NYU Stern Merit Scholarship
NYU Stern School of Business is one of the world's leading business schools, in the heart of Manhattan, and a top destination for the full-time MBA and specialised Master's (e.g. MS in Finance, MS in Data Science adjacent programs). Stern awards merit-based scholarships to outstanding admitted students — including international applicants — typically as partial-to-substantial tuition reductions decided automatically from the admission application, with no separate scholarship form. The amount varies widely by candidate strength and program (from a few thousand dollars up to large multi-tens-of-thousands awards for exceptional MBA candidates), so treat this as a merit tuition award whose value depends on your profile. For Sri Lankan applicants, Stern is elite and highly competitive: a first-class Bachelor's from a recognised Sri Lankan university, strong GMAT/GRE, meaningful work experience (for the MBA), and clear leadership are the realistic baseline. Confirm current program-specific scholarship practice and deadlines on the NYU Stern admissions pages.
Fall 2026 intake: NYU Stern admits in rounds (typically autumn–spring) — earlier rounds generally see more scholarship funding available; check stern.nyu.edu
NYU Stern School of Business
University-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Value
Merit tuition award — varies by profile
Programs
MBA & specialised Master's
Application
Automatic with admission (no separate form)
info How this award actually works
Who awards it
NYU Stern School of Business — not Lanka Scholar. We are not the awarding body and cannot grant, reserve or guarantee this award.
How you are considered
Through your admission application. Awards like this are usually assessed automatically from the application you already submit — there is typically no separate scholarship form to fill in.
What it covers
Partial-to-substantial tuition merit award (no separate application). This is a reduction in tuition, not a full ride. You still fund the remainder, plus living costs and the balance your visa requires you to show.
Where we come in
We make the admission application strong enough to be competitive — course choice, documents, references and deadlines. The funder makes the decision.
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
Outstanding Academic Profile
A first-class or near-first Bachelor's from a recognised Sri Lankan university, plus a strong GMAT/GRE score. Stern's median GMAT for the MBA sits around 730+, so competitive applicants aim high; specialised Master's have their own strong score expectations.
Work Experience & Leadership (MBA)
For the full-time MBA, several years of strong professional experience and demonstrated leadership are expected. Specialised Master's may admit candidates with less experience but expect strong quantitative and analytical credentials.
Compelling Application
Because scholarships are merit-based and automatic, the strength of your essays, recommendations, and interview directly affects the award. A clear, distinctive story and quantified impact matter as much as scores.
English Proficiency
TOEFL/IELTS is required for applicants whose prior degree was not taught in English (the GMAT/GRE does not waive this). Sri Lankan applicants from English-medium degrees may request a waiver — confirm Stern's current policy for your program.
account_tree Application Process
Prepare tests and materials early
Sit the GMAT or GRE (and TOEFL/IELTS if required) well ahead, and prepare essays, recommendations, and your resume. Strong, early preparation supports both admission and scholarship.
Apply in an early round
Submit your Stern application in an earlier admissions round where possible — scholarship funds are typically more available before later rounds. Apply via the NYU Stern online portal.
Interview and automatic scholarship review
Shortlisted applicants interview (by invitation). Merit scholarships are decided automatically alongside the admission decision — no separate application is needed for most awards.
Accept and apply for the US student visa
Accept your offer and scholarship, receive your I-20 from NYU, pay the SEVIS fee, then apply for the F-1 visa at the US Embassy in Colombo, showing funding net of your scholarship.
Why NYU Stern?
Stern is a top-tier US business school embedded in New York's finance, tech, and media ecosystem, with exceptional recruiting access and a global brand. Its Manhattan location and strong finance and analytics reputation make it a flagship choice for ambitious Sri Lankan graduate-business applicants.
Top 15
US MBA (national rankings)
NYC
Finance & Tech Hub
730+
Typical MBA Median GMAT
Looking for a scholarship because of the cost?
Then start here instead. Scholarships are competitive, usually partial, and decided by someone else — they are the least reliable way to make studying abroad affordable. Your destination and course choice move the number far more, and both are entirely within your control.
Work out your real number
Tuition, living costs, visa funds and flights for your destination — so you know the gap you are actually trying to close.
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The full catalogue, cheapest tuition first. Changing course or country saves far more than most awards are worth.
Browse lowest-fee courses arrow_forwardWhat USA actually costs
Tuition, living costs and the total first-year figure for USA, in LKR as well as local currency.
See the cost breakdown arrow_forwardCheck your proof of funds
Every student visa requires you to show funds. Find out what you need before you commit to an application.
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