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About

Degree Masters
Offered By Third Party
Type External
Amount ₹44,01,000
Deadline NA
Deadline Type NA

Last updated October 13, 2025

Dreaming of a master's degree at an Ivy League institution but concerned about the cost? The Shardashish Interschool Fellowship is a prestigious award designed specifically for talented students, with a strong preference for those from India, who have a clear vision to drive change and development in their home country.

Funded by the generous support of the UNM Foundation, which is committed to expanding educational opportunities in India, this fellowship aims to make a world-class education at Columbia University accessible. It is a transformative opportunity for bright individuals who face economic barriers, with the expectation that fellows will maximize their learning and later pay it forward to enable others.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every essential detail of the Shardashish Fellowship. We will detail the eligible courses, the generous financial benefits, the strict eligibility criteria, and the integrated application process. Let this be your first step toward an Ivy League education.

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Shardashish Interschool Fellowship Coverage

This fellowship is exclusively for specific graduate programs within three schools at Columbia University in New York, USA. It is not applicable to any other universities or countries. Your choice of program is the primary determinant of eligibility.

Course Level

University Name

Overview

Eligible Schools and Programs

Master’s

Columbia University

An Ivy League institution located in New York City, consistently ranked among the top universities in the world for its academic rigor and research output.

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS): MA in Biotechnology, Mathematics of Finance, Statistics, Economics, Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology.

Master’s

Columbia University

 

Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS): MS in any engineering discipline.

Master’s

Columbia University

 

School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA): MPA in Environmental Science and Policy.

Shardashish Interschool Fellowship Amount & Awards

The fellowship provides significant financial support based on your demonstrated need, with a maximum award of $50,000 USD (approx. INR 41.5 Lakhs) for one year. This grant is designed to reduce the economic burden of studying at an elite US institution and is an investment in future leaders committed to India's progress.

Awardees become part of a selective community of Shardashish fellows and the vast Columbia University network.

Expenses

Details

Tuition Fees

Partial to full coverage, depending on the level of demonstrated financial need and qualifications.

Living Allowance

Support for accommodation and living costs in New York City.

Other Costs

May assist with academic expenses such as books and supplies.

Shardashish Interschool Fellowship Benefits

Winning this fellowship provides more than just financial aid; it connects you to a powerful network and allows you to focus entirely on your studies and professional growth.

Benefit

Details

Financial Support

Receive up to $50,000 to cover tuition and living expenses, significantly reducing debt.

Ivy League Prestige

Join a cohort of high-achieving students at a world-class university.

Leadership Network

Become part of the selective Shardashish and Columbia alumni community.

Focused Academics

Dedicate your time and energy to learning without financial strain.

 

Shardashish Interschool Fellowship Eligibility Criteria

The primary eligibility requirement is a demonstrated commitment to India and its future development, coupled with genuine financial need. The fellowship has a strong preference for current residents of India. The criteria are specific and must be met in full.

Requirement

Details

Nationality & Residence

Open to all nationalities, but with a strong preference for Indian citizens and current residents of India.

Commitment to India

Must demonstrate a clear commitment to addressing development challenges in India.

Academic Admission

Must have applied and been admitted to one of the specific eligible Columbia University master's programs.

Financial Need

Must demonstrate significant financial need through a dedicated assessment form.

Program of Study

Must be enrolled in one of the specific programs listed in the "Applicable Courses" section.

Countries Eligible for the Shardashish Interschool Fellowship

This fellowship is unique in its geographic focus. While it is open to all nationalities, it has a clear and stated primary preference for applicants from one country.

Region

Eligible Status & Details

India

Strong preference is given to citizens and, most importantly, current residents of India.

All Other Countries

Applicants of all other nationalities are eligible but are considered secondary to Indian residents.

 

How to Apply for Shardashish Interschool Fellowship

The application process is integrated directly with your program application to Columbia University. There is no separate scholarship portal.

Apply for Admission: Complete and submit your application for an eligible master's program through the official Columbia University application portal.

Indicate Interest: Within the application portal, indicate your interest in being considered for the Shardashish Interschool Fellowship.

Submit Fellowship Materials: Upload all required fellowship-specific documents, including your statement of interest and financial need form, to your application portal.

Await Review: Your application for admission and for the fellowship will be reviewed by the respective school's committee.

Receive Notification: Fellowship decisions are communicated along with or after the admission decision.

Application Timeline for Shardashish Interschool Fellowship

Deadlines are strict and vary by the school you are applying to within Columbia University. It is crucial to know the correct date for your specific program.

Stage

Timeline

Applications Open

When the Columbia University graduate application portal opens (Typically September).

Application Deadline for SIPA

January 17, 2025

Application Deadline for GSAS & SEAS

February 17, 2025

Selection Process

After the application deadline.

Course Start

Fall 2025 (Typically September)

Shardashish Interschool Fellowship Interview

The official sources do not mention a mandatory interview process for this fellowship. The selection is based primarily on the strength of your written application, supporting documents, and demonstrated financial need.

Your 1000-word statement of interest is your primary tool to make an impression. Focus on crafting a compelling and genuine narrative about your commitment to India.

From the Desk of СÓÅÊÓÆµ

Securing a fellowship as prestigious and specific as the Shardashish award requires a flawless and compelling application that highlights your unique story, academic excellence, and unwavering commitment to India's development. With СÓÅÊÓÆµ Premium, you gain access to experts who can help you strategize your application, refine your powerful 1000-word statement, and navigate the intricate financial need assessment.

Our personalized guidance can help you stand out in the highly competitive pool of applicants and maximize your chances of receiving this life-changing funding for your Ivy League journey.

Who Can Apply for Shardashish Interschool Fellowship

Demonstrated financial need

Preference to residents of India 

Must have applied and been admitted to one of the specific Columbia University schools and programs

Documents Required for Shardashish Interschool Fellowship

The application requires several documents that showcase your profile, goals, and financial need. The most important is a 1000-word statement of interest.

  • Completed online application form via Columbia's portal.
  • Academic transcripts and proof of degree completion.
  • A 1000-word statement of interest explaining your commitment to India.
  • List of up to three professional activities demonstrating your commitment to India's development.
  • Statement of residence in India (if applicable).
  • Completed financial need assessment form.
  • Optional supporting materials (e.g., writing sample, extra letter of support).

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