Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students: MBA and Masters
Updated 27 October 2026
Most MBA funding comes from the schools themselves, through merit and need-based awards. Government scholarships exist but are highly competitive and often have conditions, such as returning home after study.
Main types of scholarships
| Type | Who offers it | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| School merit scholarships | Business schools | Often tied to early application rounds and test scores |
| Diversity or regional scholarships | Business schools | Check eligibility by nationality, gender or sector |
| Government scholarships | Host-country governments | Long lead times; often require returning home |
| Foundation and corporate awards | Trusts, companies | Narrow eligibility; read the rules carefully |
| Employer sponsorship | Your company | May come with a service commitment |
Government schemes to research
- UK: Chevening.
- Commonwealth: Commonwealth Scholarships.
- USA: Fulbright-Nehru fellowships (USIEF).
- Australia: Australia Awards (eligible countries vary).
Eligibility, programmes covered and deadlines change — check each scheme's own site.
GMAT scholarships
Many schools use GMAT/GRE scores in scholarship decisions, and some exclude applicants who received a test waiver. A strong score can therefore have financial value. See MBA without GMAT.
Application tips
- Apply in early rounds where possible.
- Prepare a funding plan (loan + savings + scholarship).
- Ask schools whether scholarships are automatic or need a separate essay.
- Ask politely for a review if you hold a stronger offer elsewhere — some schools will reconsider.
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