Applications are invited for Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship from African students who have completed or be in the final year of completing, their university studies.
Up to eight fellowships are award annually. Fellowship pays for tuition and associated fees
(approximately US $145,000).
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.
Eligibility and Requirements
Stanford Africa MBA Fellows must first be selected as finalists through the fellowship application process. Stanford will select up to 100 Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship finalists based on:
If you are not selected as a Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship finalist, you remain welcome to apply to the Stanford MBA Program in any application round and you will remain eligible to receive other forms of financial aid.
Merit
We evaluate three criteria when considering candidates for both the Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship and the MBA Program: intellectual vitality, demonstrated leadership potential, and personal qualities and contributions that will add to the class. To learn more about the requirements and qualities we seek in candidates in the Admission section of our website.
Commitment to Developing Africa
You must be a citizen of an African country. Dual citizens are eligible for the fellowship as long as you 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.
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. African citizens who studied in countries outside of Africa are also eligible for the fellowship.
Stanford Africa MBA Fellows must return to work in Africa, within two years of Stanford MBA graduation, for a period of at least two years. Stanford MBA students pursue a wide variety of careers after graduation. As a Stanford Africa MBA Fellow, you will devote the management and leadership skills learned at Stanford to developing the African economy. As such, we expect Stanford Africa MBA Fellows to work for African organizations with significant operations and impact in the region. Please read our Frequently Asked Questions below for more information.
Financial Need
Stanford will determine your financial need based on personal financial information you submit in the Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship application. After you are selected as a finalist and admitted to the MBA Program, you will complete Stanford’s financial aid application process, which requires information about your assets and income, including copies of your tax returns. For more information visit the Financial Aid section of our website.
Application Requirements
Read this information carefully, as requirements to apply to this fellowship differ from the requirements for the Stanford MBA Program application.
Application Process
Apply to the Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship Program
(15 June 2016)
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
(7 July 2016)
Up to 100 finalists will be selected for the Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship.
3. Finalists apply to Stanford MBA Program
(Round 1, 21 September 2016 or Round 2, 10 January 2017)
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 GRE test. The MBA application fee will be waived for finalists.
4. Receive an offer of admission
(December 2016 or March 2017)
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 2017)
6. Successfully complete the two-year Stanford MBA Program
(June 2019)
7. Within two years of graduation from the Stanford MBA Program, return to Africa
(June 2021)
Work in Africa – in a business, government, or non-profit organization – for at least two consecutive years.
