For the fifth year, ESMT Berlin and the BMW Group are partnering to offer fellowships for several ESMT programs: the Full-time MBA (January 2027 intake; two fellowships available), the master's (MSc) degrees (September 2026 intake; two fellowships available), and the Global Online MBA (October 2026 intake; four fellowships available).
The 2026 Change Maker Fellowships are open to applicants from countries with BMW Group IT hubs. Applications are welcomed from ambitious young mathematics or technology professionals from, or holding permanent residence in: Germany, India, Portugal, Romania, Brazil, China, the United States, and South Africa. Individuals with recognized refugee status in Germany are also eligible.
The initiative reflects the shared ambition of the BMW Group and ESMT Berlin to identify promising talent and prepare responsible leaders who drive positive change in business and society
Discover more about each program
- Full-time MBA: Download brochure
- Global Online MBA: Download brochure
- Master in Global Management: Download brochure
The fellowships
The BMW Changemaker Fellowships are available for the following programs:
- Full-time MBA: two fellowships of €45,000 (90% of tuition)
- Global Online MBA: four fellowships covering the full tuition fee
- Master's programs (MSc): two fellowships of €17,500 (50% of tuition)
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 submitted as 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 or be currently employed in mathematics and/or technology (e.g., computing, information technology, automation, digitalization).
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of Germany, India, Portugal, Romania, Brazil, China, United States, or South Africa; those holding refugee status in Germany are also invited to apply.
- Additionally, master's (MSc) and Full-time MBA applicants must be aged 30 or younger on September 1, 2026.
Application process
Fellowship applicants would be required to answer the following question as part of their degree program application:
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
With its four brands, BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2025, the BMW Group sold 2.46 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,500 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2025 was €10.2 billion on revenues amounting to €133.5 billion.
As of 31 December 2025, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,540 employees. The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products – from the supply chain through production to the end of their useful life.
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 degree program:
- Hold an undergraduate degree or be currently employed in mathematics and/or technology (e.g., computing, information technology, automation, digitalization).
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of Germany, India, Portugal, Romania, Brazil, China, United States, or South Africa; those holding refugee status in Germany are also invited to apply.
- Applicants to the master's (MSc) programs and Full-time MBA must also be aged 30 or younger on September 1, 2026.
Do I need to be in Germany to apply?
No. Fellows must, however, be a citizen or permanent resident of Germany, India, Portugal, Romania, Brazil, China, United States, or South Africa; or hold refugee status in Germany.
Admissions
When is the deadline to apply for the BMW Change Maker Fellowship?
Full-time MBA and Master's
The BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship is awarded to select, exceptional candidates on a rolling basis.
We strongly encourage interested prospects to apply as soon as possible, as Fellowship numbers are limited. Applicants who will need a visa to study at ESMT are also strongly encouraged to apply early, as visa applications can take several months to process.
You can find information about our application rounds and deadlines on the following pages:
Master's (MSc) programs
- Master in Global Management admissions
- Master in Analytics and Artificial Intelligence admissions
- Master in Innovation and Entrepreneurship admissions
Global Online MBA
Global Online MBA prospects who are interested in applying for a BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship should submit their completed application by June 30. Applications will be accepted for any remaining fellowships until September 15.
Early application is always welcomed. You can find information about our application rounds and deadlines on the following page:
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 master's (MSc) programs?
The BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship covers approximately 50% of the master's (MSc) program tuition fee, reducing tuition to €18,500.
What does the fellowship cover in the Global Online MBA?
The BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship covers the full tuition fee of the Global Online MBA. 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 GNAM exchange week or the 1:1 career coaching package.
How many fellowships are available?
A total of eight fellowships are available:
- Full-time MBA: two fellowships of €45,000 (90% of tuition)
- Master in Global Management: two fellowships of €17,500 (50% of tuition)
- Global Online MBA: four fellowships covering the full tuition fee
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's (MSc programs): evidence of strong quantitative skills either acquired through studies, or as evidenced in the GMAT, GRE, or BAT (ESMT’s admissions test).
- Full-time MBA: an admission test is required: GMAT, GRE, or BAT (ESMT’s admissions test)
- Global Online MBA: an admission test is required: GMAT, GRE, or BAT (ESMT’s admissions 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 for the master's (MSc) programs?
The full tuition fee is €36,000.
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 for 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 for the Global Online MBA?
The full tuition fee is €28,000.
Recipients of the Change Maker Fellowship will receive a scholarship covering the full tuition fee. This cannot be combined with other scholarships.
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). You can also qualify for automatic awards in addition to any scholarship you receive. The combined value of scholarships and awards cannot exceed the full cost of tuition.
Details of any awards or scholarships granted will be detailed in your offer letter.
