Application Deadline: March 19, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program for the academic year 2026/2027. This fellowship is designed specifically to support early-career researchers within the humanities and humanistic social sciences who have experienced forced displacement or hold refugee status.
The program offers year-long fellowships based at one of Columbia University’s Global Centers. These fellowships provide displaced emerging scholars with sustained support aimed at strengthening their research skills, expanding their professional connections, and facilitating their progress toward establishing a successful academic career.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship targets scholars in the humanities and humanistic social sciences who have been compelled to leave their home countries and academic institutions due to conflict or persecution. This includes early-stage postdoctoral researchers as well as Ph.D. candidates whose studies have been interrupted because of displacement. The program also welcomes applications from creative writers, artists, curators, and those engaged in interdisciplinary scholarly work.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must have experienced forced displacement and currently hold refugee status or have been uprooted from their home countries.
- A Ph.D. in the humanities is required; however, in exceptional cases, candidates holding a non-terminal M.A. or those who were on the path to earning a doctorate may be considered.
- Applicants must reside within the geographic region of the Columbia Global Center where they intend to fellowship: Sub-Saharan Africa (Nairobi), the Middle East or North Africa (Amman), or Latin America and the Caribbean (Santiago).
- Proficiency in English at an intermediate level or higher is necessary to participate fully in the program.
- The candidate’s highest academic qualification should have been obtained within the previous 12 years. Exceptions may be made to accommodate unique career paths or extenuating circumstances.
- While the fellowship ideally requires in-person engagement at the designated Columbia Global Center throughout the year, a minimum of six months’ physical presence is required if immigration, family matters, or other difficulties prevent full-time residency.
The program encourages applications from researchers involved in interdisciplinary projects and expects fellows to actively participate in academic presentations, workshops, and roundtable dialogues. Through their affiliation with a Columbia Global Center, fellows will gain access to a worldwide community of Columbia University scholars and other academic professionals.
Benefits of the Fellowship
Selected fellows will enjoy the following advantages:
- Membership in a supportive alumni network fostering continued collaboration and professional growth.
- Access to dedicated workspace and hosting facilities at one of Columbia’s Global Centers located in Amman, Nairobi, or Santiago.
- A stipend to assist with living expenses during the fellowship year.
- Personalized mentorship from distinguished Columbia University faculty members to guide research and career development.
- Funding to support research activities and travel related to scholarly pursuits.
- Training opportunities tailored to academic needs, such as academic writing enhancement.
- Access to a wide range of online courses to supplement professional skills.
- Integration into the dynamic academic and cultural environment of the Columbia Global Center community.
For those interested in applying or seeking further details, please Visit the Official Webpage of the Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program.
