Shardashish Interschool Fellowship: Eligibility, Deadline & How to Apply

The Shardashish Interschool Fellowship is made possible by the generous support of the UNM (Uttambhai Nathalal Mehta) Foundation.  The UNM Foundation is committed to expanding educational opportunities at all levels. Believing that education and health are cornerstones of societal development, particularly in a developing country like India, the UNM Foundation expends significant resources in both these areas. The intention of the Shardashish fellowship at Columbia University is to make available the best of global educational opportunities to bright and committed students who are economically challenged.  Beneficiaries of “Shardashish” (blessings of Mother of Knowledge) must push their existing boundaries to achieve and excel. The expectation of Shardashish fellows is that they will maximize their learning opportunities and once successful will pay it forward, through enabling others. 

Funding is for one year, varying in amount depending on the particular program, level of financial need, and application qualifications.  The maximum amount for any individual fellow is $50,000 for one year.  The award can be applied to tuition and fees.

Criteria for this fellowship:

• Established commitment to India and its future
  
• Demonstrated financial need
  
• Preference to residents of India
• Must have applied and been admitted to one of the specific ColumbiaUniversity schools and programs below:

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (5 programs)

• MA in Biotechnology
• MA in Mathematics of Finance
• MA in Statistics
• MA in Economics
• MA in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology

The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (MS programs only)

• Any engineering discipline

School of International and Public Affairs (1 program)

• MPA in Environmental Science and Policy

Each school has a different application process.

Degrees completed, dates of completion, and GPA

Please list up to 3 three relevant professional positions or activities that demonstrate your commitment
and interest to change and address crucial development challenges facing India.

If applicable, please indicate how long you have lived in India

(Required) Provide a brief statement of interest (maximum of 1000 words) that explains how your past,
present, and future educational and professional experience contribute to the overall advancement of
India and its future.

(Optional) Submit any additional relevant materials that you believe will support your candidacy (e.g. a
writing sample of relevance to your application for the SIF Program, and/or letter of support or
endorsement). Optional materials must be limited to ten pages or less.

Complete the financial need assessment form (separate form/document)

Please log in with your application credentials. SEAS will not accept any applications that are submitted externally.

Demonstrated financial need

Preference to residents of India 

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

• Shardashish Interschool Fellowship Application Form
• Shardashish Interschool Fellowship Needs Assessment Form
• Statement of Interest
• Complete the financial need assessment form (separate form/document)