Columbia University scholarships, worth 215 million USD, are available to all students across various academic levels. Last year, the university has offered over 19 million USD as annual international financial aid. Around 50% of students in Columbia University receive grant from the university, with an average amount of 62,850 USD (52.11 lakhs INR). The university is committed to meeting 100% demonstrated need of all first-year students. These students receive 65,756 USD (54.50 lakhs INR) on average, as Columbia University awards, a combination of scholarships, and grants.
With over 36,000 students in Columbia University, it caters to the 3rd largest international student body in USA. Scholarships in Columbia University are mostly need-based. International students with demonstrated need can apply for the scholarships during the time of admission to Columbia University. Students with interest in a specific subject are eligible for Columbia University scholarships. The university offers financial aid through grants to students with academic, athletic, and volunteering work abilities. The grants, scholarships, and, fellowships at Columbia University are called gift aid as they do not need to be repaid.
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. The student employment includes part-time work-study programs, fellowships, and summer internships & jobs.
Note: International students are not considered for any Columbia University departmental scholarships and awards.
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:
- Regular Decision: February 15, 2024 (Closed)
Although international 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 Columbia University scholarships available to international students beginning graduate programs are tabulated below:
| Scholarship | General Eligibility | Award Value in 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, it is significant to have sufficient funds to finance your chosen program in Columbia University. 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 external Columbia University scholarships for Indian students are tabulated below:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Award Value |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Scholarships offered
1st Formations Business Scholarship
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $636
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Bachelor
- Number of Scholarships: 5
Forte Fellowship
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $25,451
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Master
- Number of Scholarships: N/A
Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: Variable Amount
- Type: College-Specific
- Level of Study: Bachelor
- Number of Scholarships: 10
Gyandhan Scholarship
- International Student Eligible: No
- Amount: $1,207
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Master
- Number of Scholarships: 1
Penn State University
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: Variable Amount
- Type: College-Specific
- Level of Study: N/A
- Number of Scholarships: N/A
Fulbright-Nehru Masters Fellowships
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: Variable Amount
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Doctorate
- Number of Scholarships: N/A
Reviews
Most Popular Tags
16 Reviews Found
- Likes:
- Academic rigor and diversity of courses, like joining clubs and organizations (e.g.,debate team, literary magazines,
- I like the fact that there's world-class faculty and research opportunities in my school,
- Exploring the nearby American Museum of natural history
- Dislikes:
- What I disliked is the high tuition fees and living costs in school,
- There is limited availability of housing, especially for upperclassmen,
- Distance from family and friends (for out of state/international students)
The admission process is based on the application submission first, students submit their application through the common app or coalition app, typically by the January 1st deadline for regular decision. I prepared for the admission, maintaining a high GPA, especially in challenging courses like AP or IB and taking the SAT or ACT. Consultants are Crimson Education.
Scholarship
Yes, I received one from the university itself based on merit for $8000. There was a special application for the scholarship where I had to write an essay on why I think I deserve it .
I didn’t get on campus accommodation but that’s pretty good otherwise looking for houses is difficult. Average rent is $1400 per person.
- Likes:
- I accepted it for the reputation, career opportunities, location and courses.,
- It has a great reputation and is located in New York City, with close access to large corporations and an extensive network. The courses offered at the Business School is really informative and interactive. The people are really helpful.
- Dislikes:
- Columbia is smaller than the other ivy league institutions in the US. The classes at the engineering school are heavily quantitative, and I found it less useful compared to the more business school classes, due to my focus on pursuing a consulting career.
Overall, Columbia University was a fantastic experience. Its located in a vibrant city, with opportunities to stick to a campus life, and still enjoy everything NYC has to offer. The students are helpful and collaborative. The professors are incredibly well experienced with several accolades. All in all, had a great learning experience.
- Likes:
- MS Data Science program is a well know program by Columbia University with renowned and distinguished Professors.,
- The courses, both academic and professional developmental helped me learn more about myself - my strengths and weaknesses and how to build a work oriented lifestyle which would help me in the long-run.,
- The college campus is ecstatic, and the libraries provide a beneficial space to study with a clear mind and focus. I like the way events are organized and students are encouraged to pursue their goals.,
- In a gist, supportive mentors and batch mates have helped me realize the value of networking and making connections.
- Dislikes:
- I do not like the location of the university as it in not in the middle of a happening area. Although it stretches various streets in New York City, it is not an eventful place. This is the only aspect which I do not like.
- Likes:
- This is an Ivy League University. its one of the best and most elite universities in the world offering first class facilities and academic education to students.,
- The University is really great. There are tremendous amount of resources available for each student.,
- The academic curriculum is really intense but every bit worth the efforts.,
- The faculty and university staff are very helpful and everyone is open to chat even outside of academics.,
- The location of Columbia University right in the heart of NYC poses an added advantage.,
- You have so many experiences and opportunities to explore new things while studying from the top Ivy League University in the world.
- Dislikes:
- Nothing. So far I haven't encountered anything that I would say I dislike about this university. Maybe for students who are vegetarians, its a bit challenging due to lack of veg options available for eating. But with time one becomes used to it.
My experience at Columbia university has been exceptional so far. Its truly one of the best Ivy League universities in the world. Everything from academics, to faculty to extra curricular activities has been top - notch and worth every penny.
I chose it for multiple reasons. The top being: Prestige, Course value, professors, location
Scholarship
No
The flexible curriculum is a key factor, it allows student to pursue courses from both Engineering and Business schools. The Ivy League tag and the location of the University were also key factors for me.
Scholarship
NA
Prestige of Ivy League, location in New York City, rigorous Computer Science program
Scholarship
I didn't receive any scholarships from the university.
I chose Columbia University because of its brand and location, access to immense opportunities in NYC, and the opportunity to build a good professional network.
Scholarship
All incoming students at Columbia get a Dean's Fellowship. So I got that. Before that, I was supported by the CSIR Junior Research Fellowship and KVPY.
I had two PhD offers and I chose this one mainly because my previous advisors recommended it. It is a presitigious university in an exciting and happening city and an experienced advisor who is a "good human being". All of these points, except university prestige, I still think are important parameters to make the choice. I would also look at the department structure and work culture - both of which are often better at public universities.
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| Program | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| M.S Data Science | Priority Application Deadline For Fall Intake (15th Jan 2025) Final Application Deadline For Fall Intake (15th Feb 2025) |
| M.B.A | Application Deadline For August 2025 Intake Round 2 (7th Jan 2025) Application Deadline For August 2025 Intake Round 3 (1st Apr 2025) Application Deadline For January 2026 Intake Round 1 (18th Jun 2025) |
| M.S Computer Science | Application Deadline For Spring Intake (15th Oct 2024) Priority Application Deadline For Fall Intake (15th Jan 2025) Final Application Deadline For Fall Intake (15th Feb 2025) |
| M.S Business Analytics | Priority Application Deadline (15th Jan 2025) Regular Application Deadline (15th Feb 2025) |
| M.S Applied Analytics | Application Deadline For Spring Intake (1st Oct 2024) Application Deadline For Fall Intake (15th Mar 2025) |
| M.Arch | Application Deadline (3rd Jan 2025) |
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