Pursuing an MBA in the United States is a dream for many students across the globe. The USA is home to some of the best business schools offering world-class education, top-notch faculty, and excellent job opportunities after graduation. However, the high cost of tuition and living expenses can be a major hurdle, especially for international students.
The good news? Many universities, foundations, and organizations offer scholarships exclusively for international MBA students. These scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden and help you focus on your studies and career.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the top MBA scholarships in the USA for international students in 2025, along with their eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply.
Why Apply for MBA Scholarships in the USA?
- Reduce tuition costs and living expenses
- Improve chances of admission (scholarship winners are often highly valued)
- Build a strong academic and professional profile
- Opportunity to study at prestigious business schools
- Focus more on learning and networking, less on financial stress
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Provider: U.S. Department of State
Eligibility: International students from over 160 countries
Covers: Full tuition, airfare, living stipend, and health insurance
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships for international students. It supports graduate-level studies in the U.S., including MBA programs.
How to Apply:
Visit the official Fulbright website in your country. Applications typically open 12-18 months before the academic year starts.
2. Harvard Business School – Need-Based Fellowships
University: Harvard Business School
Eligibility: All admitted MBA students, including international applicants
Amount: $30,000–$50,000 per year
Harvard offers generous financial aid through fellowships based on need, not merit. About 50% of MBA students receive these awards.
How to Apply:
No separate application. Submit financial aid forms after admission.
3. Stanford GSB Fellowships
University: Stanford Graduate School of Business
Eligibility: All MBA students
Amount: Up to $42,000 per year (total of $84,000)
Stanford GSB offers fellowships based on demonstrated financial need, including to international students.
How to Apply:
No separate application required. Submit personal and financial info during the admissions process.
4. Booth School of Business Scholarships (University of Chicago)
University: University of Chicago
Eligibility: Exceptional academic and leadership profiles
Type: Merit-based
Booth offers several named scholarships for international MBA students, such as the Global Innovator Fellowship, the India Trust Fellowship, and more.
How to Apply:
No separate application required. Awarded automatically based on admission strength.
5. MIT Sloan MBA Fellowships
University: MIT Sloan School of Management
Eligibility: Based on merit, leadership, and contribution potential
Amount: Varies (partial to full tuition)
MIT Sloan offers fellowships specifically for international students, including the McKinsey Award, Forté Fellowship, and Legatum Fellowship.
How to Apply:
No separate application. Students are considered during admission review.
6. Columbia Business School – International Fellowships
University: Columbia University
Eligibility: International students with high potential
Type: Need- and merit-based awards
Columbia offers various fellowships for MBA students, including the Board of Overseers Fellowship, Africa Fellowship, and others.
How to Apply:
Considered automatically after completing the MBA application.
7. Yale School of Management Scholarships
University: Yale University
Eligibility: All admitted MBA students
Amount: Varies; many full-tuition scholarships available
Yale SOM provides merit-based and need-based scholarships for outstanding students, regardless of nationality.
How to Apply:
No separate scholarship form. Just apply for MBA and submit financial information.
8. Rotman School of Management Global Scholarships
University: University of Toronto (note: Canada, but a top North American MBA option)
Eligibility: International MBA applicants
Type: Merit-based scholarships
Although not in the USA, Rotman is a top alternative in North America. Their Global Excellence and Forté Fellowships are open to international students.
How to Apply:
Apply with MBA admission form; scholarship consideration is automatic.
9. QS MBA Scholarships for International Students
Provider: QS Quacquarelli Symonds
Eligibility: Students attending a QS World MBA Tour event
Amount: Up to $10,000
QS offers several scholarships for MBA aspirants globally. You must attend their education fair and apply through their portal.
How to Apply:
Register for and attend a QS MBA event and submit scholarship applications online.
10. AAUW International Fellowships
Provider: American Association of University Women (AAUW)
Eligibility: Non-U.S. women pursuing graduate studies
Amount: $20,000–$50,000
This program supports international women pursuing MBA and other graduate degrees in the U.S.
How to Apply:
Apply directly through the AAUW website. Application deadlines are usually in November each year.
Bonus Scholarships Offered by Specific Universities
- Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania): Joseph Wharton Fellowships, Emerging Economy Fellowships
- NYU Stern: Dean’s Scholarship, William R. Berkley Scholarship for exceptional undergraduates
- Darden School of Business (University of Virginia): International Student Scholarships
- Olin Business School (Washington University in St. Louis): Global Leadership Scholarships
- Hult International Business School: Merit and Diversity Scholarships (open to all international students)
Tips to Win an MBA Scholarship
- Apply early: Many scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Craft a strong SOP: Showcase your vision, career goals, and leadership potential.
- Highlight achievements: Academic excellence, work experience, and extracurricular activities matter.
- Secure powerful recommendation letters: From managers, professors, or business leaders.
- Maintain a competitive GMAT/GRE score: Some scholarships are merit-based.
Final Thoughts
Studying MBA in the USA can be affordable if you leverage the right scholarship opportunities. Many top universities not only offer world-class education but also provide generous financial support to deserving international students.
With early planning, a compelling application, and a little bit of research, you can turn your dream of studying in the USA into a reality—without breaking the bank.