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Stanford MBA Program

The Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship

Reliance Industries Limited has generously created the Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows Program to support Indian students with financial need in obtaining an MBA at Stanford. 

Reliance LogoEach year, Stanford may award up to five Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships:

  • Fellows will receive full financial support for the two-year Stanford MBA Program and all fees associated with applying and attending. 
  • Reliance and Stanford are dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders in India who are committed to the country’s human and socio-economic progress. 
  • Within two years of completing their Stanford MBA studies, Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows will return to India for a period of at least two years employment in the public or private sector.
Apply to Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows Program --> Apply to Stanford MBA Program --> Attend Stanford MBA Program; Return to work in India

Process and Evaluation Criteria

There is a two-stage application process. In the first stage, prospective fellowship applicants complete the Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows application.

Up to 50 Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows Finalists will be selected based on:

  • Merit
  • Commitment to developing India
  • Financial need

In the second stage, those Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows finalists will go on to complete the standard application process for the Stanford MBA Program. As part of the MBA admission process, Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows finalists will be required to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) if they have not done so already. The Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows finalists will bear none of the costs associated with the GMAT exams or Stanford application.

Stanford may select up to five Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows from among the finalists based on its primary admission criteria of:

  • Intellectual vitality
  • Demonstrated leadership potential
  • Personal qualities and contributions

Timing

15 May 2008 – 15 July 2008 Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows application available online
15 July 2008 Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows application submission deadline
1 August 2008 Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows finalists notified
1 August 2008 – 29 October 2008 Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows finalists prepare for and take GMAT exam
1 August 2008 – 29 October 2008 Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows finalists prepare and submit Stanford MBA application
22 January 2009 Stanford MBA Program notifies Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows
September 2009 Stanford MBA students matriculate

How do I submit a Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows application?

Access the Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows application via the Related Links column. The application includes, among other things:

  • Educational history and scores (10th board exams, 12th board exams, Common Admission Test (CAT) and/or GMAT scores if available)
  • Employment history and aspirations
  • Resume/curriculum vitae (C.V.)
  • 250-word essay question
  • Individual financial information

 

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FAQ: GENERAL QUESTIONS

What is the aim of the Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows program?

Reliance Industries created the Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows program at the Stanford Graduate School of Business to support promising Indian students with financial need in obtaining an MBA at Stanford. This fellowship program, made possible by a generous gift from Reliance Industries Limited, allows Stanford to extend its outreach within India to the best and brightest MBA candidates, regardless of their financial situation. Reliance is dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders in India who are committed to the country’s human and socio-economic progress.

Is Stanford accepting more Indian students in the MBA Program as a result?

We make admission decisions person by person, not group by group. There are no quotas or targets in the admission process. The Stanford MBA class typically reflects the applicant pool, so the specific number and backgrounds of candidates admitted each year varies depending on the applicant pool at the time. The one constant is that we always offer admission to students who will contribute to a stimulating, diverse educational experience. While we consider gender, ethnicity, nationality, and personal, professional, and academic experiences, among other aspects, we ultimately admit individuals and not categories of people. Through the Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows program we are encouraging individuals who might never have thought it possible to apply to and attend the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Why are you doing this in India?

We recognize the importance of India’s voice in the global marketplace, and within our classrooms. Stanford’s international reputation as a leader in management education is built on the quality and diversity of our students, whose broad range of experiences and backgrounds fosters a distinctively collaborative community. Indian students are an important part of the student body at the School, as they provide direct and personal insight into an emerging global economy that has a powerful impact on business and management. We place tremendous importance on educating and preparing the future generation of Indian leaders, in both the public and private arenas, to produce positive change and growth within the country – and educating the student body about India’s potential.

How does this Fellowship differ from others offered to MBA students from other countries?

This fellowship is funded directly by Reliance Industries Limited. There are very few full fellowships available to MBA students, covering all financial costs related to tuition, books, accommodation, and travel. The Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship is the only full fellowship for Indian MBA students.

What is the value of a Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship?
Each Reliance Dhirubhai Fellow will receive the full cost of attendance, including tuition, living allowance, books and supplies, course materials, medical insurance, study trip, and travel. For 2008-2009, this is approximately $85,000 for a single student and $95,000 for a married student per year. The cost of attendance for 2008-2009 is listed on our website at www.gsb.stanford.edu/mba/financialaid/cost

FAQ: ADMISSION QUESTIONS

Do I need to be a citizen of India to apply?

Yes, you must be an Indian citizen and must be either studying or working in India to apply for the Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows program. Furthermore, all Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows must return to India within two years of graduation to work for a period of at least two years.

What are you looking for in Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows?

In selecting up to 50 Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows finalists, Reliance Industries will consider academic and professional merit, commitment to developing India, and financial need based on a review of each individual’s personal resources.

What are you looking for in Stanford MBA applicants?

The Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows finalists will be subject to the identical admission standards of all other Stanford MBA applicants. All Stanford MBA applicants are evaluated on intellectual vitality, demonstrated leadership potential, and personal qualities and contributions. For more information on the Stanford MBA admission criteria and process, please visit www.gsb.stanford.edu/mba/admission/

How many Reliance Dhirubhai Fellow applicants, finalists, and awards to you expect?

As this is the inaugural year of the Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows program, we do not know how many Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows applications we will receive. From the Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows applications submitted, Reliance Industries aims to select up to 50 finalists who will be able to apply to the Stanford MBA Program at no charge. From those 50 finalists, Stanford ultimately will select up to five Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows and up to five alternates.

What if I am not selected as a Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows finalist? Can I still apply through the regular Stanford MBA application process?

Yes, you may still apply to the Stanford MBA Program if you are not selected as a finalist for the Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows program. You would bear all costs of the admissions process however, including application fees, exam fees, and financial aid verification fees. (University/college seniors currently receiving financial aid may apply for an application fee waiver if you provide documentation from your school’s Financial Aid Office. Although we understand the financial burden that other applicants may be under and sympathize with your circumstances, we are not able to waive the application fee in other cases – with the exception of Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows finalists.) All Stanford MBA students, regardless of citizenship, are eligible for financial assistance based on demonstrated financial need. Financial assistance typically includes both fellowships and educational loans. The Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship is extremely generous in that students receive full financial support in the form of a fellowship.

Which exams are required for admission?

During the screening of the Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows applications, 10th board, 12th board, and GMAT and/or CAT scores (if available) will be considered. All of the selected finalists for the Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows program will also be required to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) as part of the Stanford MBA admission process if you have not done so already. All fees associated with the GMAT will be waived for the selected finalists.

What are the educational requirements for admission for students educated outside of the United States?

We expect that you will have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree (at least 16 years of education, including primary and secondary schooling.) You may apply with a three-year degree. Many of our applicants with degrees from international universities that offer only three-year baccalaureate degrees have earned a master’s degree as well, but this is not a requirement.

Can current university students apply to the Stanford MBA Program? Is work experience required?

Work experience is not required. You know best when the time is appropriate to pursue an MBA education. We accept outstanding students – and that includes students who enroll directly from an undergraduate or graduate program without full-time work experience. Candidates enrolling directly from university usually have an extensive record of extracurricular leadership, as well as superb academic credentials. These students are mature and self-confident and can also effectively articulate the reasons why they wish to attend business school now.

Can I apply if I already have an MBA?

If you already have an MBA or similar degree in management studies, you are eligible to apply to the Stanford MBA Program. We would not encourage you to do so, however, without a compelling reason. You may wish to review our course offerings to see how much of the program would be repetitious. Then, if you decide to apply, make a compelling case in both your Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows application and your Stanford MBA Program application to explain why you want to have another MBA education.

What about the visa process?

Stanford University will assist you in the visa process once you are admitted to the Stanford MBA Program. The first step will be to determine which visa is right for you. Most students study under the F-1 visa and a few study under the J-1 visa. Detailed information will be sent to you upon your admission to the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

FAQ: FINANCIAL AID QUESTIONS

What are the costs associated with applying for the Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowhip?

The entire process is completely free of charge for prospective Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows. If you are selected as a finalist, all fees associated with applications, exams, and financial assistance verifications will be waived.

What are the costs of attending?

The Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows program will cover all financial costs related to tuition, books, accommodation, and travel for the full duration of the two years of study. The cost of attendance for 2008-2009 is listed on our website at www.gsb.stanford.edu/finaid/cost/

How do you determine an applicant’s financial need?

Financial need is determined as the Cost of Attendance for one year minus your contribution based on a review of your personal resources (annual household income, cash savings, investments including retirement, and home equity).

How will applicants demonstrate financial need? (e.g., what documentation will you require?)

Students will ultimately be required to complete the Financial Aid Applications and submit copies of your tax returns and other documentation. Information about the process is available on the GSB Financial Aid website at www.gsb.stanford.edu/finaid/

What if I qualify for partial financial aid (e.g., I come from a middle class family that can afford some but not all of the costs of attendance)? Is the Fellowship an all-or-nothing program?

The Fellowship is a full fellowship to cover tuition, fees and all living expenses for two years. There are no partial Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship awards. If you are not selected as a Reliance Dhirubhai Fellow but are admitted to the Stanford MBA Program, we would highly encourage you to complete the standard financial aid process since the School has a number of other financial resources to assist students.

What happens if I change my mind about returning to India for two years after my MBA? Would I need to repay my Fellowship?

Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows will be required to repay all Fellowship funding if they elect not to return to India within the required timeframe.

What happens if, after my MBA, it takes me longer than two years to return to India? Would I need to repay my Fellowship?

Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows are required to return to India within two years of graduation from the Stanford MBA Program. Otherwise you will be required to repay the Fellowship funding you have received.

Are Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows obligated to work for Reliance? Am I at an advantage if I would like to work for Reliance?

There is no obligation for Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows to work for Reliance Industries Limited at any point in the process or during your careers. Reliance Industries would, however, be very amenable to speaking with Fellows who express an interest in career opportunities with Reliance.

What kind of company do I have to work for upon completion of my MBA studies?

With a broad range of interests, Stanford MBA students pursue many different types of career opportunities. You can work for a major corporation, lead a nonprofit, serve in government, head an educational institution, develop a life sciences company, run a factory, or succeed in organizations of every size and description. Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows will apply the management and leadership skills learned at Stanford to developing the Indian economy.