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Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program 2025: Empowering Displaced Scholars Worldwide

The Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program is an exceptional initiative aimed at supporting displaced scholars in advancing their academic careers. Designed for individuals in the humanities and related disciplines, the fellowship provides a structured environment for research, mentorship, and professional development. Fellows are hosted at one of three Columbia Global Centers—Amman, Nairobi, or Santiago—depending on their current region of residence. The program is a significant step toward fostering global academic collaboration while offering scholars the resources and stability they need to continue their work.


Program Overview

For the 2025 cohort, approximately 10 scholars will be selected to participate in the fellowship. Each scholar will be assigned to one of the following Columbia Global Centers based on their geographic location:

  • Amman (Middle East & North Africa)

  • Nairobi (Sub-Saharan Africa)

  • Santiago (Latin America & the Caribbean)

Scholars will receive comprehensive support, including academic mentorship, training opportunities, and platforms to share their research.


Key Benefits for Fellows

1. Academic & Professional Development

  • Mentorship: Each fellow is paired with a Columbia University faculty mentor.

  • Networking: Opportunities to connect with scholars, practitioners, and experts across Columbia’s global network.

  • Skill Enhancement: Access to online courses, workshops, and research training sessions.

  • Academic Engagement: Fellows can organize roundtables, conferences, and public talks.

  • Research Dissemination: Support for publishing and promoting research through Columbia University and its Global Centers.

  • Secure Research Environment: A structured academic setting to continue research without disruptions.

  • Public Presentation: Scholars will present their research findings at the conclusion of the fellowship.


Fellowship Stipend & Additional Benefits

Fellows will receive a stipend based on their host location:

  • $28,000 per year (Amman & Santiago)

  • $23,000 per year (Nairobi)

Additional benefits include:

  • Round-trip airfare to and from the host city.

  • $5,000 supplemental stipend (for fellows with children, subject to approval).

  • Office space, internet, and meeting facilities at the Global Center.

  • Access to Columbia University’s online library and research materials.

  • A laptop for use during the fellowship.

  • Visa and travel assistance, where applicable.


Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • Displacement Status: Must be displaced due to conflict, political instability, or other crises.

  • Educational Background:

    • Hold a Ph.D. in the humanities or a related field (e.g., anthropology, sociology, gender studies, ethnic studies).

    • Applicants with a non-terminal M.A. or those who were on track to complete a Ph.D. before their education was interrupted are also eligible.

  • Academic Timeline: Highest degree must have been awarded within the last 12 years (exceptions considered).

  • Residency Requirements:

    • Amman: Must currently reside in the Middle East or North Africa.

    • Nairobi: Must reside in Sub-Saharan Africa and hold a relevant passport or travel document.

    • Santiago: Must be based in Latin America or the Caribbean.

  • Language Proficiency: At least an intermediate level of English is required.

  • Research Focus: Preference given to interdisciplinary research projects.

Residency Requirement: While fellows are encouraged to stay in-person at their designated Global Center, a minimum in-person stay of six months is required if full-time residency is not feasible due to immigration or personal circumstances.


Application Process

Interested candidates must apply by March 19, 2025 (11:59 PM EDT) and submit the following documents:

  1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing academic credentials and professional experience.

  2. Personal Statement (500 words): Describing motivation, career goals, and how displacement has impacted academic work.

  3. Research Proposal (600 words): Outlining the research project, activities, and academic significance.

  4. Writing Sample or Published Work.

  5. Letter of Recommendation: From an academic colleague (submitted via Submittable).

  6. Academic Transcripts.

  7. Proof of Displacement: Applicants are encouraged to provide one of the following:

    • Asylum Approval Letter or Asylum Application Receipt.

    • UNHCR Refugee ID Card.

    • Temporary Protected Status (TPS) documentation.

    • Alternative documentation if official records are unavailable.


Contact Information

For application assistance, contact the relevant Columbia Global Center:

  • Amman: Ahmad Al-Moussa – aam2250@columbia.edu

  • Nairobi: Sandra Mikal Masira – smm2377@columbia.edu

  • Santiago: Chris Molinari – cmm2397@columbia.edu

For general inquiries, email cgc@columbia.edu.


Apply Today to Advance Your Academic Career

The Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for displaced academics to continue their research in a supportive and well-resourced environment. If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t miss this chance to enhance your career and contribute to the global academic community. Submit your application by March 19, 2025!


How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply

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