Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program

The Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program provides opportunities for early-career scholars in the humanities and humanistic social sciences who hold refugee status or have been forcibly displaced. Scholars spend one year at a Columbia Global Center, where they receive ongoing support to enhance their research capabilities, broaden their professional networks, and advance toward a successful career in academia. Following a successful four-year pilot program in Amman from 2020 to 2023, the Mellon Foundation expanded the program to our Global Centers in Amman, Nairobi, and Santiago in 2024, with a generous grant for 10 fellowships annually for the next three years. 

Scholars receive the following:

• Hosting and work space at one of the Columbia Global Centers (Amman, Nairobi, or Santiago).
• A stipend.
• Dedicated mentorship from esteemed Columbia faculty.
• A small research/travel fund to support their scholarly endeavors.
• Training that meets their academic needs in areas such as academic writing.
• Access to a broad selection of online courses.
• Full integration into the vibrant life of one of the Columbia Global Centers.
• Inclusion in an alumni network.
   

Unique value of the fellowship

This fellowship distinguishes itself by enabling scholars to stay within their host regions, fostering continuity and strengthening local academic, professional, and personal networks. While remaining in their host regions, scholars are supported by Columbia University through its Global Centers. 
 

Who is eligible?

Eligible candidates are scholars in the humanities and humanistic social sciences who have been forcibly uprooted from their home countries and respective academic institutions. They could be graduate students who have had their education disrupted or post-doctoral scholars in the early stages of their careers. Creative writers, artists and curators may also apply.

Requirements

• Must be displaced.
• Must have a Ph.D. in the humanities (with rare exceptions, candidates with an MA who were on track to get a PhD may be considered).
• Must be based in the country of the Global Center to which they wish to apply (with the exception of applicants to the Amman Center).
• Must demonstrate at least an intermediate level of English language proficiency.
• Researchers working on interdisciplinary research projects are welcome to apply.
• Fellows are expected to participate in scholarly presentations, workshops, and roundtable discussions. Through the Global Center, they will be connected to a global network of academics and scholars from Columbia University and beyond.

Our ongoing commitment to displacement issues

The Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program represents one component of Columbia Global’s and the University’s efforts to support those who are displaced and seeking to further their academic journey. Columbia Global also offers the Columbia University Scholarship for Displaced Students. For faculty working on displacement issues, Columbia Global offers the Committee on Forced Migration.