Eligibility

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the Cranfield Australian Alumni Scholarship. The FAQs have been divided into nine categories. However if your answer can’t be found here please send an email to alex_chapman@cranfieldalumni.org.au

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I don’t have an undergraduate degree

Cranfield accepts applicants who lack an undergraduate degree because it assesses on a broader range of criteria than other business schools, including your work track record. If you are offered a place by Cranfield then you are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

What if I cannot attend the ‘Meet the Alumni’ session? Will it affect my application?

The ‘Meet the Alumni’ sessions are a wonderful opportunity to meet alumni members and hear about their experience at Cranfield and how their Cranfield MBA has contributed to their careers. It is not compulsory to attend, however, you will benefit personally from the experience. We try to arrange for any applicants who miss the sessions to meet or speak with alumni one-on-one.

What if I am over 34yrs of age?

There is no upper age limit to be eligible for the scholarship. The lower age limit is indicated at 28 because you do need to have at least 3 years work experience before applying but this lower limit is also flexible.

I have a young family. Will this weigh against me when applying for the scholarship?

Many students studying at Cranfield have young families because of the age group this scholarship is geared for. But it is not an issue and past winners have taken their young family to Cranfield for the year. See Adrian Wood’s notes (2007 New Zealand Scholarship Winner)

What should I do if I meet all the criteria but do not have enough work experience?

You need to wait and apply once you do have more than 3 years work experience as this is a major eligibility requirement, however, you are most welcome to attend the ‘Meet the Alumni’ sessions for you to find out what you need to do in the next couple of years before applying.

Am I still eligible if I am an Australian national or Permanent Resident but have been using an overseas base for the past few years?

You need to be a resident in Australia at the time of applying to be eligible for the scholarship because of the interview process.

I am a New Zealand citizen resident in Australia. Does that count?

Unfortunately no but there is a scholarship funded by the New Zealand alumni which you may be eligible for. You need to be a resident in Australia at the time of applying to be eligible for the scholarship because of the interview process.

Can I still apply for the scholarship if I have completed an MBA previously?

The Cranfield MBA is quite a different experience from many other MBA’s . The student population is older with more experience and the course is intensive as it is completed within 1 year rather than the normal 2 years. For this reason, it does not matter if you have previously completed an MBA. You will still gain a lot of new knowledge.

Does it matter which if I work in a not-for-profit/cultural sector?

The scholarship is designed for future business leaders. It does not matter which sector the business is in. You would be eligible what ever business sector you currently work in.

Can you apply for the scholarship if your undergraduate degree is from a university overseas?

It does not matter where your undergraduate degree is from, in fact, you do not need to have completed an undergraduate degree provided Cranfield will offer you a place. What matters is that you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident and reside in Australia when you apply, and you qualify under the other eligibility criteria.

What is the average age and profile of an Cranfield MBA candidate?

The average age is 31 and all students are required to have a significant working history. In other words, they are not recent undergraduates. This means you learn as much from the other students in your year who are from all over the world, as you do from Cranfield staff, who are recognised internationally for the quality of learning and teaching.

This web page gives additional information so have a browse: The Cranfield MBA