Apply for the Columbia HBCU Fellowship Program Fall 2027 at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies (SPS) - a fully supported pathway for seniors and recent graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) into an eligible full-time, on-campus Master of Science program.
Fellows receive full tuition for three consecutive semesters (fall, spring, summer), student housing, a semesterly stipend, plus mentorship, internships, and cohort development. The program builds on HBCU excellence while connecting Fellows to Columbia’s academic and professional networks.
Final deadline for both the Master’s and Fellowship applications: 7 January 2027. An optional early Master’s deadline of 13 November 2026 can yield a faster admissions decision. This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on official Columbia SPS materials. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Columbia HBCU Fellowship Fall 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Columbia HBCU Fellowship Program (School of Professional Studies) |
| Host Landmark | Columbia University Low Library / Morningside Heights, New York City 🇺🇸 |
| Term | Fall 2027 entry - full-time, on-campus M.S. at SPS |
| Funding | Full tuition (3 consecutive semesters) + housing + semesterly stipend |
| Extras | Internships/mentorship with SPS partners · cohort career & community programming |
| Early Master’s deadline | 13 November 2026 (accelerated Master’s decision; Fellowship app not required by this date) |
| Final deadline | 7 January 2027 - Master’s + HBCU Fellowship applications |
| Decisions | Fellowship decisions typically mid-March 2027 |
| Official Gateway | SPS apply portal · Program page |
Benefits
- Full tuition scholarship for three consecutive semesters (fall, spring, summer) in an eligible Master’s program
- Student housing accommodations for those three terms of enrollment
- Semesterly stipend
- Internship and mentorship opportunities with SPS corporate or sector partners
- Cohort developmental experiences: community engagement and career services
- No HBCU Fellowship application fee; eligible applicants receive a Master of Science application fee waiver
- Access to the broader Columbia University network and HBCU Fellowship alumni community
Eligibility
- Current HBCU senior or recent graduate (bachelor’s degree conferred in 2025 or later)
- HBCU as defined by the U.S. Department of Education
- Applying to a Columbia SPS full-time, on-campus Master of Science program for the Fall 2027 term
- Must submit both the Master’s application and the separate HBCU Fellowship application
Application Requirements
- Statement of Purpose (750 words or less) - inspiration to apply; community influence; leadership; civic engagement; HBCU values/skills; goals for the Fellowship
- Supplemental essay (optional, 300 words or less)
- Video essay (90 seconds or less; prompt in the application)
- Letter of Support
- Résumé with experiences relevant to the Fellowship
How to Apply
- Choose an eligible full-time, on-campus SPS Master of Science program for Fall 2027.
- Submit your Master’s application - ideally by 13 November 2026 for an accelerated admissions decision.
- Complete the separate HBCU Fellowship application with essays, video, letter of support, and résumé.
- Ensure both applications are submitted by the final deadline of 7 January 2027.
- Review full details on the application & eligibility page.
Admissions questions: hbcu-fellowship@sps.columbia.edu.
Official Links
Columbia HBCU Fellowship Program (official)
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- Mozilla Foundation Fellowships 2027-2028
- CDC Steven M. Teutsch PE Fellowship 2027
- Heinrich Böll Foundation Feminist Futures Fellowship 2027
- Browse all Fellowships
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the final application deadline?
7 January 2027 for both the Master’s and HBCU Fellowship applications.
Is there an earlier deadline?
Yes - Master’s applications submitted by 13 November 2026 receive an accelerated admissions decision. The Fellowship application is not required by that early date.
What does the fellowship cover?
Full tuition for three consecutive semesters, student housing for those terms, a semesterly stipend, plus mentorship, internship pathways, and cohort programming.
Who can apply?
Current HBCU seniors or recent graduates (bachelor’s conferred 2025 or later) applying to a full-time, on-campus SPS M.S. for Fall 2027.
Do I need both applications?
Yes. You must submit both the Master’s application and the separate HBCU Fellowship application to be considered.
Where do I apply?
Through the official portal: apply.sps.columbia.edu (see also the program page).
