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Funding your Education
The SIPA Office of Financial Aid is committed to helping students explore the full range of resources available to finance their education. Our team provides guidance on institutional scholarships, student loans, and external funding opportunities throughout the application and enrollment process. We also provide comprehensive financial education and planning resources designed to help students develop a sustainable financing strategy before making their enrollment decision.
Funding
SIPA and Columbia University Funding
Learn about the types of financial aid in the form of scholarships, fellowships and assistantships available to SIPA students, both from SIPA directly and other funds made available University-wide.
Financial Aid Deadlines
Fellowship Consideration: To be considered for fellowship funding, you must first indicate on your application that you would like to be considered for funding. You must then submit your complete application, including all required supporting materials, by the applicable program fellowship deadline.
Financial Aid Timeline
September
Admissions application opens (indicate financial aid request on application)
October
FAFSA is available for completion (U.S. citizens and permanent residents)
December
Priority Fellowship Consideration Deadline (part of the admissions application) - December 20, 2026
Mid-March
Admission and financial aid decisions released via slate student portal
April to early May
Student admission and financial aid offer responses due
Financial Aid News
Financial Education Presentation Series
Prospective and current students are encouraged to join our upcoming live financial education webinars. These sessions cover a range of student financial planning topics, including external scholarship resources, budgeting and financial planning, loan funding strategies, and other tools to help you plan for your educational expenses.
Update on Federal Student Loan Changes and Eligibility Requirements
Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) in July 2025, introducing changes to federal student loans that take effect on July 1, 2026 and do not impact borrowing for the 2025–2026 academic year. Review the Columbia OBBBA webpage for more information and private loan options. Students may also contact the SIPA Office of Financial Aid with any questions.
Scholarship News
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Global Policy, Diplomacy, and Sustainability (GPODS) Fellowship
GPODS is offering up to two full scholarships for Columbia SIPA candidates for its online Winter 2026 Fellowship, running November 15, 2026–February 15, 2027. The scholarship covers the full $1,500 fellowship fee, and the program features coursework, practitioner workshops, mentorship, and a capstone project focused on global policy, diplomacy, and sustainability. Applications are due September 30, 2026.
Apply for the GPODS Fellowship
Alternative Application Option: Students who are unable to access the GPODS Fellowship application form may submit their Statement of Purpose and CV, along with an optional Letter of Recommendation, to [email protected]. Please use the subject line “GPODS Fellowship Application.”
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Columbia Institute for the Study of Human Rights Research Awards
Research stipends for students working with ISHR-affiliated faculty to support human rights-related research.
Applications due Sep 25, 2026
Apply for the Columbia Institute for the Study of Human Rights Research Awards
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Columbia Technology Ventures Fellows Program
Paid, hands-on experience for graduate students and postdocs working on early-stage technology assessments, writing marketing abstracts, and preparing marketing campaigns.
Applications due Oct 1, 2026
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Center for Science and Society Course Development and Augmentation Grants
Instructor funding for the adaptation or development of Columbia courses related to environmental justice, climate humanities, or experiential and non-traditional learning.
Applications open until filled
Apply for the Center for Science and Society Course Development and Augmentation Grants
iGrad News
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The Next Step - Smart Financial Planning for Life After Graduation (Webinar) - Explore how to navigate the financial realities of life after graduation.
This webinar focused on preparing students for the financial transition after graduation, offering practical guidance on how to navigate early career finances with confidence. From understanding your first paycheck to building a sustainable budget, the session highlighted key strategies for managing expenses, prioritizing financial goals, and making informed decisions about saving, borrowing, and investing. The discussion emphasized establishing strong financial habits early to support long-term stability and success.
Watch The Next Step - Smart Financial Planning for Life After Graduation webinar.
FAFSA News
- 2026–2027 FAFSA® Form Now Available
- FAFSA guide 2026-27: Everything students and families need to know about completing the form this year
Federal Loans
Financial Aid Resources
Contact Us
Financial Aid Office
Columbia University
School of International and Public Affairs
514 West 113th Street
New York, NY 10025
[email protected]
Brandon Smith, Director of Financial Aid
Lakhbir Singh, Associate Director of Financial Aid
Quintin Sipp, Assistant Director of Financial Aid
NOTE: As a matter of your convenience, privacy and safety, we created online office hours, and ask students to make this the primary means of meeting with Financial Aid staff.