Financial Aid and Scholarships

Experiential learning allows students to gain real world experience, broaden their horizons and become marketable to employers through several co-curricular options. This award will support students in pursuing a tailored, hands on learning opportunity including but not limited to: graduate research, capstone, or experiential learning opportunities.

The Global Impact Award aims to strengthen cross border international engagement between SPS and the global community, while encouraging students to make deeper connections between their program of study and their host culture.

Student projects and/or experiential learning experience must be related to their program of study and are required to have a faculty mentor/advisor working in conjunction with the project. Additionally, they should demonstrate a strong commitment to the recipient’s developing academic or professional aspirations while establishing a sincere desire to increase global awareness. Funds may be used to cover costs including but not limited to: transportation, housing and/or research project materials. 

Award Amount Per Person: Awards range from $500 to $3,000 based on the availability of funds and academic program approval.

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Currently enrolled Master of Science students who have completed at least 12 credits towards their degree and a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average ; 
• Students must be in good academic, administrative and behavioral standing at the time of application and for the duration of the award;
• Projects and/or experiential learning experience must be related to the student’s degree program and have a faculty mentor/advisor who can oversee the deliverables associated with their work; 
• Students must submit a completed application and all associated components by the deadline.

How to Apply: 

• Interested applicants are required to submit the SPS Global Impact Award Application;
• Submit an updated resume
• Submit a statement (500 word maximum) describing how the experience abroad will enhance your education at SPS. and aligns with your personal and professional goals;
• Upload a PDF copy of your acceptance/enrollment in a Global Impact project or course and/or a letter of endorsement from their faculty mentor/advisor who is familiar with the opportunity and is able to explain how they will provide oversight;
• Upload a detailed budget including travel, accommodations, food and materials, along with a statement (maximum 300 words) explaining why you have requested that amount. 

Deadlines 

• Fall Semester
  • For notification on or before August 1
    — Applications Due: July 1
• Spring Semester
  • For notification on or before December 15
    — Applications Due: November 15
• Summer Semester
  • For notification on or before May 1
    — Applications Due: April 1

The Emergency Fund is intended to provide funds for students to use towards an unexpected, unavoidable emergency situation. To ensure that the greatest number of students in need receive assistance, recipients will be eligible for only one scholarship during their enrollment at SPS. The program seeks to assist students so they can complete their education at the School of Professional Studies and advance their professional career and is generally awarded during their final term of study.

All requests will require documentation and precedence will be given to students whom the Scholarship Review group determines has the most need and how close the student is to graduating. You must submit documentation attesting to the validity of any claims made or reasons given for the request. Unexpected emergency situations include but are not limited to: accidents, illness, disaster and/or temporary loss of housing. Students must show that they have exhausted all other resources and must have a plan for managing their financial situation after receiving emergency funds.

Applications are evaluated on a case by case basis. Funding is intended as a one-time award and should not replace or supplement existing financial aid.

Award Amount Per Person: Awards vary and are contingent on available funds. Award types may be offered in the form of emergency housing, food assistance, and/or monetary support depending on the student's situation. 

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Currently enrolled Master of Science students who have completed at least 12 credits towards their degree and a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average; 
2. Students must be in good academic, administrative and behavioral standing at the time of application and for the duration of the award;
3. Applicant is required to fill out a FAFSA form, or its equivalent;

How to Apply: 

• Interested applicants are required to submit the SPS Emergency Fund Application.
• Upload an updated resume;
• Upload a PDF or Word document that answers the following questions:
  • Why are you requesting emergency funding? 
  • How much funding are you requesting?
  • How will you utilize the funds you have requested?
  • Provide a financial plan of how you will finance the remainder of your degree outlining the source of funding for each semester until your expected graduation date.
  • Describe how you have exhausted all other resources for funding. 
• Upload proof of financial hardship resulting from an emergency outside of your control. 
• Upload documentation demonstrating you have exhausted all other resources of funding and/or a budget template.
• Please upload a copy of your FAFSA form, or its equivalent.

Deadlines 

Offering on a rolling basis.

The School of Professional Studies seeks to provide students with the resources to support their success while enrolled at Columbia University. During a student’s course of study, the School aims to keep students engaged and focused on maximizing their educational experience, advancing theory and practice in partnership with faculty, and expanding their professional acumen and network. This scholarship handbook provides an extensive list of tailored external funding opportunities that SPS students may be eligible to apply for in order to financially support their studies. The list was carefully curated, taking into account the diverse experiences and interests of the student community, and we hope it proves valuable in your studies.

Please visit External Funding Opportunities to view the curated list.

Please note that these are external funding opportunities that are not affiliated with the School of Professional Studies or Columbia University, and therefore unable to guarantee the accuracy of the information on the related website. Any questions or concerns specific to the opportunity should be sent directly to the sponsoring organization.

Any general questions or suggestions can be sent to sps-scholarships [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu.