Columbia University Scholars

In addition to the programming offered through the Obama Foundation, and conducted with their counterpart Scholars cohort, Obama Foundation Scholars at Columbia University participate in an immersive program on Columbia’s campus that brings together academic, skills-based and experiential learning, designed by Columbia University in consultation with the Obama Foundation.

Obama Foundation Scholars at Columbia University are based at Columbia World Projects, an initiative that mobilizes the university’s researchers and scholars to work with governments, organizations, businesses, and communities to create tangible solutions to real-world issues. The program takes advantage of the unique opportunities for engagement that come with being at one of the world’s most important centers of research and residing in New York City.

Key components of the program at Columbia University include:

• Are U.S. citizens and residents eligible to apply?

  Yes. The Obama Foundation Scholars Program is designed for individuals with a history of and future commitment to living in and making significant contributions to communities, regions, and countries around the world.

• What is the time commitment for the program?

  The Obama Foundation Scholars program is a full-time program, running for the duration of the academic year from August through May. Prior to arriving in New York, Scholars will be asked to take part in some online activities, though these are not full-time commitments. In addition, Scholars will be expected to engage in various activities led by the Obama Foundation throughout the year. Upon returning to the countries and regions where they work at the conclusion of the program, Scholars will play a role in the broader international Obama Foundation network and participate in Obama Foundation activities.

• Can Scholars participate in one semester of the program rather than a full academic year?

  No. Scholars must commit to participating in the full program for the entire academic year.

• Can participants continue in current jobs while participating in the program?

  No. Scholars will not be permitted to continue their current job during their participation in the program. This is a full-time program in which active and engaged participation is key to creating a meaningful experience.

• Can Scholars participate in this program remotely?

  No. Scholars are expected to reside in New York City for the academic year. 

• Is English proficiency required?

  Yes. Obama Foundation Scholars must be fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English. Scholars are expected to be able to read and comprehend complex texts, work in teams, give oral presentations, draft memos and reports, understand academic lectures, engage in classroom discussions, and build networks — all in English. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language by submitting scores from one of four exams: The internet-based or paper-based exams of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic); Duolingo English Test (DET). No other exams will be accepted.

  This requirement is waived for applicants who:

  • have completed an undergraduate degree — not a master's or graduate degree — in a country where English is an official language;

  OR

  • have previously taken the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or DET exams in the last five years and scored at or above the minimum requirement of 100 (TOEFL-IBT), 600 (TOEFL-PBT), 7.0 (IELTS), 68 (PTE Academic), 120 (DET; 75 on the DET taken prior to July 2019). If applicants qualify for a waiver under this exception, they must upload a scanned copy of their score report to the online application to ensure their application is eligible for review. If they did not score at or above the required minimum or no longer have a copy of their old results, they must retake an English proficiency exam.

• What does the program cover in terms of costs?

  The Obama Foundation Scholars program covers the following costs:

  • Monthly stipend to assist with living expenses in New York City

  • A furnished studio apartment within walking distance of Columbia University, if the program is able to convene in person

  • 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, if the program is able to convene in person

  • Air travel to and from home country and any program-related activities, if the program is able to convene in person

• Is the program appropriate for someone who already has a master’s degree?

  The program is appropriate for individuals from a variety of educational backgrounds and an undergraduate or master’s degree is not a prerequisite for consideration. At Columbia University, the Scholars will participate in a year-long, rigorous, immersive program that brings together academic, skills-based, and experiential learning, designed by Columbia University in consultation with the Obama Foundation.

  The program provides individuals who have a proven commitment to service and leadership with the tools they need to make their efforts more effective and give them the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge to tackle real-world challenges. Scholars will also have the opportunity to build connections with a network of leading practitioners and rising global leaders, taking advantage of the unique opportunities for engagement that come with being in the City of New York.

• Do Scholars have to return to their country or region when the program is over?

  After completing the program, Scholars are expected to return to the country or region of the world where they have been working and continue along a path of service, either through a full-time job or volunteer activities.

• After completing the Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia, will Scholars be able to stay connected with the Obama Foundation?

  Yes. Upon returning to their countries and regions, Scholars will become part of a lifelong Obama Foundation community with access to a deep network of support. Scholars will have the opportunity to continue to actively engage with the Obama Foundation as program alumni.

• I am running for public office, can I apply?

  No. Applicants who are running campaigns for public office during the program term do not meet the eligibility criteria to apply for the program, due to the Obama Foundation’s status as a 501(c)(3) organization registered in the United States. We encourage you to apply again in the future.