Columbia University Scholarships 2025: Eligibility & Deadlines

If you are aiming to study at Columbia University but are worried about the high tuition costs, scholarships can make your dream a reality. Columbia University offers select awards like the MBA Scholarship and the Shardashish Interschool Fellowship, which provide significant financial support to deserving students. In this blog, we will cover the key Columbia University scholarships available in 2025, including eligibility criteria, benefits, application steps, selection process, and important deadlines, so you can apply with confidence and increase your chances of success.

Columbia University Scholarships 2025: Quick Highlights

Before we read about scholarship options, here’s a snapshot of Columbia University to give you context about where you’re aiming to study.

Institution Name	Columbia University
Established	1754
Acceptance Rate	3.7% (2025)
Location	New York City, New York, USA
QS World University Ranking 2025	19th globally
Total Enrollment	Approx. 33,000 students
Scholarships For	Domestic and International Students
Popular Faculties	Arts & Sciences, Engineering, Business, Law, Medicine
Official Website	columbia.edu

List of Best Columbia University Scholarships

Columbia University offers a small but prestigious set of scholarships, mostly targeting graduate-level students. Here are the main scholarships available for 2025 with their eligibility and application details.

MBA Scholarship (Columbia University)

This scholarship is designed for MBA applicants who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential. It covers a significant portion of tuition fees.

Amount Distributed	INR 25.58 Lakhs
Application Deadline	October 15, 2025 (Tentative)
Eligibility	Must have a business degree
	Submit two letters of recommendation
	Complete required essays and transcripts
Granted As	Tuition fee scholarship

Shardashish Interschool Fellowship (Columbia University)

This fellowship supports students holding a bachelor’s degree in a related field and covers tuition fees. Note that the deadline for 2025 has already passed.

Amount Distributed	INR 42.64 Lakhs
Application Deadline	Deadline has passed
Eligibility	Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
Granted As	Tuition fee fellowship

Note: Columbia University primarily provides need-based financial aid rather than a wide range of merit scholarships. Most funding opportunities for undergraduates come through financial aid packages based on demonstrated need.

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Other Scholarships Applicable for Columbia University Students in 2025

Many students at Columbia University also apply for external scholarships offered by other universities, foundations, and organizations. These scholarships can help cover tuition or living expenses and vary in eligibility, amount, and deadlines.

Scholarship Name	Max Amount	Application Deadline	Awarding Institution
Arts Scholarship for Incoming Students	Varies	March 2, 2026	University of South Dakota
Arts Scholarship for Current Students	Varies	March 2, 2026	University of South Dakota
Northwestern Financial Aid Awards	Varies	February 2, 2026	Northwestern University
Martha Bayard Stevens Scholarship	Varies	February 2, 2026	Stevens Institute of Technology
Edwin A. Stevens Scholarship	Varies	February 2, 2026	Stevens Institute of Technology
Ann P. Neupauer Scholarship	Varies	February 2, 2026	Stevens Institute of Technology
MSU Academic Achievement Scholarship	INR 85,500	February 2, 2026	Missouri State University
MSU Academic Excellence Scholarship	INR 170,000	February 2, 2026	Missouri State University
MSU Academic Distinction Scholarship	INR 130,000	February 2, 2026	Missouri State University
NYC Parapet Inspection Scholarship	INR 42,100	December 21, 2025	NYC Parapet Inspection
MR Home Buyer Scholarship	INR 84,300	December 13, 2025	MR Home Buyer
Early Decision Incentive Scholarship	INR 670,000	December 2, 2025	Clarkson University
USC Merit: Presidential Scholarship	INR 3,040,000	December 2, 2025	University of Southern California (USC)
Sports Gear Swag Scholarship	INR 85,500	October 2, 2025	Sports Gear Swag
MSU Board of Governors Scholarship	INR 560,000	September 16, 2025	Missouri State University
Chancellor’s Centennial Arts & Sciences Scholarship	Varies	September 2, 2025	University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Chancellor’s Centennial Business Scholarship	Varies	September 2, 2025	University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Amberscholar Scholarship	INR 520,000	August 17, 2025	Amber Scholar
UMassD Club Academic Excellence Presidential Scholarship	Varies	August 2, 2025	University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Provost’s Scholarship	INR 1,050,000	July 16, 2025	University of Bridgeport
Presidential Scholarship	INR 1,260,000	July 16, 2025	University of Bridgeport
Academic Achievement Grant	INR 420,000	July 16, 2025	University of Bridgeport

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Eligibility Criteria 

Columbia University offers limited but highly competitive scholarships. Here are eligibility requirements for the two main scholarships available in 2025:

MBA Scholarship (Columbia University)

• The applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree, preferably in business or a closely related field.
  
• The applicant must submit two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and essays answering the scholarship questions.
  
• The applicant must secure admission to Columbia Business School’s MBA program.
  
• The applicant must demonstrate a strong academic record and leadership potential.

Shardashish Interschool Fellowship (Columbia University)

• The applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from an institution of acceptable academic standing.
  
• The applicant must have completed a degree in a field related to the fellowship’s focus area.
  
• The applicant must gain admission to the relevant graduate program at Columbia University.
  
• The applicant must show evidence of academic excellence in previous studies.

Application Process 

Applying for scholarships at Columbia University requires meeting specific program requirements and submitting all necessary documents on time. 

MBA Scholarship (Columbia University)

• The applicant must first apply for admission to the Columbia Business School MBA program through the official application portal.
  
• The applicant must complete the scholarship section in the MBA application form.
  
• The applicant must submit two letters of recommendation, official academic transcripts, and the required essays.
  
• The applicant must ensure that all documents are submitted before the scholarship deadline of October 15, 2025 (Tentative).

Shardashish Interschool Fellowship (Columbia University)

• The applicant must apply for admission to the eligible graduate program at Columbia University.
  
• The applicant must indicate interest in the fellowship during the admission application process.
  
• The applicant must prepare and submit all required documents, including academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, and recommendation letters.
  
• The applicant must monitor the official fellowship page for updates, as the deadline for the next cycle is yet to be announced.

Selection & Evaluation Process

Columbia University uses a holistic review process to evaluate scholarship applicants, considering academic performance, professional experience, leadership qualities, and program-specific requirements. Here is how each scholarship’s selection process works.

MBA Scholarship (Columbia University)

• The admissions committee evaluates the applicant’s academic background, professional achievements, and leadership potential.
  
• The quality of essays and strength of recommendation letters are given significant weight.
  
• Preference is given to candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic merit and strong fit for the Columbia Business School MBA program.
  
• The final decision is based on the combined assessment of admission and scholarship criteria.

Shardashish Interschool Fellowship (Columbia University)

• Applications are reviewed based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, and community service contributions.
  
• Preference is given to students from developing countries who demonstrate financial need.
  
• The selection panel evaluates the statement of purpose and recommendations for alignment with fellowship goals.
  
• Finalists may be asked to provide additional documentation before the award is confirmed.

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That was everything you needed to know about Columbia University scholarships 2025. These awards are your opportunity to access a world-class education at Columbia University with substantial financial support. For more such guides, visit the Scholarships Page and stay updated with Leverage Edu!