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Departmental Scholarships 

MA in Statistics Opportunity (OPP) Scholarship

The Statistics Department offers a limited number of competitive, need-based scholarships for newly admitted on-campus full-time or part-time students to the MA in Statistics program who are from groups underrepresented in the discipline. Contingent upon satisfactory academic performance in the program, awardees will also have priority placement in teaching assistant-type positions. This scholarship is for U.S citizens or permanent residents only. 

To apply, you must complete and submit the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) [Columbia School Code: 002707]. The FAFSA result will be used to verify need-based eligibility.  Please refer to this document for guidance on completing the FAFSA. Applicants to the MA in Statistics program who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents must submit the GSAS application prior to applying for this award.

Students should submit their MA in Statistics Opportunity Scholarship Application promptly upon receiving their acceptance letter. Scholarship award notifications will be sent on a rolling basis as decisions are made. Please note that applications are only for Fall 2026 admissions at this time. 

Inquiries concerning this scholarship should be addressed to [email protected]  with the subject line “MA in Statistics Opportunity Scholarship”.

MA Statistics Merit Scholarship

The Department of Statistics awards a limited number of merit-based scholarships to highly qualified incoming students in the MA Statistics program.

The MA Statistics Merit Scholarship is intended to support students who demonstrate strong academic achievement and the potential to succeed in graduate-level study. The scholarship provides both financial support and access to enhanced academic and professional development opportunities.

In addition, recipients may be eligible to apply for positions as student graders, teaching assistants, or tutors after their first semester, contingent upon maintaining good academic standing.

Qualified candidates will be contacted directly by the Department at the time of admission.

The Merit Scholarship is awarded by nomination only. Candidates nominated by the MA Statistics Admissions Committee will be invited to submit a scholarship application. If contacted, applicants are encouraged to submit materials promptly. Award notifications are released on a rolling basis.

 

Additional Funding Resources 

Grader Position

Beginning in their second semester, academically strong MA Statistics students can apply to be a grader. Graders support faculty and TA’s in specific courses. This is a paid opportunity open to domestic and international students. Information about applying will be communicated to MA Statistics students via email.  

Research Internship

There are paid research internship opportunities on campus. Primarily self-initiated, it is recommended that students interested in research look into MA Mentored Research opportunities..    

Other Fellowship Funding & External Awards 

Shardashish Interschool Fellowship

The Shardashish Interschool Fellowship program is offered at Columbia University in cooperation with the UNM Foundation in India. The fellowship aims at making the best quality of educational opportunities available for students who are financially restrained yet committed to developing the future of India. Preference is given to candidates who have been admitted for a master’s program at Columbia University.
The maximum amount a student can receive is $50,000 a year that could be used for both fees and tuition. Visit the Shardashish Interschool Fellowship website for information on how to apply and deadlines. 

Fulbright Opportunity for International Students

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables graduate students, young professionals and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the United States. 

Financial Aid

Sources of financial aid may be available through a variety of internal and external sources including loans and work-study. For more information, please read more here. Questions regarding these funding opportunities should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid.

For additional funding resources and opportunities for MA students, please visit Columbia GSAS Financing Information for MA Students and the Upcoming Fellowship and Award Opportunities websites.