BOLD Fellows Fund 2025

The Building Opportunities for Leadership Diversity (BOLD) Fellows Fund at Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) for 2025 is a need-based scholarship designed to enhance diversity and expand access to the Stanford MBA program for students facing financial hardship. Valued at up to USD $15,000 per year (approximately USD $30,000 over the two-year MBA program), the fund supports students who demonstrate a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Stanford GSB, ranked among the top business schools globally, defines diversity broadly, encompassing professional backgrounds, personal experiences, goals, and viewpoints. The BOLD Fellows Fund, launched to address intergenerational wealth gaps and socioeconomic disadvantages, is part of Stanford’s commitment to fostering a diverse MBA cohort. Approximately half of Stanford MBA students receive fellowship funds, with an average GSB fellowship of USD $50,000 per year for the Class of 2025.

To be eligible for the BOLD Fellows Fund 2025, applicants must:

• Be admitted to the full-time Stanford MBA program for the 2025 intake (starting September 2025).

• Qualify for need-based financial aid through Stanford GSB’s financial aid application process, demonstrating financial hardship (e.g., low-income household, socioeconomic disadvantage due to intergenerational wealth disparities).

• Show a demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, evidenced by:

  • Personal or professional experiences promoting DEI.

  • Leadership in social or entrepreneurial ventures supporting underrepresented communities.

  • Contributions to diversity through academic, extracurricular, or community activities.

• Be open to all nationalities (domestic and international students).

• Exclusions:

  • Candidates receiving employer sponsorship or forgivable loans are typically ineligible for Stanford GSB fellowships, including BOLD.

  • Students enrolled in part-time, Executive MBA, or other non-MBA programs are not eligible.

  • Applicants must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and full-time enrollment to retain the award.

• Value: Up to USD $15,000 per year, totaling approximately USD $30,000 over the two-year MBA program.

• Disbursement: Applied as a tuition fee reduction, credited to the student’s account after enrollment and financial aid approval.

• Duration: Renewable for two years, subject to maintaining SAP (minimum GPA of 2.0) and full-time enrollment (typically 24 units per year).

• Note: The award covers tuition only and does not include living expenses (estimated at USD $40,000/year), fees, or other costs. Total financial aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance (USD $126,149/year for 2025-26), and adjustments may be made if combined with other fellowships or external scholarships (external awards under USD $40,000 do not reduce the BOLD award).

The BOLD Fellows Fund requires a supplemental application in addition to the Stanford GSB financial aid application. Follow these steps:

1. Apply to the Stanford MBA Program: Submit a complete MBA application for Round 1 (September 9, 2025) or Round 2 (January 7, 2026) via the Stanford GSB admissions portal (www.gsb.stanford.edu).

2. Submit MBA Application Documents:

   • Official academic transcripts (minimum GPA 3.0 recommended, though Stanford is holistic).

   • GMAT (average 738 for Class of 2025) or GRE scores (optional for 2025 but strengthens candidacy).

   • Resume detailing professional experience (average 5 years).

   • Two essays (e.g., “What matters most to you, and why?” and “Why Stanford?”).

   • Two letters of recommendation.

   • For international students: English proficiency scores (e.g., TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS 7.0).

3. Receive Admission Offer: Secure admission to the MBA program (decisions by December 2025 for Round 1, April 2026 for Round 2).

4. Apply for Financial Aid:

   • Complete the Stanford GSB Financial Aid Application via the GSB Financial Aid Portal, including:

     • Income and asset statements (personal and family, if applicable).

     • Details of financial hardship (e.g., low-income background, socioeconomic challenges).

   • Submit by the financial aid deadline (typically 2–3 weeks post-admission offer).

5. Apply for BOLD Fellows Fund:

   • Complete the supplemental BOLD Fellows Fund application (available post-admission), including:

     • Parent and family information.

     • Two essays addressing financial hardship and commitment to DEI (specific prompts available on the Financial Aid Portal).

   • Submit via the GSB Financial Aid Portal by July 10, 2025.

6. Evaluation: The Financial Aid Office and Scholarship Committee assess applications based on demonstrated financial need and DEI commitment, prioritizing candidates from underrepresented socioeconomic backgrounds or those with impactful leadership in diversity initiatives.

7. Notification: Recipients are notified via email, typically alongside financial aid decisions (January–July 2026).

8. Accept and Enroll: Accept the MBA offer, pay the deposit (approximately USD $3,000), and enroll full-time to activate the scholarship.

Note: Apply in Round 1 (September 9, 2025) for priority financial aid and scholarship consideration. International students should apply early to allow visa processing time.

• For MBA Admission:

  • Completed Stanford GSB MBA application form (via www.gsb.stanford.edu).

  • Official academic transcripts.

  • GMAT/GRE scores (optional).

  • Resume/CV.

  • Two essays.

  • Two letters of recommendation.

  • For international students: English proficiency scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS).

• For Financial Aid and BOLD Fellows Fund:

  • Stanford GSB Financial Aid Application (income and asset statements).

  • Supplemental BOLD Fellows Fund application:

    • Parent and family financial information.

    • Two essays on financial hardship and DEI commitment.

• Note: Unofficial transcripts and self-reported test scores are accepted initially, but official documents are required upon admission. Documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations.

• MBA Application Deadlines (2025 Intake):

  • Round 1: September 9, 2025, 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time (decision by December 2025).

  • Round 2: January 7, 2026, 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time (decision by April 2026).

• Financial Aid Application Deadline: Typically 2–3 weeks post-admission offer (e.g., January 2026 for Round 1, April 2026 for Round 2).

• BOLD Fellows Fund Application Deadline: July 10, 2025 (tentative, confirm via www.gsb.stanford.edu).

• Enrollment Deadline: Enroll by the start of the MBA program (September 2025).

• Note: Deadlines may vary slightly. Verify on www.gsb.stanford.edu or contact the Financial Aid Office. Early application maximizes scholarship opportunities due to limited funding.

• Email: financialaid@gsb.stanford.edu (for scholarship and financial aid inquiries); admissions@gsb.stanford.edu (for MBA inquiries).

• Phone: +1 (650) 723-2766 (Admissions Office); +1 (650) 723-2149 (Financial Aid Office).

• Address: Stanford Graduate School of Business, 655 Knight Way, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.

• Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (PST).

• Website: www.gsb.stanford.edu