The University of Strathclyde has officially opened applications for the prestigious Stephen Young Global Leaders’ Scholarship Programme (SYGL) 2026, a fully funded postgraduate scholarship opportunity designed to develop the next generation of global business and societal leaders.

Funded through a transformational £50 million donation from the Charles Huang Foundation, the scholarship supports exceptional students pursuing a full-time MBA or MSc programme at the Strathclyde Business School in Glasgow, Scotland.

The programme not only covers full tuition fees and living expenses but also offers mentorship, leadership coaching, international exposure, and exclusive access to enhanced leadership development opportunities.

Applications are now open for the September 2026 intake.

About the Stephen Young Global Leaders’ Scholarship Programme

The Stephen Young Global Leaders’ Scholarship Programme was established in honour of Professor Stephen Young, former Head of the Department of Marketing at Strathclyde Business School and mentor to Dr Charles Huang during his PhD studies.

Dr Huang, a distinguished alumnus of the University of Strathclyde, earned:

• An MBA in 1989
• A PhD in Marketing in 1994

He is currently the Founder and Chairman of Pasaca Capital Inc., a California-based global private equity firm with investments across:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia
• The Middle East

Through the Charles Huang Foundation, Dr Huang’s contribution aims to inspire and support future generations of ethical and globally minded leaders.

What the Scholarship Covers

The Stephen Young Global Leaders’ Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity that provides comprehensive academic and leadership support.

Successful scholars will receive:

Full Tuition Coverage

• Complete payment of MBA or MSc tuition fees at Strathclyde Business School

Living Cost Stipend

• Financial support to cover living expenses throughout the academic year in Glasgow

Mentorship and Leadership Coaching

• Tailored mentorship from senior business leaders, CEOs, and industry executives
• Personal guidance aligned with career goals and leadership development

Enhanced Leadership Development Opportunities

Through the Stephen Young Institute of International Business (SYIIB), scholars gain access to:

• Leadership training
• Networking opportunities
• Research engagement
• International development experiences

Membership in the SYIIB Community

Recipients become part of a wider community of scholars, professionals, and global business leaders.

Additional Global Leadership Opportunities

In addition to their MBA or MSc studies, selected scholars may apply for exclusive international and professional development experiences.

These opportunities may include:

International Summer School Placements

Scholars may attend summer programmes at strategic partner universities worldwide, including:

• Flights
• Accommodation support

Research Projects

Participation in special research initiatives coordinated by the Stephen Young Institute of International Business.

International MBA Electives (MBA Students Only)

MBA scholars may attend elective classes at Strathclyde’s international MBA centres located in:

• Europe
• Middle East
• Far East

Travel and accommodation support are included.

Why This Scholarship Stands Out

The SYGL Programme is more than a traditional scholarship.

It is a leadership development initiative designed to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing global environment.

The programme focuses on developing:

• Ethical leadership
• Responsible business practices
• Sustainability-oriented decision-making
• Global strategic thinking
• Collaborative leadership skills
• Innovation and adaptability

The University aims to produce leaders who can drive meaningful change in business and society.

Number of Scholarships Available

The University of Strathclyde will award:

• Up to five scholarships annually

This makes the programme highly competitive and prestigious.

Scholarship Duration

• One academic year
• Full-time study basis
• Starting September 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland

Eligible Degree Programmes

The scholarship supports postgraduate taught programmes within Strathclyde Business School, including:

• MBA
• Accounting & Finance
• Business
• Data Analytics
• Economics
• Entrepreneurship
• Management
• Management Science
• Marketing

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Stephen Young Global Leaders’ Scholarship, applicants must meet several academic and personal requirements.

Academic Requirements

Applicants must:

• Meet the admission criteria for a full-time MBA or MSc programme at Strathclyde Business School
• Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement
• Typically hold a first-class undergraduate degree or international equivalent

Funding Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be self-funded students
• Not hold corporate sponsorship
• Not receive alternative scholarship funding

Leadership and Values

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong leadership potential
• Commitment to responsible leadership
• Values aligned with diversity, inclusion, and global impact
• Aspirations to create meaningful societal or business change

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Strathclyde strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including:

• Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities
• Women
• LGBT+ candidates
• Disabled candidates
• Applicants from lower socio-economic backgrounds

The programme embraces diversity and inclusive leadership development.

Selection Process

The scholarship selection process involves several stages.

Stage 1: Online Application

Applicants submit:

• CV
• Essay responses
• Completed online application form

Stage 2: Shortlisting

Applications are reviewed by a Strathclyde Business School panel.

Stage 3: Final Selection

A Selection Committee evaluates shortlisted candidates.

Stage 4: Interviews

Shortlisted applicants attend interviews either:

• Virtually
• In person

Interviews are expected toward the end of June 2026.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Submitted using the required naming format:

• “Forename_Lastname_SYGL_CV.docx”

Essay Responses

Applicants must:

• Download the official essay questions
• Complete responses
• Save using:
  • “Forename_Lastname_SYGL_ESSAY.docx”

Online Application Form

Click here for more and to apply

Important Dates

Scholarship Opens

• May 11, 2026

Application Deadline

• May 31, 2026

Interviews

• End of June 2026

Programme Start

• September 2026

Deadline

The application deadline for the University of Strathclyde Stephen Young Global Leaders’ Scholarship Programme is:

May 31, 2026

Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents early due to the competitive nature of the programme.

Conclusion

The Stephen Young Global Leaders’ Scholarship Programme represents one of the most prestigious fully funded postgraduate business scholarships currently available in the UK.

By combining financial support, leadership development, international exposure, and executive mentorship, the programme equips exceptional students with the tools needed to become responsible and globally impactful leaders.

For ambitious students seeking a world-class MBA or MSc education with strong leadership training, the University of Strathclyde’s SYGL Scholarship offers a transformational opportunity.

Click here for more global scholarship opportunities