Call for Applications: BMW Group and ESMT Berlin 2026 Change Maker Fellowship Program
The BMW Group and ESMT Berlin have announced the continuation and expansion of their joint Change Maker Fellowship initiative, a talent development program designed to support high-potential professionals in technology, mathematics, and digital innovation fields.
Now entering its fifth year, the program aims to prepare a new generation of leaders capable of shaping the future of mobility, digital transformation, and responsible business leadership.
The 2026 Change Maker Fellowships will be offered across three academic pathways at ESMT Berlin: the Full-time MBA, the Master in Global Management (MSc), and the Global Online MBA.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment between the BMW Group and ESMT Berlin to identify exceptional talent from global markets and equip them with advanced management education, industry exposure, and leadership development opportunities.
Expanding access to global talent in technology and business
The fellowship program is open to applicants from select countries with BMW Group IT and innovation hubs, including Germany, India, Portugal, Romania, Brazil, China, the United States, and South Africa. Additionally, individuals with recognized refugee status in Germany are eligible to apply, reinforcing the program’s focus on inclusivity and social mobility.
Candidates are expected to have academic or professional backgrounds in mathematics, computer science, information technology, automation, or digitalization. For MBA and MSc applicants, an additional requirement stipulates that candidates must be 30 years old or younger as of September 1, 2026. The initiative is specifically designed to support early-career professionals who demonstrate strong potential in shaping digital-first industries.
Fellowship funding and program structure
The BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship provides substantial financial support across all eligible programs. For the Full-time MBA, two fellowships are available, each covering up to €45,000, representing approximately 90% of tuition fees.
The Global Online MBA offers four fully funded fellowships covering 100% of tuition costs. Meanwhile, the Master’s (MSc) programs provide two fellowships worth €17,500 each, covering 50% of tuition fees.
Beyond financial assistance, fellows gain access to exclusive engagement opportunities with experts from the BMW Group. These interactions are designed to build professional networks, provide industry insights, and strengthen career pathways in global technology and mobility sectors.
Application and selection process
Applicants are required to submit their fellowship application as part of their standard admission process for each ESMT Berlin program. A key component of the application includes a written response to a strategic question posed by the BMW Group: what aspect of a digital future fascinates the applicant most, and why.
This essay-based requirement is intended to evaluate candidates’ ability to think critically about emerging technologies, digital ecosystems, and the societal implications of innovation. Selection is based on both academic excellence and the applicant’s vision for contributing to digital transformation and sustainable development.
Advancing leadership in a digital mobility era
The BMW Group has positioned the fellowship as part of its broader commitment to shaping the future of mobility and sustainable innovation. As a global manufacturer with brands including BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad, the company continues to invest in talent development alongside its industrial and technological expansion.
With over 154,000 employees worldwide and a presence in more than 140 countries, the BMW Group emphasizes long-term sustainability, digital transformation, and responsible production practices across its operations. In recent years, the company has strengthened its focus on electrification, connected mobility, and data-driven automotive systems.
By partnering with ESMT Berlin, the organization aims to connect its industry expertise with academic excellence, creating a pipeline of leaders who understand both the technical and managerial dimensions of future mobility systems.
Strengthening Europe’s global education and innovation ecosystem
For ESMT Berlin, the fellowship program reinforces its position as a leading international business school focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital leadership. The institution continues to expand its MBA and Master’s offerings to address growing demand for professionals capable of managing complex technological change in global markets.
The collaboration between BMW Group and ESMT Berlin highlights the increasing importance of cross-sector partnerships in higher education, particularly as industries undergo rapid digital transformation. By combining academic training with real-world industry engagement, the program seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Outlook
As applications open for the 2026 intake cycles, the BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship is expected to attract candidates from diverse international backgrounds, particularly those working at the intersection of technology, data science, and business innovation.
With full and partial funding opportunities, mentorship access, and exposure to one of the world’s leading automotive and technology-driven companies, the program continues to position itself as a significant pathway for emerging leaders aiming to influence the future of digital mobility and global business strategy.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding
