Columbia SIPA’s Institute of Global Politics (IGP) is pleased to open applications to its Student Scholar program for the 2026-2027 academic year.
The IGP Student Scholars Program helps prepare Columbia students to understand and find solutions to today's global challenges. Students selected for the program benefit from the mentorship of our Distinguished Fellows and of leading practitioners and scholars, gain hands-on experience in policy-related research and analysis, and engage in dialogue with leaders and experts regarding the world’s toughest problems.
Chosen through a highly selective application process each academic year, IGP Student Scholars work closely with IGP affiliated faculty and IGP Distinguished Fellows (see the current cohort, some of whom will continue on to next year; there will also be new additions).
This program is unpaid and not for credit, though there may be opportunities for Scholars to work and receive payment as Research Assistants.
Applicants must be (1) rising first- or second-year SIPA students; (2) rising juniors or seniors in Columbia College, Barnard College, General Studies, or the School of Engineering; (3) rising second- or third-year Law students, or (4) rising second-year MBA students.
The deadline to submit this application is April 13, 2026. Decisions will be released in as soon as the end of June.
IGP Student Scholar Application
IGP Student Scholars will have unique opportunities, including:
- Priority access to public IGP events, including Spotlight Interviews, Across the Aisle events, in which policymakers model respective and constructive exchanges of views across partisan and ideological lines, and other major convenings.
- Priority access to closed-door IGP events, including small-group workshops and roundtables with Distinguished Fellows, guests, and experts.
- Priority access to work with Distinguished Fellows and affiliated experts to advance IGP policy projects as paid Research Assistants
IGP Student Scholars must affirm the Honor Code, found at the end of the application form.
In previous years we have had far more applications than spaces available. We expect a similar level of interest this year. We therefore may be in touch to instead offer you membership in our IGP Student Circle, created in 2024 due to overwhelming interest in the Student Scholar program. Student Scholars receive primary access to IGP opportunities, and Student Circle members receive secondary access. This year we were able to invite Student Circle members to the majority of IGP events and programs, hired Student Circle members as IGP student workers, and often were able to include Circle members in more informal opportunities to engage with affiliated IGP experts, including Fellows.
Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
