BMW Change Maker Fellowship 2026 in Germany | Fully Funded Leadership Fellowship

Applications are now open for the BMW Change Maker Fellowship 2026 at ESMT Berlin. The prestigious fellowship supports talented young leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who are committed to creating positive social and environmental impact around the world.

The fellowship is designed for individuals who want to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their global networks, and contribute to sustainable transformation through innovation, entrepreneurship, and responsible leadership.

The program is offered in partnership with the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt and ESMT Berlin, one of Europe’s leading business schools.

Fellowship Overview

• Program Name: BMW Change Maker Fellowship 2026
• Host Institution: ESMT Berlin
• Partner Organization: BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt
• Host Country: Germany
• Location: Berlin
• Fellowship Type: Fully Funded Leadership Fellowship
• Eligible Applicants:
  • Young leaders
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Social innovators
  • Changemakers
  • Sustainability advocates

About the Fellowship

The BMW Change Maker Fellowship aims to support individuals who are actively working on solutions related to:

• Sustainability
• Social innovation
• Climate action
• Inclusive development
• Ethical leadership
• Entrepreneurship
• Community transformation

The fellowship seeks applicants who demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to driving meaningful impact in their communities and industries.

Financial Benefits

The fellowship provides significant financial support, which may include:

• Tuition fee support
• Fellowship funding
• Leadership development opportunities
• Access to professional networks
• Mentorship and coaching
• Participation in international events and activities

The program helps fellows focus on leadership and impact creation without major financial barriers.

About ESMT Berlin

ESMT Berlin is one of Europe’s top-ranked business schools, known for its focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and responsible leadership.

The institution collaborates with international organizations, companies, and leaders to address global challenges through education and research.

About BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt

BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt promotes responsible leadership and supports innovative leaders working toward peaceful, sustainable, and inclusive societies.

The foundation connects leaders from business, academia, government, and civil society to encourage cross-sector collaboration and social innovation.

Focus Areas

The fellowship emphasizes:

• Sustainable leadership
• Innovation and entrepreneurship
• Systems thinking
• Cross-sector collaboration
• Social and environmental impact
• Future-oriented leadership skills

Participants are encouraged to explore practical and scalable solutions to global challenges.

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship is ideal for:

• Social entrepreneurs
• Startup founders
• NGO leaders
• Sustainability advocates
• Community organizers
• Policy innovators
• Young professionals working on impact-driven initiatives

Applicants with strong leadership potential and commitment to positive societal change are strongly encouraged to apply.

Benefits of Joining

Selected fellows will gain:

• Access to a global network of leaders and innovators
• Leadership training and mentorship
• International exposure
• Professional and academic development opportunities
• Collaboration opportunities with changemakers from different sectors
• Enhanced visibility for their initiatives

The fellowship also provides opportunities to exchange ideas and best practices with peers from around the world.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Today’s global challenges — including climate change, inequality, technological disruption, and social fragmentation — require collaborative and ethical leadership.

The BMW Change Maker Fellowship supports emerging leaders who are building sustainable and inclusive solutions for the future.

By empowering changemakers, the fellowship contributes to strengthening innovation ecosystems and responsible leadership worldwide.

Application Process

Applicants are generally required to submit:

• Application form
• Academic and professional background information
• Leadership experience details
• Essays or motivation statements
• CV/Resume
• Supporting documents (if required)

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements on the official website.

Why You Should Apply

The BMW Change Maker Fellowship 2026 offers an excellent opportunity to:

• Develop advanced leadership skills
• Build international networks
• Gain mentorship from experts and leaders
• Strengthen impact-driven projects and initiatives
• Join a global community of changemakers

For young leaders passionate about sustainability, entrepreneurship, and social innovation, this fellowship can become a transformative career and leadership experience.