Applications are now open

The deadline to submit an application for the 2025-2026 Obama Foundation Scholars Program is December 16 at 5 PM EST.

Complete the online application form.

Eligibility Requirements

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University seeks rising leaders from the United States and around the world who meet the following criteria:

• Are emerging leaders who have made meaningful contributions to their field and are now at a “breakthrough moment” in their careers
• Have a proven commitment to service and leadership within a community, region or country, coupled with a demonstrated commitment to return to these communities following their completion of the program and apply their enhanced training, skills, and connections on a long-term basis for the benefit of these communities
• Are fluent in English (verbal, written and spoken)
• Have the ability and inclination to positively shape the future of their community
• Have a demonstrated commitment to inclusivity, community-orientation, hope, courage, imagination, strategy, accountability, integrity and resilience

Note: Priority will be given to applicants who have not matriculated at Columbia University. The fellowship is a full-time, residential program at Columbia and cannot be undertaken at the same time as a degree program.

For more information, see the program's About page.

Cohort Profile 

Since 2018, the Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University has welcomed:

• 82 rising leaders from 60 countries who have demonstrated a commitment to finding solutions to challenges in their communities, countries, and regions
• Scholars who were, on average, 33 years of age, with ages ranging from 24 to 45
• Emerging institutional and movement leaders addressing a range of challenges, including strengthening governance, increasing access to high-quality healthcare, environmental sustainability, and promoting women’s rights and ending gender-based violence

To learn more about our Scholars, visit our Meet the Scholars page.

2025-2026 Application

A complete application, submitted entirely online, includes the following materials:

Complete online application form

Complete the online application form by December 16 at 5 PM EST.

Resume/curriculum vitae

The resume/curriculum vitae should be a chronological listing of your employment and academic history, and other significant activities, including any awards, publications, or other achievements․

Personal video statement

The personal video statement should be a short video (no longer than three minutes in length) introducing the applicant and their work to the selection committee. Applicants will upload their video statement to a video hosting service, like YouTube or Vimeo, and will include a link to their video in the online application. Additional information on the requirements for the personal video statement can be found in the online application.

Responses to short essay questions

The short essay questions help the selection committee understand the applicant's work, their motivation and how the program fits into their career trajectory. Applicants will submit their essay questions in the online application.

Proof of English proficiency

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language by submitting scores from one of four exams: The internet-based or paper-based exams of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic); or the Duolingo English Test (DET). No other exams will be accepted.

This requirement is waived for applicants who have:

• completed an undergraduate degree — not a master's or graduate degree — in a country where English is an official language;

OR

• previously taken the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or DET exams in the last five years and scored at or above the minimum requirement of 100 (TOEFL-IBT), 600 (TOEFL-PBT), 7.0 (IELTS), 68 (PTE Academic), or 120 (DET; 75 on the DET taken prior to July 2019). If applicants qualify for a waiver under this exception, they must upload a scanned copy of their score report to the online application to ensure their application is eligible for review. If they did not score at or above the required minimum or no longer have a copy of their old results, they must retake an English proficiency exam.

Minimum Scores

• TOEFL (Internet-Based Exam): 100
• TOEFL (Paper-Based Exam): 600
• International English Language Testing System Academic: 7
• Pearson Test of English Academic: 68
• Duolingo English Test: 120 (75 for exams taken prior to July 2019)

Note: Applicants who received scores below the posted minimums may still apply, but such applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed.

Two letters of recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required from individuals who are familiar with the applicant and the applicant's work in an academic, professional or community service setting. Recommendations should directly address the applicant's suitability for admission to the Obama Foundation Scholars program. Recommendations should not be written by family members or friends.

Scholar Benefits

• Monthly stipend to assist with living expenses in New York City
• A furnished studio apartment within walking distance of Columbia University
• Tuition and fees for up to four courses at Columbia University
• Basic medical, dental and life insurance for the duration of the program in New York City
• Air travel to and from home country and any program-related activities