Masters Scholarships Offered by Columbia University , 2025 - 2026

1. What are Master's Scholarships?

Master's scholarships are a way for students to receive financial support for their postgraduate studies - and they don't have to be repaid. Most are based on a student's academic performance, financial situation, or particular qualities they possess. These can cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both - basically whatever the scholarship is awarded for.

2. Who can apply for a Master's Scholarship?

Anyone can have a go at applying for a master's scholarship, though the rules will vary for each. They receive financial support for their postgraduate studies - and they don't have to be repaid. Typical requirements include having a relevant undergraduate degree, meeting the academic standards for the course & other qualifications like a good GPA or work experience, showing you're struggling financially, being a citizen of a specific country or living in a particular place, or having a solid academic history &/or leadership skills. Always double-check the scholarship provider's website to make sure you qualify.

3. How Do I Apply for a Master's Scholarship?

The way you apply changes from scholarship to scholarship. To apply, search for scholarships on sites like scholarshipLit or on university pages. Get your stuff together—transcripts, personal statements, etc. —and make sure you meet their rules (grades, nationality, all that). Send your application carefully before the deadline. Your motivation letter is super important as it shows off your life story and wows the committee.

4. When Can I Apply for a Master's Scholarship?

Start applying for master's scholarships in your last year of undergrad. Most are due a few months before the degree starts. Some want you to have an offer (conditional or not) from a school before you apply. Start looking and applying early to increase your chances since many scholarships have deadlines in late winter or early spring for the next school year.

5. Can I Work While Studying with a Master's Scholarship?

Absolutely, usually you can work while on a master's scholarship, but it hinges on the scholarship's rules, your visa, and your course load. Lots of scholarships let you work part-time to cover living costs or get some experience. Just be sure your work fits the scholarship and visa rules, which often put a limit on how many hours a week you can work during the semester.

Always double-check the scholarship provider's website to make sure you qualify.

3. How Do I Apply for a Master's Scholarship?

The way you apply changes from scholarship to scholarship. To apply, search for scholarships on sites like scholarshipLit or on university pages. Get your stuff together—transcripts, personal statements, etc. —and make sure you meet their rules (grades, nationality, all that). Send your application carefully before the deadline. Your motivation letter is super important as it shows off your life story and wows the committee.

4. When Can I Apply for a Master's Scholarship?

Start applying for master's scholarships in your last year of undergrad. Most are due a few months before the degree starts. Some want you to have an offer (conditional or not) from a school before you apply. Start looking and applying early to increase your chances since many scholarships have deadlines in late winter or early spring for the next school year.

5. Can I Work While Studying with a Master's Scholarship?

Absolutely, you can work while on a master's scholarship, but it hinges on the scholarship's rules, your visa, and your course load. Lots of scholarships let you work part-time to cover living costs or get some experience. Just be sure your work fits the scholarship and visa rules, which often put a limit on how many hours a week you can work during the semester.

6. Are There Scholarships for Online Master's Programs?

Totally! Many scholarships out there cover online master's programs. Universities, governments, and organisations usually give out. These can be a full tuition waiver or grants for school fees, or even living costs. There are many opportunities for Students from developing countries, and groups like veterans and military spouses.

7. Can I Apply for Multiple Master's Scholarships at Once?

Absolutely, go for it! It's normal and a good idea to apply for many scholarships at a time, as it will boost your odds of winning. That said, always read the fine print for each scholarship. Some might not let you have multiple funding sources or might have rules about applying to more than one at a time.

8. How can I find a scholarship in my field?

Hit up different university pages, scholarship websites, and organizations like scholarshipLit.

9. Scholarships available in all subjects?

For scholarships that are open to any subject, check out big programs like the Gates Cambridge Scholarship at Oxford, the Chevening Scholarship for master's in the UK, and the Fulbright Program for studying and doing research in the US. These are for people with great grades and who show leadership and cover pretty much any subject out there. Check out scholarshipLit. They list many uni-specific and international choices.