How to Make a Strong Business Case for Employer Sponsorship

One of the most common, and important, questions we get from prospective MBA candidates is: how do I secure employer sponsorship?

For those planning to work alongside their studies, employer funding can be a powerful way to cover all or part of the course fees. But we know it can feel daunting to ask for financial support, not to mention time off or more flexible working patterns.

If your employer is going to invest in your education, they’ll want to understand how it will benefit the organisation. That’s why a clear, well-reasoned business case is essential.

Here are some practical tips to help you put one together.

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Step 1: Define Your Ask

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Be clear about what support you’re seeking. Are you asking for full or partial funding? Time off for immersive study weeks? A more flexible working pattern?

Explore different models of support:

• A percentage split (e.g. 70% employer / 30% you)
• Salary sacrifice
• Reimbursement upon completion
• A commitment to stay for a certain period post-graduation

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Check whether your organisation has an existing learning and development policy, and ask around. Someone in your network may have been through a similar process.

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Step 2: Understand the Programme

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Do your homework on the LIS MBA: the structure, timelines, cost, and what’s required. The programme runs over 18 months, with most learning delivered online, plus seven immersive in-person study weeks in London, one per shift, and a final integration week.

Consider how this will fit with your work schedule. Will you need to use annual leave? Will it affect key projects? Address these questions proactively and clearly in your proposal, and include the course calendar so your employer can see how it aligns with your workload.

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Step 3: Emphasise the ROI for Your Employer

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Employers want to see how this investment in you will benefit them.

The LIS MBA is built around six fundamental shifts shaping the future of business and society, and focuses on developing the kind of systems-aware, cross-functional thinking modern organisations need.

You’ll gain both a future-facing lens and practical business acumen in leadership, innovation, decision-making, and more. The course may help you fill a skills gap in your organisation or bring fresh thinking to areas like strategy, sustainability, or AI.

Connect the dots. Make it easy for your employer to see how your learning will make you more effective in your current role and in where you’re headed. Reflect on past conversations with your manager: where have they seen your potential? What challenges could you be better equipped to help solve?

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Step 4: Close With Confidence

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Wrap up with a concise summary that reinforces your request and your commitment. To both your employer and your personal growth.

Make it clear that you’re serious about completing the course, adding value, and applying what you learn directly to your work.

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Final Thoughts

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Making a strong business case isn’t just about funding. It’s about framing your MBA as a strategic investment in your development, with tangible returns for your organisation.

The LIS MBA isn’t just a credential. It’s a mindset shift. And for employers, supporting that shift could mean unlocking new value, capability, and impact.

Good luck! And don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like a conversation about how to position your request. We're here to help.

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