Pursuing an MBA degree in the United States is a dream for many international students, but the high tuition costs and living expenses often stand in the way. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available to support talented and deserving candidates. These scholarships not only reduce the financial burden but also offer recognition and credibility to students who exhibit outstanding academic performance, leadership qualities, or professional excellence. If you are planning to study MBA in the USA in 2025, then understanding the available scholarships and their requirements is a crucial step in your application process.
The most prestigious scholarships for MBA programs are generally provided by business schools, private foundations, alumni associations, or corporate donors. These scholarships may cover partial or full tuition fees, offer living stipends, or even include travel and book allowances. Some scholarships are merit-based, others are need-based, and many are awarded based on a combination of both. Knowing the eligibility criteria and application timelines for each scholarship can help you plan better and increase your chances of receiving funding. So let’s explore the top options that are currently open to international MBA applicants.
Stanford Graduate School of Business is one of the leading business schools offering generous scholarships to international students. Their Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship, for instance, is specifically for Indian students who wish to return to India and contribute after completing their MBA. It covers up to $150,000 in tuition fees over two years. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, leadership potential, and a commitment to working in India. The application process involves submitting essays, recommendation letters, and a detailed financial background.
The Harvard Business School provides a variety of fellowships and scholarships to support MBA students, including international candidates. The HBS Need-Based Fellowship is the most common and is calculated based on income, assets, and background. The average scholarship amount is around $40,000 per year, making it one of the most supportive financial aid systems in the Ivy League. Additionally, there are scholarships for students from specific regions such as the Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship for nonprofit leaders and the John C. Phelan Fellowship for Irish students.
Another notable scholarship is the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and offers full funding for graduate-level study in the USA. This scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance. It is a prestigious program that encourages cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the United States and other countries. Each participating country has its own application procedures and deadlines, so it’s important to check with your local U.S. embassy or Fulbright commission.
The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School is also known for offering financial support to international MBA students. Wharton Fellowships are awarded to students based on academic achievements, personal qualities, and professional accomplishments. The amount varies from $10,000 to full tuition, and some fellowships are named to honor donors or specific criteria. For instance, the Joseph Wharton Fellowship supports students with outstanding leadership potential. There are also targeted scholarships for students from Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
Columbia Business School in New York City offers merit-based scholarships to MBA applicants, regardless of nationality. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, test scores, and professional experience. Students are automatically considered during the admission process, and no separate application is required. The amount typically ranges from $7,500 to full tuition coverage. Apart from merit scholarships, Columbia also offers the Forté Fellowship for women, the Romay Davis Fellowship for African American students, and several external scholarship opportunities.
Chicago Booth School of Business provides a wide range of scholarships for international students, with a strong emphasis on academic performance and career potential. Their Merit-Based Scholarships are highly competitive and include awards such as the Distinguished Fellowship and the Chicago Booth Fellowship. Additionally, Booth participates in the Forté Foundation and Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, which promote diversity and inclusion in business education. These fellowships often come with mentorship, networking, and career development benefits.
MIT Sloan School of Management, another top MBA program, offers financial aid through a combination of fellowships and assistantships. The Sloan Fellows MBA Program includes a limited number of fellowships for international students, with awards ranging from $10,000 to full tuition. The McKinsey Award and the Legatum Fellowship are examples of such funding. The Legatum Fellowship is particularly aimed at students from developing countries who plan to launch ventures in their home countries. MIT Sloan also supports students through the MFin Diversity Fellowship and Sloan Innovation Period grants.
Yale School of Management has a strong focus on making business education accessible through various scholarships. The Yale SOM Merit Scholarships are awarded automatically during admission based on academic and professional accomplishments. The Global Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship and the Consortium Fellowship are a few of the awards given to international students. Yale SOM also encourages students to apply for external scholarships and helps them connect with resources such as Prodigy Finance and other education loan providers for additional support.
Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business offers generous scholarships through its merit-based system. All admitted students are considered for scholarships during the admission process, and the amount can range from partial to full tuition. Fuqua values leadership, academic excellence, and community service. Named scholarships such as the Keller Scholarship and the Global Executive MBA Scholarship are awarded to students who align with the school’s mission. International students from underrepresented backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.
NYU Stern School of Business, located in the heart of New York City, is another excellent choice for international MBA students seeking financial aid. Stern offers merit-based scholarships such as the Dean’s Scholarship, the Named Faculty Scholarship, and the Consortium Fellowship. These awards are given to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership, and contribution to diversity. The amount varies, but some scholarships can cover full tuition along with additional benefits such as mentorship and early career placement assistance.
USC Marshall School of Business offers both merit-based and need-based scholarships for international MBA applicants. Scholarships such as the International Business Fellowship and the Global Fellowships are tailored for non-US citizens. Marshall’s commitment to fostering a diverse learning environment makes it easier for international students to find support. In addition, they collaborate with organizations like Forté Foundation, ROMBA (Reaching Out MBA), and others to provide external scholarship options for students from diverse backgrounds.
Cornell SC Johnson College of Business provides a number of scholarships and fellowships to international students enrolled in their MBA programs. The Park Leadership Fellows Program is one of the most prestigious and offers full tuition and leadership development opportunities to students with a strong track record in leadership and community service. Other fellowships like the Emerging Markets Institute Fellowship and Roy H. Park Fellowship are available for specific interests and regions. Cornell’s integrated approach to business education and financial support makes it a competitive option.
The University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business offers several scholarship opportunities for international students applying to the MBA program. The Ross Merit Scholarships are automatically considered and range from $10,000 to full tuition. Additionally, the Erb Institute offers scholarships for students interested in the intersection of business and sustainability. Ross also participates in the Consortium and Forté Foundation, thereby expanding funding options for minority and female candidates. These scholarships are often combined with career services and leadership training.
UCLA Anderson School of Management offers financial support through merit-based fellowships. International students are automatically considered for these fellowships during the admission process. Awards include the Dean’s Fellowship, Merit Fellowship, and named scholarships like the John Wooden Global Leadership Fellowship. These are designed to reward students who exhibit leadership potential and outstanding academic performance. Additional opportunities include participation in organizations like Forté, ROMBA, and others that provide targeted support for diverse student groups.
The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University provides a variety of scholarships for international students, especially those who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a strong global perspective. Kellogg offers Merit Scholarships, Named Scholarships, and external fellowship opportunities. For example, the Diversity Scholarship and the Emerging Leaders Scholarship are awarded to those who make impactful contributions to their communities. The school’s emphasis on innovation and social responsibility makes it an attractive destination for globally-minded MBA candidates.
Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business provides MBA scholarships through their merit-based system. These awards are given to outstanding applicants based on academic credentials, leadership experience, and potential to contribute to the MBA community. Scholarships include the Global Leaders Fellowship, Entrepreneurship Fellowship, and Women’s Leadership Scholarship. Georgetown also collaborates with external organizations to support students through regional fellowships and social impact grants, making it a well-rounded institution for international candidates.
Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business offers generous financial aid options for MBA students, including international applicants. Their scholarships are awarded based on merit and leadership qualities. The Jones Partners Scholarship and the Diversity and Inclusion Fellowship are examples of awards available for exceptional candidates. Rice also supports students who wish to pursue entrepreneurship, sustainability, or social impact initiatives through special fellowships that provide mentorship and seed funding for projects.
Emory University’s Goizueta Business School in Atlanta provides merit-based scholarships for MBA applicants. The school’s emphasis on leadership, diversity, and service is reflected in its awards such as the Goizueta Scholars Program, Roberto C. Goizueta Leadership Awards, and the Global Diversity Fellowship. These scholarships help support students with financial need while recognizing their contributions to business and society. International students are eligible for all merit-based awards, and no separate application is required.
Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business is another top MBA destination offering scholarships for international students. Kelley Merit Fellowships, Global Fellowships, and the Dean’s Fellowships are among the available awards. These scholarships cover partial to full tuition and are based on academic achievement, GMAT/GRE scores, leadership, and diversity. Kelley also partners with various international organizations to provide external funding sources to help students cover the full cost of their MBA journey in the United States.
The Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University offers various scholarships and assistantships for international students pursuing MBA or global management programs. Scholarships such as the Thunderbird Alumni Scholarship and Thunderbird Women in Business Scholarship reward students for academic excellence and leadership. Thunderbird’s global focus and diverse student body make it an attractive destination for students from all over the world who are seeking financial aid in the field of business and global leadership.
In conclusion, pursuing an MBA in the USA can be financially feasible for international students who take advantage of the many scholarship opportunities available in 2025. From Ivy League institutions to public universities, most MBA programs offer merit-based, need-based, and region-specific scholarships. Being aware of eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and scholarship benefits can help you maximize your chances of receiving funding. Prepare your documents, work on a strong application, and apply to multiple programs to increase your chances. Scholarships not only reduce financial pressure but also validate your academic and professional journey.
