Chicago Booth MBA Scholarships: Eligibility, Types & Deadlines

If you clicked on this, you probably don’t want another generic guide, you want clarity. This blog on Chicago Booth MBA scholarships is built exactly for that. You’ll find every scholarship option explained, who qualifies, how to apply, what it covers, and the exact deadlines you can’t miss. It is your shortcut to understanding Booth scholarships in one place in super easy way.

Chicago Booth MBA Scholarships 2025: Quick Highlights

If you are planning to pursue an MBA at Booth, scholarships can make a huge difference in managing costs. Chicago Booth offers merit-based, need-based, and specialized fellowships across Full-Time, Evening & Weekend, and Executive MBA formats. To help you quickly understand the options, deadlines, and where to apply, here’s a one-stop table that summarizes all the key scholarships for 2025.

Scholarship Name	Deadline	Apply Link
Chicago Booth Merit-Based Scholarships (Full-Time MBA)	Round 1: Sep 16, 2025  Round 2: Jan 6, 2026  Round 3: Apr 2, 2026	Full-Time MBA Scholarships & Aid
Forté Fellowship (Full-Time MBA)	Same as Full-Time MBA rounds (school-nominated; no separate)	Forté at Booth
Kilts Marketing Fellowship (Full-Time MBA)	Same as Full-Time MBA rounds	Kilts Fellowship
Yellow Ribbon Program (Veterans; all MBA formats)	Rolling after admission (per University Registrar guidance)	UChicago Registrar – Yellow Ribbon
David W. Fox Scholarship (Veterans; Full-Time MBA)	Same as Full-Time MBA rounds	David W. Fox Scholarship
Merit-Based Awards (Evening & Weekend MBA)	Multiple intakes Autumn 2025 (Jun 6, 2025) Winter 2026 (Sep 29, 2025) Spring 2026 (Jan 5, 2026) Summer 2026 (Mar 20, 2026)	Part-Time Scholarships, Loans & Aid
Edwardson Civic Scholars (Evening & Weekend MBA)	Follows E/W application timeline (multiple intakes annually; cohort aligns with program start)	Edwardson Civic Scholars Program
Executive MBA – Merit-Based Scholarships (Chicago/London/Hong Kong)	By EMBA round & campus (2025 intake dates):  R1 Oct 28, 2024  R2 Jan 13, 2025  R3 Apr 7, 2025  Final Jun 9, 2025	EMBA Scholarships & Aid
Hong Kong Jockey Club Chicago Booth EMBA Scholarship (HK campus)	Apr 7, 2025 (for 2025 intake)	HKJC Scholarship Info
Obama Foundation Scholars (Final year; Booth/Crown/Harris)	Announced annually (invitation/eligibility-based; timing varies)	Obama Foundation Scholars – UChicago

Types of Chicago Booth MBA Scholarships

Chicago Booth offers scholarships that are divided into merit-based awards, need-based financial aid, specialized fellowships, and external funding options. Each type is designed to support different student backgrounds, achievements, and career goals.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are the most common form of aid at Booth. They are automatically considered during the admission review and awarded to students with outstanding academic, professional, and leadership achievements. Merit scholarships are open to all admitted students in the Full-Time MBA program. Awards are highly competitive and vary in coverage, from partial tuition to full tuition.

Benefits	Partial or full tuition support
Eligible Students	All Full-Time MBA applicants (domestic + international)
Deadline	Aligned with MBA application rounds  R1: Sep 16, 2025  R2: Jan 6, 2026  R3: Apr 2, 2026)
Coverage	Varies (up to full tuition)
Eligibility	Based on academic excellence, leadership, professional experience, and overall application strength
Application Process	Automatic consideration during MBA application (no separate form required)

Need-Based Financial Aid

While Booth does not award separate “need-based scholarships,” students can apply for loans, fellowships, and support programs based on demonstrated financial need. The University of Chicago’s Office of Financial Aid works with students to build a package of funding options.

Benefits	Loan programs, work-study opportunities, and limited grants
Eligible Students	Primarily US citizens and permanent residents (international students may access select loan programs)
Deadline	Follows FAFSA / UChicago financial aid timelines
Coverage	Varies by need; can support living costs in addition to tuition
Eligibility	Based on demonstrated financial need; FAFSA required for US students
Application Process	Submit FAFSA and UChicago Financial Aid forms after admission

Specialized Fellowships and Awards

These scholarships are tied to specific industries, demographics, or career goals. They recognize excellence in fields like marketing, social impact, and women in business.

1. Forté Fellowship: For women demonstrating leadership potential in business.

Benefits	Partial tuition and access to Forté network and leadership programs
Eligible Students	Women (domestic & international) admitted to Full-Time MBA
Deadline	Same as MBA admission rounds
Coverage	Varies (partial tuition)
Eligibility	Outstanding leadership, commitment to advancing women in business
Application Process	Automatic consideration (no separate form required)

2. Kilts Marketing Fellowship: For students with strong interest in marketing careers.

Benefits	Financial award and priority access to marketing labs, projects, and mentorship
Eligible Students	Full-Time MBA applicants with a focus on marketing
Deadline	Same as MBA admission rounds
Coverage	Partial tuition
Eligibility	Proven academic or professional interest in marketing
Application Process	Considered during MBA application review

3. David W. Fox Scholarship: Awarded to a US veteran in the Full-Time MBA program.

Benefits	Covers tuition support for one military veteran each year
Eligible Students	US veterans in Full-Time MBA
Deadline	Same as MBA admission rounds
Coverage	Partial or full tuition
Eligibility	Must be a US military veteran
Application Process	Awarded automatically; no separate application

External Scholarships and Funding Options

In addition to Booth-administered scholarships, students may apply for external awards from partner organizations, governments, and foundations. These often support international students or those in specific fields.

1. Yellow Ribbon Program (for US veterans): Tuition support in partnership with the VA.

Benefits	Tuition support (shared by VA and Booth)
Eligible Students	US veterans eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill
Deadline	Rolling, after admission
Coverage	Up to full tuition depending on eligibility
Eligibility	Must qualify for Yellow Ribbon under VA rules
Application Process	Apply via UChicago Registrar after admission

2. Hong Kong Jockey Club EMBA Scholarship: For EMBA students in Hong Kong with a nonprofit/public sector background.

Benefits	Full tuition
Eligible Students	Executive MBA (Hong Kong campus) applicants from nonprofit/public sector
Deadline	Apr 7, 2025 (for 2025 intake)
Coverage	100% tuition
Eligibility	Leadership in NGOs/public service, commitment to community
Application Process	Indicate interest in EMBA application

3. Obama Foundation Scholars Program: For students committed to global public service.

Benefits	One-year program support + leadership training + living stipend
Eligible Students	Final-year MBA students with public service focus
Deadline	Announced annually
Coverage	Tuition, stipend, and program expenses
Eligibility	Leadership in social impact and global development
Application Process	Selection via nomination and application

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Eligibility Criteria for Chicago Booth MBA Scholarships

While some scholarships are open to all admitted students, others are designed for specific groups such as women, veterans, or students committed to public service. Here is a clear breakdown of what students need to qualify for each type of funding.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based awards are considered during the admission review process. They focus on academic performance, leadership, and professional achievements, rather than financial need.

Factor	Eligibility Details
Who Can Apply	All Full-Time MBA applicants (domestic + international)
Selection Basis	Academic excellence, professional experience, leadership qualities, and community contribution
Financial Need Required?	No
Application Requirement	None. Automatic consideration during MBA admission rounds

Need-Based Financial Aid

Need-based aid is mostly available to US citizens and permanent residents through loans, work-study, and university grants. International students may have limited access to certain loan programs.

Factor	Eligibility Details
Who Can Apply	Primarily US citizens and permanent residents; some options for international students
Selection Basis	Demonstrated financial need
Financial Need Required?	Yes
Application Requirement	FAFSA & UChicago Financial Aid forms

Specialized Fellowships and Awards

Specialized fellowships are awarded to students with specific career interests, leadership qualities, or demographic backgrounds.

Fellowship	Eligibility Criteria
Forté Fellowship	Women applicants with strong leadership and commitment to advancing women in business (open to all nationalities)
Kilts Marketing Fellowship	Students with proven academic/professional interest in marketing
David W. Fox Scholarship	US military veterans admitted to Full-Time MBA
Civic Scholars Program	Students dedicated to nonprofit/public sector leadership

External Scholarships and Funding Options

External scholarships are offered by government bodies, foundations, or global organizations. They often target students from specific regions or service backgrounds.

Scholarship	Eligibility Criteria
Yellow Ribbon Program	US veterans eligible under the Post-9/11 GI Bill
Hong Kong Jockey Club EMBA Scholarship	EMBA students from Hong Kong with a public/nonprofit service background
Obama Foundation Scholars Program	Final-year MBA students with leadership in global public service and social impact

How to Apply for Chicago Booth MBA Scholarships

Chicago Booth MBA Scholarships are primarily merit-based and tied to your degree application so it means most awards don’t require a separate scholarship form. But still here is a complete breakdown of Full-Time, Part-Time (Evening/Weekend), and Executive MBA applicants, followed by how selection works, the exact documents you’ll need, and the 2025–2026 deadlines you should calendar.

1. Start and submit your MBA application. Scholarship consideration is automatic for merit awards; indicate interest only where a fellowship explicitly asks (e.g., Edwardson Civic Scholars, HKJC EMBA).
   
2. Answer any program-specific prompts (e.g., an additional essay for Edwardson Civic Scholars; “scholarship interest” checkbox for the HKJC EMBA award).
   
3. If eligible for veterans’ benefits, complete VA steps and the University Registrar’s Yellow Ribbon form after you’re admitted.
   
4. Track round/quarter deadlines and submit early. Some awards are limited and notifications can align with admission decisions.

Selection Process

• Merit-Based Scholarships: No separate application. Booth evaluates your MBA file holistically, academics, interview quality, competitiveness, career goals, prospective concentration, and life experiences. Awards and notification timing vary by program.
  
• Specialized Fellowships:
  
  • Edwardson Civic Scholars (Evening/Weekend MBA): Full-tuition; requires Autumn-quarter entry, an extra essay, and a committee review/interview for finalists.
    
  • HK Jockey Club Chicago Booth EMBA Scholarship (Hong Kong campus): Full tuition for NGO leaders; indicate interest within the EMBA application. Final selection by the HKJC Charities Trust after program admission.
    
• Military/Yellow Ribbon (Post-9/11 GI Bill enhancement): A benefits program, not a Booth scholarship. Eligible students coordinate certification and matching funds through the University Registrar and VA; Booth indicates broad participation and matching.

Required Documents

Here is a list of required documents. 

Baseline (varies slightly by program):

• Online application form
  
• Updated resume
  
• Essays as per Booth’s requirements
  
• Academic transcripts
  
• Two letters of recommendation
  
• Test scores (GMAT/GRE)  unless applying test-optional where permitted
  
• Proof of English proficiency if applicable
  
• Video/virtual interview (by invitation only)

Program-specific adds (examples):

• Edwardson Civic Scholars (E/W MBA): Additional Civic Scholars essay and finalist interview; Autumn-quarter entry only.
  
• HKJC EMBA Scholarship: Copy of Hong Kong Identity Card, scholarship essay, optional beneficiary recommendation, and acceptance of terms (post-admit).
  
• Yellow Ribbon: VA Certificate of Eligibility and University Registrar’s Yellow Ribbon request (filed after admission/enrollment).

Deadlines and Important Dates

Submit early when possible; some awards are capacity-limited and most merit decisions travel with, or shortly after, admission notifications. Let’s take a look at this table: 

Program / Scholarship	Round / Term	Submission deadline (local Chicago time unless noted)
Full-Time MBA	Round 1	September 16, 2025
	Round 2	January 6, 2026
	Round 3	April 2, 2026
Chicago Booth Scholars (Deferred MBA)	Single deadline	April 2, 2026
Part-Time MBA (Evening/Weekend)	Autumn 2025	Application: June 6, 2025  Interview Days: Sept 6 & Oct 5, 2025  Classes start Sept 29, 2025
	Winter 2026	Application: September 29, 2025  Interview Days: Dec 6 & Jan 11, 2026  Classes start January 5, 2026
	Spring 2026	Application: January 5, 2026  Interview Days: March 7 & March 29, 2026 Classes start March 23, 2026
	Summer 2026	Application: March 20, 2026  Interview Days: May 16 & June 21, 2026 Classes start June 15, 2026
Executive MBA (Hong Kong campus)	Round 1	October 28, 2024
	Round 2	January 13, 2025
	Round 3	April 7, 2025
	Final	June 9, 2025
HK Jockey Club Chicago Booth EMBA Scholarship (Hong Kong campus)	Scholarship date	April 7, 2025 (apply for EMBA admission and indicate scholarship interest by this date)
Yellow Ribbon (Veterans)	Rolling (post-admit)	File VA eligibility and University Registrar Yellow Ribbon paperwork after admission

Notes: Booth states that merit-based aid has no separate form and that the school does not offer need-based grants for the Full-Time MBA; financing for “need” typically means federal/private loans and external funding. 

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Benefits of Chicago Booth MBA Scholarships

Winning a Chicago Booth MBA scholarship is not just about financial support but it also opens doors to world-class networks, leadership opportunities, and career guidance. Students gain access to resources that make their MBA journey more affordable and impactful.

Full/Partial Tuition Coverage

Most Booth scholarships either cover the full tuition or provide partial fee support, easing the financial burden of an MBA. 

• Full-tuition awards (like the Civic Scholars Program, Kilts Fellowship, and select merit awards) remove all tuition expenses.
  
• Partial scholarships significantly reduce tuition fees, often in the range of 20–80% of annual costs.
  
• Some fellowships also provide living stipends, conference travel support, or professional development allowances.

Networking & Alumni Access

Scholarship recipients at Booth are integrated into exclusive networking circles with alumni, faculty, and industry leaders. 

• Priority access to alumni mentorship programs and Booth networking events.
  
• Invitations to leadership roundtables, panel discussions, and specialized industry workshops.
  
• Stronger placement opportunities, as recruiters often value scholarship recipients for their demonstrated excellence.

Leadership & Mentorship Programs

Many Booth scholarships go beyond funding to actively invest in a student’s leadership journey.

• Fellows participate in structured leadership training, mentorship by senior alumni, and career guidance.
  
• Programs like the Forté Fellowship and Civic Scholars are tailored to developing leadership in women and public service professionals.
  
• Continuous mentorship ensures students gain practical insights into consulting, finance, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit management.

Support for Nonprofit, Startup & Public Service Careers

Booth actively encourages graduates to create impact beyond traditional corporate paths. Several scholarships are tailored for students committed to nonprofits, startups, and public sector leadership.

• Civic Scholars Program fully funds tuition for those pursuing careers in government or nonprofit organizations.
  
• Entrepreneurial fellowships and startup incubator access reduce risks for founders building new ventures.
  
• Dedicated resources, including seed funding competitions and social impact labs, help students transition into mission-driven careers.

Why Study at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business?

Chicago Booth consistently ranks among the top business schools in the world. Known for its rigorous academic environment, flexible curriculum, and Nobel Prize–winning faculty, Booth offers more than just an MBA, it provides a launchpad for leadership, innovation, and global opportunities.

• Academic Excellence: Booth is the birthplace of groundbreaking economic theories and has produced more Nobel Laureates in economics than any other business school.
  
• Career Impact: Graduates enjoy exceptional placement rates and some of the highest average post-MBA salaries worldwide.
  
• Flexibility: Unlike many schools, Booth allows students to fully customize their MBA journey with electives from day one.
  
• Global Network: With campuses in Chicago, London, and Hong Kong, Booth connects you to an alumni base of 55,000+ professionals across industries and continents.
  
• Scholarship Support: A wide range of scholarships and fellowships help students from diverse backgrounds make this world-class education financially accessible.

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