Updated on 9th July 2025 | 01:00 PM
In a world where elite MBA programs come with a staggering price tag of over $100,000 per year, top scholarships for MBA to study abroad are not just a money-saver; they are the pathway to earning your degree without the burden of a quarter million dollars in debt.
Aware that their high tuition fees can be a barrier for students aiming for an MBA, business schools ensure that scholarship for MBA options are available so financial constraints don’t limit access to their programs. The scholarship scheme offered by these institutions varies widely, but all aim to support meritorious students pursuing their academic goals.
We’ve compiled a list of essential abroad scholarship for MBA programs to help you reduce the financial burden of studying internationally. Many students search for scholarships for MBA students at the time of admission, not realizing that planning ahead can significantly increase their chances. Read on to find out whether you qualify for these scholarships and how to submit your application.
The United States offers numerous scholarships for MBA opportunities for international students, including MBA scholarships in USA for Indian students specifically. These can range from partial to fully funded MBA scholarships for Indian students. The US MBA scholarships for Indian students are highly competitive but can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying at prestigious institutions. (Note: students should research scholarship in GMAT requirements carefully, as many programs require minimum scores for consideration.)
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
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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 |
The UK has established itself as a premier destination for MBA studies, with numerous MBA scholarships in the UK available for international applicants. These scholarships for graduate students MBA often cover partial tuition and sometimes living expenses.
United Kingdom Scholarships | |||||
S.no. | Scholarship Name | Applicable Degrees | Amount Offered | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadline |
1 | Chevening Scholarships | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MEM, MFin | Full tuition + living expenses | Strong leadership potential; 2+ years of work experience | November (varies annually) |
2 | Commonwealth Masters Scholarships | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MEM, MFin | Full tuition + living expenses | Citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries; strong academic record | October (varies annually) |
3 | Great Scholarship (UK Gov & British Council) | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MEM, MFin | £10,000 | Indian citizens; strong academic record | Varies by university |
4 | Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford) | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MFin | Full tuition + stipend | Indian citizens; exceptional academic and leadership potential | August (varies annually) |
5 | Clarendon Scholarships (University of Oxford) | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MEM, MFin | Full tuition + stipend | High academic merit; automatic consideration with Oxford application | January (varies annually) |
6 | Cambridge Trust Scholarships | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MFin | Partial to full tuition | Indian students; admission to University of Cambridge | December-January (varies) |
7 | Warwick Business School Scholarships | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MFin | Up to 50% tuition waiver | Merit-based; admission to WBS | Rolling basis |
8 | London Business School Fund Scholarships | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MFin | £20,000-£50,000 | Merit-based; admission to LBS | Rolling basis |
9 | Imperial College Business School Scholarships | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MFin | Up to 50% tuition fee coverage | Admission to Imperial College Business School | Rolling basis |
10 | University of Edinburgh Business School Scholarships | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MFin | £5,000-£20,000 | Merit-based; admission to Edinburgh Business School | Rolling basis |
11 | University of Manchester Alliance Manchester Business School Scholarships | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MFin | Up to 50% tuition fee waiver | Merit-based; admission to AMBS | Rolling basis |
12 | Nottingham Global Scholarships | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MFin | £5,000-£15,000 | Merit-based; admission to Nottingham University | Rolling basis |
13 | Brunel University London International | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MFin | £6,000 | Indian students merit-based | Rolling basis |
Europe offers diverse opportunities through MBA Europe scholarship programs. Many European business schools provide scholarships for MBA students with strong academic backgrounds and professional experience. MBA in foreign countries with scholarship opportunities in Europe often include benefits like reduced tuition, stipends, and networking opportunities
Europe Scholarships (France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, etc.) | |||||
Sno. | Scholarship Name | Applicable Degrees | Amount Offered | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadline |
1 | Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France) | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MEM, MFin | €1,181/month + tuition waiver | International students; under 30 years old | January (varies annually) |
2 | EDHEC Business School Excellence Scholarship (France) | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MFin | Up to 50% tuition fee waiver | Merit-based; admission to EDHEC | Rolling basis |
3 | HEC Paris Excellence & Diversity Scholarships (France) | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MFin | Up to €25,000 | Admission to HEC Paris; merit-based | Rolling basis |
4 | INSEAD Need-Based & Merit Scholarships (France) | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MFin | €10,000-€30,000 | Need-based and merit-based options available | Varies per scholarship |
5 | ESSEC Business School International Scholarships (France) | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MFin | 20%-50% tuition fee waiver | Merit-based; admission to ESSEC | Rolling basis |
6 | Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (Europe-wide) | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MEM, MFin | Full tuition + stipend | Admission to Erasmus Mundus programs | Varies per program |
7 | DAAD Scholarships (Germany) | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MEM, MFin | Full/Partial tuition + stipend | Admission to a German university; strong academic record | October (varies annually) |
8 | WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management Scholarships (Germany) | MBA, MiM, MFin | Up to 50% tuition waiver | Merit-based; admission to WHU | Rolling basis |
9 | Frankfurt School of Finance & Management Scholarships (Germany) | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MFin | 20%-50% tuition coverage | Strong academic and professional background | Rolling basis |
10 | Stuttgart University Scholarships for International Students (Germany) | MBA, MEM | €750/month stipend | Merit-based; admission to Stuttgart University | Rolling basis |
11 | RSM Erasmus University Scholarships (Netherlands) | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MFin | Up to 50% tuition fee coverage | Merit-based; admission to RSM | Rolling basis |
12 | VU Amsterdam Business School Scholarships (Netherlands) | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MFin | €10,000 | Merit-based; admission to VU Amsterdam | Rolling basis |
13 | IE Business School Scholarships (Spain) | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MFin | 25%-50% tuition fee waiver | Merit-based; admission to IE Business School | Rolling basis |
14 | ESADE Business School Scholarships (Spain) | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MFin | Up to 50% tuition fee coverage | Admission to ESADE; merit-based | Rolling basis |
15 | EADA Business School Barcelona Scholarships (Spain) | MBA, MiM, MSBA, MFin | €5,000-€15,000 | Merit-based; admission to EADA | Rolling basis |
While eligibility criteria can vary depending on the specific scholarship, some common requirements for scholarships for MBA abroad include:
To apply for a scholarship for MBA:
Here are some strategies to increase your chances of securing fully funded MBA scholarships for Indian students:
Remember, fully funded scholarships are highly competitive. It’s wise to have a backup plan and consider partial scholarships or other funding options as well.
There are several govt scholarships for MBA students pursuing education abroad. These scholarships from the government often come with the requirement that students return to India after completing their education to contribute to the nation’s development.
Scholarship Name |
Offered by |
Benefits |
Eligibility |
National Overseas Scholarship Scheme |
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India |
Tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other allowances |
Indian students from economically weaker sections, aged below 35, with at least 60% marks in qualifying examination |
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships |
United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) |
Tuition fees, living expenses, round-trip economy class air travel, and health insurance |
Indian citizens with at least a bachelor’s degree and three years of professional work experience |
Chevening Scholarships |
UK Government |
Tuition fees, living expenses, and return flights to the UK |
Indian graduates with at least two years of work experience |
Commonwealth Scholarships |
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, UK |
Tuition fees, living allowance, airfare, and other allowances |
Citizens of Commonwealth countries with at least an upper second-class honours bachelor’s degree |
DAAD Scholarships |
German Academic Exchange Service |
Monthly stipend, travel allowance, health insurance, and in some cases, tuition fees |
Varies by program, generally requires a bachelor’s degree |
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships |
New Zealand Government |
Full tuition fees, living allowance, establishment allowance, medical insurance, and travel costs |
Citizens of Commonwealth countries with at least a bachelor’s degree |
Australia Awards Scholarships |
Australian Government |
Full tuition fees, return air travel, establishment allowance, living expenses, and health insurance |
Citizens of participating countries (including India) with at least a bachelor’s degree |
Yes, it is possible to get a 100% scholarship for MBA abroad, although these opportunities are highly competitive. Some prestigious programs offer full funding to exceptional candidates. For instance, the Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship provides up to USD 150,000 to five students who will return to India after the program. Additionally, the Laidlaw Scholars Program at HEC Paris offers up to 10 full tuition scholarships per graduating class for exceptional women candidates. Govt scholarship for MBA students can also provide good funding in some cases.
To check eligibility for GMAT scholarship opportunities, you should:
For example, some business schools automatically consider applicants with high GMAT scores for merit-based scholarships. At EDHEC Business School, applicants with a GMAT score at the 85th percentile or higher can get € 3,000 in scholarship funds.
For example, some business schools automatically consider applicants with high GMAT scores for merit-based scholarships. At EDHEC Business School, applicants with a GMAT score at the 85th percentile or higher (equivalent to 645 or higher in the latest edition of the GMAT) can get € 3,000 in scholarship funds.
Yes, you can and should apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously. This strategy increases your chances of securing financial aid for your MBA. Many business schools and external organizations encourage applicants to apply for multiple scholarships. For example:
However, it's important to carefully read the terms and conditions of each scholarship, as some may have restrictions on combining awards.
To find MBA scholarships tailored to your major or specific interests:
For example, the AFWA Master’s Scholarships are specifically for students pursuing accounting or finance degrees. Many business schools offer scholarships for specific career paths or industries, such as technology, entrepreneurship, or sustainability.
Yes, Indian students can get MBA scholarships at INSEAD. The school offers various scholarships that are open to Indian applicants:
Indian applicants should also look into country-specific scholarships that INSEAD may offer, as well as external scholarships for Indian students studying abroad.
Yes, it is possible to get a fully funded scholarship at HEC Paris, although these are highly competitive. HEC Paris offers several scholarship opportunities that can cover a significant portion of the tuition, and in some cases, provide full funding:
It's important to note that while full funding is possible, it's not common. Applicants should consider applying for multiple scholarships to maximize their chances of receiving substantial financial aid.
Securing scholarships for MBA programs can be challenging due to high competition, but it's certainly not impossible. The difficulty level depends on various factors:
To improve your chances, apply early, as some scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Tailor your applications to each scholarship's specific requirements and values. Consider applying to multiple scholarships to increase your odds of success.
For middle-class Indian students aspiring to do an MBA abroad, there are several strategies to make it financially feasible:
Yes, it is possible to get a scholarship for an MBA abroad even after a gap in your education or career. Many scholarship programs do not specifically exclude candidates with gaps, and some even value the diverse experiences that come with non-traditional career paths. Here's what you should keep in mind:
Remember, scholarship committees often look for candidates with unique perspectives and experiences. A gap in your education or career, if utilized productively, can potentially make your application stand out.