Are you an international student hoping to study in the United States but worried about the high costs? The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University offers an exciting opportunity to receive full funding to pursue a graduate degree while gaining access to the Foundation’s network and resources.
Prospective applicants for the OBAMA Foundation Scholarship for the academic year 2023-2024 should thoroughly review this post, as it contains crucial information about the application process, required documents, and eligibility requirements. We have provided comprehensive details below regarding the scholarship to assist interested students. Please examine the full details below for additional information about applying for the OBAMA Foundation Scholarship.
Read the entire information.
| Program | Obama Foundation Scholars Program |
| Country | United State |
| Institute | University of Colombia |
| Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligibility | International Students |
| Deadline` | December 12, 2023 |
Note: Top priority will go to applicants who have not been enrolled at Columbia University before. This is a full-time program based at Columbia’s campus, so you cannot be enrolled in a degree program at the same time.
OBAMA Foundation Scholarship Program
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program selects rising leaders from around the world to participate in an academic program at Columbia University. The program aims to help the next generation of leaders gain skills, knowledge, and connections to make positive change in their communities. Scholars participate in seminars, leadership training, and community service over the course of an academic year. The program provides full financial support including tuition, room and board, and airfare. Since its launch in 2018, the Obama Foundation Scholars Program has supported over 100 emerging leaders who are making an impact in fields like public health, human rights, and education.
Columbia University
Columbia University was established in 1754 under the name King’s College through a Royal Charter granted by King George II of England, making it the oldest institution of higher education in New York and one of the oldest in the United States.
The university’s most iconic building is the classically designed Low Memorial Library, constructed in Roman style architecture. This historic building that still contains Columbia’s central administrative offices was originally built to serve as the college’s main library.
Columbia University Address
116th and Broadway, New York, 10027, United States
Columbia University World Ranking
Current world ranking is 17 in 2024.
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Obama Scholars Program at Columbia University, you must:
- Be an emerging leader who has made important contributions in your field and is ready for more success.
- Have a proven commitment to service and leadership in your community. You must also be committed to returning to your community after the program to apply what you learned.
- Speak, write, and understand English fluently.
- Show you can positively shape your community’s future.
- Be committed to including others, helping your community, being hopeful, brave, creative, strategic, responsible, honest, and adaptable.
Complete online application form
Resume/curriculum vitae
The resume/CV should list your work history, education, and major activities in chronological order. Include any awards, publications, or special achievements.
Personal video statement
Make a short personal video (3 minutes maximum) to introduce yourself and your work. Upload it to YouTube or Vimeo. Share the link when you apply online. The application has more details on requirements for the video.
Responses to short essay questions
Answer a few short essay questions. This helps the selection committee learn about your work, motivations, and how the program fits your career path. Submit the essay questions through the online application.
Two letters of recommendation
Submit 2 recommendation letters. They should be from people who know your work in school, your job, or the community. The letters should explain why you would be a good fit for the Obama Scholars program. Recommenders can’t be family or friends.
Proof of English proficiency
If English is not your native language, you must submit scores from one of these English tests:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- PTE
- DET
You don’t need scores if you did your undergraduate and master’s degrees in a country where English is the official language.
Minimum Scores:
- TOEFL Paper: 600
- IELTS: 7
- PTE: 68
- Duolingo: 120
- TOEFL Internet: 100
What you get:
- Monthly stipend for living costs
- Furnished apartment
- Tuition for up to 4 Columbia courses
- Health insurance and life insurance
- Air travel allowance