Harvard University MBA Scholarships in USA 2025

The Harvard MBA is one of the most prestigious graduate programs in the world, attracting leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators from every corner of the globe. However, the financial commitment can be overwhelming for many aspiring students. To make this opportunity accessible, Harvard Business School (HBS) provides a wide range of scholarships and fellowships designed to reduce financial barriers while empowering outstanding candidates to thrive.

The Harvard University MBA Scholarships 2025 not only provide financial support but also recognize leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to social impact.

About Harvard Business School

Founded in 1908, Harvard Business School (HBS) is located in Boston, Massachusetts on Harvard University’s historic campus. It is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the world, known for its case study method of teaching that challenges students to think critically and make decisions in real-world scenarios.

HBS offers:

  • A two-year, full-time MBA program designed to build both leadership and management skills.
  • A global alumni network of over 80,000 graduates in 160+ countries, creating unparalleled professional connections.
  • Faculty recognized as world leaders in research and innovation in fields such as finance, entrepreneurship, strategy, and leadership.
  • State-of-the-art learning environments, including modern classrooms, labs, and research centers.

Scholarship Opportunities

Need-Based Aid as Core Strategy

Harvard’s approach to MBA funding centers on need-based scholarships, awarded to about 50% of students each year. These are grants that don’t need repayment and reflect a shared investment in your potential. Awards typically range from $2,500 to $76,000 annually, with the average package around $46,000 annually, such that over two years it totals approximately $92,000.

Notably, the school has committed to fully funding the 10% of students with the greatest financial need, covering tuition and required course fees (approximately $76,000 annually), enabling them to focus fully on becoming global leaders.

How Need is Calculated

Harvard determines financial need using a holistic formula that accounts for:

  • Personal income over the past three years
  • Assets and financial holdings
  • Socioeconomic background and undergraduate debt
  • Household responsibilities (such as dependents or spouse)

Beyond Scholarships: Career & Debt Support

HBS also supports students through:

  • Summer Fellowships to subsidize unpaid internships
  • Loan forgiveness or repayment support for graduates choosing lower-paying public interest careers

Specialized Fellowships

Beyond universal need-based funding, Harvard offers targeted scholarships for specific interests or backgrounds:

Boustany MBA Scholarship

  • Focus/Eligibility: Strong academic & leadership record (preference for Lebanese descent)
  • Value: Full tuition + travel + internship

John C. Phelan Forward Fellowship

  • Focus/Eligibility: Low-income backgrounds with heavy financial responsibilities
  • Value: ~$30,000

Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship

  • Focus/Eligibility: Non-profit or public-sector commitment
  • Value: ~$10,000

RISE Fellowship

  • Focus/Eligibility: Social impact orientation, underrepresented communities
  • Value: ~$10,000

Robert S. Kaplan Life Sciences Fellowship

  • Focus/Eligibility: Background in life sciences Up to
  • Value: ~$20,000

External Scholarships and Organizations

Alumni-Established Fellowships

  • HBS maintains a catalog of named fellowships funded by alumni, targeting specific demographics, regions, or personal profiles.

Global Student Scholarships

  • Prodigy Finance: Provides peer-funded loans with favorable terms for international students.
  • Nonprofits & Fellowships like the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management (CGSM) and ROMBA’s LGBT MBA Fellowship, offering scholarships for underrepresented or identity-aligned MBA candidates.

Eligibility Snapshot

  • Need-Based Aid: Available to all admitted MBA students (U.S. and international), based solely on financial need.
  • Targeted Fellowships: Eligibility depends on background (e.g., life sciences, nonprofit, socioeconomic hardship, Lebanese heritage, etc.).
  • External Scholarships: Eligibility varies; check terms for each (e.g. ROI, geography, identity).

Application Process

Applying for the Harvard MBA and its scholarships involves multiple steps:

Step 1: Apply for Admission to HBS

Submit an application through the Harvard Business School online portal.

Required documents include:

  • Academic transcripts
  • GMAT/GRE scores
  • Resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal essays
  • Application fee

Step 2: Interview Invitation

  • Selected applicants will be invited for an interview.
  • The interview is an important step in determining admission and scholarship potential.

Step 3: Financial Aid Application

Once admitted, students apply for financial aid by submitting:

  • Income records (past 3 years)
  • Asset and savings documentation
  • Loan/debt obligations
  • Family financial responsibilities

This information is used to determine eligibility for need-based scholarships.

Step 4: Consideration for Fellowships

  • Admitted students are automatically considered for certain fellowships.
  • Others, like the Boustany MBA Scholarship, require a separate application with personal statements and recommendations.

Step 5: Scholarship Notification

  • Successful candidates receive a scholarship decision with their admission package or shortly afterward.

Timeline for 2025

  • HBS Admission:
    • Round 1: September 2024,
    • Round 2: January 2025
  • Financial Aid Application: Shortly after admission
  • Boustany Scholarship: ~May 31, 2025
  • Notification of Aid: Spring–Summer 2025
  • Program Start: Fall 2025

Tips for a Successful Application

  • Start Early: Prepare your application at least 9–12 months in advance to give yourself time for essays, test prep, and recommendation requests.
  • Craft a Strong Personal Story:  Harvard values authenticity. Explain not just what you’ve achieved, but why it matters and how it shaped your goals.
  • Demonstrate Leadership: Highlight real examples of leading teams, solving problems, or contributing to your community.
  • Show Financial Transparency: For scholarships, be honest and clear about your financial background. Provide accurate documentation.
  • Get Strong Recommendations: Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak about your impact, not just your job description.
  • Highlight Global Perspective: Harvard values diversity and international outlook—emphasize cross-cultural experiences or global work exposure.
  • Prepare for the Interview: Practice case-style discussions and be ready to articulate your goals clearly.
  • Research Fellowships Early:  If you qualify for specialized fellowships (e.g., nonprofit, life sciences, low-income background), prepare separate essays in advance.
  • Proofread and Polish: Attention to detail reflects professionalism. Double-check grammar, formatting, and instructions.
  • Seek Feedback: Ask mentors, alumni, or professionals to review your essays and provide constructive criticism.

Conclusion

The Harvard MBA Scholarship 2025 is an investment in the next generation of global leaders. With its strong commitment to equity and access, HBS ensures that financial constraints do not stand in the way of exceptional talent. By preparing thoroughly, telling your story with impact, and applying strategically, you can turn your Harvard dream into reality.

The school prides itself on fostering diversity, global collaboration, and ethical leadership, ensuring its graduates are not only successful in business but also active contributors to society.