This scholarship reflects Columbia SIPA’s (School of International and Public affairs) enduring belief in the transformative power of public leadership. It is awarded to students who have shown a steadfast commitment to advancing the public good, whether through government, nonprofit work, international service, or cross-sector innovation. Rather than requiring a formal service obligation, they aim to ignite a lifelong commitment to making a difference. Their goal is to invest in bold, value-driven leaders and equip them to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges with integrity, vision, and purpose. Through this fellowship, they support those who will continue driving equity, justice, and meaningful change long after their time at SIPA.
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For more than 75 years, SIPA has been educating professionals who work in public, private, and nonprofit organizations to make a difference in the world. Through rigorous social science research and hands-on practice, SIPA’s graduates and faculty strive to improve social services, advocate for human rights, strengthen markets, protect the environment, and secure peace, in their home communities and around the world.
A limited number of fellowships are awarded annually. Selected fellows will be notified if they are selected at the time of admission.
You’ll have to apply at one of the programs from below to be eligible for the scholarship:
- Fall 2026 entry term: Master of International Affairs (MIA), Master of Public Administration (MPA) and MPA in Development Practice (MPA-DP).
Summer 2026 entry term: MPA in Global Leadership, MPA in Economic Policy Management, MPA in Environmental Science and Policy.
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- Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
2. Fully Funded Conferences: https://m.me/j/AbZTfhFTiPCnXf2D/
3. Full Scholarships: https://m.me/j/AbbrjbkOMM6I68Cs/
4. Paid Internships/Jobs: https://m.me/j/AbaAskb6jFFnRser/
5. Circle: https://m.me/j/AbY0vVKSPJULUnE4/
The deadline of the scholarship is not a fixed date since the scholarship is based on the above mentioned programs deadlines. The deadlines for each of the programs are given below:
- Fall 2026: Master of International Affairs (MIA)
Early Action Deadline: 1 November 2025
Priority Fellowship Consideration Deadline: 20 December 2025
Final Deadline: 5 February 2026 - Fall 2026: Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Early Action Deadline: 1 November 2025
Priority Fellowship Consideration Deadline: 20 December 2025
Final Deadline: 5 February 2026 - Fall 2026: MPA in Developmental Practice (MPA-DP)
Early Action Deadline: 1 November 2025
Priority Fellowship Consideration Deadline: 20 December 2025
Final Deadline: 5 February 2026 - Summer 2026: MPA in Economic Policy Management (MPA-EPM)
Early Action Deadline: 1 November 2025
Priority Fellowship Consideration Deadline: 20 December 2025
Final Deadline: 15 February 2026 - Summer 2026: MPA in Environmental Science and Policy (MPA-ESP)
Early Action Deadline: 1 November 2025
Priority Fellowship Consideration Deadline: 15 January 2026
Final Deadline: 15 February 2026 - Summer 2026: MPA in Global Leadership (MPA-GLP)
Early Action Deadline: 1 November 2025
Priority Fellowship Consideration Deadline: 20 December 2025
Final Deadline: 1 March 2026
Location:
United StatesBenefits
- Award
Up to 65% tuition scholarship support. - Research Assistantship Opportunities
Second-year SIPA research assistantships are available to students in the MIA, MPA, and MPA-DP programs, offering both professional development and paid employment during their studies. These positions provide valuable experience, promote collaboration with peers, and strengthen contributions to the SIPA community. -
Post Graduation Commitment Expectations
The fellowship recognizes students who embody the core values of public service integrity, commitment to community, and a drive to effect positive change and encourages them to continue advancing the public good in their careers after graduation
Eligibilities
- Apply to one of the following programs:
Fall 2026 entry term: Master of International Affairs (MIA), Master of Public Administration (MPA) and MPA in Development Practice (MPA-DP).
Summer 2026 entry term: MPA in Global Leadership, MPA in Economic Policy Management, MPA in Environmental Science and Policy. - US citizen or permanent resident
- Minimum of 3 years full-time professional experience in U.S. public service (e.g., federal, state, local government, military, or national service like AmeriCorps/Peace Corps, & 501(c)(3) organizations).
- Applicants must have completed three years of service by the time they submit their application.
- Cumulative minimum GPA of 3.4
- Selection based on leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to return to service post‑graduation.
- If selected, you will be required to enroll in the program you are admitted to on a full-time basis.
Application Process
- Log in (Returning Users) or Create an account (First time users) and apply using the “Apply Now” link.
- Indicate “yes” on the SIPA admissions application to be considered for financial aid.
- Indicate “yes” that you wish to be considered for public service scholarship.
- Required supplemental essay in the SIPA admissions application demonstrating public service motivation and career goals.
- Letters of recommendation from current or former public sector supervisors or colleagues.
- Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa (Columbia school code: 00270)
- Award decisions will be made at the time of admission.
Application Deadlines for the programs:
- Fall 2026: Master of International Affairs (MIA)
Early Action Deadline: 1 November 2025
Priority Fellowship Consideration Deadline: 20 December 2025
Final Deadline: 5 February 2026 - Fall 2026: Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Early Action Deadline: 1 November 2025
Priority Fellowship Consideration Deadline: 20 December 2025
Final Deadline: 5 February 2026 - Fall 2026: MPA in Developmental Practice (MPA-DP)
Early Action Deadline: 1 November 2025
Priority Fellowship Consideration Deadline: 20 December 2025
Final Deadline: 5 February 2026 - Summer 2026: MPA in Economic Policy Management (MPA-EPM)
Early Action Deadline: 1 November 2025
Priority Fellowship Consideration Deadline: 20 December 2025
Final Deadline: 15 February 2026 - Summer 2026: MPA in Environmental Science and Policy (MPA-ESP)
Early Action Deadline: 1 November 2025
Priority Fellowship Consideration Deadline: 15 January 2026
Final Deadline: 15 February 2026 - Summer 2026: MPA in Global Leadership (MPA-GLP)
Early Action Deadline: 1 November 2025
Priority Fellowship Consideration Deadline: 20 December 2025
Final Deadline: 1 March 2026
Application Deadline: February 4, 2026 (92 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
