Applications are invited for the Obama Foundation Scholarships 2023. The last date to apply for the Obama Foundation Scholarships is December 12, 2023. Students will not be charged an application fee. During the 2024–2025 academic year, the Obama Foundation Scholars Program operated entirely online, with scholars taking part virtually from their home countries.

The Obama Foundation Scholarship Program will help young leaders from the US and throughout the world who are already improving their communities enhance their practice with an innovative curriculum that blends academic, practical, and skills-based learning. Through the Scholars Program, people who have demonstrated a dedication to excellence are equipped with the skills necessary to make better use of their time, find novel solutions to challenging global issues, and motivate change through values-based leadership.

About Columbia University

Columbia World Projects is a major, university-wide initiative that aims to forge a closer and more useful connection between Columbia University’s vast research capabilities and the needs of the world. In consultation with colleagues within and outside Columbia, we devise projects that we staff and operate with partners in New York City, across the United States, and worldwide. These projects span a range of topics and are rooted in university research. Each project has a finite duration and clear, measurable objectives. When our direct involvement in a project ends, the work should continue and have a broad impact beyond the project itself.

In the same spirit, we operate the Obama Foundation Scholars Program to use university resources to help make an annual cohort of rising activists more effective in their work. And we are researchers ourselves, on broad topics like cities and democratic institutions, rigorously studying how research can translate into successful practice.

Obama Foundation Scholarships Details

  • Scholarship Country: United States
  • Host Institute: Columbia University
  • Course Level: BS, Master’s and PhD Degrees
  • Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
  • Who is eligible? International Students
  • Deadline Date: December 12, 2023

Eligibility Requirements

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University seeks rising leaders from the United States and around the world who meet the following criteria:

  • Are emerging leaders who have made meaningful contributions to their field and are now at a “breakthrough moment” in their careers
  • Have a proven commitment to service and leadership within a community, region or country, coupled with a demonstrated commitment to return to these communities following their completion of the program and apply their enhanced training, skills, and connections on a long-term basis for the benefit of these communities
  • Are fluent in English (verbal, written and spoken)
  • Have the ability and inclination to positively shape the future of their community
  • Have a demonstrated commitment to inclusivity, community-orientation, hope, courage, imagination, strategy, accountability, integrity and resilience.

Scholar Benefits

  • Monthly stipend to assist with living expenses in New York City
  • furnished studio apartment within walking distance of Columbia University
  • All tuition and fees for up to four courses at Columbia University
  • Basic medical, dental and life insurance for the duration of the program in New York City
  • Air travel to and from home country and any program-related activities.

Scholarship Coverage

  • Monthly stipend to deal with New York City living expenses 
  • A fully equipped studio apartment close to the University of Columbia, accessible by foot
  • All of the tuition and fees for up to four Columbia University courses 
  • Basic health, dental, and life care services throughout the duration of the service in New York City
  • Air travel to and from the home country and other program-related activities.

Required Documents

  • Full application process online
  • Resume/curriculum vitae: A chronological listing of work and educational backgrounds, scholarly endeavours and other important events should be in the resume/curriculum vitae. Any honours, publications or other accomplishments you have won should be included among candidates. Learn, How to Write a Powerful CV for a Scholarship
  • Personal video statement: A three-minute video that briefly introduces the candidate and their position to the selection committee should be included in the personal video statement. The web application will include a link to the video statements. Applicants submit to a video-sharing website like Vimeo or YouTube. The online application contains more information on the requirements for the personal video statement. Answers to quick essay queries The brief essay questions provide the selection committee with an opportunity to think about the candidate’s work, sources of inspiration, and how the programme fits into their intended career path. Applicants can upload essay questions in the online application.

More Documents

  • Evidence of English proficiency: Candidates whose first language is not English are required to submit their exam results from one of four tests to demonstrate their English proficiency: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet-based or paper-based exams; the International English Language Assessment Framework (IELTS); the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic); or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
  • Completed an undergraduate degree in a country where English is an official language, not a master’s or graduate degree; OR 
  • In the last five years, they have previously taken the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Technical, or DET exams and have scored at or above the minimum criteria of 100 (TOEFL-IBT), 600 (TOEFL-PBT), 7.0 (IELTS), 688 (TOEFL-IBT), 600 (TOEFL-PBT), 7.0 (IELTS), 68 (PTE Academic), 
  • The 120 (DET; 75 on the DET taken prior to July 2019).

Application Deadline

The last date to apply for the Obama Foundation Scholarships is December 12, 2023.

How To Apply?

The official website is the best place to start if you want to learn more about Joint Obama Foundation Scholarships. You may find in-depth details on the available courses and programs. The admissions standards and process, the campus amenities, student life, and much more there. Find out more about the academics, researchers, and community involvement programs at the university. Additionally, the website gives users access to student handbooks and academic calendars. Visit the university’s official website if you’re keen to learn more about it. Whether you’re a prospective or present student or you’re just interested. Click here to view the website.

Official Link