Columbia University Graduate Fellowships

Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit

Mandatory Documents Checklist

• ✓Transcripts from all prior academic institutions
• ✓Letters of Recommendation (typically 3)
• ✓Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement
• ✓Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
• ✓Writing Sample (if required by the department/program)
• ✓GRE scores (if required by the department/program)
• ✓English Proficiency Examination scores (TOEFL, IELTS, etc., for international applicants)
• ✓Department-specific application materials

Selection Process

Renewal Policy

How to Apply Online

Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.

• 1

  Identify Your Program of Interest

  * Columbia University offers various graduate programs across different schools (e.g., Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Engineering, International and Public Affairs). Fellowships are often tied to specific schools or departments. **

• 2

  Meet Admission Requirements

  * All applicants must meet the academic requirements for their chosen graduate program. A Bachelor's degree or equivalent is generally required. **

• 3

  Complete the Graduate Program Application

  * Applications are typically submitted online through the respective school's admissions portal. For instance, applications to the Department of Political Science are made through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) online portal. * Ensure all required application materials, such as transcripts, letters of evaluation, and standardized test scores (e.g., TOEFL, GRE), are submitted online. **

• 4

  Apply for Fellowships (Often Concurrently or After Admission): * Automatic Consideration: Many doctoral program applicants admitted to Columbia Engineering or GSAS are automatically considered for departmental funding (institutional grants, fellowships, assistantships) upon completion of required financial aid forms. * Specific Fellowship Applications: For fellowships like the Shardashish Interschool Fellowship or other internal fellowships, you may need to submit a separate application after applying to or being admitted to a graduate program. Check the specific fellowship's webpage for detailed instructions and deadlines. * International Students: While not eligible for federal aid, international students are eligible for school-based scholarships and fellowships. They must demonstrate sufficient funds for their visa application.

• 5

  Prepare Required Financial Aid Documents

  * For some aid considerations, you may need to complete specific financial aid forms. If applying for need-based aid, be prepared to demonstrate financial need. **

• 6

  Monitor Application Status

  * After submission, regularly check your email for updates and potential interview invitations. For specific fellowship application statuses, refer to the respective application portal or contact the relevant fellowship office. Critical Deadlines (Illustrative, always check current year's dates): * Graduate School of Arts and Sciences & School of Engineering and Applied Science (for Shardashish Interschool Fellowship): Typically around February 16 (for 2026-2027 cycle, this deadline was February 16, 2026). * School of International and Public Affairs (for Shardashish Interschool Fellowship): Typically around January 15 (for 2026-2027 cycle, this deadline was January 15, 2026). * General Admissions Application for Departmental Funding Eligibility (e.g., Columbia Engineering doctoral programs): Often December 15 for fall enrollment. * Internal Fellowships (GSAS): March 4 for Lindt, Zuckerman, International Travel, and Summer Language Fellowships (for 2026-2027 cycle, this deadline was March 4, 2026). Status Tracking: Specific portals or contact information may be provided by individual departments or fellowship committees. General admission status is usually tracked through the online application system.