About this Scholarship
Dreaming of a master's degree at an Ivy League institution but concerned about the cost? The Shardashish Interschool Fellowship is a prestigious award designed specifically for talented students, with a strong preference for those from India, who have a clear vision to drive change and development in their home country.
Funded by the generous support of the UNM Foundation, which is committed to expanding educational opportunities in India, this fellowship aims to make a world-class education at Columbia University accessible. It is a transformative opportunity for bright individuals who face economic barriers, with the expectation that fellows will maximize their learning and later pay it forward to enable others.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every essential detail of the Shardashish Fellowship. We will detail the eligible courses, the generous financial benefits, the strict eligibility criteria, and the integrated application process. Let this be your first step toward an Ivy League education.
What It Covers
This fellowship is exclusively for specific graduate programs within three schools at Columbia University in New York, USA. It is not applicable to any other universities or countries. Your choice of program is the primary determinant of eligibility.
|
Course Level |
University Name |
Overview |
Eligible Schools and Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Master’s |
Columbia University |
An Ivy League institution located in New York City, consistently ranked among the top universities in the world for its academic rigor and research output. |
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS): MA in Biotechnology, Mathematics of Finance, Statistics, Economics, Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology. |
|
Master’s |
Columbia University |
Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS): MS in any engineering discipline. |
|
|
Master’s |
Columbia University |
School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA): MPA in Environmental Science and Policy. |
Shardashish Interschool Fellowship Amount & Awards
The fellowship provides significant financial support based on your demonstrated need, with a maximum award of $50,000 USD (approx. INR 41.5 Lakhs) for one year. This grant is designed to reduce the economic burden of studying at an elite US institution and is an investment in future leaders committed to India's progress.
Awardees become part of a selective community of Shardashish fellows and the vast Columbia University network.
|
Expenses |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Tuition Fees |
Partial to full coverage, depending on the level of demonstrated financial need and qualifications. |
|
Living Allowance |
Support for accommodation and living costs in New York City. |
|
Other Costs |
May assist with academic expenses such as books and supplies. |
Shardashish Interschool Fellowship Benefits
Winning this fellowship provides more than just financial aid; it connects you to a powerful network and allows you to focus entirely on your studies and professional growth.
|
Benefit |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Financial Support |
Receive up to $50,000 to cover tuition and living expenses, significantly reducing debt. |
|
Ivy League Prestige |
Join a cohort of high-achieving students at a world-class university. |
|
Leadership Network |
Become part of the selective Shardashish and Columbia alumni community. |
|
Focused Academics |
Dedicate your time and energy to learning without financial strain. |
Eligibility Criteria
The primary eligibility requirement is a demonstrated commitment to India and its future development, coupled with genuine financial need. The fellowship has a strong preference for current residents of India. The criteria are specific and must be met in full.
|
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Nationality & Residence |
Open to all nationalities, but with a strong preference for Indian citizens and current residents of India. |
|
Commitment to India |
Must demonstrate a clear commitment to addressing development challenges in India. |
|
Academic Admission |
Must have applied and been admitted to one of the specific eligible Columbia University master's programs. |
|
Financial Need |
Must demonstrate significant financial need through a dedicated assessment form. |
|
Program of Study |
Must be enrolled in one of the specific programs listed in the "Applicable Courses" section. |
Countries Eligible for the Shardashish Interschool Fellowship
This fellowship is unique in its geographic focus. While it is open to all nationalities, it has a clear and stated primary preference for applicants from one country.
|
Region |
Eligible Status & Details |
|---|---|
|
India |
Strong preference is given to citizens and, most importantly, current residents of India. |
|
All Other Countries |
Applicants of all other nationalities are eligible but are considered secondary to Indian residents. |
Who Can Apply
Demonstrated financial need
Preference to residents of India
Must have applied and been admitted to one of the specific Columbia University schools and programs
How to Apply
The application process is integrated directly with your program application to Columbia University. There is no separate scholarship portal.
Apply for Admission: Complete and submit your application for an eligible master's program through the official Columbia University application portal.
Indicate Interest: Within the application portal, indicate your interest in being considered for the Shardashish Interschool Fellowship.
Submit Fellowship Materials: Upload all required fellowship-specific documents, including your statement of interest and financial need form, to your application portal.
Await Review: Your application for admission and for the fellowship will be reviewed by the respective school's committee.
Receive Notification: Fellowship decisions are communicated along with or after the admission decision.
Application Timeline for Shardashish Interschool Fellowship
Deadlines are strict and vary by the school you are applying to within Columbia University. It is crucial to know the correct date for your specific program.
|
Stage |
Timeline |
|---|---|
|
Applications Open |
When the Columbia University graduate application portal opens (Typically September). |
|
Application Deadline for SIPA |
January 17, 2025 |
|
Application Deadline for GSAS & SEAS |
February 17, 2025 |
|
Selection Process |
After the application deadline. |
|
Course Start |
Fall 2025 (Typically September) |
Shardashish Interschool Fellowship Interview
The official sources do not mention a mandatory interview process for this fellowship. The selection is based primarily on the strength of your written application, supporting documents, and demonstrated financial need.
Your 1000-word statement of interest is your primary tool to make an impression. Focus on crafting a compelling and genuine narrative about your commitment to India.
Documents Required
The application requires several documents that showcase your profile, goals, and financial need. The most important is a 1000-word statement of interest.
- Completed online application form via Columbia's portal.
- Academic transcripts and proof of degree completion.
- A 1000-word statement of interest explaining your commitment to India.
- List of up to three professional activities demonstrating your commitment to India's development.
- Statement of residence in India (if applicable).
- Completed financial need assessment form.
- Optional supporting materials (e.g., writing sample, extra letter of support).