Columbia University scholarships are offered across all academic levels, totalling over $202 million. These scholarships, grants, and fellowships are considered gift aid, meaning they don’t require repayment. They are primarily need-based but are also available to students with academic, athletic, volunteering, and subject-specific abilities. The university, with the USA’s fourth-largest international student body, provides $19 million in annual financial aid specifically for international students. On average, students receive $66,350 in Columbia University awards, which include scholarships and student work-study opportunities. Let’s have a look at some of the Columbia University scholarships offered to students this year:
| Columbia University Scholarships Overview | |
| Scholarship Name | Award Value |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships | Tuition fees, partial living expenses, healthcare expenses |
| JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education of Indians | Loan scholarship of ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakhs, additional gift worth ₹75,000 (case dependent) |
| Debesh-Kamal Scholarship for Higher Studies | ₹1 lakh for tuition fees |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarships | Interest-free loan |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships | Up to $100,000 |
| KC Mahindra Education Trust Scholarship | Interest-free loan of ₹4 to ₹8 lakhs |
| Helen Lansdowne Resor Scholarship | $10,000 |
| International Merit Scholarship | Up to $3,000 |
| Business Studies Scholarship | $2,000 |
| Northwest IB Scholarship | $1,000 |
| Interschool Fellowships | $1,000 to $5,000 |
Columbia University Scholarship For International Students
In the previous year, the university provided over 19 million USD in annual international financial aid. Approximately 50% of Columbia University students receive grants from the institution, with an average award amount of 62,850 USD (52.11 lakhs INR). The university is dedicated to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all first-year students, who receive an average of 65,756 USD (54.50 lakhs INR) through a combination of scholarships and grants awarded by Columbia University.
Columbia University Undergraduate Scholarships
Undergraduate financial aid at Columbia University is currently focused on need-based grants. The university guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for first-year students. Columbia University has allocated 19 million USD for international students pursuing undergraduate programs. Student employment options include part-time work-study programs, fellowships, and summer internships & jobs.
| Note: International students are not eligible for Columbia University departmental scholarships and awards. |
For Columbia University Undergraduate Scholarships Application: Prospective students seeking need-based financial assistance are encouraged to indicate their requirements during the admissions process. International applicants must complete the College Scholarship Service (CSS) application to apply for financial aid.
Documents required for the CSS profile:
- Tax returns
- W-2 form/records of current income
- Records of untaxed income and benefits
- Assets and bank statements
- Completing the CSS profile accurately is crucial, as any discrepancies may lead to application rejection. Students are advised to adhere to the CSS Profile deadline of March 1.
Columbia University scholarship deadlines are as follows:
Regular Decision: February 15, 2024 (Closed)
Although international students can apply through early decision, the university defers all ‘need blind’ applications to the regular decision process.
Columbia University Scholarship For Masters
International students starting graduate programs at Columbia may qualify for select departmental scholarships, which are applied towards tuition fees. Unlike undergraduate scholarships, opportunities for graduate scholarships are limited and not extended to all admitted students. However, these scholarships are a great opportunity to get the highest paying jobs in the USA.
Below are some of the Columbia University graduate scholarships:
| Scholarship | General Eligibility | Award Value in USD | Scholarship Application |
| Helen Lansdowne Resor Scholarship | Open to female students starting postgraduate programs in architecture, business, communication, etc. | $10,000 | Required |
| International Merit Scholarship | Available to students beginning any master’s program at Columbia University | Up to $3,000 | Required |
| Business Studies Scholarship | For students commencing Management, Economics, and Marketing programs | $2,000 | Not Required |
| Northwest IB Scholarship | Offered to the first 20 graduates of IB Schools | $1,000 | Not Required |
| Interschool Fellowships | Need-based awards distributed in Fall and Spring | $1,000 to $5,000 | Application through School Financial Aid Office |
Other Scholarship Options For Studying In The Columbia University
For international students, having enough funds to support their chosen program at Columbia University is crucial. While undergraduate students receive funding guarantees, graduate students have fewer funding options available to them.
As a result, students from countries like India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, and others must explore external scholarship opportunities for various intakes in the USA
. Below are some external scholarships at Columbia University specifically for Indian students:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Award Value |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships | -Minimum 55% in bachelor’s programme -At least 3+ years of work experience -Community service experience | Tuition fees Partial living expenses Healthcare expenses |
| JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education of Indians | -At least 60% in bachelor’s degree -Below 45 years of age -Enrolling in a 2-year programme | Loan scholarship of 1 lakh INR and 10 lakhs INR An additional gift worth 75,000 INR (case dependent) |
| Debesh-Kamal Scholarship for Higher Studies | -Below 30 years of age -Preferably enrolling in social science or related programme | 1 lakh INR for tuition fees |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarships | -Minimum 60% in an undergraduate programme -Below 30 years of age | Interest-free loan |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships | -Above 70% in bachelor’s programme -Below 30 years of age | Up to 100,000 USD |
| KC Mahindra Education Trust Scholarship | Over 65% in an undergraduate programme | Interest free loan of 4 to 8 lakhs INR |
What Is Columbia University Scholarship For Displaced Students?
The United Nations Refugee Agency reports a staggering 110 million individuals forcibly displaced worldwide due to conflict, violence, or persecution, with only a mere 7% having access to higher education. In response to this crisis, Columbia University initiated the Scholarship for Displaced Students in 2019, aiming to provide a beacon of hope for displaced individuals seeking to pursue higher education at one of the world’s premier educational institutions.
Overview of the Scholarship:
Awarded students receive full tuition coverage as well as assistance with non-tuition expenses through Columbia Global’s Scholarship program in collaboration with participating schools. As a result, Columbia has put forth a new narrative for displaced persons, reshaping their perceptions of them as valuable contributors to society instead of burdens.
Impact and Reach:
In the past few years, the Scholarship has enabled over 50 students from 25 countries to pursue their academic dreams at 16 Columbia schools and affiliates. There are 22 students from 13 countries in Columbia’s third cohort, representing a wide range of backgrounds and academic interests. In this ongoing initiative, displaced individuals continue to be given the opportunity to pursue higher education, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society.
Columbia University Scholarship Requirements
The requirements for Columbia University scholarships vary depending on the specific scholarship program. Generally, these requirements may include:
Academic Excellence: Applicants are often expected to demonstrate a strong academic record, typically by maintaining a certain GPA or achieving specific academic milestones.
Financial Need: Many scholarships prioritise applicants with demonstrated financial need, especially for need-based awards. This may involve submitting financial documentation or statements to assess eligibility.
Eligibility Criteria: Each scholarship may have specific eligibility criteria based on factors such as field of study, nationality, or other demographic characteristics. Applicants must carefully review these criteria to ensure they meet all requirements. You can also write a statement of purpose for scholarship for a clear picture of your eligibility, intentions, and goals.
Application Materials: Depending on the scholarship, applicants may need to submit various documents such as transcripts, recommendation letter for scholarship, essays, and financial aid forms. It’s important to thoroughly read and follow the instructions for each scholarship application.
Deadlines: Meeting application deadlines is crucial for scholarship consideration. Applicants should be aware of the deadlines for each scholarship program and submit their materials accordingly.
About Columbia University
Columbia University, a renowned private research institution, is recognised for its academic excellence, impressive career opportunities, and diverse international student body. The year 2022 saw 33,776 students studying at the campus, with 8,832 undergraduate and 24,944 graduate students. Columbia University stands out as a prominent ‘Ivy League’ university located in New York. It is worth noting that the cost of attendance at Columbia is on the higher end.
The acceptance rate of Columbia University stands at approximately 6%, making it one of the most highly competitive universities globally. International students seeking admission to a graduate programme at the university must showcase a minimum GPA of 3.0. However, the competition for admission is fierce, as over 90% of admitted students hailed from the top 10% of their graduating class, resulting in an average GPA of 3.6 among successful applicants.
The university campus spans over 36 acres, rendering it one of the largest and most captivating campuses in New York City. The university’s strategic location offers a multitude of internship and professional prospects, which international students often seize to acquire valuable work experience and establish valuable connections in their respective fields.
Cost Of Studying In Columbia University
Cost of studying in the USA Columbia University is quite high. Refer to the table below which gives a cost of studying in this university for different programmes:
| Programme | Tuition Fees |
| Master of Arts [M.A], Philosophy | $62,840 |
| Master of Science [M.S], Data Science | $68,160 |
| Master of Arts [M.A], Anthropology | $62,840 |
| Bachelor of Arts [B.A], Chemistry | $58,440 |
| Master of Science [M.S], Computer Science | $68,160 |
| Bachelor of Science [B.S], Computer Science | $58,440 |
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FAQs
1. Can I get a full scholarship to Columbia University?
All scholarships offered at Columbia University are need-based and there are no merit awards given.
2. What percentage of Columbia students receive financial aid?
Roughly half of the undergraduate students in Columbia College and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences are recipients of financial aid.
3. Does Columbia have financial aid policies to support low-income students?
Financial aid is provided to students and families across various income levels; nevertheless, Columbia has dedicated financial aid initiatives to ensure accessibility to Columbia University for students from low-income households.
4. How do you get a scholarship to Columbia University?
The financial aid programme at Columbia University operates on a need-based approach, where the eligibility for financial aid is determined by assessing the ability of each family to cover educational expenses. The university’s office conducts a comprehensive evaluation of the financial information provided by applicants annually, taking into account various factors during the analysis process.
5. What GPA do you need for Columbia University?
Incoming freshmen will require a 3.0 or higher high school GPA of 4.0 to apply at Columbia University.
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