Fully Funded Scholarship with the 7up Harvard Business School Scholarship for African Students – Apply Now!

Are you dreaming of earning an MBA from one of the world’s top business schools? The 7Up Harvard Business School Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity that fully funds the MBA program for talented Nigerian students. This prestigious scholarship, sponsored by the Seven-Up Bottling Company, not only covers tuition but also provides living expenses and travel costs, opening doors for those who aspire to study at Harvard Business School (HBS).

In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to apply for this fully funded scholarship: from eligibility criteria to the application process, including key tips to help you navigate this incredible opportunity. Whether you’re passionate about business leadership or simply seeking financial aid for studying abroad, this scholarship could be your ticket to success.

Overview of the 7up Harvard Business School Scholarship

The 7up Harvard Business School Scholarship was established in 2010 by Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc of Nigeria to commemorate its 50th anniversary. The aim? To support talented young Nigerians and Africans who aspire to obtain an MBA from the prestigious Harvard Business School. The scholarship not only covers tuition fees but also provides a living stipend and travel costs, making it one of the most comprehensive financial aids available for African students.

Over the years, the scholarship has successfully awarded 14 recipients, the latest being Boluwatife Akinola in 2024. This scholarship offers more than just financial aid; it provides access to a global network of professionals, enhancing career opportunities and personal growth.

Key Benefits:

• Fully covers tuition fees for the two-year MBA program.
• Provides additional support for living expenses.
• Covers travel costs to and from the United States.

Who Can Apply:

• The scholarship is open exclusively to Nigerian students who have secured admission to the Harvard MBA program.

Why This Scholarship Is Important

Pursuing an MBA from Harvard is a dream for many, but without financial assistance, it remains out of reach for most. The cost of an MBA at Harvard Business School is approximately $76,000 per year, not including accommodation, books, and other personal expenses. For a two-year program, this can easily exceed $150,000, which can be intimidating for students from developing countries like Nigeria.

The 7up Harvard Business School Scholarship makes this dream attainable. It opens doors to world-class education, personal development, and a prosperous career, allowing recipients to concentrate on their studies without financial stress.

7up Harvard Business School Scholarship Coverage

Let’s break down what this fully funded scholarship entails:

1. Full Tuition: The scholarship pays the complete tuition fees for the two-year MBA program, currently estimated at over $80,000 per year.
2. Living Expenses: The scholarship provides a stipend for living costs, ensuring that recipients can focus on their studies without worrying about accommodation, food, or other basic expenses. Harvard recommends a budget of around $102,000 per year for all student expenses, which includes tuition, health insurance, housing, and transportation.
3. Travel Expenses: The scholarship covers round-trip airfare from Nigeria to the United States, giving you the freedom to study abroad without financial strain.

Eligibility Criteria

Before you get too excited, it’s crucial to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the scholarship. Here’s a checklist to help you determine if you qualify:

1. Nationality: Applicants must be Nigerian citizens or other African nationals.
2. Academic Excellence: Candidates should have a strong academic record. While there’s no specific GPA requirement, Harvard looks for applicants with impressive academic performance.
3. Admission into Harvard Business School: The scholarship is only available to students who have been accepted into Harvard’s MBA program.
4. Demonstrated Leadership: 7up and Harvard look for applicants who exhibit strong leadership qualities, either in their academic career, professional life, or extracurricular activities.
5. Commitment to Making an Impact: Preference is given to individuals who are passionate about creating positive change in Africa.

Required Documents

To apply for the scholarship, you’ll need to prepare a set of essential documents that highlight your achievements and suitability for this opportunity:

1. Admission Letter: Proof of admission into the Harvard MBA program.
2. Personal Statement: A compelling essay that outlines your career goals, leadership experience, and why you are a strong candidate for the scholarship.
3. Recommendation Letters: You’ll need at least two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your leadership potential and academic capabilities.
4. Academic Transcripts: Copies of your undergraduate degree and any other academic qualifications.

How to Apply for the 7up Harvard Business School Scholarship

The process of applying for the 7up Harvard Business School Scholarship is competitive, but if you plan strategically and follow these steps, your chances will significantly increase.

Step 1: Apply for Admission to Harvard Business School

Before you can apply for the scholarship, you must first secure admission into Harvard Business School’s MBA program. Here’s what you need to do:

• Complete the online application on Harvard Business School’s official website.
• Submit transcripts from all institutions you’ve attended.
• Provide letters of recommendation from professionals who can vouch for your leadership abilities and academic prowess.
• Write a compelling personal essay explaining why you’re a great fit for Harvard and how you plan to use the MBA to impact Africa.

Pro Tip: Your personal essay is your chance to shine! Be sure to highlight your leadership experience, your vision for Africa’s future, and why Harvard is the right place for you to achieve your goals.

Step 2: Apply for the 7up Harvard Business School Scholarship

Once you’ve secured your admission into Harvard Business School, the next step is to apply for the 7up Harvard Business School Scholarship. Here’s how:

• Visit the Seven-Up Bottling Company’s website to access the scholarship application form.
• Complete the application with accurate and detailed information.
• Submit supporting documents, which typically include:
  • Proof of Harvard Business School admission.
  • A personal statement outlining your academic and professional achievements, leadership experience, and plans post-MBA.
  • Letters of recommendation (you can use the same ones submitted to Harvard).

Step 3: Interview Process

If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited for an interview. This is your opportunity to convince the panel that you’re the ideal candidate. Here are a few tips:

• Prepare thoroughly by reviewing common scholarship interview questions.
• Be clear about your vision for the future and how an MBA from Harvard will help you achieve it.
• Show your passion for contributing to the growth and development of Africa.

How to Navigate the Scholarship Portal

The application portal for the 7Up Harvard Business School Scholarship can be accessed through the Seven-Up Bottling Company website. Follow these steps to apply online:

1. Create an Account: Go to the official portal and create an account with your email address and a password. This will allow you to track your application status.
2. Fill in the Application Form: The form will ask for your personal details, academic background, and leadership experience. Be sure to double-check for accuracy before submitting.
3. Upload Documents: Ensure all the required documents, including your Harvard admission letter and personal statement, are uploaded in the correct formats.
4. Submit and Confirm: Once your application is complete, submit it and confirm submission by checking for a confirmation email.

Past Recipients of the 7up Harvard Business School Scholarship

Looking at the success stories of past recipients can be a great source of inspiration. Here are two recent examples:

• Boluwatife Akinola (2024 Recipient): Akinola, a Nigerian entrepreneur, won the 2024 scholarship. In her interview, she emphasized the importance of education in transforming lives and her commitment to using the MBA to contribute to Africa’s economic growth.
• Oluwaseun Agunbiade (2023 Recipient): Agunbiade, a business analyst from Nigeria, shared how receiving the scholarship not only changed his life but also allowed him to create a social impact initiative back home. He encourages applicants to be authentic during the interview process and demonstrate how their goals align with the scholarship’s mission.

Real-Life Example: How the 7Up Harvard Business School Scholarship Changed a Student’s Life

One recipient of the 7Up Harvard Business School Scholarship, for example, shared how the scholarship enabled him to transition from a local business environment in Lagos to becoming a global business leader. After completing his MBA at HBS, he returned to Nigeria to lead several impactful projects in the tech sector, contributing to local economic development while maintaining connections with his Harvard network.

This story exemplifies the power of education and financial aid in transforming not only the individual’s life but also the community they serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion: Take Action Now!

The 7up Harvard Business School Scholarship is an extraordinary opportunity for aspiring business leaders from Nigeria and Africa. With full financial support, this scholarship removes the barrier of cost, allowing you to focus on achieving your academic and professional goals. If you’re passionate about creating change in Africa, this is your chance to get the world-class education you need to make a difference.

So, what are you waiting for? Start your application process today, and take that first step toward a brighter future with the 7up Harvard Business School Scholarship!