Stanford GSB Need-Based Fellowships

Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit

Mandatory Documents Checklist

• ✓Completed Stanford GSB MBA Application Form
• ✓Official academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
• ✓GMAT or GRE scores
• ✓Current resume outlining work experience, education, and relevant achievements
• ✓Essays (typically 2 required, plus an optional short-answer question)
• ✓Two letters of recommendation
• ✓Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS) for non-native English speakers who have not completed a degree in an English-speaking country
• ✓Application fee (or approved fee waiver)
• ✓Institutional financial aid application (submitted after MBA admission)
• ✓Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• ✓Federal tax returns from two prior years (including all forms, schedules, W-2s, and confirmation of tax filing status) for U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• ✓Most recent pay stub for U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• ✓Most recent tax statements for the last two years from any and all countries in which the applicant worked (including wage statements) for international students

Selection Process

Renewal Policy

How to Apply Online

Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.

• 1

  Apply for Admission to the Stanford MBA Program. * Complete and submit your application to the Stanford MBA Program through the official Stanford GSB admissions portal (gsb.stanford.edu). Note that for the 2027 cohort of Knight-Hennessy Scholars (which can fund an MBA), the application closes on October 6, 2026, and the MBA program application Round 1 deadline is September 9, 2026. Ensure you meet all admission criteria.

• 2

  Await Admission Decision. * Stanford GSB's MBA admission is need-blind, meaning your financial situation does not affect your admission decision.

• 3

  Complete the Institutional Financial Aid Application (Post-Admission). * Once you receive an offer of admission to the Stanford MBA program, you will gain access to the institutional financial aid application. This application is required for all admitted students who wish to be considered for Stanford GSB fellowships and/or loans. * For international students, this application requires providing your most recent tax statements for the last two years from all countries in which you worked, including wage statements. * You are expected to provide financial information for yourself and, if applicable, your spouse.

• 4

  Await Financial Aid Offer. * The Stanford GSB Financial Aid Office will determine your financial need based on your submitted information and calculate an expected student contribution. The difference between the cost of attendance and your expected contribution will be covered by a combination of fellowships and loans. * There is no separate application specifically for the need-based fellowships; all admitted students who complete the institutional financial aid application are automatically considered.

• 5

  Review and Accept Your Financial Aid Offer. * Carefully review the financial aid package offered by Stanford GSB. You will then have the option to accept the fellowship and any loan offers.

• 6

  Track Status (Post-Application).** * Typically, financial aid application status and decisions are communicated through the admitted student portal or directly by the Stanford GSB Financial Aid Office. For specific inquiries, you can contact the Financial Aid Office via the helpline provided.