The Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship was established to support Indian nationals living in India who need financial assistance in obtaining an MBA at Stanford. This is one of the most generous international scholarships for Indian students, and it is awarded by Reliance Industries, Ltd, along with Stanford University.  Every year, Stanford awards up to three Reliance Dhirubhai fellowships to Indian nationals.The Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship Program aims to offer future leaders with a strong educational foundation so they can make a positive change in India. Recipients of this scholarship need to return to India to lead organizations that are working towards the rapid development of the Indian economy. This scholarship will cover almost 80% of the cost of attendance and the associated fee for each year of the two-year MBA program offered by Stanford. Within two years of finishing the MBA, fellows need to come back to India and work for an Indian organization.

Shortlisting Process

The selection of scholars for the Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship involves a multi-stage process. The scholars will be selected after a thorough assessment of merit and need of all the applicants. The selection process includes:

Screening of scholarship applications based on financial need.

• Telephonic interviews for further shortlisting of candidates.

Terms and Conditions

The continuation of the scholarship depends on the good academic performance of the scholars in the examinations conducted by their respective universities.

Renewal cases of stipend holders who are not promoted to the next year will not be considered for further renewal.

• Applicants must meet all Stanford GSB application requirements, including submission of GMAT or GRE and IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL, if applicable.
• Applicants must hold a bachelor degree which is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree in any field.
• Up to 50 Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows finalists will be selected based on:
  • Merit
  • Commitment to developing 
  • Financial need
• Stanford may select up to three Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows each year from among the finalists based on primary admission criteria:
  • Intellectual vitality
  • Demonstrated leadership potential
  • Personal qualities and contributions

This scholarship needs a separate external application.

Application Documents

• 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.
• A 250-word essay will be required.
• One-page resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
• Individual financial information required.
• 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.

Additional Documents:

• Educational history and scores: 10 board exams, 12 board exams, Joint Entrance Exam (JEE), and/or Common Admission Test (CAT).
• Official GMAT/GRE, if available.
• Awards and honors (academic or social).