Are you an aspiring leader willing to enhance your skills and take your leadership career to the next level? Then you are invited to apply for the Fully Funded Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University 2025-2026, targeted at young and vibrant people across the globe who are eager to take up challenges and in return develop their communities.
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program is a leadership development initiative of the University of Columbia through Columbia World Projects aimed at providing young people with critical insights, global perspectives, and hands-on experience in addressing challenges in their communities and around the World.
SUMMARY
- Scholarship Sponsor(s): Obama Foundation
- Host Institution(s): University of Columbia, USA
- Scholarship Type: Full Funding
- Scholarship Worth: Not Specified
- Number of Awards: Several
- Study Level: All Courses
- Nationality: All Nationalities
Also See: Cheap Universities for International Students to Study in USA
Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2025-2026 | Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University in USA, candidates are required to meet the following conditions:
- 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
- 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
- Are fluent in English (verbal, written and spoken)
Scholarship Benefits
The Obama Foundation Scholarships Program include the following 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
Recommended: Gates Millennium Scholars Program for Studies in USA 2025
Application Procedure
How-to-Apply: To apply for the Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2025-2026, applicants are to complete an online application form and submit the following:
- Resume/curriculum vitae which includes listing of your employment and academic history, and other significant activities, including any awards, publications, or other achievements
- Personal video statement which should be a short video, no longer than three minutes in length, introducing the applicant and their work to the selection committee
- Responses to short essay questions which help the selection committee understand the applicant’s work, their motivation and how the program fits into their career trajectory
- Proof of English proficiency for applicant whose native language is not English, and therefore required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language by submitting scores from one of the four exams (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic or DET)
Application Deadline: December 16, 2024.