The financial support provided by the BMW Group has enabled ten women displaced from Ukraine to join the ESMT Global Online MBA. They are thus able to continue their professional development despite the hardships caused by war and displacement. The fellowships were awarded to female applicants with outstanding academic and professional profiles.

“Cohesion and solidarity are important core values for us at the BMW Group. That is why we are committed to helping refugees from the Ukraine. With the ‘BMW Group Fellowships for Ukraine’ program, we are taking the next step towards providing long-term and sustainable help. I would like to thank our partner university ESMT, which has admitted 10 female students to its renowned MBA program. In doing so, we are making a joint contribution to the reconstruction of Ukraine,” says Ilka Horstmeier, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Human Resources and Labour Relations.  

“In the BMW Group, we have a strong partner helping us support female refugees from Ukraine and give them the opportunity to continue their education no matter where they are based,” says Rebecca Loades, director of the career accelerator programs at ESMT. “The program they have joined – the ESMT Global Online MBA – attracts students from around the globe. Through digital networking opportunities, social events, and our global alumni network, our students build a strong network that will benefit them during their studies, and long after they graduate.”

The Global Online MBA, launched in 2021, is the first fully online degree program at ESMT, and the only such program offered by the top 10 European business schools. The innovative curriculum gives students complementary – but distinct – perspectives on key business issues over seven modules. By combining an integrated approach with online-first design, ESMT plans every moment of the learning journey to provide students with the skills a modern decision-maker needs to be a successful leader. 

The new intake is composed of 49 percent women and 51 percent men and thus has a balanced gender ratio. Participants are on average 37 years old and have 11 years of professional experience. Most of the students are employed in the technology, financial services, and healthcare sectors.