Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University & University of Chicago
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program funds a fully funded one-year leadership year at Columbia University (SIPA) or University of Chicago Harris for emerging African leaders.
At a glance
- Sponsor
- Obama Foundation + Columbia SIPA / University of Chicago Harris
- Level
- Mid-career Master's (Columbia MIA / Chicago Harris MA)
- Funding
- Full tuition + stipend + housing + travel + program activities
- Deadline
- Mid-January each year
Who is eligible
- Emerging leader with 3–10 years of professional, civic, or social-impact work.
- Demonstrated track record creating change in your community.
- Open to applicants from any country — Africans are well represented.
- Strong English proficiency; no GRE required.
What the award covers
- Full tuition at Columbia SIPA (Master in International Affairs) or University of Chicago Harris (MA in International Development & Policy)
- Living stipend and housing assistance
- Round-trip travel from your home country
- Funded participation in Obama Foundation programming, leadership labs, and culminating summit
How to apply
- Open the Obama Foundation Scholars portal in October.
- Submit your CV, leadership statement, and three references by mid-January.
- Choose between Columbia SIPA and Chicago Harris on the application.
- Shortlisted candidates interview in March; awards announced April–May.
Frequently asked questions
Are African applicants eligible?
Yes. The Obama Foundation Scholars Program is global, and African leaders from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Senegal, Ghana, Uganda, and Rwanda have all been selected.
Columbia or Chicago — which should I choose?
Columbia SIPA is best for international affairs, diplomacy and policy. Chicago Harris is best for economics-heavy public policy. Both result in an accredited Master's degree.
Is the Obama Scholars Program fully funded?
Yes. Tuition, stipend, housing, travel, and program activities are all covered. You bring no money to the table beyond personal incidentals.
Do I need to be a US citizen?
No. The program is explicitly international and selects scholars from every region.