Columbia University scholarships are available across all academic levels exceeding a record of 202 million USD. Scholarships, grants and fellowships at Columbia University are called gift aid as they do not need to be repaid. Columbia University scholarships are mostly need-based and offered to students with academic, athletic, and volunteering work abilties. Students with interest in a specific subject are also eligible for Columbia University scholarships.
With the 4th largest international student body in USA, the university exhibits an annual financial aid of 19 million USD for international students. On average, students receive 66,350 USD (54.31 lakhs INR) as Columbia University awards, a combination of scholarships, and student work study.
Also Check: Columbia University Student Profiles
Columbia University scholarships are committed to meet 100% demonstrated financial need of all the first-year students. The first year students of Columbia University receives an average financial aid of 63,971 USD (52.35 lakhs INR). International students with demonstrated need can apply for the scholarships during the time of admission to Columbia University. A comparison between the average scholarships offered by the top universities in USA is provided in the infographics below:
Check out: Columbia University Scholarships (Spanish)
Columbia University Undergraduate Scholarships
The undergraduate financial aid in Columbia University is currently restricted to need-based grants. The university guarantees to meet 100% demonstrated financial requirements of first-year students. Columbia University has awarded 19 million USD to international students pursuing undergraduate programs at Columbia University in 2022.
Note: International students are not considered for any Columbia University departmental scholarships and awards.
The student job part includes part-time work-study programs, fellowships, and summer internships & jobs.
Columbia University Undergraduate Scholarships Application: Prospective students seeking need-based financial assistance, are urged to express their requirements at the time of Columbia University admissions. To apply for financial aid, international applicants must complete the College Scholarship Service (CSS) application.
Documents required to complete CSS profile:
- Tax returns
- W-2 form/ records of current income
- Records of untaxed income and benefits
- Assets and bank statements
Complete your CSS profile with utmost accuracy, any discrepancies will result in rejection of the application. Students are recommended to adhere to the CSS Profile deadline of March 1.
Columbia University financial aid deadlines are as follows:
- Early Decision: November 1, 2023
- Regular Decision: January 1, 2024
Although interntional students are allowed to apply through early decision, the university defers all the ‘need blind’ applications to the regular decision process.
Columbia University Graduate Scholarships
International students commencing graduate programs at Columbia are eligible for a few departmental scholarships, credited towards tuition fees. Unlike undergraduate scholarships, graduate scholarships are limited and not offered to all admitted students.
Some of the Columbia University scholarships available to international students beginning graduate programs are tabulated below:
| Scholarship | General Eligibility | Benefits (USD) | Scholarship Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helen Lansdowne Resor Scholarship | Female students | Beginning PG program Architecture, Business, Communication, etc. | 10,000 | Required |
| International Merit Scholarship | Beginning any master’s program at Columbia University | Up to 3,000 | Required |
| Business Studies Scholarship | Commencing Management, Economics, and Marketing program | 2,000 | Not Required |
| Northwest IB Scholarship | Available for first 20 IB School graduates | 1,000 | Not Required |
| Interschool Fellowships | Need based awards disbursed in Fall and Spring | 1,000 to 5,000 | Application through School Financial Aid Office |
Apart from Columbia University scholarships, international students pursuing graduate programs can avail Teaching Assistantships (12,000 USD per semester) and Student Assistantships (3,000 USD per semester). All graduate assistantships and scholarships are renewable for the duration of the program.
Columbia University External Scholarships
As an international student, planning to pursue higher education in the U.S., it is significant to have sufficient funds to finance your chosen program at a university like Columbia. While universities guarantee funding to all undergraduate students, graduate program students are offered limited funding opportunities.
Therefore, it is important for students belonging to countries like India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, etc to explore various external scholarships. Some of the external Columbia University scholarships for Indian students are tabulated below:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships | Minimum 55% in bachelor’s program | 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 program | 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 program | 1 lakh INR for tuition fees |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarships | Minimum 60% in an undergraduate program | Below 30 years of age | Interest-free loan |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships | Above 70% in bachelors program | Below 30 years of age | Up to 100,000 USD |
| KC Mahindra Education Trust Scholarship | Over 65% in an undergraduate program | Interest free loan of 4 to 8 lakhs INR |
Columbia tries to fulfill the funding requirements of all its incoming and continuing students. Indian applicants should adhere to the application process and other guidelines of respective scholarships. Once they receive a confirmation of admission from Columbia, students can apply for suitable scholarships.
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