Columbia University Scholarships For Indian Students
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Columbia University traces its origins to the year 1754 when it was founded at King’s College. This makes Columbia University the oldest higher education institute in New York and 5th oldest in the US. Since then, Columbia University has come a long way to gain 11th rank on the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 and house 36,649 students with a sizeable international student population.
In this article, we will cover the following points about Columbia University:
- Cost of Studying at Columbia University
- Columbia University Scholarships International Students: University Scholarships
- Columbia University Scholarships International Students: External Scholarships
- Columbia University - Scholarships for Indian Students
- Importance of Columbia University Scholarships
- Important Highlights of Columbia University
Financial Aid & Grants Overview at Columbia University 2024
| Information | Financial Aid & Grant Values at Columbia University |
|---|---|
| Students coming from families with annual incomes less than $150,000 (and typical assets) are able to attend Columbia | Tuition-free |
| Columbia awards more than |
$225 million annually in scholarships and grants from all sources
|
| About half of Columbia's incoming first-year students receive grants from Columbia and the average amount awarded is | $76,265 |
|
A percentage of Columbia’s incoming first-years receive the Pell Grant, a Federal Grant reserved for the students with the highest need in the country.
|
24% |
| Incoming first-year students from low-income families receive a start-up grant of | $2,000 |
| Students are expected to borrow | $0 |
2024-2025 Cost of Attendance
Columbia University's cost of attendance for the academic year 2024-25 can reach more than $85,000. The exact cost of attendance will vary as per the course, living accommodation, etc. The points given below provide an estimated cost of studying at Columbia University. Data has been sourced from the official website of the University from the Columbia College Bulletin page:
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| Parameters | Columbia University Fee |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees | $71,170 |
| New student fees | $675 |
| Housing and food | $17,580 |
| Books, personal expenses and transportation | $3,992 |
| Total budget | $93,417 - INR 78,54,178 annually (approx) |
The importance of scholarships at Columbia University cannot be overemphasized. They provide life-changing opportunities to students from all walks of life, creating a more diverse, open, and inclusive academic environment. Scholarships allow students to pursue their academic interests effectively, achieve their goals of excellent placements, and become leaders in their fields. Thus, students must take their scholarship applications very seriously.
Columbia University Scholarships International Students: University Scholarships
Details of the following Columbia University scholarships and fellowships are given in the points below. All the details have been sourced from the official website(s).
1) Clifford and Siegfried Upton Scholarship
- Scholarship Amount: At least $1,000 for an academic year (may be increased based on student’s need).
- Academic Level: Undergraduate and graduate.
- Eligibility: Children (biological, adopted, step) of the employees of Houghton-Mifflin Company (including its subsidiaries or successor organisations).
2) Paul Nichoplas Scholarship Fund
- Awarded To: A student who has studied at a college or university in Greece.
- Duration: 2 years
- Academic Level: Undergraduate and graduate
3) Vladimir and Olga Poder Fund
- Scholarship Amount: Maximum $2,000 per year
- Academic Level: Undergraduate and graduate
- Awarded To: Estonian-speaking students
4) Shardashish Fellowship
Shardashish Interschool Fellowship is a Columbia University scholarship for Indian students, which is provided by the UNM (Uttambhai Nathalal Mehta) Foundation. A fellow is eligible to receive $50,000 per year, which can be used to pay tuition and fees.
The eligibility criteria for Shardashish Interschool Fellowship include:
- Commitment to India and India’s future
- Proof of financial need
- Indian residents will be given preference
- Must receive an admit from certain courses offered at Columbia University
The courses that are eligible for this scholarship include:
- MA Biotechnology
- MA Mathematics of Finance
- MA Statistics
- MA Economics
- MA Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology
- MS in any Engineering Discipline
- MPA Environmental Science and Policy
Columbia University Scholarships International Students: External Scholarships
The details of the external scholarships for Columbia University are given in the points below:
1) JN Tata Endowment Scholarship
JN Tata Endowment Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship meant for Indian students who wish to study abroad. Here are the details:
- Academic Level: Master’s, PhD, Post-doctoral
- Academic Stream: Any
- Eligibility: At least 60% in undergraduate or postgraduate degree recognised in India + not more than 45 years of age
- Certain Restrictions: Certain candidates are not eligible to apply for the JN Tata Endowment Scholarship. Here are the details of those who are not eligible:
- Diploma of 1-year duration that require 12th class as eligibility.
- Distance learning or online courses.
2) Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship
Narotam Sekhsaria scholarship is offered as full and part scholarship in the form of interest-free loans. Here are the details of the scholarship:
- Eligibility: Indian national and resident of India + less than 30 years of age + graduation from a recognised Indian university (final year students are eligible)
- Academic Level: Postgraduate at a top-ranked University.
- Documents Required: Mark sheets + GMAT/GRE + Acceptance letter + Reference letters + Income tax returns + Passport
3) Inlaks Scholarships
Inlaks Scholarships are provided to the brightest students in order to meet all their basic requirements including the tuition fees. Inlaks Scholarships are provided for university courses and specific programs. Here are the details of the same:
- Academic Level: Master’s, MPhil, PhD
- Countries: USA, UK, European Universities
- Award: Up to $100,000
- Eligibility: Indian students + Must have studied from an Indian institute + For Humanities, Social Sciences, Fine Arts, Law, Architecture and related subjects, a student must obtain at least 65%, 6.8 CGPA, or 2.6 GPA + For Sciences, Mathematics, Environment and related subjects, a student must obtain at least 70%, CGPA 7.2 or 2.8 GPA
4) Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program
The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program was named after two members of the ACFE, Larry Jennings and Tracy Ritchie. The scholarship is available to students for both bachelor’s and master’s degrees and is applicable across all the universities in Canada.
- Award: The maximum scholarship amount per student stands at USD 10,000.
- Course: The scholarship is provided to students pursuing courses in Criminal Justice, Accounts, Business Administration, and Finance.
5) Fulbright- Nehru Master's Scholarship
Students, professionals, and artists who are not US citizens can study and do research with the aid of the Fulbright Foreign Student Programme. More than 160 nations participate in this programme, and each year, about 4,000 international students receive scholarships through it.
- Application: Students must submit their applications either through the US Embassy in their home countries or through the binational Fulbright Commission.
6) K. C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
- C. Mahindra Education Trust offers interest-free loan scholarships for postgraduate courses abroad. Here are the details of the K. C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad:
- Award: Maximum Rs. 10 lahks each for top 3 students + Maximum Rs. 5 lakhs each for remaining successful students
- Eligibility: Indian student + First-class degree or an equivalent diploma
Importance of Columbia University Scholarships
One of the best universities in the US, Columbia University draws bright students from all over the world. However, many students, especially those from disadvantaged families, may find the expense of tuition and fees to be unaffordable. To remedy this, Columbia University provides qualified students with a variety of scholarships. Here are some points that state the importance of Columbia University Scholarships and the need for students to take their applications very seriously:
- Scholarships offer students financial assistance that can be used to defray the cost of tuition, books, living expenses, and other college-related costs.
- Columbia University scholarships for international students foster a climate of competition that motivates international students to put in extra effort, perform well in the classroom, and succeed academically.
- Scholarships at Columbia University also support inclusivity and diversity, giving underprivileged and marginalised students — such as those from low-income families, minorities, and underrepresented groups — the opportunity to pursue higher education.
- Scholarship money is available for students who are particularly motivated to enrol in a particular academic course of study or programme. This enables individuals to follow their aspirations in the academic discipline of their choice.
Students need to manage their finances and take their scholarship applications very seriously since the stakes are very high and the competition is very tough. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.
Columbia University Scholarships for Indian Students FAQs
Q. Which are the top scholarships for students who wish to study abroad?
A. Here are some of the top scholarships for students who wish to study abroad:
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- QS Leadership Scholarship
- QS Scholarship for Academic Excellence
- Gilman International Scholarship Program
- Inlaks Scholarship
- JN Tata Endowment Scholarship
- Edinburgh Napier University Scholarship
- Monash University Scholarship
- Specific university grants for certain subjects
These scholarships are not all-inclusive; other awards might be offered based on the student's home country, the topic of study, and other aspects. Students are advised to look for and submit applications for as many appropriate scholarships as they can to improve their chances of receiving money for their study abroad programme.
Q. Which are the top Columbia University scholarships for international students in 2023?
A. Following are some of the Columbia University scholarships for international students in 2023:
- Clifford and Siegfried Upton Scholarship
- Paul Nichoplas Scholarship Fund
- Vladimir and Olga Poder Fund
- Shardashish Fellowship
- JN Tata Endowment Scholarship
- Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship
- Inlaks Scholarships
- Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program
- Fulbright- Nehru Master's Scholarship
- C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
It is crucial to remember that each scholarship has its own eligibility conditions and application procedure, and even completing the minimum requirements does not ensure receiving the award. To maximise their chances of receiving financing, international students are advised to apply to as many appropriate scholarships as they can. International students are urged to look into financial assistance alternatives as well because Columbia University is dedicated to satisfying 100% of the demonstrated financial need of all admitted first-year students, regardless of citizenship.
Q. How important are scholarships for studying abroad?
A. Scholarships for study abroad are essential for providing students from all backgrounds with access to international education possibilities.
- Studying abroad can be a transformative experience with lasting advantages for cross-cultural knowledge, professional and academic achievement, and personal development. Scholarships enable worthy students to take advantage of these possibilities, promoting an inclusive, diversified, and internationally aware educational system.
- With the help of scholarships, students can network with other international students, academics who specialise in their field of study, and alumni who can offer guidance on possible career routes and other opportunities.
- Scholarships can also introduce students to various traditions, languages, and cultures, enhancing their ability to communicate across cultural boundaries and enhancing their chances in a more and more interconnected world.
- Scholarships for international study can support students in developing their professional portfolios, strengthening their college applications, and positioning themselves for growth.
- Employers frequently see having studied abroad as a big benefit since it demonstrates flexibility, cross-cultural competency, and the capacity to collaborate well with people from different backgrounds.
Q. Should I work part-time or apply for a scholarship?
A. Your unique scenario, financial situation, and academic objectives will determine whether you should work part-time or submit a scholarship application.
- Scholarships might help you out financially so you can concentrate on your education rather than worrying about tuition and other obligations. However, because scholarships are so sought-after, not everyone may be qualified to apply.
- On the other side, working part-time can give you a source of cash while you're in school. Additionally, it might help you enhance your résumé and develop professional abilities while gaining priceless work experience. Working part-time, though, can interfere with your education and have an adverse effect on your grades.
You might think about combining the two by looking for scholarships and working part-time while you study.
Q. Is it worth studying at Columbia University?
A. The prestigious Columbia University is well known for its demanding academic programmes and long tradition of achievement. The university provides a wide variety of programmes across disciplines and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. Additionally, because Columbia University is situated in New York City, students have access to a diverse, energetic city that offers a wealth of chances for both professional and cultural advancement. The benefit of attending Columbia University ultimately depends on the goals, interests, and aspirations of each student.
Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio
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