The Emerging Scholars Fellowship is a year-long program by Columbia Global that supports displaced scholars in the humanities and humanistic social sciences. Established in 2024 with support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the fellowship helps scholars reconnect with academia, continue their research, and build their careers.

Key Details:

• Application Deadline: March 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM EDT
• Program Start: September 2025
• Location: Scholars will be hosted at one of three Columbia Global Centers—Amman (Middle East/North Africa), Nairobi (Sub-Saharan Africa), or Santiago (Latin America/Caribbean).
• Duration: One year
• Funding: Fully funded
• Number of Positions: 10 scholars

Benefits:

• Stipend:
  • $28,000/year for fellows in Amman and Santiago
  • $23,000/year for fellows in Nairobi
• Family stipend: Additional $5,000 for fellows with children (discretionary)
• Travel: Round-trip airfare to and from the host city
• Workspace: Office space with internet access
• Technology: A laptop for the fellowship period
• Training: Access to Columbia University’s online courses and library
• Mentorship: Support from Columbia University faculty
• Networking: Participation in research, academic events, and roundtable discussions
• Health: Guidance on securing local health insurance (fellows must have their own coverage)
• Leave: 15 business days of paid annual leave

Eligibility:

• Must be a displaced scholar in the humanities or humanistic social sciences.
• Hold a Ph.D. (or have been on track for one before displacement).
• Received the highest degree within the last 12 years (exceptions considered).
• Currently live in the region corresponding to the chosen Columbia Global Center:
  • Amman: Middle East or North Africa
  • Nairobi: Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Santiago: Latin America or the Caribbean
• Have at least an intermediate level of English.
• Interdisciplinary researchers are encouraged to apply.

Required Documents:

• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Personal statement (max 500 words)
• Research proposal (max 600 words)
• Writing sample or publication
• Academic transcript
• Letter of recommendation (from an academic colleague)
• Proof of displacement (one of the following):
  • Asylum approval letter
  • UNHCR refugee ID
  • Temporary Protected Status (TPS) document
  • Alternative civil documentation (if other proof is unavailable)

Selection Criteria:

• Strength and feasibility of the research proposal.
• A clear and achievable one-year work plan.
• The candidate’s academic record before displacement.
• Quality and depth of past academic work.
• Potential for future research.

How to Apply:

• Submit your application through Submittable by March 19, 2025 (11:59 PM EDT).
• If you face document-related issues or need help, contact the relevant Columbia Global Center:
  • Amman: Ahmad Al-Moussa
  • Nairobi: Sandra Mikal Masira
  • Santiago: Chris Molinari
• For general inquiries: [email protected]

Apply Now 

Further details and information regarding the Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship are available on the Columbia Global Center’s official website. You can also check the fellowship draft.