Applications Open for the Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program

Established in 2024 with the support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program is designed to provide displaced scholars in the humanities and humanistic social sciences with a one-year fellowship. The initiative helps scholars reconnect with academia and continue their research in a structured and supportive environment.

Program Overview

For the 2025 cohort, the program will select approximately 10 scholars, each hosted at one of the following Columbia Global Centers:

• Amman (Middle East and North Africa)

• Nairobi (Sub-Saharan Africa)

• Santiago (Latin America and the Caribbean)

Scholars may apply to only one center based on their current region of residence.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• Mentorship – Guidance from a faculty mentor at Columbia University.

• Networking Opportunities – Engagement with scholars, professionals, and experts within the Columbia Global Center network.

• Training & Research Support – Access to online courses, specialized workshops, and skill-building sessions.

• Academic Engagement – Opportunities to lead discussions, participate in conferences, and host public lectures.

• Publication Assistance – Support in promoting research through Columbia University’s platforms.

• Safe Research Environment – A stable setting for uninterrupted academic work.

At the end of the fellowship, participants will present their research in a public forum.

Stipend and Additional Support

Fellows will receive an annual stipend based on their host location:

• $28,000 per year for scholars in Amman and Santiago.

• $23,000 per year for scholars in Nairobi.

Additional benefits include:

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

• A discretionary $5,000 family stipend for scholars with children.

• Workspace, internet access, and meeting facilities at the host center.

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

• A laptop for use during the fellowship.

• Assistance with visas and travel arrangements, where applicable.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be displaced due to conflict, political instability, or other crises.

• Hold a Ph.D. in the humanities or related disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, gender studies, or ethnic studies. Those who were close to completing a Ph.D. before their education was disrupted or hold a non-terminal master’s degree may also apply.

• Have earned their highest academic qualification within the past 12 years (exceptions may be considered).

• Reside in the region corresponding to their selected Global Center:

  • Amman: Applicants must be from the Middle East or North Africa.

  • Nairobi: Applicants must be from Sub-Saharan Africa and hold a valid passport or Conventional Travel Document.

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

• Have at least an intermediate proficiency in English.

• Preferably be engaged in interdisciplinary research.

While in-person residency at the host Columbia Global Center is encouraged, fellows must commit to a minimum of six months of in-person participation if circumstances prevent a full-year residency.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted by March 19, 2025 (11:59 PM EDT) and include:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Outlining academic credentials and professional experience.

2. Personal Statement (500 words) – Describing career goals, motivation, and the impact of displacement.

3. Research Proposal (600 words) – Detailing the project, planned activities, and academic significance.

4. Writing Sample – A previously published paper or an academic work.

5. Letter of Recommendation – Submitted by an academic colleague through Submittable.

6. Academic Transcripts – Copies of diplomas or academic records.

To verify displaced status, applicants should submit one of the following (alternative documents may be considered if official records are unavailable):

• Asylum approval letter or application receipt

• UNHCR Refugee ID Card

• Temporary Protected Status (TPS) documentation

This fellowship is a vital opportunity for displaced scholars to resume their academic careers and contribute meaningfully to global research communities. For more details and to apply, visit the Columbia Global Centers website.