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Funding your Education
The SIPA Office of Financial Aid is committed to helping students explore the full range of resources available to finance their education. Our team provides guidance on institutional scholarships, student loans, and external funding opportunities throughout the application and enrollment process. We also provide comprehensive financial education and planning resources designed to help students develop a sustainable financing strategy before making their enrollment decision.
Funding
SIPA and Columbia University Funding
Learn about the types of financial aid in the form of scholarships, fellowships and assistantships available to SIPA students, both from SIPA directly and other funds made available University-wide.
Financial Aid Deadlines
Fellowship Consideration: To be considered for fellowship funding, you must first indicate on your application that you would like to be considered for funding. You must then submit your complete application, including all required supporting materials, by the applicable program fellowship deadline.
Financial Aid Timeline
September
Admissions application opens (indicate financial aid request on application)
October
FAFSA is available for completion (U.S. citizens and permanent residents)
December
Priority Fellowship Consideration Deadline (part of the admissions application) - December 20, 2026
Mid-March
Admission and financial aid decisions released via slate student portal
April to early May
Student admission and financial aid offer responses due
Financial Aid News
Financial Education Presentation Series
Prospective and current students are encouraged to join our upcoming live financial education webinars. These sessions cover a range of student financial planning topics, including external scholarship resources, budgeting and financial planning, loan funding strategies, and other tools to help you plan for your educational expenses.
Scholarship News
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2027-2028 Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fellowship
The Will of Dolores Zohrab Liebmann created a perpetual charitable trust designated as “The Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fund” for the purpose of funding advanced education and graduate study grants, which must be carried out entirely in the United States of America. The Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fellowships are to be awarded only to candidates that meet the following criteria:
Candidate Qualifications
- Fellowships are available to students who are currently enrolled in and pursuing a graduate degree at a designated institution of higher learning located in the United States of America. Undergraduate students are no longer qualified candidates.
- The program of study being pursued by the candidate may include any recognized field of study in the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences (including law, medicine, engineering, architecture or other formal professional training). The selection committee has a strong preference for supporting scholarly endeavors.
- The candidate must have received a baccalaureate degree at the time of application and have an outstanding undergraduate record.
- The candidate must demonstrate a need for financial assistance.
- The candidate must be a citizen of the United States of America.
- The candidate may be of any national descent or background.
2027-2028 Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fellowship application: Complete the form HERE »
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Center for Science and Society Course Development and Augmentation Grants
Instructor funding for the adaptation or development of Columbia courses related to environmental justice, climate humanities, or experiential and non-traditional learning.
Applications open until filled.
Apply for the Center for Science and Society Course Development and Augmentation Grants
iGrad News
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The Next Step - Smart Financial Planning for Life After Graduation (Webinar) - Explore how to navigate the financial realities of life after graduation.
This webinar focused on preparing students for the financial transition after graduation, offering practical guidance on how to navigate early career finances with confidence. From understanding your first paycheck to building a sustainable budget, the session highlighted key strategies for managing expenses, prioritizing financial goals, and making informed decisions about saving, borrowing, and investing. The discussion emphasized establishing strong financial habits early to support long-term stability and success.
Watch The Next Step - Smart Financial Planning for Life After Graduation webinar.
FAFSA News
- 2027–2028 FAFSA® Form Now Available
- FAFSA guide 2027-28: Everything students and families need to know about completing the form this year
Federal Loans
Financial Aid Resources
Contact Us
Financial Aid Office
Columbia University
School of International and Public Affairs
514 West 113th Street
New York, NY 10025
[email protected]
Brandon Smith, Senior Director of Financial Aid and Strategic Enrollment
Lakhbir Singh, Associate Director of Financial Aid
Quintin Sipp, Assistant Director of Financial Aid
NOTE: As a matter of your convenience, privacy and safety, we created online office hours, and ask students to make this the primary means of meeting with Financial Aid staff.