leading business schools.
This initiative, now in its fifth year, is a collaboration between the BMW Group and ESMT Berlin aimed at developing future leaders who will drive innovation and create meaningful impact in business and society.
If you are passionate about digital transformation, mobility, and leadership, this fellowship provides generous funding, global exposure, and access to a powerful professional network.
Overview of BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | ESMT Berlin |
| Sponsor | BMW Group |
| Study Location | Germany (and Online for Global MBA) |
| Programs Covered | Full-time MBA, Global Online MBA, MSc Programs |
| Funding Value | Up to 100% tuition |
| Eligible Countries | Germany, India, Portugal, Romania, Brazil, China, USA, South Africa |
| Application Deadline | Rolling (Online MBA: June 30 – Sept 15) |
| Study Intakes | Sept 2026, Oct 2026, Jan 2027 |
Available Programs and Fellowship Benefits
The BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship supports three major programs at ESMT Berlin:
1. Full-time MBA (January 2027 Intake)
- Number of Awards: 2
- Scholarship Value: €45,000 (covers 90% of tuition)
- Remaining Tuition: Approximately €5,000
2. Global Online MBA (October 2026 Intake)
- Number of Awards: 4
- Scholarship Value: 100% tuition coverage
- Includes full access to online learning resources and materials
3. Master’s (MSc) Programs (September 2026 Intake)
- Number of Awards: 2
- Scholarship Value: €17,500 (about 50% tuition coverage)
Additional Benefits
- Direct engagement with BMW Group experts
- Access to exclusive networking and career opportunities
- Exposure to global business leadership practices
Eligible Fields of Study
Applicants must have a background or professional experience in:
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Automation
- Digital Transformation or related tech fields
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the BMW Change Maker Fellowship, applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or be currently working in a technology-related field
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of one of the following countries:
- Germany
- India
- Portugal
- Romania
- Brazil
- China
- United States
- South Africa
- OR hold recognized refugee status in Germany
- Be 30 years or younger (for MBA and MSc programs) by September 1, 2026
- Meet all admission requirements for the chosen ESMT program
Application Process
The application for the fellowship is integrated into your admission application to ESMT Berlin.
Required Essay Question:
Applicants must answer the following:
“BMW Group seeks to actively shape the future of mobility; what aspect of a digital future fascinates you the most and why?”
Steps to Apply:
- Choose your preferred program (MBA, MSc, or Online MBA)
- Submit your application via the ESMT Berlin admissions portal
- Indicate interest in the BMW Change Maker Fellowship
- Complete the required essay question
- Submit all supporting documents before the deadline
For more details, click here
Application Deadline
- Full-time MBA & MSc Programs: Rolling basis (apply early due to limited slots)
- Global Online MBA:
- Priority Deadline: June 30, 2026
- Final Deadline: September 15, 2026 (if slots remain)
Important: Early application is strongly recommended, especially for international students who require a visa.
What the Fellowship Covers
Included:
- Full or partial tuition fees depending on the program
- Learning materials (for Online MBA)
- Access to BMW mentorship and networking
Not Included:
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation
- Optional program fees (e.g., exchange programs, coaching packages)
About the BMW Group
The BMW Group is a global leader in premium automobiles and motorcycles, operating brands such as BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad.
With over 30 production sites worldwide and a presence in more than 140 countries, BMW is known for innovation, sustainability, and long-term strategic thinking.
As of 2025:
- 2.46 million vehicles sold globally
- Revenue: €133.5 billion
- Workforce: Over 154,000 employees
The company’s strong commitment to sustainability and digital innovation makes it a perfect partner for developing future changemakers.
Why You Should Apply
The BMW Change Maker Fellowship is more than just financial support—it is a career-transforming opportunity. You will gain:
- Access to a world-class business education
- Industry insights from BMW professionals
- A global network of innovators and leaders
- Skills to drive digital and sustainable transformation
FAQs
1. Can I apply without being in Germany?
Yes, you can apply from your home country. However, if selected, you may need a visa for on-campus programs.
2. How many fellowships are available?
A total of 8 fellowships are awarded:
- 2 for Full-time MBA
- 2 for MSc programs
- 4 for Global Online MBA
3. Is the fellowship fully funded?
- Global Online MBA: Fully funded
- Full-time MBA: 90% funded
- MSc programs: 50% funded
4. Do I need work experience?
Yes, especially for MBA programs, relevant professional experience in tech or related fields is highly beneficial.
5. Can I apply for multiple programs?
You may apply for different programs, but each application must meet its specific requirements.
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