Columbia Global Scholars
Applications for the first cohort of Scholars are open until April 24. Apply today!
Graduate school is where ideas take shape. Columbia Global Scholars is where they meet the world.
Columbia Global Scholars is a program that empowers Columbia University's master's students to turn academic expertise into lasting social impact — through an eight month leadership experience during the academic year (September to April) designed for those ready to lead what comes next.
The program recruits students across schools and departments to reflect the complexity of real-world social challenges and the work of Columbia Global — including democracy, economy, climate, public health, and more. Scholars graduate with a comprehensive leadership development experience, a global network of peers and practitioners, and a strategic action plan for their future social impact work.
What the program offers
Columbia Global Scholars combines multiple learning modalities across the academic year designed to build practical leadership capacity through experience, not just coursework.
- Orientation and cohort strengthening: A foundational cohort experience convening students from different schools at Columbia University.
- Intensive skills workshops: Held during academic breaks, these workshops develop the skills, qualities, and abilities needed for social impact leadership.
- Spring break immersion at a Columbia Global Center: A seven-day experiential learning at a Columbia Global Center (TBA) to observe social change work firsthand in international contexts.
- Mentorship: Each scholar connects with social impact leaders and practitioners who offer guidance, expertise, and support.
- Monthly hybrid guest speaker series: Regular convenings with guest speakers from Columbia University, and New York's nonprofit, policy, and social enterprise ecosystem.
- Peer learning circles: Monthly sessions providing essential cohort connections and collaborative learning opportunities.
- Action plan presentation: Scholars develop action plans to inform their post-graduation work and present them to the cohort.
Time commitment
The Columbia Global Scholars Program will run for eight months through the 2026-2027 academic year (September 2026 through April 2027).
Immersions during academic breaks are required and in-person.
- September 1-4, 2026 (week before Fall 2026 semester)
- January 11-15, 2027 (week before Spring 2027 semester)
- March 14-19, 2027 (Spring recess)
Programming throughout the academic year (at least two meetings per month) will be scheduled around student availability.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a two-year, full-time Masters degree program at Columbia University
- Have completed one full year of graduate study by August 2026
- Enrolled for both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters
- Good academic standing, as defined by applicant’s school or degree program
- Availability to participate in all program elements, including immersions during academic breaks
Upcoming Information Session
Have questions about Columbia Global Scholars? Prospective applicants are invited to attend an online information session on April 2, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m. ET. It is an opportunity to learn more about the program and ask any questions before the application deadline. Register here.
