Struggling with finances while pursuing your MBA as a woman can derail your dreams.
Relying on bank loans often leads to low returns on investment and divides your attention between studies and debt repayment.
To ease this burden, private foundations and organizations worldwide offer MBA scholarships for women.
These scholarships reduce dependence on loans and provide access to valuable mentorship and networking opportunities, eliminating financial barriers to your MBA pursuit.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the top MBA scholarships for women globally and share tips on how to position yourself for qualification.
MBA Scholarships For Women in Nigeria
These are some MBA scholarships for women that Nigerians are eligible to apply for, it wasn’t forged for only Nigerians, as other nationality can apply:
#1. Boustany Foundation MBA Scholarship
The Harvard MBA program is among the world’s top business programs, taught at one of the most esteemed universities globally.
Every two years, the Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship is awarded for a two-year course at Harvard Business School. The upcoming scholarship will be granted for the class starting in Autumn 2025.
- Application Deadline: May 31, 2025
- Value: US$102,200
- Study Country: United Kingdom
- School: Harvard University
- Program: MBA
- Sponsor: Boustany Foundation
- Eligibility: Open to Men and Women
Benefits of the Boustany Foundation MBA Scholarship:
- Financial aid covers 75% of tuition fees.
- Travel and accommodation expenses for the internship are included.
- Harvard University MBA Scholarship includes:
- Financial aid of US$102,200 (US$51,100 per year) towards tuition fees.
- The foundation covers travel and accommodation expenses for the internship.
Successful candidates are expected to complete a two-month unpaid internship with the Foundation, engaging in diverse projects related to its activities or those of its partners.
Requirements for the Boustany Foundation MBA Scholarship:
- Candidates should have an outstanding academic background and demonstrate significant promise.
- Although the scholarship is open to candidates of any nationality, preference is given to candidates of Lebanese descent.
- Candidates can apply for the scholarship only after receiving an admission offer from the Harvard MBA program.
- Application Deadline: May 31, 2025
You can apply by emailing a copy of your CV with a photo, GMAT scores, and acceptance letter from the university to admissions@boustany-foundation.org.
#2. Mo Ibrahim Foundation MBA Scholarship
Talented individuals from sub-Saharan Africa have the opportunity to acquire management and leadership skills crucial for individual, corporate, and national success.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation scholarship for sub-Saharan Africa aims to support exceptional students in the full-time MBA program at London Business School, contributing to the development of outstanding leaders for the continent.
- Application Deadline: January 2, 2024
- Study Country: United Kingdom
- Program: MBA
- Sponsor: Mo Ibrahim Foundation
- Eligibility: Open to Men and Women
Benefits of Mo Ibrahim Foundation MBA Scholarship:
- 100% tuition fee coverage for successful applicants
- Requirements for Mo Ibrahim Foundation MBA:
The scholarship will be awarded to an exceptional MBA candidate from sub-Saharan Africa with demonstrated financial need.
All eligible candidates will be automatically considered for this award. For more details, visit the Mo Ibrahim Foundation website.
#3. Eni-Oxford Africa Scholarship
Applications are open for the Eni-Oxford Africa Scholarship award for MBA Studies at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom for the 2024 academic session.
Eni, a leading international integrated energy company with a strong presence in Africa, is dedicated to supporting scholarships as part of its commitment to education and knowledge management.
The scholarship is funded by Eni and aims to reinforce the company’s expertise in its business areas.
Eni collaborates with prestigious universities worldwide, including Oxford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and leading Italian universities.
No additional application is required. Eligibility will be determined based on the details provided in your MBA application form.
There is no fixed application deadline for these scholarships.
All eligible offer-holders will be considered after each MBA admissions deadline. However, the availability of scholarships in later application stages cannot be guaranteed.
For more details, visit the University of Oxford website.
#4. Oxford–Adara Foundation MBA Scholarship
The Adara Foundation, a non-profit social enterprise in Nigeria, focuses on empowering women and advancing education in Africa.
They share Saïd Business School’s goal of having more women in education and support our aim to create a diverse MBA community from all over the world.
This scholarship is for female candidates from Africa. It covers the full MBA program fee and living expenses.
Candidates must promise to go back to their home country after finishing the one-year MBA program to help Africa’s business and social development.
The scholarships are available for the 2024-25 school year.
You don’t need to apply separately; all eligible students will be considered automatically.
Conclusion
Many MBA students studying abroad feel discouraged because of high tuition fees and the struggle to afford living expenses. But it doesn’t have to be this way for you.
If you’re interested in any of the listed Scholarships for MBA Abroad, it’s best to act fast. Some scholarship programs have deadlines coming up soon.
Be sure to check the website of each scholarship you’re interested in for the most accurate information. This way, you can take the necessary steps to apply on time.