Columbia University is one of the oldest private research universities in the USA. Located in New York City, this university is one of the most preferred universities in the United States amongst international students from India, Canada, Germany, Australia, Europe, etc. The acceptance rate, though, is only 6.7% each year, and the tuition fee is also high, making it a challenging dream for many. In this article, we will look into the Columbia University Scholarships for international students, the eligibility criteria, and the application process.
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Overview of Columbia University Scholarships
The financial aid policy of Columbia University is a need-based process where grants and aid are provided to students who have the most need. Columbia College has a number of Columbia University Scholarships for graduate students, while undergraduate students are assisted by employing financial aid grants. Scholarships are provided to Columbia College students depending on the program they are applying for. The scholarship amount is awarded to eligible applicants through donations from foundations and alumni of Columbia University.
Types of Financial Assistance for Columbia University Students
The cost of living and studying at Columbia can be quite high, making it impossible for some students to even think of studying at Columbia University. Hence, students are advised to apply for both internal and external funding based on their financial needs and eligibility. Columbia University provides around $17 million as financial aid to international students each year.
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Internal Columbia University Scholarships
Internal financial assistance is provided to current students of Columbia University who need help paying their tuition fees. The internal tuition fee may be provided by the government, colleges, and private organisations. The following are three ways by which the Columbia University offers financial assistance to its students: A number of scholarships are usually provided to students from the government, colleges, and private organisations. It can be awarded based on the athletic skills or academic ability of the student. It can also be awarded to students who show a special interest in one subject, such as sociology, or have done volunteering work. Some scholarships may even be awarded on the basis of religion or ethnicity. The following are some of the scholarships awarded by Columbia University to both undergraduate students and graduates. Helen Lansdowne Resor Scholarship The scholarship offers up to USD 10,000, and a scholarship application form is required
Eligibility
Incoming female postgraduate students of any of the following programs
- Architecture
- Business
- Communication, etc.
International Merit Scholarship The scholarship offers students beginning any masters program at Columbia University for up to USD 3000. Business Studies Scholarship The scholarship offers up to USD 2000 to students who are beginning their bachelor’s diploma, master’s degree or doctorate in the following majors:
- Management
- Economics
- Marketing
Northwest IB Scholarship The scholarships up to USD 1000 for the first 20 graduates of the IB school Momentum Scholarship The Momentum scholarship offers the following benefits to eligible students:
- Partial funding of Tuition fee
- Personal Leadership Coach
- Paid Summer Internship Opportunities
- Access to live on the Academic Achievement floor of McNair Hall
Eligibility
- Must demonstrate involvement in high school or community
- Must be committed to campus engagement
- Must demonstrate potential for leadership
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Grants
These are need-based financial aid and are given to students based on their financial income and the background of their families. Some grants may require the candidates to submit their FAFSA application accepted throughout April. The following are some of the grants provided for students of Columbia College: Pell Grant The Pell Grant offers up to USD 6,945 to students who demonstrate financial need. Supplementary Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) The SEOG offers up to USD 2,500 to students who are eligible for the Pell Grant and demonstrate the financial need that is demonstrated by FAFSA.
Federal Work-Study Program
It is a form of financial assistance for students, providing them with a part-time job while they study at the university. The stipend and availability of this assistance depend on the school the student is studying at. This program is also implemented on a need basis. Students can earn up to USD 1500, which can be used for their education or personal expenses.
External Columbia University Scholarships For International Students
International students awarded the Columbia University Scholarships may still not be able to pay the full tuition for the program they are pursuing due to the high cost of the program, low financial income, etc. Such students can apply for external financial aid and fellowships to assist their higher education. The following are some of the external Columbia University Scholarships for Indian students:
Full-bright Nehru Master’s Fellowships
The fellowship offers full-tuition fees, partial living expenses and any extra expenses for healthcare
Eligibility
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 55%
- Work experience of at least three years in a related field
- Experience in community service
JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education of Indians
The endowment offers loan scholarships starting from INR 1,00,000 to up to INR 10,00,000
Eligibility
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 65%
- Candidate must be below the age of 45 years
- The candidate must be enrolled in a 2-year program
Debesh-Kamal Scholarship for Higher Studies
The scholarship offers tuition fees up to INR 1,00,000 for eligible students
Eligibility
- Candidate must be below the age of 30 years
- Candidate must be preferably enrolled in social science or related program such as sociology
Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarships
The scholarship offers interest-free loans for eligible students
Eligibility
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 60%
- Candidate must be below the age of 30 years
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
The scholarship offers up to USD 100,000 for eligible students
Eligibility
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 70%
- Candidate must be below the age of 30 years
KC Mahindra Education Trust Scholarship
The scholarship offers interest-free loans from INR 4,00,000 to INR 8,00,000 to eligible students
Eligibility
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 65%
Scholarship Application Form Process
The following are the steps to apply for a Columbia University scholarship:
- The applicant must visit the university website and fill in the application form for the desired program.
- The applicant must then upload secondary school or undergraduate transcripts (based on the degree level) directly with the application form or send it via email.
- The scores of English language tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL, etc., must also be submitted along with the documentation.
- Once the application form for the program has been submitted, the candidate can begin the scholarship application process.
- The student must then fill in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before the scholarship application deadline mentioned for the program, which is usually around April for most programs
- Some colleges may even require a CSS profile.
- The students then have to check the scholarships they are eligible for and fill in the application form. This, however, is optional.
- The university provides scholarships to students on admission based on the FAFSA and CSS reports if they meet the eligibility for the scholarship they are applying to.
Conclusion
The prospect of studying at one of New York City’s most prestigious universities is an opportunity many students strive towards. However, for those who cannot afford the high costs involved or do not have family connections to help them get in as non-degree seekers – it may seem out of reach until they can find ways around these obstacles with scholarships and financial aid available from schools such as Columbia University. Expert counsellors at LeapScholar can assist you in the scholarship process and help maximize your chance of landing it. Read more on how to avail scholarships as an Indian student studying abroad.
FAQs
Can a student who is holding one scholarship apply for another scholarship additionally?
Yes, students who have already been awarded a scholarship or grant from Columbia University can apply for any external or state-funded scholarship. However, the student cannot receive two scholarships from the university at the same time. The university aims to give equal opportunity to all students and hence limits to only one scholarship per student.
Are there any special Columbia University scholarships for athletic students?
Yes, athletic students can apply for athletic scholarships provided by the university. These students are also eligible to apply for external financial assistance if needed. The students must be enrolled in any of the university programs and exhibit excellence in a sport through previous achievements to be eligible for this scholarship.
Can transfer students apply for Columbia University scholarships?
Yes, students who are transferring after a year of study in another university can also apply for the Columbia University scholarships. However, they need to send in the application form for the scholarship before the deadline, along with their transfer student application form and documentation. However, the deadline for some scholarships may be over by the semester the applicant may be transferring. Hence, they may not be able to apply for such scholarships.
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