About the programme
The fellowship prepares high-performing HBCU graduates to lead and drive community impact through mentorship, networking, career development and access to the Columbia alumni network. Applicants must apply separately to both an eligible full-time, on-campus SPS Master of Science program and the fellowship. Awardees receive tuition, housing, a semesterly stipend and cohort experiences.
Duration: Three consecutive semesters (fall, spring, summer)
Eligibility
- Current HBCU senior or recent graduate, with a Bachelor's degree conferred in 2025 or later, from a Historically Black College or University as defined by the U.S. Department of Education
- Applying to a full-time, on-campus Master of Science program at Columbia SPS for the Fall 2027 term
- Sign in to check these against your background.
What they look for
- International students are eligible (check the International Students and Scholars Office for requirements)
Needs a third party. Letter of support must come from a faculty or staff member at the applicant's HBCU.
What you receive
- Full tuition scholarship for three consecutive semesters (fall, spring, summer) in an eligible Master's program
- Student housing for the three terms
- Semesterly stipend
- Internship and mentorship opportunities with SPS corporate or sector partners
- Cohort community engagement and career services
What you will need
- Statement of purpose (750 words or less)
- Supplemental essay (300 words or less, optional)
- Video essay (90 seconds or less)
- Letter of support from a faculty or staff member at the HBCU (former affiliation accepted if they were there during the applicant's attendance)
- Resume
- Master's program application
How to apply
- Apply to a full-time, on-campus Master of Science program at SPS for Fall 2027
- Submit a separate HBCU Fellowship application
- Applying to the Master's by the First Masters Deadline (November 13) may give an earlier admission decision but is not required for the fellowship
- Final deadline for Master's and fellowship applications is January 7
- Fellowship decisions released mid-March 2027; no application fee for the fellowship and the Master's fee is waived for eligible applicants
Applications are submitted on Columbia University School of Professional Studies’s own site. Open Doors helps you prepare; it is not the official application portal.
From people who applied
No notes yet.
Source and verification
- Official source
- Columbia University School of Professional Studies
- Last checked
- 10 Nov 2026, read automatically from the official page
Run this programme? Update this listing.