Study Business Abroad Without Paying a Dime
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most sought-after degrees in the world, opening doors to leadership roles, higher salaries, and global career opportunities. But for many international students, the high tuition costs of elite business schools can be discouraging.
Fortunately, there are several fully funded MBA scholarships for international students in 2025 that eliminate the financial burden and allow talented individuals from developing and developed countries alike to pursue their dreams at top institutions.
This guide reveals the best MBA scholarships with full funding, covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and more — all tailored for high-achieving, low-income, and diverse international applicants.
Why Choose a Fully Funded MBA Scholarship?
Here’s why you should seriously consider applying for a fully funded MBA program:
✅ Save over $100,000 in tuition and living expenses
✅ Access top-tier education at institutions like Harvard, INSEAD, Oxford, and Stanford
✅ Build a global network of professionals
✅ Focus on learning and leadership—not debt
Whether you're from Asia, Africa, Europe, or Latin America, these scholarships are your gateway to business success.
Top Fully Funded MBA Scholarships for International Students in 2025
1. Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars – USA
Host: Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB)
Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, travel allowance
The Knight-Hennessy program is among the most prestigious scholarships for graduate students, including MBA candidates. It supports future global leaders across disciplines.
✔️ Open to all nationalities
✔️ Generous stipend for living expenses
✔️ Additional leadership development programs
2. Harvard Business School (HBS) – MBA Fellowship Program
Host: Harvard University, USA
Coverage: Full tuition + living stipend based on need
While Harvard doesn’t offer a standard full scholarship, it provides need-based fellowships that can cover 100% of tuition and fees for students from low-income backgrounds.
✔️ Open to international students
✔️ Awards up to $80,000+ per year
✔️ Competitive but worth the effort
3. INSEAD Scholarships – France/Singapore
Host: INSEAD Global MBA
Coverage: Full/partial scholarships totaling over €6 million annually
INSEAD offers numerous scholarships specifically for international MBA students from emerging markets, women, and underrepresented groups.
✔️ Over 150 types of scholarships
✔️ Mix of merit-based and need-based options
✔️ MBA in 10 months with global exposure
4. Skoll MBA Scholarship – University of Oxford, UK
Host: Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Coverage: Full tuition + partial living stipend (~£14,985)
Offered to social entrepreneurs, this scholarship covers the full cost of the Oxford MBA and is ideal for applicants focused on impact and innovation.
✔️ Must show prior entrepreneurial experience
✔️ Competitive selection process
✔️ Access to the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship
5. DAAD EPOS MBA Scholarships – Germany
Host: Various German universities (e.g., Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg)
Coverage: Tuition, monthly stipend (~€934), travel, insurance
DAAD offers MBA scholarships focused on development-related postgraduate courses, especially in sustainable development, energy, and project management.
✔️ Strong preference for students from developing countries
✔️ German or English language instruction available
✔️ Covers 1-2 year MBA programs
6. Chevening Scholarships – UK
Host: UK Government / Partner MBA universities
Coverage: Full tuition, stipend, airfare, visa fees
If you want to study an MBA in the UK, Chevening is one of the best options. It includes funding for top schools like University of Oxford, Cambridge, Warwick, and Imperial College.
✔️ One-year MBA programs
✔️ Global leadership training included
✔️ Over 50,000 alumni worldwide
7. Rotman School of Management – Canada (Rotman Entrance Awards)
Host: University of Toronto
Coverage: Several fully funded entrance awards for international students
Rotman’s MBA program is one of the highest-ranked in North America. Top international candidates can qualify for full tuition scholarships and fellowships.
✔️ Scholarships up to CAD 100,000+
✔️ Great pathway to immigration and job opportunities in Canada
✔️ Emphasis on integrative thinking and innovation
8. Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)
Host: Various partner universities (e.g., AIT Thailand, Tokyo University, etc.)
Coverage: Full tuition, housing, books, travel, monthly allowance
The ADB-JSP is ideal for students from Asia and the Pacific seeking an MBA or business-related graduate degree.
✔️ Open to 35+ developing member countries
✔️ Includes internship and job placement support
✔️ Programs in Asia, New Zealand, and the USA
9. Yale School of Management – USA
Host: Yale SOM
Coverage: Full tuition fellowships for select international candidates
Yale offers several global leadership scholarships and need-based fellowships for MBA students.
✔️ Open to citizens of developing nations
✔️ Focus on business and society
✔️ Highly selective but globally recognized
10. IMD MBA Scholarships – Switzerland
Host: International Institute for Management Development
Coverage: Up to CHF 85,000 per student
IMD is a top-ranked MBA program with generous scholarships aimed at women, developing country candidates, and young leaders.
✔️ 1-year MBA in Lausanne, Switzerland
✔️ Scholarship essay required
✔️ High ROI post-MBA employment
Tips for Winning a Fully Funded MBA Scholarship
🔑 Here’s how to stand out:
-
Highlight leadership experience in business, nonprofit, or community work
-
Score well on GMAT/GRE, if required (or find no-GMAT options)
-
Demonstrate financial need clearly and truthfully
-
Write a compelling MBA essay or statement of purpose
-
Apply early and check eligibility per country/university
A fully funded MBA can change the trajectory of your career and open doors to global leadership roles. Whether you want to become a corporate executive, social entrepreneur, or financial analyst, these scholarships remove the biggest barrier—cost.
If you're ready to take the next big leap, apply to the fully funded MBA scholarships for international students in 2025 and secure your seat in the world’s top business schools.