Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program 2026-2027

Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program, a prestigious year-long fellowship designed to support early-career scholars who are refugees or have been forcibly displaced.

The program is hosted by Columbia University through its Global Centers in Amman, Nairobi, and Santiago, and focuses on scholars in the humanities and humanistic social sciences. Fellows receive academic, financial, and professional support to strengthen their research, expand their networks, and advance their academic careers while remaining rooted in their regions.

Application Deadline: March 19, 2026

Fellowship Benefits

Selected scholars will receive:

• Hosting and dedicated workspace at a Columbia Global Center (Amman, Nairobi, or Santiago)
• A monthly stipend
• Mentorship from Columbia University faculty
• A research and travel grant
• Academic training tailored to individual needs (including academic writing)
• Access to a wide range of online courses
• Full integration into the intellectual life of the Global Center
• Membership in the Columbia Global Emerging Scholars alumni network

Unique Value of the Fellowship

Unlike many international fellowships, the Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship allows scholars to remain embedded in their local communities. Fellows continue their academic work within their regions while benefiting from Columbia University’s global expertise, resources, and academic networks.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to displaced scholars in the humanities and humanistic social sciences, including:

• Early-career postdoctoral scholars
• PhD candidates whose education has been disrupted
• Creative writers, artists, curators, and interdisciplinary scholars

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Have refugee status or be forcibly displaced
• Hold a PhD in the humanities
  (In rare cases, candidates with a non-terminal MA or those on track to complete a PhD may be considered)
• Be based in the region of the Global Center they are applying to:
  • Nairobi: Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Amman: Middle East or North Africa
  • Santiago: Latin America or the Caribbean
• Demonstrate at least intermediate English proficiency
• Have received their highest academic degree within the last 12 years
  (Exceptions may be granted for displacement or career disruptions)
• Commit to a minimum of six months in person at the relevant Global Center
• Be willing to participate in scholarly presentations, workshops, and discussions

Researchers working on interdisciplinary projects are strongly encouraged to apply.

Fellowship Duration & Locations

• Duration: One year
• Locations:
  • Columbia Global Center Amman
  • Columbia Global Center Nairobi
  • Columbia Global Center Santiago

Institutional Commitment

The fellowship builds on Columbia University’s long-standing commitment to supporting displaced scholars. It expands a successful pilot programme (2020–2023) and will award up to 10 fellowships annually through 2026, with support from the Mellon Foundation.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship portal before the deadline.

Apply to the Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program