Bryce O'Hara

Introducing Bryce, one of our inaugural Oxford MBA Veterans Scholars enrolling on the 2025 MBA programme

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Bryce O'Hara is one of two military veterans who will be joining Oxford Saïd in 2025 and taking part in our prestigious MBA programme, we found out what inspired his journey.

Having served in the Australian Defence Force since he was eighteen, Bryce is the first person from his family to attend university and only the second to finish high school. Deciding to apply to Oxford and encouraged by his wife, whilst standing outside the building at Park End Street when visiting the UK on a holiday. He says: 'The application was tough, so when I received the letter of offer it was a like this dream materialising into reality. It was a very special moment. I think being accepted to Oxford shows you that anything is possible in life.' 

The fact that Oxford selected me shows that they not only value these experiences but that that you can change and grow beyond the often-linear paths that many of us choose as young people. These reasons have made the whole process very rewarding.

Bryce O'Hara

Recipient of the Oxford MBA Veterans Scholarship

Bryce O'Hara

Bryce praises the scholarship, worth £30,000, for enabling him to broaden his horizons and see a future for himself that he had previously not considered possible, and he hopes that others from military backgrounds will also be inspired to undertake further education, saying: 'The Oxford MBA Veterans Scholarship has helped me as it is a clear indication that the Oxford community value the military perspective. This is really important for veterans because unlike those from traditional MBA careers such as consulting and financial services there are not too many people in the military with MBAs. Because of this, you don't know if you will be able to fit in or if you're experiences will be.'

The Veterans Scholarship says, 'Your skills are valued, and you have a place here.' I am really looking forward to sharing my perspectives on leadership, diplomacy, and project management that have been features of my career in the Australian Defence Force.

Bryce O'Hara

Recipient of the Oxford MBA Veterans Scholarship

Bryce highlights the rewarding nature of a service career, praising how they 'are very rewarding personally', but recognising that the 'financial compensation is less than other sectors.' He says that he is 'proud of my military career, but I will admit that the MBA price tag is pretty daunting.' The support of the scholarship is therefore fundamental to his ability to be able to undertake the programme and join the MBA in September 2025, adding to the diversity of the cohort. Bryce is looking forward to meeting his fellow MBAs and says that he 'hopes that my classmates find my unique perspective useful' - which we are sure that they will!

He will also join the Military Veterans Club, an association for all current, past and future Oxford Saïd students with military, civilian security, law enforcement or defence sector experience.

Victoria Gurtler, Chair of the 2023-2024 SBS Military Veterans Club, said: 'These scholarships reflect Oxford Saïd's global commitment to attracting and admitting top talent. Military leaders bring to the classroom unrivalled experience and skillsets, making them excellent business strategists and ambassadors for the programme. I am excited to see more gifted veterans join future cohorts, made possible by this financial support!’

Find out more about the Oxford MBA