The Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship Program is the American Dream for Indian students who wish to pursue an MBA degree from the world-class Stanford Graduate School of Business. The program, which was started with the support of Reliance Industries, invests heavily in creating leadership and fostering a sense of responsibility for India’s progress.
See how the Fellowship will change lives and provide access to a world-class education.
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Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship Brief Overview
To strengthen the Indian brain, Reliance Industries launched the Fellowship Program in 2008. The program essentially sponsors up to 50 candidates, of which only five are given the title of Dhirubhai Fellows. These fellows will be sponsored for the entire duration of the program (2 years) and will bear up to 80% of the program costs, including tuition fees and all other costs involved in the process.
But here’s the catch. They must agree to return to India and work for at least two years after graduation. This will ensure knowledge, technology and leadership that will benefit the country.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Funding Type | Private |
| Scholarship Type | Merit-based, College-specific |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹12,687,000 (~$150,000) |
| Renewability | Yes |
| Eligible Students | Indian nationals |
| Participating Country | United States of America |
| Application Deadline | May 31, 2023 (Closed for 2024)* |
*Deadlines may vary yearly; always check the official website for updates.
Benefits of the Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
The fellowship is designed to reduce financial stress and allow you to focus on your studies and leadership. The program includes:
- 80% of tuition and related fees for the MBA program.
- Additional living, medical, and incidental expenses.
- Access to Stanford’s world-class resources and network.
Eligibility
To apply for this prestigious fellowship, you must meet the following criteria:
Education
Earn a bachelor’s degree (equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree) in any field.
- Standardized Test Scores
- GRE or GMAT.
- English proficiency tests (minimum scores):
- TOEFL-iBT: 100
- IELTS: 7.0
- PTE: 68
- Application Essentials
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
- Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- Optional 200-word response questions.
- Resume detailing achievements and work experience.
- Leadership and Professional Experience
- A proven track record of leadership roles and contributions to community initiatives.
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship Application Process
The fellowship application is easy but rigorous. You must submit both the Stanford MBA application and the fellowship application.
Required Documents
- Marksheets (10th, 12th, graduation).
- A 250-word essay on a specified topic.
- An up-to-date resume (one page)
- Details of awards and recognitions
- Details of work history and experience
- Official GMAT/GRE scores
- Financial and tax documents
- Annual household income
- Transcript of transcripts
Two letters of recommendation highlighting your professional achievements
Note: There is no application fee for pre-application for the fellowship.
Selection Process
The program is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of just 5.4%. Of the 50 shortlisted candidates, only three are ultimately selected based on:
Academic achievement
- Financial need
- Leadership potential
- Overall applicant profile
Selection depends on the applicants vision, ambition, and potential to drive change within India.
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship Guidelines
While the program offers generous scholarships, there are certain conditions that must be followed:
- Return to India: Fellows must work in India for at least two years after completing their MBA.
- No Reliance obligations: Although they are funded by Reliance, they are not obligated to work for the company.
- Repayment clauses: If they fail to follow through on their commitments, they will have to repay the scholarship.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship program is not just about providing funding, but also aims to develop leaders who are willing to contribute to their motherland. By providing timely education and international experience, the program prepares talented people to take on challenges and develop their country.
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Final Thoughts
The most important thing about this fellowship is that it aims to support Indian students who wish to gain admission into some of the world’s most prestigious B-schools. It is true that the application process is daunting, but the rewards are endless.
Want to know more about how to apply? Check out the official Stanford MBA Fellowship page for program details and application deadline.
So, are you ready to think big and contribute to India? Maybe now is the time!
FAQs About the Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship Program
Who is eligible for the Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship Program?
Eligibility requirements include:
- Hold a US bachelor’s degree equivalent in any field.
- Submit valid GRE/GMAT scores and meet the minimum English language proficiency test requirements (TOEFL-iBT: 100, IELTS: 7.0, PTE: 68).
- Demonstrate leadership potential, academic excellence, and financial need.
How much is the stipend provided by the Fellowship?
The Fellowship will provide up to $150,000 (₹12,687,000) to cover approximately 80% of the tuition and other related expenses for the two-year MBA program at Stanford Graduate School of Business.
What are the obligations of the Fellowship recipient?
Scholars must return to India after completing their MBA program and work for at least two years with any organization. Failure to meet this condition may result in the repayment of the Fellowship amount.
How competitive is the selection process?
The selection process is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 5.4%. From the 50 shortlisted candidates, only three are awarded the fellowship each year, based on a comprehensive assessment of academic achievement, leadership qualities, financial need, and application profile.
Is there an application fee for the fellowship?
No. There is no application fee for the Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship pre-application. However, there is an application fee for the Stanford MBA application.
