The BMW Group and ESMT Berlin have opened applications for the 2026 Change Maker Fellowship, offering eight scholarships across MBA and MSc programs. The initiative, now in its fifth year, targets STEM graduates from select countries including India, the United States, and Germany. The fellowships aim to train future leaders in digital transformation and mobility innovation. Applications are tied to academic intakes beginning September 2026 through January 2027.

The push to build leaders for a digital economy is increasingly moving inside corporate boardrooms and business schools. This year, BMW Group is doubling down on that effort with a new round of fellowships designed to connect engineering talent with executive training.

The automaker, working with ESMT Berlin, is offering eight Change Maker Fellowships for the 2026 academic cycle. The program is structured across three tracks, each aligned with a different stage of professional development.

Two fellowships are reserved for the full-time Master of Business Administration program starting in January 2027. Two more will support students entering Master of Science programs in September 2026. The remaining four are allocated to the Global Online MBA beginning in October 2026.

BMW ESMT fellowship eligibility and program structure

The fellowship targets candidates with strong backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, often referred to as STEM. Applicants are expected to either hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or demonstrate work experience in areas such as information technology, automation, or digital systems.

The program reflects a growing demand for leaders who can navigate both technical systems and business strategy. Participants will combine formal management education with exposure to digital transformation challenges, particularly those shaping the future of mobility.

“We are proud to be entering the fifth year of our partnership with ESMT,” said Ilka Horstmeier, a member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for People and Real Estate. “Especially now, we need leaders who take responsibility and use technology and digitalization to shape the future.”

Eligibility is limited to applicants from countries where BMW maintains IT hubs, including Germany, India, Portugal, Romania, Brazil, China, the United States, and South Africa. Individuals with recognized refugee status in Germany are also eligible.

For applicants to the full-time MBA and MSc tracks, an age cap applies. Candidates must be under 30 years old as of September 1, 2026.

Focus on digital transformation and mobility leadership

The fellowship sits at the intersection of two shifts in global business. One is the increasing importance of artificial intelligence and digital systems in decision-making roles. The other is the transformation of the mobility sector, where traditional automakers are expanding into software-driven ecosystems.

BMW Group employs more than 10,000 IT and software specialists worldwide and operates a network of technology hubs across multiple continents. That footprint shapes both the geographic eligibility and the program’s focus on real-world digital challenges.

At ESMT Berlin, the curriculum integrates business fundamentals with emerging technologies. The aim is to prepare candidates for leadership roles that require both technical fluency and strategic thinking.

“We thank BMW Group for its sustained partnership in advancing this initiative,” said Jörg Rocholl. “Digital transformation and artificial intelligence are changing the capabilities required in leadership roles.”

Applicants will also be required to respond to a central essay question during the selection process: “The BMW Group actively shapes the future of mobility: what aspect of a digital future fascinates you most, and why?”

Why companies are investing in leadership fellowships

Programs like the Change Maker Fellowship reflect a broader shift in how companies build talent pipelines. Rather than relying solely on recruitment, firms are investing earlier in education and training, particularly in fields tied to digital transformation.

For BMW, this includes aligning academic training with its global operations. The company’s IT hubs in regions such as India and the United States play a role in shaping both the talent pool and the skills required for future roles.

The fellowship also underscores the increasing overlap between engineering and management. As industries digitize, technical expertise alone is often not enough for leadership positions. Business education is becoming a complementary requirement.

The partnership with ESMT Berlin, now entering its fifth year, reflects a sustained effort to bridge that gap.

Applications for the 2026 Change Maker Fellowship are currently open through ESMT Berlin’s admissions process. Candidates must meet the entry requirements of their chosen program in addition to the fellowship criteria.