Columbia University Scholarships for Indian Students: UG, PG and External Awards, Application, Benefits

New York City, New YorkLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1754established year
33413enrollment
Private (Not for Profit)
7.6/10

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:

Average Financial Aid in Top US Universities

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.

Scholarships offered

Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship


  • International Student Eligible: Yes
  • Amount: Variable Amount
  • Type: College-Specific
  • Level of Study: Bachelor
  • Number of Scholarships: N/A

Shardashish Interschool fellowship


  • International Student Eligible: Yes
  • Amount: $50,000
  • Type: College-Specific
  • Level of Study: Master
  • Number of Scholarships: N/A

Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program


  • International Student Eligible: Yes
  • Amount: Variable Amount
  • Type: Merit-Based
  • Level of Study: Bachelor
  • Number of Scholarships: N/A

TEC Scholarship


  • International Student Eligible: Yes
  • Amount: $1,000
  • Type: Merit-Based
  • Level of Study: Bachelor
  • Number of Scholarships: 1

Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarships


  • International Student Eligible: Yes
  • Amount: Variable Amount
  • Type: Merit-Based
  • Level of Study: Master
  • Number of Scholarships: N/A

Next Genius Scholarship


  • International Student Eligible: Yes
  • Amount: Variable Amount
  • Type: Merit-Based
  • Level of Study: Bachelor
  • Number of Scholarships: 100
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Reviews


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11 Reviews Found

I chose it for multiple reasons. The top being: Prestige, Course value, professors, location

academic: 10/10
faculty: 10/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 6/10
placement: 10/10
extracurricular: 10/10

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.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 9/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 5/10
placement: 8/10

SS
8.3 /10

Scholarship:

NA

Prestige of Ivy League, location in New York City, rigorous Computer Science program

academic: 10/10
faculty: 10/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 10/10
placement: 10/10

HM
6.5 /10

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.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 9/10
infrastructure: 8/10
accomodation: 6/10
placement: 8/10

KA
7.5 /10

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.

academic: 9/10
faculty: 10/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 9/10
placement: 7/10

A
8.8 /10

It was the most prestigious school I was accepted into, and I really wanted to go to a smaller school in an urban setting. I looked into specific programs I was interested in and found one that fit my needs pretty closely, and I particularly liked the integrated bachelors and masters program offered.

academic: 10/10
faculty: 9/10
infrastructure: 8/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 9/10
extracurricular: 9/10

RS
7.2 /10

Scholarship:

No

Columbia University is very well reputed and is an Ivy League. My final choices were to choose between CMU and Columbia and talking with seniors studying at both these universities, I decided to go ahead with Columbia.

academic: 9/10
faculty: 9/10
infrastructure: 9/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 8/10

VN
7.5 /10

Scholarship:

None

It is a top university. The CS branch at Columbia University is one of the best in the world.

academic: 9/10
faculty: 10/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 9/10
placement: 7/10

RG
6.7 /10

Scholarship:

No

The quality of faculty at Columbia is at par with other top institutes which makes sure that you're learning from the best. Apart from ample amount of resources, Columbia offers a diverse range of peer group which I think will help you in broadening your perspective.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 9/10
infrastructure: 9/10
accomodation: 7/10
placement: 7/10

AA
7.2 /10

Scholarship:

No.

Better option than other admits and also because of the city.

academic: 9/10
faculty: 9/10
infrastructure: 8/10
accomodation: 7/10
placement: 10/10

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