Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2025/2026 at Columbia University is open for applications to leaders from the United States and around the world who willing to take their careers to the next level. This leadership program is an initiative of the Columbia University through the Columbia World Project, to provide young people with the critical insights, global perspective and the needed experience in addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.
Fellowship Description
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2025/2026 at Columbia University brings together rising leaders from the United States and around the world who have demonstrated a commitment to finding solutions to challenges in their communities and countries. Scholars complete a fully-funded nine-month residency on campus at Columbia World Projects (CWP), deepening their knowledge and skills, and building new capacities and networks to accelerate their impact.
Award Benefits
- Monthly stipend to assist with living expenses in New York City.
- A furnished studio apartment within walking distance of Columbia University.
- 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
See Also: University of British Columbia International Scholars Program
Level and Area of Study
All program for distinguished leaders.
Place of Study
Columbia University, USA.
Eligibility Criteria
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2025/2026 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.
- Note: Priority will be given to applicants who have not matriculated at Columbia University. The fellowship is a full-time, residential program at Columbia and cannot be undertaken at the same time as a degree program.
Check Also: International Visitor Leadership Program for Foreign Leaders
Application Procedure
A complete application of the Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2025/2026 to be submitted entirely online, includes the following materials:
- Complete online application form by December 16, 2024.
- Resume/curriculum vitae of a chronological listing of your employment and academic history, and other significant activities, including any awards, publications, or other achievements․
- Personal video statement – a short video (no longer than three minutes in length) introducing the applicant and their work to the selection committee. (Check other details to upload your video)
- Responses to short essay questions – explaining your work, their motivation and how the program fits into their career trajectory. Applicants will submit their essay questions in the online application.
- Proof of English proficiency – Applicants Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic); or the Duolingo English Test (DET). 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
- 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), or 120 (DET; 75 on the DET taken prior to July 2019).
- Two letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required from individuals who are familiar with the applicant and the applicant’s work in an academic, professional or community service setting. Recommendations should directly address the applicant’s suitability for admission to the Obama Foundation Scholars program. Recommendations should not be written by family members or friends.
Application Deadline: The Obama Foundation Scholars Program is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 program until December 16.
