ESBS & FIA
FIA Scholarship Programme Master in International Sports Management
Developing the next generation of global motorsport leaders. In partnership with European sport business School (ESBS)
October 2026
9 months
English or Spanish
4250€
In person
15 May 2026
Programme overview
The FIA Scholarship Programme offers a unique opportunity for aspiring motorsport professionals to access world-class education and gain direct industry experience.
Delivered in Partnership with European Sport Business School (ESBS), the programme supports talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly those facing educational or economic barriers to access, to pursue a Master in International Sports Management.
This scholarship creates new pathways into motorsport for talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. By diversifying the talent pipeline, we ensure that potential, not background, shapes the future of the sport.
The Master in International Sports Management originated in the sports industry in 2009 and is now recognized as one of the most valued sports management programmes in Spain and Europe. Since 2017, it has been ranked the Best Master’s in Sports Management in Spain and among the top 5 in Europe.
What will you gain:
The tools and knowledge to lead and manage sports organisations, facilities, and events in an international environment, delivered through a highly practical approach
The ability to identify business opportunities and develop the management skills to act on them.
Strong managerial capabilities to lead in the global sports industry.
Access to a global network of lecturers, industry professionals, and peers, enriched by hands-on experience.
First-hand insights into the management of major sports facilities and events through case studies and academic visits.
Practical, industry-led learning from professionals, university professors, and sports managers.
Industry-led masterclasses
Learn from senior leaders through real industry cases, including Microsoft and LaLiga Female.
Capstone Project with real-world focus
Connect business strategy, operations and leadership in high-performance contexts.
From strategy to execution
Use data-driven tools to support strategic and operational decision-making.
Data, analytics and AI in practice
Build meaningful connections across clubs, leagues, federations and institutions.
International exposure and network
Global networking: Access to a community of +5.000 sports professionals.
What's included:
Academic Lessons
Conference and industry visits
Academic trip to Paris (Includes accommodation, airfare, and academic content)
Internship opportunities in Spain and internationally
Mentoring sessions to boost your professional profile
Why choose ESBS?
The European Sport Business School (ESBS) is a leading institution in sports management education. Ranked 18th globally, 5th in Europe, and #1 in Spain for on-site sports management programmes (Source: SportsBusiness Rankings 2024).
As part of the international group ACE Education, ESBS offers an international learning environment across its Valencia and Madrid campuses, with a strong focus on industry engagement and employability. Its Master in International Sports Management combines academic excellence with practical experience, preparing graduates to succeed in the global sports industry.
Campuses in Spain
Nationalities
Employability rate
companies in sport
The FIA Scholarship
Scholarship recipient will receive a €25,000 Scholarship which covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Contribution towards travel expenses and living costs in Spain
Through partnerships with sports organizations, innovation hubs and the Global Sports Innovation Center powered by Microsoft, learning takes place inside real decision-making environments.
We are looking for:
- Individuals with proven work experience in motorsport or significant experience as an official, ready to transition into a professional leadership and management role
- Candidates with strong potential to contribute to their community and inspire new generation of motorsport professionals
- Highly motivated individuals with passion for motorsport and strong personal and interpersonal skills
- Priority given to candidates representing emerging motorsport countries
- Fluency in English or Spanish
- A Bachelor’s degree
Forewords from the FIA President
Dear Aspiring Motorsport Professionals,
Motorsport is about speed. But it is also a global sport that requires visionary leadership, expert management, and innovative mindsets. Every successful sport depends on individuals who combine this strategy with passion.
Yet for many talented individuals around the world, the pathway to motorsport leadership may feel out of reach. Addressing this is essential if we are to open our sport to a more diverse generation of professionals.
With this ambition at its core, the FIA, in partnership with the European Sport Business School (ESBS) in Spain, is launching a new Master’s in International Sports Management scholarship. Spain has a rich sporting heritage, where its world-class circuits and passionate fans have made it a proud home of world champions and host of races across our FIA championships - including an expanded two FIA Formula One World Championship Grands Prix in 2026.As part of the FIA University, this initiative will equip the next generation of leaders with the skills, experience, and global perspective needed to lead across the modern sporting landscape.
Since we launched the FIA Scholarship Programme, it has trained and inspired talented young students from around the world. Through world-leading education, global opportunities, and financial support, our programme opens doors to exciting careers both on and off the track.
I know firsthand how opportunities like this have the power to transform ambition into achievement, and as our first scholarship in Spain, I encourage you to apply and progress your international sports management career.Sincerely.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem — FIA president
Applications
Applications are open and will close on 15th of May 2026.
/01
If you have any further questions about the FIA engineering scholarship, contact scholarship@fia.com or info@esbs.es
/02
Submit the application form including:
- Personal statement in video format in English or Spanish. Explain why you consider yourself to be a strong candidate for the FIA scholarship. (3 mins maximum length)
- Copy of your diploma (bachelors or masters)
- English language test certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo etc.), except for the students from majority English speaking countries or those with diplomas from these countries
- Recommendation letter by a teacher or professional of the industry
/03
ESBS will review applications using their standard admissions procedures and selected candidates will be interviewed before May 22nd 2026.
/04
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the FIA in June 2026. The FIA will notify all interviewed candidates about the interview results and will announce the scholar.
/01
If you have any further questions about the FIA engineering scholarship, contact scholarship@fia.com or info@esbs.es
/02
Submit the application form on LANDING PAGE ESBS including:
- Personal statement in video format in English or Spanish. Explain why you consider yourself to be a strong candidate for the FIA scholarship. (3 mins maximum length)
- Copy of your diploma (bachelors or masters)
- English language test certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo etc.), except for the students from majority English speaking countries or those with diplomas from these countries
- Recommendation letter by a teacher or professional of the industry
/03
ESBS will review applications using their standard admissions procedures and selected candidates will be interviewed before May 22nd 2026.
/04
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the FIA in June 2026. The FIA will notify all interviewed candidates about the interview results and will announce the scholar.