Scholarships
MBA - Tuition and Financial Aid - Competitive Scholarships
Competitive Darden Scholarships
In addition to its large portfolio of merit scholarship awards, Darden offers several competitive scholarship programs that award scholarships through a competitive process designed to identify MBA candidates who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, professional accomplishments and high promise as responsible leaders with the potential to contribute to the life of the Darden community and the world at large.
Consideration for these scholarships, which provide full tuition and fees, may include a supplemental process. Initial consideration for all competitive scholarships will be through the Darden admissions process. Candidates will be notified at the time of admission decision if they have been selected to interview for the Competitive Darden Scholarships. Acceptance of these scholarships requires a binding commitment to enrolling in the Darden School.
The Oculus Fellowships
These prestigious fellowships, awarded by the Darden School for the first time in the academic year 2020-21, recognize outstanding academic ability and leadership potential. Named for the Oculus — the circular opening at the apex of the Dome Room in the Rotunda — the fellowships represent the illumination that outstanding students and their ideas bring to the University and to the Darden School. Candidates who have been selected to interview for the Oculus Fellowship will be notified at the time of admission decision.
Batten Scholars Program
Darden’s Batten Institute awards scholarships that provide full tuition and fees to Full-Time MBA candidates who demonstrate high potential in the areas of entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation. Candidates are encouraged to apply for the Batten Scholars program through the Darden application. Those who have been selected to interview for the Batten Scholars program will be notified at the time of admission decision. Please visit the Batten Scholars page to learn more.
Batten Media Fellowships
Frank Batten, who was chairman of the Associated Press, CEO of Landmark Communications and founder of The Weather Channel, established the Batten Media Fellowships in 1988 to invite professionals who have worked in the news media for at least three years the opportunity to pursue an MBA. Candidates who feel they meet this criteria should contact Susan Loduha, Director of Financial Aid to learn more.
Lemuel E. Lewis Bicentennial Award for Global Leadership
This scholarship founded by Darden alumnus Lem Lewis (MBA ’72) recognizes students who have improved the community by demonstrating a commitment to increase inclusiveness among various economic, political, religious and social groups. The scholarship offers two awards: an annual award to a Second Year student and a bi-annual award to an incoming First Year student. Meet the 2019 award winner and the two 2020 award winners. Candidates will be notified at the time of admission decision if they have been selected as a recipient of the Lem Lewis award.