Applications are open for the Columbia University HBCU Fellowship Program 2027 in the United States. The fellowship supports eligible final-year students and recent graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who wish to pursue a master’s degree at Columbia University.
The programme offers substantial financial assistance, including full tuition for three consecutive semesters, student housing, and a semesterly stipend. Fellows can also benefit from mentorship, internship opportunities, career services, and professional networking.
International applicants may be eligible, provided they meet the HBCU graduation requirements and all other programme conditions.
The first master’s application deadline is November 13, 2026, while the final deadline for both the master’s and fellowship applications is January 7, 2027.
Columbia University HBCU Fellowship 2027 Overview
- Host institution: Columbia University
- Location: New York City, USA
- Programme: School of Professional Studies HBCU Fellowship
- Study level: Master’s degree
- Intake: Fall 2027
- Eligible applicants: Current HBCU seniors and recent graduates
- Scholarship benefits: Full tuition, housing, stipend, mentorship, and career development
- First application deadline: November 13, 2026
- Final deadline: January 7, 2027
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants can receive the following benefits:
- Full tuition coverage: Tuition support for three consecutive semesters—fall, spring, and summer.
- Student housing: Accommodation through Columbia Housing for the covered enrolment period.
- Semesterly stipend: Additional financial assistance during the programme.
- Internship opportunities: Potential opportunities to gain practical experience through corporate or sector partners.
- Mentorship: Guidance to support academic and professional development.
- Career services: Access to professional development and networking opportunities.
Applicants should consult the official programme page for the precise award conditions and details of the financial support.
Eligible Master’s Programmes
Applicants must apply to an eligible full-time, on-campus Master of Science programme at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies.
Eligible fields include:
- Actuarial Science
- Applied Analytics
- Bioethics
- Enterprise Risk Management
- Human Capital Management
- Information and Knowledge Strategy
- Narrative Medicine
- Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
- Nonprofit Management
- Political Analytics
- Project Management
- Sports Management
- Strategic Communication
- Sustainability Management
- Sustainability Science
- Technology Management
Candidates should confirm that their preferred programme remains eligible for the Fall 2027 intake before applying.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for consideration, applicants must:
- Be a current senior at an eligible Historically Black College or University or a recent graduate.
- Have received their bachelor’s degree in 2025 or later if applying as a recent graduate.
- Apply for an eligible full-time, on-campus Master of Science programme for Fall 2027.
- Meet the admission requirements of their chosen master’s programme.
- Submit a separate application for the fellowship.
International students can apply if they satisfy the programme’s eligibility criteria. However, the fellowship is specifically designed for HBCU students and graduates, so a bachelor’s degree from any university does not automatically qualify an applicant.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the following fellowship materials:
- Statement of Purpose: A maximum of 750 words discussing personal experiences, leadership, community engagement, values, and future goals.
- Optional supplemental essay: Up to 300 words, following the prompt provided in the application.
- Video essay: A recording of no more than 90 seconds.
- Letter of Support: From a faculty or staff member at the applicant’s HBCU.
- Résumé: Highlighting relevant education, experience, leadership, and community involvement.
The selected master’s programme may require additional documents. Applicants should review its admissions instructions separately.
Application Deadlines
There are two important dates for the Fall 2027 application cycle:
- November 13, 2026: First master’s application deadline. Applying by this date may allow applicants to receive an earlier admissions decision.
- January 7, 2027: Final deadline for the master’s and fellowship applications.
Fellowship decisions are expected in mid-March 2027, according to the university’s published information.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents early and ensure that both applications are submitted before the final deadline.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the Columbia University HBCU Fellowship Program 2027:
- Visit the official fellowship website and confirm your eligibility.
- Select an eligible Master of Science programme.
- Review the admission requirements for your chosen degree.
- Prepare the required fellowship documents.
- Submit your master’s degree application.
- Complete the separate HBCU Fellowship application.
- Monitor your application portals and email for updates.
Official application links:
- Fellowship programme: https://sps.columbia.edu/impact/columbia-hbcu-fellowship-program
- Application and eligibility information: https://sps.columbia.edu/impact/columbia-hbcu-fellowship-program/application-and-eligibility
- Master’s admissions: https://sps.columbia.edu/admissions/masters-degree-applicants
For further enquiries, applicants can contact hbcu-fellowship@sps.columbia.edu.
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