Pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is a life-changing opportunity that opens doors to high-level careers, leadership positions, and global networking opportunities. However, for international students, the cost of an MBA program at a top business school can be daunting. Tuition fees often exceed $70,000 annually, not to mention living expenses, travel, and course materials.
Fortunately, a wide range of fully funded and high-value MBA scholarships are available specifically for international students. These scholarships aim to attract top talent from around the world and support global diversity in business education. In this article, we highlight the top MBA scholarships for international students in 2025, covering eligibility criteria, benefits, and application tips.
1. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship (USA)
Offered by Stanford Graduate School of Business, this fellowship supports Indian students who demonstrate leadership potential and a desire to return to India to contribute to its development.
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Eligibility: Indian citizens with financial need, strong academic background, and leadership qualities.
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Award: Covers approximately $160,000 (full tuition and associated fees).
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Bond: Recipients must return to India for at least two years after graduation.
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Deadline: Usually April for fellowship application; admission deadlines vary.
2. Harvard Business School – HBS Fellowships (USA)
Harvard Business School offers generous need-based fellowships to international students as part of its mission to build a diverse, inclusive cohort.
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Eligibility: Demonstrated financial need; no separate scholarship application required.
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Award: Average fellowship amount is $40,000–$45,000 per year.
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Other benefits: Includes access to mentoring, leadership workshops, and more.
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Deadline: As per MBA admission deadlines (Round 1, 2, 3).
3. INSEAD Scholarships (France/Singapore/UAE)
INSEAD, one of the world’s top international business schools, offers over 150 scholarships annually, including merit-based and need-based options for international students.
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Eligibility: Varies by scholarship; factors include nationality, financial need, academic merit, and professional experience.
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Award: Ranges from €10,000 to €40,000 per award.
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Popular scholarships:
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INSEAD Diversity Scholarships
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INSEAD Louis Franck Scholarship
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INSEAD Syngenta Endowed Scholarship for Emerging Country Leadership
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Application: Usually requires essays and a financial profile.
4. Skoll Scholarship – University of Oxford, Saïd Business School (UK)
This prestigious scholarship is for students who have demonstrated commitment to social entrepreneurship.
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Eligibility: Applicants with at least three years of experience in a social enterprise or impact-driven organization.
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Award: Full MBA tuition and fees (~£63,000), plus a living stipend.
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Extras: Access to Skoll Centre’s network and leadership programs.
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Deadline: Early deadlines required for scholarship consideration (often October or January).
5. DAAD Scholarships – Germany
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers fully funded scholarships for students from developing countries pursuing MBA programs in Germany.
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Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, at least two years of professional experience, and strong academic background.
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Award: Full tuition, monthly stipend (€934+), travel allowance, and insurance.
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Programs: Offered through various German institutions like the University of Leipzig and HTW Berlin.
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Deadline: Varies by program; typically between October and December.
6. Rotman School of Management Scholarships – University of Toronto (Canada)
Rotman offers a wide range of entrance awards for outstanding international students.
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Eligibility: Academic excellence, GMAT/GRE scores, and leadership potential.
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Award: Ranges from CAD $10,000 to full tuition.
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Top Awards:
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Rotman Entrance Awards
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Joseph L. Rotman Scholarship (full tuition)
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Application: Automatic consideration during admission process.
7. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Funded by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships cover full costs for a one-year master’s program, including MBAs.
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Eligibility: Citizens of Chevening-eligible countries, two years’ work experience, and leadership potential.
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Award: Full tuition, living allowance, airfare, and visa fees.
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Universities: Any UK university, including London Business School, Oxford, Cambridge, and Warwick.
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Deadline: Applications typically open in August and close in early November.
8. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
This U.S. government-funded scholarship supports international students in pursuing graduate-level education, including MBAs.
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Eligibility: Country-specific; applicants must be from a participating Fulbright country.
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Award: Full tuition, living stipend, airfare, health insurance.
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Application: Varies by country and is managed by the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission.
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Deadline: Usually between February and May, depending on the country.
9. University of Cambridge – Boustany MBA Scholarship (UK)
A prestigious scholarship for students applying to the Cambridge Judge Business School.
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Eligibility: Outstanding academic record and a strong GMAT score.
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Award: 75% of tuition fees and travel/living expenses.
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Preference: Given to candidates of Lebanese descent but open to all nationalities.
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Deadline: May of the year of admission.
10. Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)
ADB offers scholarships to students from ADB member countries pursuing postgraduate studies in business and economics.
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Eligibility: Citizens of ADB developing member countries with a bachelor's degree and two years of work experience.
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Award: Full tuition, monthly stipend, housing, travel costs, books, and health insurance.
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Partner Institutions: Includes universities in Japan, Hong Kong, India, and more.
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Deadline: Varies by institution; typically February to April.
Tips for Winning an MBA Scholarship
Applying for an MBA scholarship is highly competitive. Here are strategies to improve your chances:
1. Prepare a Stellar Application Early
Start early to meet scholarship-specific deadlines, which are often earlier than general admission deadlines.
2. Ace the GMAT or GRE
High test scores significantly improve your eligibility, especially for merit-based awards.
3. Write a Compelling Essay
Your scholarship essays should clearly reflect your goals, leadership experience, financial need, and impact potential.
4. Showcase Global Mindset and Diversity
Business schools value diversity. Highlight unique experiences, cultural contributions, and how you’ll enrich the MBA cohort.
5. Get Strong Letters of Recommendation
Choose recommenders who can speak to your leadership potential, professional accomplishments, and integrity.