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The Batten Scholarship is a prestigious, highly competitive program run by the Batten Institute at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business. It is designed to identify and support outstanding future leaders who demonstrate a powerful drive to innovate and create impact in the realms of entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation. If you have a proven entrepreneurial spirit and the ambition to tackle global challenges through business, this scholarship provides a fully-funded opportunity to pursue your Full-Time MBA at a top-ranked business school while joining a curated cohort of like-minded peers.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, the application for the Batten Scholarship is integrated with the Darden Full-Time MBA application, with Round 1, 2, and 3 deadlines. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, including eligibility criteria, how to apply, details of the funding, the required supplemental essay, and the interview schedule. You can be fully prepared to seize this transformative opportunity to study at a world-class institution and accelerate your career.

The scholarship is exclusively applicable to the Full-Time MBA programme at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business. It is a cohort-based program within this specific degree.

Batten Scholarship Awards

The Batten Scholarship is one of the most prestigious fully-funded opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators to pursue a Full-Time MBA at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business. It provides full financial support, allowing you to gain a world-class business education and become part of the influential Batten and Darden networks.

The scholarship covers a wide range of expenses to ensure you can focus fully on your studies and professional development. The support is comprehensive and includes:

• Full tuition and fees for the two-year Full-Time MBA program.
• A significant stipend for living expenses, allowing you to focus on your studies in Charlottesville.
• Access to exclusive enrichment opportunities, including curated conversations, special events, and networking sessions.
• Lifelong membership and connections to the cohort of Batten Scholars, Darden alumni, and the broader Batten Institute community.

Batten Scholarship Amount

The Batten Scholarship is a full-tuition award, covering the entire cost of tuition and fees for the Darden Full-Time MBA program, which is approximately USD $78,000 (INR 65 Lakhs) per year. The total value over two years exceeds USD $150,000 (INR 1.25 Crore). The financial support is comprehensive.

Batten Scholarship Benefits

Beyond full financial coverage, the Batten Scholars program offers unparalleled professional and developmental advantages. You join a curated community of innovators and leaders dedicated to creating positive change.

You must be an applicant to the Darden School of Business Full-Time MBA program to be eligible for this scholarship. The criteria are focused on demonstrated experience and potential in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Who Can Apply for Batten Scholarship

The Batten Scholars program is open to all exceptional candidates from any country who are applying to Darden's Full-Time MBA program. The program aims to build a diverse, global cohort of innovators.

The application process is completed online through the Darden application portal. It is highly competitive and involves multiple stages of assessment.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before you begin, carefully review the eligibility criteria for both the Darden MBA program and the Batten Scholarship. Ensure your profile aligns with the focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology.

Step 2: Prepare Your Darden Application
Complete all components of the standard Darden Full-Time MBA application, including your resume, essays, recommendations, and test scores.

Step 3: Write the Supplemental Essay
As part of the application, you must develop and submit a dedicated 500-word essay that addresses how you meet the Batten criteria, how you would contribute to the Darden community, and how the award would further your career ambitions.

Step 4: Submit and Await Admission Decision
Submit your complete Darden application, including the Batten essay, by your chosen round deadline. The admissions committee will review your file for both admission and scholarship consideration.

Step 5: Receive an Interview Invitation
Selected candidates for the Batten Scholarship will be invited to a separate interview as part of the final selection process. This typically occurs around the time admission decisions are released.

Step 6: Attend Your Interview
Prepare for and attend your Batten Scholarship interview. This is your opportunity to discuss your passion for innovation and your ambitions in person with the selection panel.

Step 7: Await the Final Decision
After the interview, wait for the final scholarship decision, which is announced along with or shortly after your official admission offer.

Step 8: Receive Your Award
If successful, you will receive your official award letter and can begin preparations to join the Batten Scholars cohort at Darden.

Application Timeline for Batten Scholarship

The entire process is tied to the Darden MBA application rounds. Adhering to the timeline is critical for success.

Batten Scholarship Interview

If you are selected as a finalist, you will be called for an interview. This interview is a key part of the final selection process for the Batten Scholars program and is conducted by a panel that may include Batten Institute staff, Darden faculty, and alumni.

The interview will assess your fit for the program, your demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit, your leadership potential, and your commitment to the fields of innovation and technology. You must be prepared to discuss your supplemental essay and your career vision in depth.

The Batten Scholars program supports scholarships for students across all degree formats, including scholarships that provide full tuition and fees for students admitted to Darden's Full-Time MBA program.

You need to prepare several documents for your application to Darden and the Batten Scholarship. These are crucial for the admission and scholarship selection process.

• Completed online application for the Darden Full-Time MBA program.
• Unofficial transcripts from all universities attended.
• One professional letter of recommendation.
• Current resume/CV.
• Batten Scholarship Supplemental Essay (500 words).
• English Language Proficiency test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE), if applicable.
• GMAT or GRE scores.

FAQs about Batten Scholarship

Who is eligible for the Batten Scholarship?

You must be an applicant admitted to the Darden School of Business Full-Time MBA program. You need a strong academic and professional background with a demonstrated passion and track record in entrepreneurship, innovation, or technology.

What does the Batten Scholarship cover?

It is a fully-funded scholarship that covers full tuition and fees for the two-year MBA program and provides a stipend for living expenses. It also includes access to exclusive enrichment and networking events.

Can I apply for the Batten Scholarship after being admitted to Darden?

No. You must indicate your interest and submit the required supplemental essay as part of your initial application to the Darden Full-Time MBA program.

Do I need work experience for the Batten Scholarship?

While there is no strict minimum hour requirement like Chevening, Darden and the Batten program expect strong professional experience, typically 3-5 years, with evidence of leadership and impact.

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