Pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is a dream for many students worldwide. An MBA opens doors to exceptional career opportunities, global networks, and advanced leadership skills. However, the cost of obtaining an MBA can be prohibitive, particularly for international students. Fortunately, various scholarships are available to help alleviate the financial burden. Here’s a detailed guide to some of the best MBA scholarships for international students and how to apply for them.
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Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program provides scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the United States. It covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance.
Eligibility: Applicants must be citizens of a participating country and have a strong academic record.
How to Apply: Visit the official Fulbright Foreign Student Program website to find application details specific to your country.
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Chevening Scholarships
Funded by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships are aimed at outstanding emerging leaders worldwide. They cover full tuition fees, monthly stipends, travel costs, and other allowances.
Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential, have a bachelor’s degree, and meet English language requirements.
How to Apply: Applications can be submitted through the Chevening Scholarships portal.
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Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
The Eiffel Scholarship, offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, supports international students to pursue master’s and PhD programs in France. It provides a monthly allowance, travel expenses, and health insurance.
Eligibility: Applicants must be under 30 years of age and meet academic and professional requirements.
How to Apply: Contact your chosen French university to apply, as they are responsible for nominating candidates. More details are available on the Campus France website.
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Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship
Stanford Graduate School of Business offers this fellowship to African students who need financial assistance. It covers tuition and associated fees.
Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a commitment to improving the African continent.
How to Apply: Apply to the MBA program at Stanford and submit the fellowship application via their official website.
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INSEAD Scholarships
INSEAD offers numerous scholarships for international students, ranging from merit-based awards to those based on financial need. Awards typically range from €10,000 to €25,000.
Eligibility: Criteria vary by scholarship but often include academic excellence and financial need.
How to Apply: Apply through the INSEAD scholarship portal.
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Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships
Rotary Foundation Global Grants fund graduate-level coursework or research for international students studying abroad. Grants are valued at $30,000 or more.
Eligibility: Applicants must align their study with one of Rotary’s focus areas, such as peacebuilding or economic development.
How to Apply: Contact your local Rotary Club and submit an application through their official website.
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The Skoll Scholarship
Offered by the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, this scholarship supports students with entrepreneurial ideas for positive social change. It covers full tuition and a living stipend.
Eligibility: Applicants must have started a social venture and demonstrate financial need.
How to Apply: First, apply for the MBA program at Oxford. Once admitted, submit a separate application for the Skoll Scholarship through their website.
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DAAD Scholarships
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides scholarships for international students pursuing graduate degrees in Germany. The scholarship includes tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
Eligibility: Applicants must have at least two years of work experience and demonstrate academic excellence.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the DAAD portal.
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HKUST MBA Scholarships
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) offers merit-based scholarships to outstanding international students. Awards range from partial to full tuition coverage.
Eligibility: Based on academic excellence, professional achievements, and leadership potential.
How to Apply: Submit your application via the HKUST MBA website.
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Forte Foundation Fellowships
The Forte Foundation offers fellowships to women pursuing an MBA at member schools. Fellowships include financial awards and leadership development programs.
Eligibility: Open to women who demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence.
How to Apply: Apply directly to Forte partner schools and indicate your interest in the fellowship. Learn more at the Forte Foundation website.
Securing an MBA scholarship requires research, dedication, and effort. Start early, tailor your applications to each program’s requirements, and ensure your documents are polished and professional. These scholarships not only reduce the financial strain of pursuing an MBA but also connect you with global networks and opportunities to excel in your career.