Columbia University HBCU Fellowship Program 2027 in the USA (Fully Funded)

The Columbia University HBCU Fellowship Program 2027 is a prestigious fully funded master’s scholarship offered by Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies (SPS), USA. The fellowship supports talented, high-achieving seniors and recent graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who want to pursue advanced education and develop leadership skills.

Established in 2017, the programme aims to empower HBCU graduates through graduate education, professional mentorship, career development, and access to Columbia University’s global academic and professional network.

For the Fall 2027 intake, selected fellows will pursue an eligible full-time, on-campus Master of Science programme at Columbia University in New York City.

Scholarship Benefits

Selected fellows receive comprehensive financial and professional support, including:

• Full tuition scholarship: Coverage of tuition fees for three consecutive semesters (fall, spring, and summer).
• Student housing: Housing support for the three consecutive semesters of enrolment.
• Semesterly stipend: Financial assistance to help cover living expenses.
• Internship opportunities: Access to internship opportunities through Columbia SPS corporate and sector partners.
• Professional mentorship: Guidance from experienced professionals and industry leaders.
• Career development: Professional workshops, career services, and networking opportunities.
• Leadership development: Participation in community engagement and professional development activities.
• Columbia alumni network: Access to Columbia University’s extensive global academic and professional community.

The fellowship is a fully funded opportunity for selected students, although applicants should review the award conditions and confirm any expenses not covered by the scholarship.

Eligible Master’s Degree Programs

Applicants must apply to an eligible full-time, on-campus Master of Science programme at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies.

Available programmes include:

• Actuarial Science
• Applied Analytics
• Bioethics
• Enterprise Risk Management
• Human Capital Management
• Information and Knowledge Strategy
• Narrative Medicine
• Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
• Nonprofit Management
• Political Analytics
• Project Management
• Sports Management
• Strategic Communication
• Sustainability Management
• Sustainability Science
• Technology Management

Applicants should confirm programme availability and admission requirements for Fall 2027.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Columbia HBCU Fellowship Program 2027, applicants must:

• Be a current senior student or recent graduate of a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Have received or expect to receive a bachelor’s degree in 2025 or later.
• Apply for a full-time, on-campus Master of Science programme at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies.
• Seek admission for the Fall 2027 academic term.
• Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to community engagement.
• Meet the admission requirements of the selected master’s programme.

Are international students eligible?

Yes. Columbia University confirms that international students may apply, provided they meet the HBCU attendance and graduation requirements and the other fellowship eligibility criteria.

Important: This fellowship is specifically designed for graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the United States. International applicants who did not attend an eligible HBCU cannot apply.

Required Application Documents

Applicants should prepare the following materials:

1. Statement of Purpose (maximum 750 words).
2. Optional Supplemental Essay (maximum 300 words).
3. Video Essay (maximum 90 seconds).
4. Letter of Support from an HBCU faculty or staff member.
5. Updated résumé highlighting academic, professional, leadership, and community experiences.

Applicants must also complete the separate admission application for their selected Columbia SPS master’s programme. Individual master’s programmes may require additional documents, essays, and other admission materials.

Application Deadline

The Fall 2027 application has two important deadlines:

• November 13, 2026: First master’s application deadline for applicants interested in the fellowship. Applying by this date may provide an accelerated admission decision.
• January 7, 2027: Final deadline for both the master’s programme and HBCU Fellowship applications.

Applicants must submit both applications to be considered for the fellowship. The first deadline is not the final fellowship application deadline.

Fellowship decisions are expected to be announced in mid-March 2027.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official Columbia HBCU Fellowship Program website.
2. Confirm that your undergraduate institution is an eligible HBCU.
3. Select an eligible full-time, on-campus Master of Science programme.
4. Complete the Columbia SPS master’s admission application.
5. Prepare the fellowship statement of purpose, video essay, résumé, and letter of support.
6. Submit the separate HBCU Fellowship application.
7. Ensure both applications are completed by January 7, 2027.