- The FIA has launched a new scholarship programme with the European Sport Business School (ESBS), a leading institution in sports management education, to help develop the next generation of motor sport leaders.
- The initiative will award one candidate a scholarship to undertake ESBS’s Master in International Sports Management.
- By opening up new pathways into leadership and management roles, the programme aims to strengthen and diversify the future motor sport talent pipeline.
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has today announced a new scholarship programme in partnership with leading European business school, specialising in sport management, the European Sport Business School (ESBS). By enabling world class education in sport management, the FIA is supporting the next generation of global motor sport leaders.
The FIA Scholarship Programme has been created to widen access to high-quality education and industry experience which will provide future motor sport talent with the skills,
experience, and global perspective needed to lead across the modern sporting landscape. The scholarship forms part of the FIA’s wider work to strengthen the future talent pipeline across the sport. By creating new pathways for people from a broader range of backgrounds through world-leading education, global opportunities, and financial support, the programme opens doors to exciting careers both on and off the track.
Delivered in partnership with the ESBS, a leading institution in sports management education, the initiative will enable the FIA scholar to pursue a Master in International Sports Management. Ranked 18th globally, 5th in Europe, and #1 in Spain for
on-site sports management programme ESBS combines academic excellence with practical experience, preparing graduates to succeed in the global sports industry. The programme is intended for candidates with motor sport experience who are ready to take the next step into professional leadership and management roles.
The application deadline is the 15th May 2026.
Full details on the scholarship and academic programmme can be found here:
H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA PresidentSulayem said:
“Increasing accessibility and opening our sport to a diverse generation of professionals is vital for its future success, so I am proud to launch the new FIA Scholarship in International Sports Management in partnership with the European Sport Business School (ESBS). Spain has a rich sporting heritage and a new scholarship in the country will expand access to world-class education for talented individuals who may otherwise face barriers to entry.”
ESBS Founder and Honorary President at ACE Education Spain, Jorge Coll said:
“Collaborating with the FIA to launch this scholarship program perfectly reflects our core mission: to make top-quality education in sports management accessible to those with the talent and ambition to lead. We are proud to contribute to developing the leadership that motorsport needs.”
President of the Royal Spanish Automobile Federation (RFEDA), Manuel Avino said:
“Developing talent is one of the most important investments we can make for the future of motorsport. This scholarship programme reflects our commitment to identifying and supporting individuals with the potential to lead, innovate and drive positive change across the industry. By combining world-class education with real-world experience, we are helping to build a stronger and more resilient sport”.
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact:
Maria Zander, Corporate Communications Manager : mzander@fia.com
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.
Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including six FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.