Scholarship Overview

• 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. 

Applicable course, university and country

This scholarship is applicable for Masters Degree

This scholarship is applicable for all universities in India, UK, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand +185 more

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

Scholarship amount details

Max scholarship per student: USD 50,000 => Rs 42,64,000

Conversion rate used: 1 USD = Rs. 88.73 (last updated 23rd September 2025)

Scholarship amount will be given: One Time

Scholarship amount can be used for

Type of Expense	Indicates if scholarship can be used for this type of expense
Tuition & Fees	✔Scholarship amount can be used for this
Living Expense	×Not covered in scholarship
Accommodation	×Not covered in scholarship
Air Fare/Travel Expenses	×Not covered in scholarship
Spouse/Child Care	×Not covered in scholarship
Health Cover	×Not covered in scholarship
Application	×Not covered in scholarship
Others	×Not covered in scholarship

• 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.

Student Awards

Number of students to be awarded: Varies

Scholarship Eligibility

Special Restrictions

• No Special Restriction applicable

Exams Details

Exam name	Indicates if exam is required and cutoff (if any)
TOEFL	Required
IELTS	Required
GRE	Required
12	Required
UG	Required

Eligibility

• Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in a related field received from an institution of acceptable standing

Preference will be given to following candidates:

• 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 Columbia University schools

Application Process for this scholarship

Application Documents

Type of documents	Indicates if this type of document is required to be submitted
LOR	Required
CV	Required
Official transcripts	Required

• Official transcript copies from every post-secondary institution attended
• Three recommendation letters
• Official (GRE) General Test Scores*
• Personal statement
• Resumé or Curriculum Vitae

Scholarship Application

This scholarship needs a separate external application.

Important Dates

	Date	Additional Details
Application final end date	Not Available	The deadlines to submit the Shardashish Application Form and Financial Needs Assessment Form has been passed

Please note that these dates could be in local country times and may not be IST (Indian standard time).

Contact email	provost@columbia.edu
Phone number	(212) 854-2404