ESMT Berlin and the BMW Group are partnering to offer scholarships for three ESMT programs: the Master in Global Management, the Full-time MBA, and the Global Online MBA (October 2025 intake). Applications are welcomed from ambitious young mathematics or technology professionals from, or holding permanent residence in Germany, India, Portugal, Romania, China, the USA, and South Africa.
Discover more about each program
- Master in Global Management: Download brochure
- Full-time MBA: Download brochure
- Global Online MBA: Download brochure
The fellowship
The following BMW Changemaker Fellowships are available:
- Master in Global Management: two fellowships of €17,500 (50% of tuition)
- Full-time MBA: two fellowships of €45,000 (90% of tuition)
- Global Online MBA: four full-tuition fellowships
In addition to the scholarship, all BMW Group Change Maker fellows will have the opportunity to meet BMW Group experts and build career-enhancing networks.
Fellowship applications are part of the application for each program. Learn more about the fellowships and application deadline in the FAQ section at the bottom of the page.
Application criteria
Applicants must meet all the following conditions in addition to the general application requirements of each program:
- Hold an undergraduate degree in mathematics and/or technology (e.g., computing, information technology, automation, digitalization), or be currently employed in these areas.
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of Germany, India, Portugal, Romania, China, the USA, or South Africa; those holding refugee status in Germany are also invited to apply.
Applicants to the Master of Global Management and Full-time MBA must also be aged 30 or younger on September 1, 2025.
When applying for the BMW Group Change Maker Fellowships, candidates will be asked to answer 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?
About the BMW Group
In total, the BMW Group currently employs around 10,000 people worldwide in IT & software development. It has been pooling the company's IT expertise in IT and software hubs worldwide since 2008.
In addition to the locations in Germany, South Africa, the USA, Portugal and China, there are now two more in Romania and India. The hubs have their own distinctive tech culture and a high degree of autonomy, making them attractive places to work for regional talent pools. For this reason, BMW Group is offering the 2025 Change Maker Fellowships with a focus on digitalization to select countries of its BMW Group IT-Hub network.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have gathered responses to frequently asked questions about the BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship. Need more information? Simply email us.
Eligibility
Who can apply for the BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship?
To apply for the BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship, you need to meet all of the following conditions in addition to the general application requirements of each program:
- Hold an undergraduate degree, or current employment, in mathematics and/or technology (e.g., computing, information technology, automation, digitalization)
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of Germany, India, Portugal, Romania, South Africa, China, and the US; those holding refugee status in Germany are also invited to apply.
Applicants to the Master of Global Management and Full-time MBA must also be aged 30 or younger on September 1, 2025.
Do I need to be in Germany to apply?
No. Fellows must, however, be a citizen or permanent resident of Germany, India, Portugal, Romania, South Africa, China, and the USA; or hold refugee status in Germany.
Admissions
What does the fellowship cover in the Master of Global Management?
The BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship covers 50% of the Master of Global Management program tuition fee, reducing tuition to €17,500.
What does the fellowship cover in the Full-time MBA?
The BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship covers 90% of the Full-time MBA program tuition fee, reducing tuition to €5,000.
What does the fellowship cover in the Global Online MBA?
The BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship covers the full Global Online MBA program tuition fee of €28,000. The tuition includes access to the learning platform and all teaching materials.
The fellowship does not cover:
- Travel costs associated with participation in in-person electives such as the Berlin Experience Week.
- Additional program fees such as those levied to attend the Global Experience Week or the 1:1 career coaching package.
How many fellowships are available?
A total of eight fellowships are available:
- Master in Global Management: two fellowships of €17,500 (50% of tuition)
- Full-time MBA: two fellowships of €45,000 (90% of tuition)
- Global Online MBA: four full-tuition fellowships
When is the deadline to apply for the BMW Change Maker Fellowship?
You must submit your application by the following dates, depending on your chosen program:
- Master’s in Management: 31 May 2025
- Full-Time MBA: 22 August 2025
- Global Online MBA: 10 August 2025
You can apply for the fellowship directly in the program application form, under the Scholarships section.
How do I apply for the fellowship?
You can apply for the fellowship directly in the program application form, under the Scholarships section. You may apply for multiple scholarships but will only be awarded one.
To apply for the fellowship, you will need to answer 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?
Do I need to take an admission test?
Please see the admission requirements of the program you are applying to as it varies by program.
The general regulations are:
- Master of Global Management: evidence of strong quantitative skills either acquired through studies, or as evidenced in the GMAT, GRE, or ESMT’s admissions test
- Full-time MBA: an admission test is required (GMAT, GRE or ESMT’s admission test)
- Global Online MBA: an admission test is required (GMAT, GRE or ESMT’s admission test) but a waiver may be granted to PhD holders or those who have studied a STEM subject at bachelor’s or master’s level
How much does it cost to apply?
Each program levies an application fee but there is no additional fee to apply for the BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship.
How much is tuition in the Master of Global Management?
The full tuition fee is €35,000.
Recipients of the Change Maker Fellowship will receive a scholarship of €17,500 (50% off tuition). This cannot be combined with other scholarships.
How much is tuition in the Full-time MBA?
The full tuition fee is €50,000.
Recipients of the Change Maker Fellowship will receive a scholarship of €45,000 (90% off tuition). This cannot be combined with other scholarships.
How much is tuition in the Global Online MBA?
The full tuition fee is €28,000.
Recipients of a BMW Change Maker Fellowship will receive a full-tuition scholarship. Costs associated with attending an in-person elective or purchasing the 1:1 career coaching package are the responsibility of the student.
You will need to have a personal computer (laptop or desktop) with a webcam, and administrator rights to install the software required for secure online exam delivery.
What happens if I don’t receive a BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship?
If you do not receive a BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship but have been accepted into the program, you can still study at ESMT.
Furthermore, when applying to the program you may qualify to apply for additional scholarships (you can apply for up to three). Details of any awards or scholarships granted will be detailed in your offer letter.
