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Civil Society Graduate Fellowship

The Harriman Institute Civil Society Graduate Fellowship supports graduate students from across Columbia University on a competitive application basis. The Fellowship supports travel and living expenses for unpaid practical summer internships at any international or non-governmental organization that benefits civil society in any of the countries of the Russian, Eurasian, or East-Central European region. Fellowships are awarded for a maximum of $4,500.

Application Details

Eligibility

Graduate students across Columbia University are eligible to apply. 

All applicants must meet current Columbia University travel requirements (see Travel Notice below).

Fellowship recipients are required to submit a brief trip report within six weeks of their return and may be asked to meet with Harriman donors supporting this fellowship.

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Requirements

  • Proposal – (1 page max.) Please indicate where you will be placed in your internship, and include whether your application is accepted or pending. Please describe how this internship will benefit civil society in the region, as well as how it will further your career after graduate school. Include the number of weeks you will be working, and attach the official job description and/or an invitation letter if possible.
  • Itemized budget – Please include the actual cost of airfare, lodging, and other related costs.
  • Curriculum vitae/résumé – Must include information on academic standing, as well as your Columbia PID number.
  • One confidential letter of recommendation
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How to Apply

All applications are now electronic. Please select Civil Society Fellowship from the drop down menu. If you are applying to multiple seasonal fellowships please submit an application for each. The recommender may upload the same letter for each application.

Next application deadline: March 16, 2026

Travel Notice

All international travel must follow Columbia University's travel policy.  Students must present proof of trip registration and/or approval by Columbia Global Travel before funds will be released.

* Russia, The Crimea, Donetsk (DNR) and Luhansk (LNR) Regions of Ukraine are currently countries and regions subject to comprehensive U.S. sanctions and travel restrictions. For additional information, please visit Columbia’s page on economic sanctions and restricted parties.

Please contact globaltravel@columbia.edu for more information.

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