Pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in the United States can be a life-changing opportunity, offering world-class education, global exposure, and powerful career networks. But the cost of an MBA program in the U.S. can range from $50,000 to over $150,000, making scholarships essential for international students.
This article covers the top MBA scholarships in the USA for international students in 2025, including eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and tips on how to apply successfully.
Why Apply for MBA Scholarships in the USA?
Here’s what MBA scholarships in the USA typically cover:
✅ Full or partial tuition fees
✅ Monthly stipends for living expenses
✅ Health insurance
✅ Travel and accommodation support
✅ Internship or research funding
Whether you’re from Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Kenya, the Philippines, or any other country, many U.S. universities and organizations offer scholarships tailored for high-potential international MBA students.
Top MBA Scholarships for International Students in the USA – 2025
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, airfare, health insurance
Eligible Degrees: MBA and other graduate programs
Deadline: Varies by country (typically May–July 2024)
Who Can Apply: Citizens of 160+ countries, including Nigeria, India, and Ghana
2. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
University: Stanford Graduate School of Business
Coverage: Up to $150,000 USD for tuition and fees
Eligibility: Indian citizens with financial need, admitted to Stanford MBA
Deadline: May 2025 (before GSB Round 1 deadlines)
3. Harvard Business School – MBA Fellowships
University: Harvard Business School
Coverage: Need-based scholarships up to $40,000/year
Who Can Apply: All admitted MBA students, including international
Deadline: Automatically considered after admission
4. MIT Sloan MBA Fellowships
University: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Coverage: $20,000–$50,000 depending on the award
Available Scholarships: Forté, McKinsey Award, Legatum Fellowship
Who Can Apply: International and domestic MBA students
5. Wharton Business School – Fellowships for International Students
University: University of Pennsylvania – Wharton
Coverage: Partial to full tuition
Scholarships Include: Emerging Economy Fellowships, Joseph Wharton Fellowship
Who Can Apply: All MBA applicants are automatically considered
6. Yale School of Management Scholarships
Coverage: Up to 100% of tuition
Notable Awards: Yale Global Leaders Scholarship, Forté Foundation Fellowship
Who Can Apply: All admitted international students
Deadline: Varies by application round
7. Booth School of Business – University of Chicago
Coverage: Full and partial tuition fellowships
Notable Fellowships: The Neubauer Family Fellowship, Canfield Fellowship
Who Can Apply: Exceptional international MBA students
8. Columbia Business School Scholarships
Coverage: Merit-based awards of up to $30,000 per year
Eligibility: Based on academic merit, leadership, and financial need
Deadline: With application (multiple rounds)
9. Forte Fellowship Program
Target Group: Women pursuing full-time MBA
Partner Schools: Harvard, Wharton, Kellogg, Duke, etc.
Coverage: Partial/full tuition + access to leadership conferences
Who Can Apply: Female international MBA applicants to partner schools
10. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
Coverage: 50% grant + 50% loan for tuition and living expenses
Who Can Apply: Students from selected countries (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria, etc.)
Deadline: March 2025
Common Eligibility Requirements
Although requirements vary, most MBA scholarships in the USA ask for:
🔹 A strong GMAT or GRE score
🔹 Proven leadership and professional achievements
🔹 Excellent academic record (Bachelor’s degree minimum)
🔹 Letters of recommendation
🔹 Statement of purpose or scholarship essay
🔹 English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
🔹 Admission into a U.S. MBA program
Scholarship Deadlines to Remember – 2024/2025
| Scholarship | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fulbright Program | May–July 2024 |
| Reliance Dhirubhai @ Stanford | May 2025 |
| Harvard Business School Fellowships | Rolling |
| MIT Sloan Fellowships | Round deadlines |
| Wharton MBA Fellowships | Rolling |
| Columbia Business School | Application-based |
| Forte Fellowship | Partner school based |
| Yale SOM | Varies |
| Aga Khan Foundation | March 2025 |
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How to Apply for a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
Tips to Boost Your Scholarship Application
💼 Demonstrate Leadership – Business schools value students with clear leadership experience.
📝 Craft a Strong Essay – Be personal, specific, and future-focused. Explain how the MBA will help you create impact.
📊 High GMAT/GRE Score – A score above 700 (GMAT) or 320 (GRE) significantly boosts chances.
🌍 Show Global Perspective – Business schools love students with international exposure or diverse cultural understanding.
🗣️ Engage with Alumni & Admissions – Attend webinars, interact with past students, and get insights.
Benefits of Studying MBA in the USA
- Top-ranked business schools (e.g., Harvard, Stanford, Wharton)
- High ROI with global job opportunities
- Access to Silicon Valley, Wall Street, and Fortune 500 firms
- Networking with future CEOs, entrepreneurs, and global leaders
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) + H-1B visa pathways
Study MBA in the USA Without IELTS?
Many U.S. business schools accept alternatives to IELTS/TOEFL:
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate
- Duolingo English Test
- English-speaking country degree holders
Check each university’s website to confirm their language test exemptions.
Final Thoughts
The United States remains the #1 destination for international MBA students, and scholarships are making it more accessible than ever before.
With thousands of dollars in financial aid available, your dream of getting an MBA from Harvard, Stanford, MIT, or Wharton is closer than you think.
👉 Start early, research well, and apply smartly for these MBA scholarships in the USA for international students in 2025.