IESE Business School, in partnership with the Laidlaw Foundation, offers the Laidlaw Women’s MBA Scholarship, a prestigious initiative designed to support outstanding women with the potential to become ethical, impactful leaders in global business.

The scholarship seeks to remove financial barriers for talented women who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and a strong commitment to positive social impact, enabling them to pursue IESE’s full-time MBA regardless of financial circumstances.

Advancing women leaders with purpose and impact

“Talent should never be constrained by financial barriers. Through this partnership with the Laidlaw Foundation, we are creating opportunities for outstanding women to access a transformative MBA experience and amplify their impact across business and society.”

Professor Mireia Las Heras, 
MBA Academic Director, 
IESE Business School

Laidlaw Women’s MBA Scholarship

The scholarship

The Laidlaw Women’s MBA Scholarship at IESE supports women admitted to the full-time MBA program who show exceptional promise as future leaders

The initiative will award 13 full-tuition scholarships per intake, covering 100% of MBA tuition fees. Applicants to the MBA Class of 2028 will be the first intake to apply.

Through this collaboration, IESE and the Laidlaw Foundation demonstrate their commitment to strengthen the global pipeline of women leaders and advance responsible leadership across industries and societies.

Application process

Step 1: Apply to the IESE MBA
Candidates must first apply to and be admitted to the IESE MBA program.

Step 2: Receive an invitation to apply to the scholarship (by IESE)
After admission, a select group of candidates who closely align with the scholarship’s profile will be invited to advance to the scholarship application.

Step 3: Submit additional information
The scholarship application typically includes:
•Financial documentation
•Short essays addressing leadership experience, values and goals for long-term impact

Step 4: Further review (if applicable)
As part of the selection process, some candidates may be invited to participate in an additional conversation or interview, depending on the requirements for the year.

Step 5: Scholarship decision
Scholarship offers are made following a holistic review of the complete application packages. Successful candidates are notified within approximately 2 weeks of their MBA admission decision.

“By partnering with IESE, we are able to provide extraordinary women with the knowledge, and networks that will help propel them into senior roles globally; helping to address persistent gender inequity, and ensure that the next generation of entrepreneurs and C-Suite executives, lead with integrity and impact, for a better world.”

Susanna Kempe, 
Chief Executive of the Laidlaw Foundation

The Laidlaw Women’s MBA Scholarship Program reinforces IESE’s deep-rooted mission; and the Foundation’s commitment to partnering with the world’s leading higher education institutions who share their belief in ethical leadership and their vision for transforming lives through education.

Eligibility

More than financial support

In addition to financial assistance, Laidlaw scholars at IESE benefit from a comprehensive leadership and career development experience, designed to support long-term professional success and meaningful impact.

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Learn more

For detailed information on eligibility, deadlines and how to apply, please contact the IESE MBA admissions team at mbainfo@iese.edu.

About the Laidlaw Foundation

The Laidlaw Foundation invests in education to break cycles of poverty, reduce inequality and develop a new generation of ethical leaders. Its work focuses on:

  • Developing ethical leaders through global scholarship and leadership programs

  • Supporting women’s advancement to senior leadership through MBA scholarships

  • Expanding access to education for underrepresented and underserved communities

  • Creating innovative learning environments where students can excel

Success looks different for everyone. Whether it’s meaningful impact, portfolio careers, strategic partnerships, or purpose-driven leadership – there’s no single path to excellence.

At IESE, we’ve built a collaborative environment where diverse ambitions thrive. Where you can shape a career that fits your values, your goals, your life.

Define your version of success

You do you.

No. 4 worldwide

in MBA Programs
Financial Times
2026

Important notes

  • The Laidlaw Women’s MBA Scholarship is only awarded after admission to the MBA program.

  • Scholarship notifications may be communicated separately from the admissions decision.

  • The scholarship selection process is highly competitive, and not all candidates admitted in the MBA program will be selected to apply for the scholarship.

Shared values and mission

The Laidlaw Women’s MBA Scholarship is designed for women who:

  • Have been admitted to the IESE full-time MBA program

  • Demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership potential

  • Require financial support to pursue an IESE MBA

  • Are committed to ethical leadership and making a positive impact on business and society

  • Aspire to support and advance other women throughout their careers 

Scholars are selected not only for past achievements, but for their future potential to lead with integrity and influence. 

Career development
Scholars receive dedicated support from IESE’s Career Development Center (CDC) and MBA Program Office including:

  • Personalized career coaching
  • Access to IESE’s global recruiter and employer network 
  • Tailored career development programming aligned with individual goals

Mentorship and leadership development

  • Participation in the Professional Female Mentorship Program
  • Access to leadership and communication workshops
  • Networking opportunities with senior leaders, alumni and fellow Laidlaw scholars

Impact and purpose

  • Hands-on projects focused on sustainability, social responsibility and ethical leadership
  • Integration into a global community committed to “paying it forward” and expanding opportunity for others

Pre-MBA C-suite career talks

  • Access to an exclusive online series during MBA pre-onboarding, where senior C-suite executives share candid career strategies, sector insights and leadership lessons.

A global network of Laidlaw scholars

Laidlaw scholars at IESE become part of an international community of women leaders supported by the Laidlaw Foundation at leading institutions worldwide.

This global network connects scholars across sectors and regions, fostering collaboration, mentorship and lifelong engagement.

IESE is deeply committed to developing responsible leaders who create a positive and lasting impact on the world, and the Laidlaw Women’s MBA Scholarship Program reinforces this deep-rooted mission. The Laidlaw Foundation partners with the world’s leading higher education institutions who share their belief in ethical leadership and their vision for transforming lives through education.

IESE Business School

Barcelona
Madrid
New York 
Munich
São Paulo

“Talent should never be constrained by financial barriers. Through this partnership with the Laidlaw Foundation, we are creating opportunities for outstanding women to access a transformative MBA experience and amplify their impact across business and society”

Professor Mireia Las Heras, 
MBA academic director, 
IESE Business School

“By partnering with IESE, we are able to provide extraordinary women with the knowledge and networks that will help propel them into senior roles globally, helping to address persistent gender inequity and ensuring that the next generation of entrepreneurs and C-Suite executives lead with integrity and impact for a better world”

Susanna Kempe, 
Chief Executive of the Laidlaw Foundation.