The Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship Program pays for tuition and associated fees (approximately US$140,000) for citizens of African countries with financial need who wish to obtain an MBA at Stanford GSB. The Fellowship was created to reduce the financial barrier for African citizens to pursue an MBA at Stanford GSB. Up to eight fellowships will be awarded annually.

Within two years of graduation from Stanford GSB, Stanford Africa MBA Fellows are required to work in Africa for at least two years in a professional role that contributes to the continent’s development.

Application Process and Timeline

1) Apply to Stanford MBA Program in either the first or second round. Deadline dates for 2013-14 are still to be determined, but the Round 1 deadline is typically in early October, and the Round 2 deadline in early January.

2) Receive an offer of admission in first round (December) or second round (March).

3) Apply for need-based financial aid by the deadline date. After reviewing financial aid applications, Stanford GSB will notify you if you are selected as a Stanford Africa MBA Fellow.

4) Confirm enrollment in Stanford GSB and accept the Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship.

5) Matriculate in, and successfully complete, the two-year Stanford MBA Program.

6) Within two years of graduation from the Stanford MBA  Program, return to Africa. Work in Africa—in business, government, or a non-profit organization—for at least two consecutive years.

Fellowship Eligibility and Requirements

Stanford Africa MBA Fellows will be selected based on the following criteria:

1. Admission to Stanford MBA Program

The initial qualification for the Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship is earning admission to the Stanford MBA Program.  We consider you for the Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship only after you have been admitted to the Stanford MBA Program..

To earn admission, you must display the same criteria as all Stanford MBA program applicants: intellectual vitality, demonstrated leadership potential, and personal qualities and contributions.  To learn more about the requirements and qualities we seek in candidates, please read the MBA Program website.

2. Commitment to Developing Africa

You must be a citizen of an African country. Dual citizens are eligible for the fellowship as long as one citizenship belongs to an African nation. Permanent residents of an African country are not eligible at this time.

You must have completed, or be in the final year of completing, your university studies. If you studied at an undergraduate or graduate institution in Africa, we especially encourage you to consider applying for the Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship Program.  Citizens of countries in Africa who studied in countries outside of Africa  remain eligible for consideration.

Stanford Africa MBA Fellows must return to work in Africa, within two years of Stanford MBA graduation, to work for a period of at least two years. Stanford MBA students pursue a wide variety of careers as alumni: you will be prepared to succeed in organizations of every size and description. As a Stanford Africa MBA Fellow, we expect you to contribute the management and leadership skills you learned at Stanford to developing the African economy. As such, our expectation is that Stanford Africa MBA Fellows will be committed to African organizations with significant operations and impact in the region.

3. Financial Need

To determine your financial need, you must complete Stanford’s financial aid process after you are admitted. All Stanford MBA students, regardless of citizenship, are eligible for financial assistance based on your demonstrated financial need.  Stanford GSB provides need-based fellowship to MBA students without regard to citizenship.  For international citizens, Stanford GSB offers a loan program that does not require a US co-signer. *

The financial aid application process requires information about your assets and income.  You will need to provide copies of your tax returns and other documentation. Information about the application process is available on the Stanford GSB Financial Aid Office website.

Stanford Africa MBA Fellows receive financial support for the cost of Stanford MBA tuition and associated fees for the full duration of the two-year course of study.

If you are admitted to the Stanford MBA Program but are not selected as a Stanford Africa MBA Fellow, you remain eligible to receive financial aid based on the need you demonstrate in your financial aid application. Your award will typically include a combination of fellowships and loans.

*Please note that citizens of Congo, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Lybia, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, and Zimbabwe may need to discuss their loan options with the Financial Aid office.

For More Information:

Visit the The Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship Program WebPage