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The Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2027 is one of the world’s most prestigious fully funded leadership development programmes — bringing together rising leaders from the United States and around the world for an immersive academic year at Columbia University in New York City or the University of Chicago. Founded in 2018 by the Obama Foundation — the nonprofit organization established by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama — the Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2027 equips exceptional changemakers who are already making meaningful contributions in government, the private sector, NGOs, and civil society with the skills, tools, networks, and experiences they need to take their work to the next level. The Columbia University track is fully funded covering monthly living stipend, furnished housing, and travel and is open to rising leaders from any country worldwide. Apply through the official Obama Foundation website at obama.org/programs/scholars.
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program operates through two partner universities — Columbia University in New York City (open to global leaders from any country) and the University of Chicago (open to final-year Master’s students already enrolled at UChicago’s Harris School of Public Policy, Crown Family School of Social Work, or Booth School of Business). Each track has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits. Both tracks award an Obama Foundation certificate upon completion — not an additional academic degree.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Columbia University Track | University of Chicago Track |
| Programme Name | Obama Foundation Scholars at Columbia University | University of Chicago Obama Foundation Scholars |
| Location | New York City, USA | Chicago, USA |
| Open To | Rising leaders from any country worldwide | Final-year Master’s students enrolled at UChicago (Harris, Crown, or Booth) |
| Duration | 9 months (full academic year) | Full academic year (one year) |
| Cohort Size | ~30 Scholars globally per year | ~18 Scholars per year |
| Monthly Stipend | Yes — monthly living stipend for NYC | $10,000 total (tuition + living) |
| Housing | Furnished studio apartment near Columbia | Not provided separately |
| Travel Support | Travel to/from New York covered | Not specified |
| English Fluency | Required — verbal, written, and spoken | Required |
| Degree Awarded | Certificate only — no Columbia degree | Certificate + existing UChicago degree |
| Nationality | Open to all countries worldwide | Must be enrolled at UChicago |
| Min. Leadership Experience | Not stated — must be at “breakthrough moment” | Minimum 3 years demonstrated leadership |
| Political Candidacy | Cannot be running for public office | Cannot be running for public office |
| Application Cost | No cost | No cost |
| Established | 2018 | 2018 |
| 2027-28 Applications | Expected October/November 2026 | Expected October/November 2026 |
| Expected Deadline | January/February 2027 (based on previous cycles) | January/February 2027 (based on previous cycles) |
| Official Website | obama.org/programs/scholars | |
Detail Description
The Obama Foundation was established by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama with a mission to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. The Obama Foundation Scholars Program — one of its flagship leadership development initiatives — was launched in 2018 in partnership with Columbia University and later expanded to the University of Chicago. The programme was specifically designed to be different from traditional academic fellowships: rather than funding students at the beginning of their careers, it targets individuals who have already demonstrated meaningful impact — who are at what the Foundation calls a “breakthrough moment” — and who need an intensive, experiential, leadership-focused year to take their work to a fundamentally higher level.
Since its founding in 2018, the Obama Foundation has welcomed seven cohorts of Scholars across both university partners. The 2024-2025 cohort — the seventh — featured 30 emerging leaders from countries including Haiti, Italy, Fiji, Malaysia, and Morocco, reflecting the programme’s expanding global reach. Scholars have gone on to lead city-wide youth initiatives, create community arts spaces, spearhead workforce development programmes, serve as climate diplomats, and hold leadership positions across government, civil society, and the private sector worldwide.
Track 1 — Columbia University Scholars (Global — All Countries)
The Columbia University track is open to rising leaders from any country worldwide — making it the most relevant track for international applicants from Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and beyond.
- Location: Columbia University, New York City, USA
- Duration: 9 months — full academic year
- Type: Full-time, fully funded, residential leadership development — not a degree programme
- Cohort Size: ~30 Scholars per year from a global applicant pool
- English Fluency: Must be fluent in English — verbal, written, and spoken. Confirmed from official FAQ.
- Certificate: Obama Foundation certificate only — no Columbia University degree
- Career Stage: Emerging leaders at a “breakthrough moment” — no stated minimum years, but the Foundation looks for a demonstrated track record of real-world impact
- Sectors: Government, private sector, NGOs, civil society, academia, journalism, arts — all sectors welcome
What the Columbia Track Covers
- Monthly Living Stipend: To assist with living expenses in New York City for the full 9-month duration
- Furnished Studio Apartment: Within walking distance of Columbia University — provided if the programme convenes in person
- Travel Support: Travel costs to and from New York City
- Leadership Development Curriculum: Workshops, seminars, site visits, networking events designed by the Obama Foundation
- Executive Coaching: Tailored coaching for each Scholar’s leadership journey and action plan
- Global Network: Access to the Obama Leadership Network — the Foundation’s global alumni community
- No Application or Participation Fee
Track 2 — University of Chicago Scholars (UChicago Students Only)
The University of Chicago track is specifically for students already enrolled in their final year at one of three UChicago schools. If you are not currently enrolled at UChicago, this track does not apply to you.
- Eligible Schools: Harris School of Public Policy, Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, and Booth School of Business
- Eligibility: Entering final year of Master’s programme at Harris, Crown, or Booth — with at least 3 years of demonstrated leadership experience
- Academic Success: Must have demonstrated academic success — confirmed from official FAQ
- Stipend: $10,000 to help defray tuition costs and living expenses in final year
- Certificate: Obama Foundation certificate — no additional UChicago degree beyond what the student was already pursuing
- Cohort Size: ~18 Scholars per year
- Programme Activities: Community Impact Seminars, Quarterly Civic Treks (Chicago’s South Side), exclusive sessions with Institute of Politics Pritzker Fellows, leadership workshops, and action plan development
Selection Criteria
| Criterion | What Selectors Look For |
| Track Record of Impact | Meaningful contributions to a specific field — evidence of real-world impact, not just career advancement |
| Breakthrough Moment | At a critical inflection point where the right support could amplify impact significantly |
| Commitment to Return | Clear commitment to return to community and apply enhanced skills long-term |
| Global Perspective | Seeking to refine approach by including feedback from a variety of global contexts |
| English Fluency | Fluent in English — verbal, written, and spoken (Columbia track confirmed requirement) |
| Values-Based Leadership | Humility, integrity, inclusivity, stewardship, fearlessness, imagination, and teamwork |
| Cross-Sector Diversity | Cohorts represent government, private sector, NGOs, civil society, academia, arts, journalism |
Who is NOT Eligible
- Applicants currently running for public office — prohibited by Obama Foundation’s 501(c)(3) status
- UChicago track: anyone not enrolled in final-year Master’s at Harris, Crown, or Booth
- Applicants who cannot commit to the full academic year
- Early-career professionals or recent graduates without a demonstrated leadership track record
- Applicants not fluent in English (Columbia track)
Obama Foundation Programmes — Quick Comparison
| Programme | Who It’s For | Key Benefit | Nationality |
| Scholars — Columbia | Mid-career global rising leaders | Fully funded 9-month NYC programme | All countries |
| Scholars — UChicago | Final-year Master’s at UChicago | $10,000 stipend + leadership curriculum | Any — must be UChicago enrolled |
| Obama Leaders | Leaders aged 24-45 in regional cohorts | 8-month virtual leadership development | Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, USA |
| Voyager Scholarship | US undergraduate juniors — public service | Up to $50,000 + travel experience | US citizens only |
Application Process
Step 1: Sign Up for Notifications Right Now
The 2027-2028 application cycle is expected to open in October or November 2026. Sign up for Obama Foundation email updates at obama.org/newsletters to be notified the moment applications open. Previous application cycles have had relatively short windows — early awareness gives you maximum preparation time.
Step 2: Choose Your Track
Decide whether you are applying for the Columbia University track (global, any country, mid-career leaders) or the UChicago track (enrolled UChicago final-year Master’s students only). If you are not currently enrolled at UChicago’s Harris, Crown, or Booth, the Columbia track is the one for you.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application — Start Now
The application requires detailed essays about your leadership track record, the specific social challenge you address, your breakthrough moment, and your vision for using the programme to amplify your impact. These are not standard academic essays — they require deep self-reflection and compelling evidence of real-world impact. Start preparing in September or October 2026. Review profiles of previous Scholars at obama.org to understand the calibre of candidates selected.
Step 4: Submit Before the Official Deadline
When the application opens, complete all required components through the official portal at obama.org/programs/scholars. Previous deadlines have fallen in January or February — February 5, 2021 was one confirmed deadline. No application fee for either track.
Step 5: Await Selection and Prepare for the Programme Year
Selected Scholars are typically announced several months after the deadline. Columbia track Scholars should begin US visa applications as early as possible — processing times vary significantly by country. The Foundation covers housing and travel once you arrive in New York City.
How to Apply
Also Check
- 📌 Fulbright Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded US Government Scholarship for International Students
- 📌 Marshall Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded UK Graduate Scholarship for US Citizens
- 📌 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 | Fully Funded Scholarship for African Students
- 📌 Truman Scholarship 2027 | $30,000 Award for Future US Public Service Leaders
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2027?
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2027 is a fully funded leadership development programme founded in 2018, bringing together ~30 rising leaders from around the world for an immersive 9-month academic year at Columbia University in New York City, or ~18 final-year Master’s students for a year-long programme at the University of Chicago. The Columbia track covers monthly stipend, furnished housing, and travel and is open to global leaders from any country. The UChicago track provides $10,000 stipend and is open to enrolled final-year students at Harris, Crown, or Booth. Applications expected to open October/November 2026. Apply at obama.org/programs/scholars.
2. When does the Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2027 open?
The 2027-2028 application cycle is expected to open in October or November 2026 based on previous cycles. The exact date has not yet been officially announced. The application deadline typically falls in January or February 2027. Sign up for email updates at obama.org/newsletters to be notified the moment applications open.
3. Is the Obama Foundation Scholars Program open to international applicants?
Yes — the Columbia University track is open to rising leaders from any country worldwide. Previous cohorts have included Scholars from Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific. The 2024-2025 cohort included the first Scholars from Haiti, Italy, Fiji, Malaysia, and Morocco. English fluency is required. The University of Chicago track is open to students of any nationality already enrolled in a final-year Master’s programme at Harris, Crown, or Booth.
4. Does the Obama Foundation Scholars Program award a degree?
No. Neither track awards an additional academic degree. Participants receive an Obama Foundation certificate upon completion. UChicago Scholars receive their existing UChicago Master’s degree plus the certificate. The Columbia track is a standalone leadership programme — participants receive no Columbia University academic credential.
5. What does the Columbia track cover financially?
The Columbia University track is fully funded: a monthly living stipend for NYC; a furnished studio apartment within walking distance of Columbia (if the programme convenes in person); and travel costs to and from New York City. No application or participation fee.
6. Who is the ideal candidate?
A rising leader who has already demonstrated meaningful, tangible impact on a specific social challenge — and is now at a “breakthrough moment” where the right training, tools, and network could significantly amplify that impact. Must have a track record of work (not just potential), commitment to return after the programme, genuine global perspective, English fluency, and demonstrated values of humility, integrity, inclusivity, stewardship, fearlessness, imagination, and teamwork.
7. Can I apply if I am running for political office?
No. Applicants running for public office during the programme term are not eligible for either track — due to the Obama Foundation’s 501(c)(3) status which prohibits support for political candidates. The Foundation encourages such applicants to apply in a future cycle.
Final Thoughts
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program 2027 is among the most prestigious and transformative fully funded leadership development programmes available to rising leaders anywhere in the world. The Columbia University track is open to leaders from every country — making it one of the few truly global fully funded leadership programmes at a top American university. With the 2027-2028 application cycle expected to open in October or November 2026, now is the time to sign up for email notifications at obama.org/newsletters, review the selection criteria, study profiles of previous Scholars at obama.org/programs/scholars, and begin reflecting on your own breakthrough moment and leadership narrative. The strongest applications take months to prepare — start today.
