Business and MBA Scholarships for International Students (2025 Guide)

Pursuing an MBA or business degree abroad is one of the best investments you can make for your career. However, the cost of tuition, accommodation, and living expenses can be a major obstacle for many international students. Fortunately, numerous scholarships and funding opportunities are available in 2025 to help reduce financial stress and make studying abroad more affordable.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top Business and MBA scholarships for international students in 2025, including eligibility criteria, application tips, and key deadlines.

 

1. Harvard Business School MBA Scholarships (USA)

Harvard Business School offers need-based fellowships to international MBA students with financial constraints. The average fellowship amount ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 per year.

Eligibility: Applicants must first be admitted into the MBA program and demonstrate financial need.
Deadline: Aligns with the HBS MBA admission deadlines (Round 1 and Round 2, typically September and January).

 

2. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship (USA)

This fellowship supports outstanding Indian students pursuing an MBA at Stanford Graduate School of Business. It covers tuition and associated fees for the two-year program.

Eligibility: Indian nationals with leadership potential and financial need.
Deadline: Usually in April each year.

 

3. INSEAD MBA Scholarships (France/Singapore)

INSEAD offers over 150 different scholarships for MBA students, including merit-based, need-based, and region-specific awards. Some notable ones include the INSEAD Diversity Scholarship and the INSEAD Greendale Foundation Scholarship.

Eligibility: Varies by scholarship but generally based on academic excellence, leadership, and financial need.
Deadline: Scholarship deadlines follow each admission round.

 

4. London Business School (LBS) Scholarships (UK)

LBS provides a wide range of scholarships for international MBA students, including the London Business School Fund Scholarship and the Laidlaw Women’s Leadership Fund. Awards may cover partial or full tuition.

Eligibility: Admitted international MBA candidates demonstrating academic excellence or leadership qualities.
Deadline: Corresponds with MBA application deadlines (typically in September, January, and March).

 

5. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Funded by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships offer full financial support for one-year master’s degrees, including MBA programs at top UK universities.

Eligibility: Applicants must be from a Chevening-eligible country, have at least two years of work experience, and demonstrate leadership potential.
Deadline: Usually early November each year.

 

6. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

The Fulbright Program provides full funding for graduate study, including MBA degrees, for international students in the United States. It covers tuition, travel, living stipends, and health insurance.

Eligibility: Varies by country; applicants must show academic excellence and leadership.
Deadline: Varies depending on the applicant’s home country (usually between February and May).

 

7. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (Europe)

These scholarships support students enrolling in joint master’s programs across multiple European universities. Business and management programs are included among eligible fields.

Eligibility: Open to students from both EU and non-EU countries. Selection is based on academic merit.
Deadline: Typically between December and February.

 

8. Wharton MBA Fellowships (USA)

The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania offers several merit-based fellowships to exceptional international MBA candidates. Awards include the Joseph Wharton Fellowship and Emerging Economy Fellowship.

Eligibility: Based on academic performance, professional achievements, and leadership potential.
Deadline: Aligned with Wharton MBA application rounds (usually September, January, and March).

 

9. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)

Funded by the Australian Government, these scholarships support students from developing countries pursuing master’s degrees, including MBA programs, in Australia.

Eligibility: Must be from an eligible developing country and meet academic and leadership criteria.
Deadline: Typically in April each year.

 

10. Saïd Business School Scholarships – University of Oxford (UK)

Oxford’s Saïd Business School offers numerous scholarships for MBA students, including the Skoll Scholarship for Social Entrepreneurship and the Saïd Foundation Scholarships.

Eligibility: Admission to the Oxford MBA program and fulfillment of individual scholarship requirements.
Deadline: Varies depending on each scholarship (generally between January and March).

 

Tips for Applying to Business and MBA Scholarships

1. Start early: Most scholarships require early preparation—research deadlines and gather documents ahead of time.
2. Write a strong personal statement: Highlight leadership, professional achievements, and long-term goals.
3. Secure powerful recommendations: Choose referees who can speak about your leadership and impact.
4. Tailor your application: Customize each scholarship application to align with its mission and values.
5. Maintain excellent academics: Competitive scholarships prioritize strong academic and professional backgrounds.

 

Final Thoughts

Pursuing a business or MBA degree abroad doesn’t have to be financially impossible. With the right research and preparation, international students can access fully funded or partially funded scholarships in 2025. Whether your goal is to study in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, or Australia, these scholarships can open doors to global business education and leadership opportunities.

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