Earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in the USA is a coveted opportunity for international students. However, the cost of tuition and living expenses can be a significant barrier.
The good news is that the demand for scholarships from international students is well-recognized by universities and organizations.
This blog post aims to be your guide, providing an overview of the top 12 scholarship options to help finance your MBA journey in the USA.
Top 12 MBA Scholarships for International Students in the USA
1. Forté Fellowships (Forté Foundation)
Awarded to women pursuing MBAs at top business schools, with a focus on promoting women’s leadership in business. These fellowships can provide significant financial support, and some schools even offer full tuition coverage. Learn more about eligibility and apply through the Forté Foundation website: Forté Foundation Fellowships.
ALSO READ: Columbia University Scholarships for International Students 2024-2025 Application Guide
2. Consortium Fellowships (The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management)
These merit-based scholarships are offered to talented minority students by a consortium of leading business schools, including Columbia, Cornell, MIT Sloan, Michigan Ross, and more. Consortium Fellowships can cover a significant portion of tuition costs. Find out more and apply on the Consortium’s website: Consortium for Graduate Study in Management Fellowships.
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3. Fulbright Program (U.S. Department of State)
Funded by the U.S. government, the Fulbright Program offers prestigious scholarships to international students based on academic merit and leadership potential. Fulbright awards can covers full tuition, living expenses, and even health insurance. Explore the program details and application process on the Fulbright website: Fulbright Program.
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4. AAUW International Fellowships (American Association of University Women)
The AAUW International Fellowships support full-time graduate study or research in the U.S. for women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. These fellowships can cover tuition and living expenses. AAUW offers various fellowship options; discover if an MBA program with their support and apply through the AAUW website: AAUW International Fellowships.
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5. Joseph Wharton Fellowships (Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania)
The Wharton School offers several fellowships for MBA students, including merit-based scholarships and need-based awards. Wharton Fellowships can provide significant financial aid, and some awards cover full tuition. Explore the various fellowship options and application details on Wharton’s financial aid website: Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania Financial Aid.
ALSO READ: Harvard University Scholarships for International Students 2024-2025 Application Guide
6. UCLA Anderson Scholarships (UCLA Anderson School of Management)
UCLA Anderson offers merit-based and need-based scholarships to support MBA students, with some designated specifically for international students. These scholarships can vary in amount, so be sure to research specific details. Learn more about scholarship opportunities and application procedures on Anderson’s scholarship webpage: UCLA Anderson School of Management Scholarships.
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7. Chicago Booth School of Business Scholarships (University of Chicago)
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business offers a range of merit-based scholarships to exceptional MBA students, with some specifically designated for international applicants. These scholarships can provide significant financial support. Find out more about eligibility criteria and application processes on Booth’s scholarship webpage: Chicago Booth School of Business Scholarships.
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8. Stanford Graduate School of Business Scholarships (Stanford University)
Stanford GSB offers various fellowships and scholarships to support MBA students, with some designated for international students. These awards can vary in amount, so be sure to research specific details. Explore the financial aid options and application procedures on GSB’s financial aid webpage: Stanford Graduate School of Business Financial Aid.
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9. NYU Stern School of Business Scholarship (New York University)
NYU Stern awards merit-based scholarships to exceptional MBA students, including international applicants. These scholarships can vary in amount, so be sure to research specific details related to each award. Learn more about scholarship opportunities and application procedures on Stern’s scholarships webpage: NYU Stern School of Business Scholarships.
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10. McCombs MBA Scholarships (McCombs School of Business, The University of Texas at Austin)
McCombs offers a variety of merit-based scholarships along with need-based awards for both domestic and international MBA students. These scholarships can vary in amount, so be sure to research specific details and eligibility criteria. Learn more about financial aid opportunities and application procedures on McCombs’ financial aid webpage: McCombs School of Business Financial Aid.
ALSO READ: SMU MBA Application 2024-2025 Guide
11. Orbis Investment Management MBA Fellowship (Columbia Business School)
This fellowship is offered by Columbia Business School to exceptional MBA students who demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing careers in the investment management industry. While not exclusively for international students, it can be a valuable opportunity for those interested in this specific field. Details and application information can be found on Columbia Business School’s website: Columbia Business School Financial Aid.
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12. ESADE Women of the World Scholarship (ESADE Business School)
This prestigious scholarship is offered by ESADE Business School in Barcelona, Spain, specifically for international female MBA applicants. The ESADE Women of the World Scholarship covers full tuition, living expenses, and even career development opportunities. Explore the program details and application process on the ESADE website: ESADE Women of the World Scholarship.
ALSO READ: How to Apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK 2024-2025
Final Words
Funding your MBA studies in the USA may seem overwhelming, but there’s no need to feel discouraged. This list is an excellent starting point, but remember that there are numerous scholarship opportunities beyond these twelve. Make use of scholarship search engines, explore financial aid resources at your desired schools, and don’t hesitate to contact programs directly for further inquiries.
The key is to be proactive and strategic in your scholarship search. Search for awards that align with your academic profile, background, and career aspirations. With dedication and a well-designed application strategy, you can increase your chances of obtaining the financial support you need to make your MBA dream come true.