Best MBA Scholarships in the USA for International Students
Imagine that you finish your MBA, and right when you’re excited to start your career, you find yourself weighed down by student loans that could take years to repay. Sadly, this is the case for many international students in the USA, but it doesn’t have to be yours. If you’re dreaming of MBA in USA scholarships, there are many ways to fund your education. These financial aid options can free you from debt so you can focus on what matters most: your future.
Especially for those who want to choose business majors, a scholarship can help. If you want to pursue entrepreneurship or a similar career, you won’t have to force yourself into high-paying roles like banking just to repay the tuition fee.
In this article, we’ll share some of the best MBA scholarships for international students in USA. Let’s help you chase your dreams, not debt.
Table of Contents
List of MBA Scholarships in USA for International Students
| United States Scholarships | |||||
| S.no. | Scholarship Name | Applicable Degrees | Amount Offered | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadline |
| 1 | Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MEM, MFin | Tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance | Indian citizens with at least 55% marks in bachelor’s degree; three years of work experience; demonstrated leadership and community service | Varies annually; typically May-June |
| 2 | Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MEM, MFin | Up to $100,000 USD | Indian citizens with a first-class degree; admission to a top institution; candidates under 30 years of age | March 30 annually |
| 3 | Tata Scholarship for Cornell University | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MEM, MFin | Full tuition and living expenses | Indian citizens; admission to Cornell University; demonstrated financial need | Varies annually |
| 4 | AAUW International Fellowships | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MEM, MFin | $18,000–$30,000 USD | Women from countries other than the U.S.; bachelor’s degree; commitment to return to home country | December 1 annually |
| 5 | Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MEM, MFin | Tuition, living stipend, airfare, and health insurance | Indian citizens; bachelor’s degree; three years of related work experience; admission to a participating program | Varies annually |
| 6 | Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship | MBA | Approximately $150,000 USD | Indian citizens; admission to Stanford MBA program; commitment to return and work in India | May annually |
| 7 | Harvard University—Inlaks Fellowship | MBA, MFin | Up to $100,000 USD | Indian citizens; admission to Harvard University; candidates under 30 years of age | Varies annually |
| 8 | Chicago Booth School of Business—The India Trust Fellowship | MBA | $10,000 USD | Indian citizens; admission to Chicago Booth MBA program | Varies annually |
| 9 | Kellogg School of Management—Emerging Markets Scholarship | MBA | Varies | Students from emerging markets, including India; admission to Kellogg MBA program | Varies annually |
| 10 | MIT Sloan School of Management—Aker Scholarship | MBA, MFin | Full tuition and living expenses | Norwegian students or those with strong ties to Norway; admission to MIT Sloan | Varies annually |
| 11 | University of Pennsylvania Wharton School— Emerging Economy Fellowships | MBA | Full tuition | Students from emerging economies, including India; admission to Wharton MBA program | Varies annually |
| 12 | Yale School of Management—Global Leaders from India Scholarship | MBA | Varies | Indian citizens; admission to Yale MBA program | Varies annually |
| 13 | Columbia Business School—India Business Fellowship | MBA | Varies | Indian citizens; admission to Columbia MBA program; interest in Indian economic development | Varies annually |
| 14 | Dartmouth Tuck School of Business—Tuck India Scholarship | MBA | Varies | Indian citizens; admission to Tuck MBA program | Varies annually |
| 15 | University of Michigan Ross School of Business— India Fellowships | MBA | Varies | Indian citizens; admission to Ross MBA program | Varies annually |
| 16 | Duke University Fuqua School of Business—India Scholarship | MBA | Varies | Indian citizens; admission to Fuqua MBA program | Varies annually |
| 17 | NYU Stern School of Business—Dean’s Scholarship | MBA, MFin | Full tuition | Exceptional candidates; admission to NYU Stern | Varies annually |
| 18 | University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy— India Fellowships | MFin | Varies | Indian citizens; admission to Harris School programs | Varies annually |
| 19 | Cornell SC Johnson College of Business—Emerging Markets Institute Fellowships | MBA, MFin | Varies | Students from emerging markets, including India; admission to Cornell | Varies annually |
| 20 | UCLA Anderson School of Management—Dean’s Fellowship | MBA | Varies | Outstanding candidates; admission to UCLA Anderson | Varies annually |
| 21 | University of Texas McCombs School of Business— India Excellence Scholarship | MBA | Varies | Indian citizens; admission to McCombs MBA program | Varies annually |
| 22 | Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business—Dean’s Scholarship | MBA, MFin | Varies | Exceptional candidates; admission to Tepper School | Varies annually |
| 23 | University of Virginia Darden School of Business— India Scholarship | MBA | Varies | Indian citizens; admission to Darden MBA program | Varies annually |
| 24 | University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School—Global Scholarships | MBA | Varies | International students, including Indians; admission to Kenan- Flagler MBA program | Varies annually |
| 25 | University of Southern California Marshall School of Business—International Business Education and Research MBA Fellowships | MBA | Varies | International students; admission to Marshall MBA program | Varies annually |
| 26 | University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business—MBA Fellowships | MBA | Varies | Outstanding candidates; admission to Mendoza MBA program | Varies annually |
| 27 | Emory University Goizueta Business School—Global Scholarships | MBA | Varies | International students; admission to Goizueta MBA program | Varies annually |
| 28 | Georgetown University McDonough School of Business—Global Business Fellowship | MBA | Varies | International students; admission to McDonough MBA program | Varies annually |
| 29 | University of Rochester Simon Business School— International Student Scholarships | MBA, MFin | Varies | International students; admission to Simon Business School | Varies annually |
| 30 | Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management—Dean’s Scholars Program | MBA | Varies | Exceptional candidates; admission to Owen Graduate School | Varies annually |
| 31 | University of Washington Foster School of Business—Global Business Scholarships | MBA | Varies | International students; admission to Foster MBA program | Varies annually |
| 32 | University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management—Global Excellence Scholarships | MBA | Varies | International students; admission to Carlson MBA program | Varies annually |
| 33 | Ohio State University Fisher College of Business— International Student Scholarships | MBA | Varies | International students; admission to Fisher MBA program | Varies annually |
| 34 | University of Illinois Gies College of Business— Dean’s Scholarships | MBA, MFin | Varies | Outstanding candidates; admission to Gies College | Varies annually |
| 35 | University of Arizona Eller College of Management— Global Excellence Awards | MBA | Varies | International students; admission to Eller MBA program | Varies annually |
| 36 | Michigan State University Broad College of Business—International Business Scholarships | MBA | Varies | International students; admission to Broad MBA program | Varies annually |
| 37 | University of Maryland Smith School of Business— Global Scholarships | MBA, MFin | Varies | International students; admission to Smith School | Varies annually |
| 38 | University of Florida Warrington College of Business—International Student Scholarships | MBA, MFin | Varies | International students; admission to Warrington | Varies annually |
| 39 | Northeastern University D’Amore-McKim School of Business—Global Scholars Awards | MBA, MSBA, MFin | Varies | International students; admission to D’Amore-McKim | Varies annually |
| 40 | Boston University Questrom School of Business— International Merit Scholarships | MBA, MSBA, MFin | Varies | International students; admission to Questrom | Varies annually |
| 41 | Babson College F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business—International Student Fellowships | MBA, MiM, MSBA | Varies | International students; admission to Babson Olin | Varies annually |
| 42 | Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business— Global Scholarships | MBA, MFin | Varies | International students; admission to Rice Jones | Varies annually |
| 43 | Indiana University Kelley School of Business—Dean’s Fellowships | MBA, MSBA, MFin | Varies | International students; admission to Kelley | Varies annually |
| 44 | Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business—Global Business Fellowships | MBA, MFin | Varies | International students; admission to Cox School | Varies annually |
| 45 | Georgia Institute of Technology Scheller College of Business—International Merit Scholarships | MBA, MEM, MSBA | Varies | International students; admission to Scheller | Varies annually Varies annually |
| 46 | University of California Irvine Merage School of Business—International Student Scholarships | MBA, MSBA, MFin | Varies | International students; admission to Merage | |
| 47 | University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business—Global Business Fellowships | MBA, MSBA, MFin | Varies | International students; admission to Katz | Varies annually |
| 48 | University of Utah Eccles School of Business—Dean’ s International Scholarships | MBA, MSBA, MFin | Varies | International students; admission to Eccles | Varies annually |
| 49 | Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business—Global Scholars Awards | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MFin | Varies | International students; admission to W.P. Carey | Varies annually |
| 50 | University of Colorado Leeds School of Business— International Student Fellowships | MBA, MSBA, MFin | Varies | International students; admission to Leeds | Varies annually |
| 51 | University of Georgia Terry College of Business— Global Excellence Scholarships | MBA, MSBA, MFin | Varies | International students; admission to Terry | Varies annually |
| 52 | University of Iowa Tippie College of Business— International Student Awards | MBA, MSBA, MFin | Varies | International students; admission to Tippie | Varies annually |
| 53 | University of Miami Herbert Business School—Global Business Fellowships | MBA, MSBA, MFin | Varies | International students; admission to Herbert | Varies annually |
| 54 | Washington University in St. Louis Olin Business School—Global Scholars Program | MBA, MSBA, MFin | Varies | International students; admission to Olin | Varies annually |
| 55 | University of Arizona Global Wildcat Award | MBA, MSBA, MFin | Varies | International students; admission to Arizona | Varies annually |
| 56 | Clark University Graduate Scholarship for International Students | MBA, MSBA, MFin | Varies | International students; admission to Clark University | Varies annually |
| 57 | Hult International Business School Global Scholarship | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MFin | Varies | International students; admission to Hult | Varies annually |
| 58 | Brandeis International Business School Global Dean’ s Scholarships | MBA, MSBA, MFin | Varies | International students; admission to Brandeis IBS | Varies annually |
How can International Students apply for Scholarships in the USA?
Many students hold back from applying to US universities because of cost. However, several US scholarships for international students are available to make sure your dreams are not held back by finances.
If you’re serious about funding your MBA, your university’s financial aid office should be your first stop. Start by checking your university’s official financial aid page. You can call or email to learn about MBA scholarships for international students in the USA, eligibility, application deadlines, and documentation needed.
When it comes to eligibility, there’s no fixed formula. Some scholarships focus on high GPAs, others on leadership skills, social impact, or work history. Here’s where to begin:
- University scholarship portals
- Government-backed or embassy websites
- Private scholarship providers like Prodigy Finance
Note: The application process varies. Some MBA programs automatically consider you for scholarships, while others require a separate application, including essays or videos.
Here are some quick tips to get the right MBA scholarship in the US:
- Start your research early
- Choose scholarships that fit your profile
- Apply to multiple scholarships
- Write a compelling scholarship essay, if required
With merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and country-specific scholarships like the Fulbright Fellowship for Indian students or privately funded awards such as those offered by MPOWER Financing, the financial support is vast for international MBA students.
Is it possible to get a 100% scholarship for an MBA in the USA?
Yes, a 100% MBA scholarship in the USA is possible, but it requires exceptional merit. Leading B-schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton do offer full tuition scholarships that may also cover living expenses. These are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership skills, and personal impact.
Here’s a look at some well-known scholarships and what they offer:
| Scholarship | Coverage | Eligibility | Notes | ||
| Harvard Business School Need-Based Scholarship | Full tuition for 10% of students; partial aid for others | Based on financial need | Average scholarship ~$46,000 per year | ||
| Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship | ~75% of tuition + travel and accommodation for internship | High academic merit; preference for candidates of Lebanese descent | Internship with the Boustany Foundation required | ||
| Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford) | Full tuition + living + other expenses | High-achieving students applying to Stanford | Must apply separately to Knight-Hennessy and Stanford GSB | ||
| Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship (Stanford) | Full tuition + course-related fees (~$140,000) | Indian students committed to returning to India for at least 2 years | Automatically renewed for 2nd year | ||
| NYU Stern Dean’s Scholarship | Full tuition + fees |
|
Awarded to a small, select group | ||
| Wharton Fellowship | 59% | All admitted students | Selection is based on academics, professional growth, meaningful contributions and other factors. | ||
| Finance Fellows Program – Kellogg School of Management | Full tuition | Students committed to making an impact in finance industry | Mentorship from Kellogg alums and faculty. |
Final Word!
Let’s face it – an MBA in the USA doesn’t come cheap. But if you know the right processes, MBA scholarships in the USA for international students are within reach. Whether you’re applying to Harvard Business School, Stanford, or Wharton, early planning is key.
Need help? Our experts can help you identify MBA scholarships, align your profile to win a merit based scholarship, and prepare compelling applications. With our guidance, your dream MBA program won’t stay a dream.
