Pursuing an MBA in the United States offers significant opportunities for students looking to accelerate their careers in business and leadership. However, the cost of such an education can be a barrier for many international students. Fully funded MBA scholarships for international students in the US provide a unique chance to gain access to world-class education without the burden of financial stress. These scholarships typically cover not just tuition fees but also living expenses, travel allowances, and more.
This comprehensive guide highlights 10 fully-funded MBA scholarships for international students in the US in 2025, detailing what each scholarship entails and its respective application deadlines.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most recognized scholarship programs globally, offering financial assistance to international students looking to pursue an MBA in the United States. It stands out for providing full funding for students, covering tuition fees, living stipends, airfare, and health insurance.
The Fulbright Program is highly competitive, and its goal is to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. To get admitted largely depends on the country of origin, applicants must also need to demonstrate academic merit and leadership potential.
Deadline: May 1, 2025
Harvard Business School MBA Fellowships
Harvard Business School is a world leader in business education, and its MBA program is among the most sought-after in the world. However, it also recognizes the need to make education accessible to international students through fellowships. Harvard offers fully-funded MBA scholarships for international students in the US, which are need-based and designed to cover tuition and living expenses.
The fellowships provided by Harvard Business School are made to meet the financial needs of each student, ensuring that financial concerns do not limit students’ ability to participate fully in the program. The financial aid process is highly personalized, and awards are based on individual financial circumstances.
Deadline: September 6, 2025
Stanford Graduate School of Business Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
Stanford Graduate School of Business is renowned for its leadership in innovation and business education. Its Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is an extraordinary initiative designed to attract international students to the United States. The scholarship provides full funding for tuition, living expenses, and personal development activities during the MBA program. Scholars also receive additional funding for special initiatives or entrepreneurial ventures.
The Knight-Hennessy program looks for students with a strong track record of leadership and creativity, and it emphasizes personal development as a key component of the scholarship.
Deadline: October 9, 2025
Wharton School of Business Lauder Institute MBA/MA International Studies Program
The Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business offers an exceptional opportunity for international students to earn both an MBA and an MA in International Studies. Fully funded MBA scholarships for international students in the US are available through this program, which covers all academic costs, as well as language immersion trips, global seminars, and living expenses.
Applicants to this program must demonstrate a commitment to international business, and they are encouraged to have language proficiency and cross-cultural experience. The Lauder Institute focuses on creating global business leaders who have the language and cultural skills necessary to succeed in international markets.
Deadline: December 1, 2025
The Skoll Scholarship at Oxford’s Saïd Business School (through US MBA Partnerships)
The Skoll Scholarship is specifically aimed at social entrepreneurs and is offered by Oxford’s Saïd Business School. While based in the UK, this program partners with various MBA programs in the US, making it a relevant option for international students seeking MBA scholarships for international students in the US. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and a travel stipend.
The Skoll Scholarship targets individuals who have already demonstrated a significant impact in their communities through social entrepreneurship. Applicants must show a commitment to addressing societal challenges, and preference is given to those who have already launched a social enterprise or led initiatives with positive social outcomes.
Deadline: January 4, 2025
Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grants for Development
The Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grants are designed to support international students who are pursuing graduate studies, including MBAs, that align with the Foundation’s areas of focus, such as peace and conflict prevention, disease prevention, and community development. These fully funded MBA scholarships for international students in the US cover tuition and living expenses for the duration of the program.
The Rotary Foundation places a strong emphasis on leadership potential and community service, so applicants must show a history of involvement in projects that benefit their communities. Successful applicants also receive mentorship opportunities from Rotary members around the world.
Deadline: February 15, 2025
Forte Foundation Fellowships
The Forte Foundation Fellowships are geared toward empowering women in business. These fully funded MBA scholarships for international students in the US are awarded to female candidates with strong leadership skills and a proven track record of professional success. The fellowship covers full tuition and provides access to leadership training and career development resources.
The Forte Foundation’s mission is to increase the number of women in top MBA programs, and it partners with a wide range of US business schools to offer these fellowships. Recipients of the fellowship benefit from a supportive network of women in business and receive opportunities to participate in exclusive events and leadership programs.
Deadline: March 30, 2025
MIT Sloan MBA Fellowships
MIT Sloan School of Management offers several fellowship opportunities for international students, including fully funded options. These MBA scholarships for international students in the US cover full tuition and offer stipends for living expenses, making it possible for students to focus on their studies without financial concerns.
MIT Sloan’s fellowship programs are merit-based, and they look for candidates who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, academic excellence, and innovative thinking. The school encourages applications from international students who have a vision for using their MBA to make a positive impact on the world.
Deadline: November 15, 2025
The Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program
Though primarily aimed at students from Israel, the Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program also accepts applications from students in select other countries. This fully funded MBA scholarship for international students in the US is awarded to individuals who are pursuing graduate studies in STEM-related fields. The scholarship covers full tuition, living expenses, and research grants at select US universities.
The Zuckerman program seeks to foster international collaboration and leadership in science, technology, and engineering. While the program is focused on STEM, it recognizes the important role that business education plays in advancing technological innovation and economic growth.
Deadline: April 1, 2025
Booth School of Business (University of Chicago) Global Scholars Program
The University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business offers a highly competitive Global Scholars Program, which provides fully-funded MBA scholarships for international students in the US. This program is designed for students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and academic excellence. It covers the full cost of tuition and offers stipends for living expenses.
Booth’s Global Scholars Program seeks students who will not only excel academically but also contribute to the business school community through their diverse experiences and perspectives. The program is particularly interested in students who have a vision for making a global impact through business.
Deadline: June 30, 2025
Conclusion
The opportunity to receive one of these fully funded MBA scholarships for international students in the US is invaluable, offering a chance to receive a world-class education without the financial burden typically associated with an MBA. Each scholarship on this list provides full financial coverage, allowing international students to focus entirely on their studies and professional development.
Aspiring students should carefully consider which scholarship aligns with their career goals and personal background and ensure they meet the eligibility criteria. With deadlines ranging from January to November 2025, it’s essential to start the application process early and prepare all necessary documentation to maximize the chances of securing a place in one of these prestigious MBA programs.