Stanford GSB is excited to contribute to the region’s human and economic development by educating leaders committed to impacting the continent through The Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship 2023.
The Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship Program pays for tuition and associated fees (approximately US $170,000) for citizens of African countries with financial needs who wish to obtain an MBA at Stanford GSB.
Stanford will award up to eight Stanford Africa MBA Fellowships annually.
Africa is projected to be the world’s second-fastest-growing economy by 2023. With growth comes a need for leaders who can address and navigate challenges and opportunities.
Within two years of graduation from Stanford GSB, Stanford Africa MBA Fellows are required to return to Africa to work for at least two years in a professional role that contributes to the continent’s development.
Table of contents
Host Nationality
The fellowship program will be held in the United States of America.
Fellowship Benefits
The Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship Program pays for tuition and associated fees (approximately US $170,000).
Fellowship Award Eligibility
Merit
Three criteria are evaluated when considering candidates for the Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship and the MBA Program. These include:
- Intellectual vitality
- Demonstrated leadership potential
- Personal qualities and contributions that will add to the class.
Commitment to Developing Africa
You must be a citizen of an African country. Dual citizens are eligible for the fellowship as long as they hold citizenship of an African nation.
Residents of an African country who do not have citizenship belonging to an; African country are ineligible at this time.
Financial Need
Stanford will determine your financial need based on the personal information you submit in the Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship application.
Stanford Africa Fellowship Program Application Process
Stanford Africa Fellowship Program application available online
1. Apply to the Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship Program
You will be asked to provide:
Educational History
Official transcripts are not considered at this stage. Finalists will be required to submit an unofficial copy of your transcripts in the MBA Application and will submit official copies upon admission to the MBA Program.
You may also submit the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and/or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), if available.
These are optional at the fellowship application stage.
If you are selected as a finalist, you’ll be required to take one of these exams as part of your application to the Stanford MBA Program.
Awards and honors (academic, professional, or personal)
Employment History
Letters of recommendation are not considered at this stage. Finalists will be required to submit two Letters of Recommendation in the MBA Application.
One-page resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
250-word essay addressing how you plan to make an impact in Africa
Individual financial information
2. Finalists notified (30 July 2023)
Up to 100 finalists will be selected for the Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship.
3. Finalists apply to the Stanford MBA Program
Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship finalists must apply to the Stanford MBA Program in either round one or round two to be eligible for the fellowship. However, we strongly encourage you to apply in round one.
Over the last few years, the number of applications we receive in round two has increased, making it more competitive. Submitting in round one also gives you more time to prepare and plan for the program, including completing the visa application process.
Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship finalists must submit the Stanford MBA Program application, including GMAT or GRE scores, and if applicable, one of the English language tests (IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL). Finalists may request up to one voucher to cover the cost of either the GMAT or the GRE test. The MBA application fee will be waived for finalists.
4. Receive an offer of admission: Stanford GSB will select up to eight Stanford Africa MBA Fellows each year from among the finalists.
5. Enroll in two-year Stanford MBA Program: (September 2018)
Important Dates
| Round 1 (18 Sept 2023) or Round 2 (10 Jan 2024) | Stanford Africa Fellowship Program applicants prepare and submit Stanford MBA application (which includes a separate essay for the Stanford Africa Fellowship) |
| Round 1 (13 Dec 2023) or Round 2 (28 March 2024) | Stanford releases admission decisions, including those for Stanford Africa Fellows |
| September 2023 | Stanford Africa Fellows matriculate in Stanford MBA Program |