Flagship initiative continues to reduce barriers and empower candidates pursuing graduate business education
RESTON, Va. (June 1, 2026) – GMAC (Graduate management Admission Council), a global association of leading graduate business schools, today announced that applications are now open for the 2026 GMAT Talent and Opportunity Scholarship for the Europe region. Now in its fifth year, the program continues to advance GMAC’s commitment to broadening access to graduate management education and supporting candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.
GMAC’s perennial research on prospective business school students has consistently shown that aspects like cost and lack of financial aid are cited as candidates’ most common barriers to pursuing a graduate business degree. The scholarship is designed to alleviate in a meaningful way the financial burden to business school preparation and foster greater access across the candidate pipeline. Ten scholarships will be awarded, each providing support valued at approximately $6,200 / €5,300.
“Over the past five years, the GMAT Talent and Opportunity Scholarship has become a well-received opportunity to expand access to graduate business education,” said Joy Jones, CEO of GMAC. “We know from our research that cost and access to funding remain top of mind for many talented candidates. That’s why we’re taking concrete steps to address the challenge—not only through this scholarship but also other offerings with our industry collaborators. Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to connecting business talent with the right educational opportunities and ensuring that financial considerations do not stand in the way of potential.”
Last month, GMAC announced a new initiative with Ascent Funding to empower students in GMAC ecosystems with access to a suite of financial solutions, including scholarships and interest rate discount, and professional benefits designed to support them throughout their education and career journey.
Recipients will receive a comprehensive package that includes a voucher covering the full cost of the GMAT Exam and a GMAT Official Practice Exam package. In addition, through the continued support of industry partners, recipients will benefit from a GMAT preparation course with an instructor, sessions with a professional admissions consultant, a cultural preparation course for those planning to study abroad, and GMAT preparation resources. Recognizing the importance of well-being throughout the admissions journey, GMAC will also provide a one-year subscription to a meditation app.
The scholarship is made possible in part by the ongoing generosity of partners, including CoVent Prep, CulturaGo, English Business Services (EBS), Forte Foundation, Fortuna Admissions, GMAT Amsterdam, GMAT Panda, GMAT Zurich, Koutsodontis Test Prep and Admissions, Manhattan Prep, Pinnacle GMAT, Your GMAT Coach.
Applicants are required to submit an essay describing how their unique background and experiences have shaped their perspectives, and how they intend to contribute to the richness and depth of a business school environment.
“As we mark the fifth year of this program, we’re proud to see the growing community of business aspirants who are now thriving in business schools across Europe and beyond,” said Nalisha Patel, regional director for the Americas and Europe at GMAC. “We are looking for candidates who bring distinctive perspectives and a clear sense of purpose – individuals who will not only benefit from this opportunity but also enrich the classrooms and communities they join.”
Applications are open until July 5, 2026. Apply now.
About GMAC
GMAC is a global nonprofit association of leading graduate business schools committed to connecting future business leaders with educational opportunities and advancing graduate management education worldwide. Through assessments, research, events, and recruitment solutions, we provide the tools and information necessary for schools and candidates to discover and evaluate each other. With teams in China, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States, GMAC serves millions of visitors each year across its digital platforms.
Media Contact:
Teresa Hsu
Sr. Manager, Media Relations
703-668-9715
thsu@gmac.com