Bridging the Gender Gap in MBA Education
Despite a significant increase in the number of women applying for MBAs, only 41% of full-time MBA students at the world’s top business schools are women. To address this imbalance, many institutions have introduced targeted MBA scholarships for women. These scholarships help remove financial barriers, enabling women to gain the leadership skills, network, and confidence needed for business success. By reducing the reliance on loans, these scholarships offer a quicker return on investment in education. Moreover, scholarship recipients join an exclusive network of women in business, enhancing their networking and mentoring opportunities.
Top MBA Scholarships for Women at Renowned Business Schools
Chicago Booth
The Wallman Fellowship is an esteemed MBA scholarship specifically for women who exhibit exceptional leadership and dedication to promoting women’s roles in business. This full-tuition award particularly favors applicants from underrepresented minority groups, aiming to foster diversity and inclusion within the business sector. The fellowship not only provides financial support but also empowers recipients to become influential leaders and advocates for gender equality in their professional endeavors. Through the Wallman Fellowship, women are given the opportunity to advance their careers and contribute significantly to the business community, ensuring a more equitable and diverse corporate landscape.
INSEAD
The Groupe Galeries Lafayette Endowed Scholarship provides US$12,000 to women dedicated to serving customers inclusively, reflecting the company’s core values. This scholarship is primarily aimed at women with a background in fashion retail and requires an essay on women in retail. Additionally, the INSEAD Piet and Wina Van Waeyenberge Endowed Scholarship grants US$15,700 to female engineers entering the MBA program, requiring completion of the Diversity Scholarship application. At INSEAD, the Judith Connelly Delouvrier Endowed Scholarship, worth US$15,000, is awarded to one outstanding female MBA student each year based on merit. Applicants must submit an essay on enhancing women’s inclusion in business.
London Business School
London Business School offers several notable scholarships for women pursuing an MBA. The 30% Club Scholarship provides up to 50 percent of tuition fees for women who demonstrate significant potential to impact business and society.The AHEAD Scholarship (A Higher Education Advancing Diversity) awards US$35,000 to female MBA and Masters in Finance applicants from developing nations, recognizing their academic and leadership excellence.Additionally, the Carlsson Family Scholarship grants US$28,000 to women MBA candidates who exhibit outstanding merit. For female MBA applicants from Australia and New Zealand, the Kearney Australia New Zealand Women’s Scholarship Program offers up to US$11,700.
Please note all admitted female MBA students are automatically considered for these scholarships.
Nestlé Scholarship for Women
The Nestlé Scholarship for Women is designed for female MBA candidates from developing countries attending IMD Business School. This scholarship offers up to US$28,000 to support their education.Applicants must complete the IMD MBA Financial Aid Form and provide necessary supporting documents. Additionally, a 750-word essay is required, addressing the topic: “Building a diverse and inclusive workplace requires the participation and accountability of each member of the organization. What would you recommend as ways for Nestlé to better foster allyship among employees?”This scholarship aims to empower women leaders from developing regions, promoting diversity and inclusion within the business community.
HKUST Women International
The HKUST Women International Award epitomizes HKUST Business School’s commitment to empowering women to pursue MBA degrees in Hong Kong. This merit-based scholarship is a beacon of opportunity, covering up to 100% of tuition fees.Female Candidates vying for this prestigious award must showcase a robust blend of professional acumen, global exposure, and stellar academic achievements. Excelling in the application interview is also paramount to securing this scholarship, ensuring that recipients embody the values of leadership and excellence upheld by HKUST Business School.