24 July 2025
6 minutes read
How to Get Scholarship to Study MBA in USA for Indian Students?
24 July 2025
6 minutes read
Key Takeaways
- How to get scholarship to study MBA in USA: Apply early, build a strong profile, and target merit-based and need-based scholarships to cut costs.
- Top business schools like Harvard, MIT Sloan, Stanford, and Wharton offer full tuition fellowships and financial aid for deserving Indian students.
- Combining multiple scholarships and fellowships can make studying for a USA MBA financially achievable.
Did you know the average tuition fee for an MBA in the USA exceeds $70,000 per year, excluding living costs? For many Indian students, this makes studying at top business schools like Harvard Business School or MIT Sloan seem impossible. Full-time MBA programs demand not only academic excellence but also financial resilience, leaving many feeling overwhelmed.
The good news? With the right strategy, Indian students can secure MBA scholarships in USA, ranging from full tuition fellowships to need-based and merit-based scholarships, making their MBA dream achievable.
Why Indian Students Should Pursue an MBA in the USA?
The USA remains the dream destination for Indian students to study an MBA, thanks to its top business schools, global exposure, and career prospects. Programs at Harvard Business School, MIT Sloan, Tuck, and NYU Stern offer many scholarships, including full tuition fellowships, merit-based scholarships, and need-based financial aid.
Pursuing an MBA in the USA opens doors to international networks, high-paying jobs, and recognition. Learning how to get scholarship to study MBA in USA ensures Indian students make this ambitious goal affordable.
Types of MBA Scholarships in USA for International Students
For many international students in the USA, understanding the types of MBA scholarships is key to lowering the high MBA tuition fees. Top universities and business schools in USA offer merit-based, need-based, and diversity-focused options, as well as fellowships and assistantships, making studying for an MBA more affordable.
Here’s a quick guide on how to get scholarship to study MBA in USA:
| Type of Scholarship | Details | Examples at Top Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Merit-Based Scholarships | Awarded to MBA students with outstanding academic, leadership, or professional achievements. Students are considered automatically at the time of admission. | Dean’s Scholarship at Tuck School of Business, MIT Sloan merit awards, scholarships for MBA in USA for high achievers. |
| Need-Based Scholarships | Scholarships are awarded to MBA students with the greatest financial need, covering partial or full tuition and sometimes cost of living. | Harvard Business School financial aid, University offers need-based scholarships to students enrolled in full-time MBA program. |
| Diversity & International Student Scholarships | International scholarships supporting women, Indian students, or other underrepresented groups studying in the USA. | Fully funded MBA scholarships for women, international students in USA fellowships, external scholarships awarded to students based on diversity. |
| Fellowships & Assistantships | Fellowships and graduate study in management roles allow students applying for a two-year MBA to receive stipends or full tuition scholarships while assisting faculty. | Consortium for Graduate Study fellowships, research assistant roles at top MBA programs in the USA. |
How to Get Scholarship to Study MBA in USA: Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Students
Securing an MBA scholarship in the USA can make studying at a top business school far more affordable for Indian students. From full scholarship MBA options to an array of merit-based scholarships, programs like MIT Sloan School of Management and other top universities offer scholarships to students who plan carefully.
Here’s how to get scholarship to study MBA in USA step by step:
- Research top universities and scholarship options: Explore business schools in the USA offering MBA scholarships for international students, including scholarships in USA for Indian students and full scholarship MBA programs.
- Build a strong academic and professional profile: Scholarships are awarded to MBA students based on achievements, leadership, and eligibility criteria.
- Prepare for GMAT/GRE and TOEFL/IELTS: Top MBA programs in the USA consider test scores for admitted students, especially for merit-based scholarships.
- Craft a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP) and essays: Show why you’re a strong fit, whether for an array of merit-based scholarships or second-year students applying for additional aid.
- Apply early and meet all deadlines: Many scholarships offered by universities cover tuition and cost of living; students receive more consideration when they apply on time.
Popular MBA Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA
Studying MBA in the USA is a dream for many Indian students, but the costs can be overwhelming. Scholarships make getting an MBA from a top business school possible, helping students receive merit-based or need-based support.
Here’s how to get scholarship to study MBA in USA through some of the most popular programs:
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship
A prestigious scholarship for an MBA, Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship supports exceptional Indian students admitted to various MBA programs in the USA. It is a merit-based award aimed at students planning to return to India and contribute to their field post-study.
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Criteria | Indian citizens with strong academics, leadership, and work experience; students applying for a full-time MBA. |
| Coverage | Tuition, living costs, health insurance, and travel allowance. |
| Duration | Covers the two-year MBA program in the USA. |
| Special Notes | Scholarship is one of the most competitive awards and students are considered based on leadership and return-to-India plans. |
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
This fully funded MBA scholarship in the USA supports Indian students admitted to Stanford GSB. It is designed to help students based in India pursue an MBA and return home to contribute to economic growth.
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Criteria | Indian students with admission to Stanford’s full-time MBA program; commitment to return to India post-MBA. |
| Coverage | Covers partial or full tuition, fees, and living costs for two years. |
| Duration | Two-year MBA program at Stanford. |
| Special Notes | Scholarship is merit-based; awarded to students demonstrating leadership and impact potential. |
Harvard Business School Scholarships
Harvard’s School of Business offers various MBA scholarships for international students, including need-based awards, making studying for an MBA in the USA achievable for Indian students.
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Criteria | Admitted students with demonstrated financial need; students enrolled in the full-time MBA. |
| Coverage | Need-based aid covering up to full tuition and partial cost of living. |
| Duration | Two years, renewable for the second year for students enrolled. |
| Special Notes | Scholarship is one of the largest financial aid programs for MBA students and covers diverse needs. |
Chicago Booth and Wharton MBA Fellowships
These top MBA programs in the USA offer fellowships for Indian students, providing partial or full tuition scholarships and stipends for those admitted to their full-time MBA programs.
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Criteria | Students applying to full-time MBA programs; merit-based and need-based scholarships available. |
| Coverage | Tuition fee, living allowance, and in some cases, research stipends. |
| Duration | Full two-year MBA program in the USA. |
| Special Notes | Scholarships offered at the time of admission; students receive preference for merit-based awards at top universities. |
Cost of Studying MBA Program in the USA vs. Scholarships
The USA is one of the most expensive destinations for MBA students, with tuition fees alone ranging from $60,000 to $90,000 per year. For those wondering how to get scholarship to study MBA in USA, scholarships and fellowships become essential.
Scholarship is a merit-based or need-based award, and these scholarships and student fellowships can cover partial or full tuition, drastically reducing the cost of a USA MBA. Fellowships also provide stipends, making studying an MBA in the USA financially achievable.
Tips to Maximize Your Chances of Getting Scholarship Programs for International Students
For international students, securing an MBA scholarship in the USA can feel competitive, but the right approach can make a huge difference.
Here’s how to get scholarship to study MBA in USA and increase your chances:
- Highlight leadership and work experience: Most scholarships are awarded to MBA students who show impact and potential, especially for merit-based awards.
- Secure strong letters of recommendation: Top business schools in the USA consider endorsements when students are considered for scholarships and student fellowships.
- Showcase extracurricular and social impact initiatives: Scholarships offered by top MBA programs often reward students with community or global contributions.
- Apply for multiple scholarships and financial aid options: From fully funded MBA scholarships to partial awards, applying widely helps students receive more support.
Conclusion
Securing an MBA scholarship in the USA isn’t just about grades; it’s about strategy, profile, and timing. From merit-based and need-based awards to fellowships at top business schools, opportunities exist for every ambitious Indian student. The key is knowing how to position yourself, craft a standout application, and meet eligibility criteria effectively.
Ready to make your MBA dream affordable? At Ambitio, we don’t just guide. We build your profile, perfect your SOPs, and connect you with scholarships most students miss. Book a free strategy session today and see how Ambitio can turn your MBA plan into reality!
FAQs
What are the main types of scholarships available to study MBA in the USA?
Merit-based, need-based, diversity, school-specific, and external scholarships are common types to explore when looking for how to get scholarship to study MBA in USA.
How important is the GMAT score for getting an MBA scholarship in the USA?
A high GMAT score (typically 700 or above) significantly improves your chances of securing a scholarship to study MBA in USA, especially merit-based awards.
Can international students apply for fully funded MBA scholarships in the USA?
Yes, top schools like Harvard and Stanford offer fully funded scholarships specifically for international MBA students.
Is work experience necessary to obtain an MBA scholarship in the USA?
While many scholarships prefer candidates with 2-5 years of leadership and professional experience, some focus on academic excellence and leadership without strict work experience requirements.
When should I apply to maximize my chances of receiving a scholarship for MBA in the USA?
Applying early and submitting strong essays, resumes, and recommendation letters aligned with scholarship criteria improves your odds of how to get scholarship to study MBA in USA.
Do I need to submit separate applications for MBA scholarships in the USA?
It depends; merit-based scholarships often consider your MBA application automatically, but need-based and some other scholarships require additional applications or financial documents.
How can I find more scholarship opportunities to study MBA in USA?
Research universities’ websites, scholarship portals, and organizations supporting international students to identify multiple options on how to get scholarship to study MBA in USA.
You can study at top universities worldwide!
Get expert tips and tricks to get into top universities with a free expert session.
Book Your Free 30-Minute Session Now! Book a call now
