Argomenti trattati
The FIA and the European Sport Business School (ESBS) have created a joint scholarship to support emerging leaders in the world of motorsport. This initiative grants one successful applicant a full place on the Master in International Sport Management taught in Valencia, Spain, combining rigorous classroom learning with industry-facing projects. The programme is aimed at people who already have some background in racing or automotive events and who want to move into management, governance, or strategy roles within the sport.
The core goal of the award is to widen access and reduce barriers for talented candidates who may otherwise struggle to finance advanced studies. By bringing together the governing body of world motorsport and a specialist sport business school, the scholarship offers both financial support and a pipeline into professional networks. Recipients will benefit from a curriculum that emphasises employability, leadership development and practical experience, as well as international exposure that is crucial in a globalised sporting industry.
Program and academic offer
The scholarship covers entry to the Master in International Sport Management, a programme recognised for blending academic theory with applied practice. ESBS ranks prominently among on-campus sport management schools and uses case studies, consultancy-style projects and internships to sharpen students’ commercial and operational skills. The course framework stresses areas such as sports governance, marketing, commercial rights and sustainability, equipping scholars with a rounded understanding of how modern motorsport operates on and off track. The academic experience is designed to translate directly into improved career prospects inside federations, teams, circuits and commercial partners.
Partnership and institutional support
This scholarship reflects a broader strategy shared by the two institutions: to build a stronger, more diverse pipeline of talent for the sport. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has highlighted accessibility as a driver of long-term health for motorsport, while ESBS founder Jorge Coll framed the collaboration as part of the school’s mission to democratise high-quality sport management education. The initiative also counts on endorsement from national bodies such as the Royal Spanish Automobile Federation (RFEDA) whose president, Manuel Aviñó, has underscored the value of investing in people who will shape the future of racing.
Who should apply and why it matters
Eligibility and candidate profile
The call targets applicants who already possess hands-on experience in motorsport—whether through event operations, team roles, federation work, or related commercial positions—and who want to progress into leadership roles. Ideal candidates demonstrate ambition, a record of contribution to the sport and the potential to benefit from international study. The scholarship explicitly seeks to encourage applications from underrepresented groups and those facing financial constraints, aligning with the programme’s aim to foster broader diversity within motorsport management ranks.
Industry impact and outcomes
Beyond individual career development, the award is intended to strengthen the sector by equipping leaders with modern management tools. Graduates gain competencies in areas such as strategic planning, rights negotiation, stakeholder engagement and sustainable event management. These skills support long-term resilience across teams, governing bodies and commercial operators. The combination of a recognised master qualification and practical industry links increases the likelihood that alumni will secure influential positions and drive innovation across the sport.
How to apply and timeline
Interested candidates should prepare an application that demonstrates relevant experience, leadership potential and the reasons they require and merit the award. The selection process is competitive and will consider professional background, academic readiness and alignment with the programme’s objectives. The application window closes on May 15th, 2026. Further details and the online submission form are available via the programme portal: https://fia.esbs-spain.com/. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult the site for eligibility criteria, required documents and guidance on preparing a compelling submission.