Scholarships for MBA Abroad 2025 – Eligibility, Amount & How to Apply

As the global MBA admission cycles open for the 2025–26 academic year, thousands of Indian students are preparing their applications to some of the world’s leading business schools. The growing interest in international MBA programs is fueled by the promise of better career prospects, higher salaries, and valuable exposure to diverse business environments. However, with tuition fees at top institutions often ranging from ₹60 lakh to ₹1 crore for a two-year program, the cost remains a significant hurdle for many. In response, a variety of scholarships are now available to help students bridge the financial gap.

These funding opportunities cater to different academic profiles and backgrounds, offering eligible candidates a viable path to pursue their MBA abroad without the burden of excessive debt.

Scholarships for MBA Study Abroad

1. Strathclyde Business School Full-Time MBA Scholarships: Strathclyde Business School in Glasgow offers a prestigious range of scholarships for its September 2025 full-time MBA intake, designed to recognise exceptional candidates who combine academic excellence, professional leadership, and a strong commitment to contributing to the MBA community. Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis starting from February 2025, so early applications are encouraged. These scholarships not only help reduce tuition costs but also serve as recognition of a candidate’s potential to enrich the cohort through teamwork, cultural exchange, and leadership. Recipients are expected to act as ambassadors for the Strathclyde MBA, helping to create a collaborative and dynamic learning environment from the very start of the program.

Scholarship amount:

• £10,000–£17,000 towards tuition fees

Eligibility:

• Must hold an offer for the September 2025 full-time MBA.
• Excellent academic record and significant managerial/leadership experience.
• Strong performance in both the scholarship and MBA program applications, including the interview.
• Willingness and ability to contribute to cohort community-building and act as a program ambassador.
• Leadership/management potential, overall application quality, and financial need will be considered.

2. Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) Fellowship – Imperial College Business School: Imperial College Business School partners with Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA), a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering and connecting the LGBTQ+ MBA community worldwide. This fellowship supports future leaders who are committed to driving equality and inclusion in business education, the workplace, and society at large. Recipients become part of a prestigious global network of over 50 top business schools and 90 corporate partners, gaining access to leadership retreats, high-profile events, and exclusive networking opportunities. In addition to financial support, fellows take on active leadership roles within the Imperial LGBTQ+ Careers Club and the Student Ambassador Scheme, advocating for diversity, inclusion, and representation in business.

Scholarship amount:

• £20,000 towards tuition fees
• Travel stipend to attend the ROMBA Fellowship Leadership Retreat in North America (July 2025)
• Complimentary registration for ROMBA events and access to exclusive career resources

Eligibility:

• Demonstrated leadership and impact within the LGBTQ+ community
• Commitment to ROMBA’s mission of advancing equality in business and society
• Strong professional experience and positive references
• High-quality application and interview performance
• Willingness to take on leadership and ambassadorial roles during the MBA programme

3. Chevening Scholarship: The Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded one-year Master’s degree programme that enables outstanding individuals from around the world to study in the UK. Funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations, this award is designed for future leaders who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to creating positive change in their home countries. Recipients benefit from world-class education, extensive networking opportunities, and immersive cultural experiences, gaining the skills and connections necessary to excel in their careers and strengthen international ties with the UK. Beyond academic study, scholars take part in workshops, presentations, volunteer work, and exclusive events that prepare them for impactful global careers.

Scholarship amount (fully funded):

• Tuition fee waiver for a one-year Master’s program in the UK
• Monthly stipend for living and accommodation expenses
• Arrival and departure allowance
• Economy class return airfare
• Visa application fee reimbursement
• TB testing reimbursement (up to £75)

Eligibility:

• Citizen of a Chevening-eligible country
• Commitment to return to home country for at least two years after program completion
• Completed undergraduate degree (equivalent to UK upper second-class 2:1 honours or higher)
• Minimum of two years’ work experience (2,800 hours)
• Applied to three UK universities and received at least one unconditional offer

4. Chevening–Karnataka Scholarship: A joint initiative between the UK Government and the Government of Karnataka, this scholarship supports women from Karnataka to pursue one-year master’s programs in the UK, including MBAs. It was created to empower talented women, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds, by removing financial barriers and enabling them to access world-class education. In addition to funding, the program offers mentorship and networking opportunities with influential leaders in both the UK and India.

Scholarship amount:

• £19,800 per scholar, with a total annual contribution of £99,000 for 5 scholars.

Eligibility:

• Open to women graduates from Karnataka.
• Preference given to graduates from government colleges in Karnataka.
• If not available, women graduates from aided, unaided, or private colleges in Karnataka may be considered.
• Must be pursuing a one-year Master’s degree in any course at any university in the UK.

5. DAAD Development-Oriented Postgraduate Scholarships: The DAAD Development-Oriented Postgraduate Scholarships support highly qualified graduates from developing and newly industrialised countries to pursue postgraduate studies, master’s degrees, and in exceptional cases, doctoral studies at state-recognised universities in Germany. With a strong focus on building local expertise and fostering international networks, the programme aims to empower future leaders to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.

Scholarship amount:

• Monthly stipend of €992 for graduates.
• Monthly stipend of €1,300 (€1,400 from February 2026) for doctoral candidates.
• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage.
• Travel allowance (if not covered by other funding).
• Additional benefits: rent subsidy and family allowance (if applicable).

Eligibility:

• Graduates with at least two years of professional experience.
• Citizens of eligible developing and newly industrialised countries.
• Bachelor’s degree (usually four years) in a relevant subject.
• Above-average academic performance and strong language skills.
• Demonstrated motivation linked to development and readiness to take on leadership roles after studies.

6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees – Business & Management Tracks: The Erasmus Mundus program offers fully funded scholarships for joint master’s degrees delivered by consortia of universities across Europe. While not all programs are MBA-specific, several business and management tracks provide an MBA-level curriculum with an international focus. Students study in at least two different countries, gaining diverse academic perspectives and cultural experiences. The program is highly competitive and seeks candidates with academic excellence and a global outlook.

Scholarship amount:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance (€1,000–€1,200)
• Travel and installation costs

Eligibility:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Strong academic and professional record
• Admission to an Erasmus Mundus consortium program

7. Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee-Chevening Uttar Pradesh State Government Scholarship Scheme: This newly launched scholarship, created through a partnership between the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), aims to enable outstanding students from Uttar Pradesh to pursue a one-year master’s degree at leading universities in the United Kingdom. Running from 2025–26 to 2027–28, the scheme is designed to fully cover major educational expenses, providing recipients with access to world-class learning opportunities and equipping them with skills to contribute to the state’s development.

Scholarship amount:

• Tuition fees, examination and research expenses.
• Monthly living allowance.
• Round-trip economy airfare between India and the UK.
• Total cost of approximately ₹23 lakh per student funded by the Uttar Pradesh Government, with the remainder covered by the FCDO.

Eligibility:

• Must be a resident of Uttar Pradesh.
• Among the top five selected candidates in a given year.
• Admitted to a one-year master’s programme at a top UK university.
• Selection based on merit through an open and transparent process, as per the agreement between the state government and the FCDO.

8.  Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship is one of the most prestigious opportunities for students from across the Commonwealth to pursue advanced studies in the United Kingdom. Designed for talented individuals who have the potential to make a meaningful impact in their home countries but lack the financial means to study abroad, the program supports both Master’s and Ph.D candidates. Offered under six key development themes, the scholarship aims to nurture future leaders who will contribute to advancements in science, society, economics, and governance, thereby strengthening global cooperation and development.

Scholarship amount:

• Full tuition fees.
• Monthly stipend for living expenses.
• Travel costs to and from the UK.
• Additional allowances for research, study-related travel, and family (if applicable).

Eligibility:

• Must hold citizenship of a Commonwealth country.
• Completed an undergraduate degree with at least an upper second-class result (or equivalent).
• For Ph.D applicants: Must have completed a relevant Master’s degree.
• Demonstrated inability to study in the UK without financial assistance.
• Commitment to contributing to the development of your home country after studies.

Documents Required for Application

While requirements may vary by scholarship, you will typically need:

1. Completed Scholarship Application Form (online or offline)
2. Valid Passport (bio-data page)
3. Offer Letter from the university or proof of application (if applicable)
4. Academic Transcripts from undergraduate (and postgraduate, if applicable) studies
5. Degree Certificates for all completed qualifications
6. English Language Test Score (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
7. Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume highlighting professional and leadership experience
8. Letters of Recommendation (usually two, academic and/or professional)
9. Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose (SOP) detailing goals, leadership experience, and scholarship relevance
10. Proof of Financial Need (if required)
11. Work Experience Certificates for MBA-focused scholarships
12. Research Proposal (for Ph.D applicants only)

FAQs

Can I apply for more than one scholarship at the same time?

Yes, most scholarship bodies allow you to apply to multiple funding sources, as long as you meet each programme’s eligibility criteria.

Are these scholarships only for MBA programs?

Not all. While some are MBA-specific, others such as Chevening, DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, and Commonwealth Scholarships are open to various master’s programmes, including business and management.

When should I start preparing my scholarship applications?

Ideally, 12–15 months before your intended programme start date. Many scholarships close 6–9 months in advance.

Do I need to have an offer from a university before applying for a scholarship?

For some scholarships (e.g., Strathclyde MBA, Commonwealth, Erasmus Mundus), you need an offer or proof of application. Others (e.g., Chevening) allow you to apply in parallel but will require an offer before awarding funds.

Do these scholarships cover living expenses in addition to tuition fees?

Yes, most major scholarships (Chevening, Commonwealth, DAAD, Erasmus Mundus) include a monthly living stipend, while others (like Strathclyde MBA) offer partial tuition fee waivers only.

Are English language test scores mandatory?

Yes, for most programmes you’ll need IELTS, TOEFL, or an equivalent, unless exempt based on your prior education or home country policies.

Will these scholarships require me to return to India after completing my studies?

Some do. For example, Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships have a mandatory two-year return requirement to your home country after graduation.