As an international student looking to pursue an MBA degree in the United States, there are quite many things you need to know first.

But first, pursuing higher education abroad – especially an MBA – can be financially challenging, however, scholarships can help alleviate the burden.

In this article, we will explore the best MBA scholarships available for international students in the USA.

If you’re able to secure a scholarship for your MBA studies, it’d save you huge costs, which will significantly impact your academic journey positively.

Scholarships not only provide financial support but also recognize your achievements, talent, and potential. The United States is renowned for its prestigious business schools and MBA programs, and several scholarships are available specifically for international students.

Why Haunt for MBA Scholarships as an International Student?

MBA scholarships hold immense value for international students for several reasons. Firstly, they make quality education more accessible by reducing the financial burden associated with studying abroad.

Scholarships also provide recognition for academic excellence and contribute to the diversity and multicultural environment of business schools. Moreover, receiving a scholarship can enhance your resume, demonstrating your commitment to education and your potential as a future business leader.

The United States is home to renowned business schools that offer world-class MBA programs. These programs provide rigorous academic training, experiential learning opportunities, and access to a vast network of professionals and alumni. Pursuing an MBA in the USA equips you with the skills, knowledge, and connections necessary to thrive in the global business landscape.

Types of MBA Scholarships

There are different types of MBA scholarships, catering to different criteria and objectives. Let’s explore some common types of scholarships for international students:

1. Merit-Based Scholarships

This type of MBA scholarship is awarded par academic achievements, such as your cumulative GPA, test scores, and overall excellence. These scholarships recognize and support students with exceptional academic records.

2. Need-Based Scholarships

Need-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships aim to assist those who may not have the means to finance their MBA studies independently.

3. Diversity Scholarships

Diversity scholarships focus on promoting diversity and inclusion within MBA programs. They aim to support students from underrepresented backgrounds or those who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the classroom.

4. Leadership Scholarships

As the name implies, this is a type of MBA scholarship awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and potential. These scholarships often require applicants to showcase their leadership experience, involvement in extracurricular activities, and community contributions.

Best MBA Scholarships in the USA For International Students

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program offers scholarships to international students from more than 160 countries. This program provides financial assistance for graduate study in the USA, including MBA programs. The Fulbright scholarship covers tuition, textbooks, airfare, health insurance, and a living stipend.

Not only in the US, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program operates in 160+ countries worldwide, and about 4,000 foreign students receive Fulbright scholarships each year. These scholarships are administered by binational Fulbright Commissions/Foundations or U.S. Embassies. Program eligibility and selection vary widely by country.

2. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship

Sadly, this is for Indian students only – who want to further their higher learning in the USA. The Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship is awarded to Indian students applying to the Stanford Graduate School of Business. This fellowship covers the full cost of tuition and associated fees for the two-year MBA program.

3. Harvard Business School (HBS) Scholarships

Here comes the infamous scholarship many international students long to get. The Harvard Business School (HBS) offers various scholarships to MBA students, including the HBS Fellowships. These scholarships are based on need and cover the full cost of tuition and other expenses. On average, 50 percent of students who apply for HBS scholarships receive a need-based scholarship at an average of $42,000 per year, or $84,000 total.

4. Yale School of Management Scholarships

The Yale School of Management provides scholarships for international students, such as the International MBA Scholarship and the Yale Silver Scholars Program. These scholarships support outstanding students in their pursuit of an MBA degree. Also, the Yale School of Management offers other financial support to ensure that bright scholars reach the peak of their educational pursuits.

5. Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania Scholarships

The Wharton School offers scholarships to international students, including the Joseph Wharton Fellowship, Howard E. Mitchell Fellowship, and the Wharton MBA Deferred Admission Program. These scholarships provide financial support and access to valuable resources. This is one of the most feasible options to get a decent discount in pursuing your MBA dreams in the USA.

Eligibility Criteria for USA Scholarships

Each MBA scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, which may include academic performance, work experience, leadership qualities, and more. It is crucial to carefully review the requirements for each scholarship to determine your eligibility before applying. If you do not qualify for one, try the other one, and keep checking for which one you qualify for.

Application Process

The application process follows a similar procedure for all the scholarships mentioned above. It involves:

• Submitting an application form, along with your academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays.
• Book and attend an interview.
• You may have to pay a little fee at some point
• Wait for an email that confirms if you got selected or not.

Benefits of MBA Scholarships

The benefits are quite numerous, but they revolve around alleviating the financial burden of obtaining an MBA certificate. Some of the benefits include:

• Financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
• Recognition of academic excellence and potential.
• Access to a strong network of professionals and alumni.
• Reduced financial burden, allowing you to focus on your studies and career development.
• Increased opportunities for internships, research projects, and networking events.

What More?

This article is a useful resource for anyone seeking MBA scholarships in the USA. We tried as much as possible to cover a ton of handy information to help international students achieve their MBA aims.