Scholarships for women in business to apply for in 2025

Across 74 countries, women hold only 30.6% of leadership positions, despite making up 43.4% of the overall workforce, according to LinkedIn data.¹ Access to education is a pivotal springboard for women to obtain leadership positions and thrive as entrepreneurs. The price tag of a graduate business degree, however, can often sideline ambition, which is why scholarships for women are crucial to making strides toward greater representation.

Targeted scholarships enable aspiring women to achieve their potential. In this guide, we'll discuss the importance of business school scholarships for women and introduce standout opportunities worth looking into in 2025.

Why scholarships for women in business matter

Gender equity in business is on the rise. However, although women in business have made strides to close the gap in pay and leadership equity, women still account for only 11% of Fortune 500 CEOs.² In addition, all-female founding teams receive only 2.3% of venture capital funding in the United States.³ A lack of capital, mentorship, access to networks, and other systemic barriers continues to impact women's business trajectories.

Scholarships for women in business help address these disparities. Financial aid reduces inequities by:

• Fostering confidence and visibility for top female entrepreneurs
• Reducing financial stress and allowing women to focus fully on their studies
• Encouraging more diverse representation in MBA cohorts and boardrooms
• Creating networking and mentorship opportunities
• Supporting women returning to the workforce or switching careers midstream

Creating opportunities for women leads to a net positive chain reaction. Companies benefit from inclusive practices, diverse and innovative leadership, and increased employee engagement and retention.

Top scholarships for women in business

If you're looking to accelerate your career, business scholarships for women can open those doors. The following are some of the top scholarships for women in business in 2025:

Forté Foundation fellowships

The Forté Foundation is a nonprofit that supports women in business and has worked for more than two decades to create opportunities in education and professional development.⁴ The foundation partners with top business schools to empower women through career support and has awarded more than $475 million in scholarships to students applying to Forté partner school MBA programs.⁵ You may be considered for a Forté Fellowship based on leadership potential, academic performance, and professional achievements.

Forté Fellows benefit from more than just financial support. Fellows attain access to a large network of corporate sponsors, leading companies, and fellow MBA students through online platforms and events such as the Forté MBA Women's Leadership Conference. They also offer career services, special invitations for job openings, exclusive resources, mentorships, and programs for leadership development.

Award amount: Varies by school
Eligibility: Female MBA candidates accepted to a Forté partner institution
How to apply: No separate application; selected by participating schools

AAUW grants and fellowships

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has advocated for women's advancement through graduate education for more than a century. Between 2020 and 2025, AAUW has funded $29.6 million in fellowships and grants for women. These include Career Development Grants, International Project Grants, and various scholarships for women changing careers or re-entering the workforce.⁶

If you're navigating caregiving responsibilities, reintegrating into the workforce, or changing careers, an AAUW grant or fellowship can cover full-time or part-time coursework, including graduate degrees, certifications, or specialized training.

Award amount: $2,000–$20,000
Eligibility: Primarily women pursuing certification or a graduate degree to re-enter or advance in the workforce, but varies by grant
Deadline: Typically September and November each year, but deadlines vary by grant

Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award

For four decades, Zonta International has championed equality and women's education and supported women's causes, including ending gender-based violence. The nonprofit promotes women's equity in leadership through the Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award, which is granted to 10 exceptional leaders internationally.⁷ This award often goes to international leaders devoted to service, innovation, ethical conduct, and entrepreneurship.

Award amount: $10,000
Eligibility: Women aged 18–35 with proven leadership in a business-related field or industry
Deadline: Varies by Zonta club

Does KU offer scholarships for women in business?

KU does not offer scholarships exclusively for women in business; however, the University Women's Club Scholarship assists academically meritorious undergraduate and graduate students with scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $2,500.

Additionally, KU's scholarship portal features a wide variety of merit-based awards, fellowships, and needs-based aid for online graduate students, including those pursuing an online MBA. Explore KU's tuition and financial aid options to get started.

How to find and apply for business scholarships

When applying for business scholarships, prepare your submission materials and streamline your search for scholarships applicable to women in business with these five tips:

Start searching at least six months out

Deadlines for scholarships often fall in early spring and late fall, so begin your search before your program's start date.

Organize scholarship data in a spreadsheet

When applying for multiple scholarships, use a spreadsheet to help keep track of contact details, deadlines, award amounts, eligibility requirements, and portfolio requests.

Tailor your materials to the specific scholarship

While many scholarships may require similar documents–like essays and cover letters–customize them to meet the scholarship's criteria, whether they show your community service, ethical conduct, or academic pursuits.

Polish your resume and references

A scholarship application is like a job interview. Ensuring that your resume shines and your references speak to your character is essential. Any letters of recommendation should be positive and honest portrayals of who you are and what you've achieved.

Invest in your future with an online MBA from KU

Scholarships for women in business break barriers and open doors. With affordable tuition, flexible coursework, and expert faculty, KU's online MBA program can empower you to advance your career. Through our program, you’ll build a strong network and develop the skills and knowledge needed to accelerate your business career. To learn more about our program, review our admissions process, connect with an admissions outreach advisor, or contact us today.