Graduate students with interests in international trade, trade law, the public interest, and human rights are eligible for the prestigious Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship, sponsored by the Indian government. This fellowship aims to provide partial to full funding for up to three fellows per academic year.

Professor Jagdish Bhagwati, a renowned economist, and Professor Petros C. Mavroidis, a legal expert, co-teach the fellowship. Columbia Law School and other divisions of Columbia University also offer specialized seminars in international trade law and related subjects.

Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship Highlights

Scholarship Type

College-Specific, Merit-Based, Need-Based

Offered by

Government bodies

Organization

Government of India

Application Deadline

N/A

No. of Scholarships

N/A

Amount

Variable

Renewability

One Time Payment

International Students Eligible

Yes

Scholarship Website Link

https://www.law.columbia.edu/admissions/graduate-legal-studies/2018-2019-jagdish-bhagwati-fellowship-program#Deadline

Eligibility Criteria for Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship

The eligibility criteria for the Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship at Columbia Law School are as follows:

  • Admission to LL.M. Program: Applicants must first be admitted to the LL.M. (Master of Laws) Program at Columbia Law School. The fellowship is available for graduate students pursuing their LL.M. degree.
  • Specialization: Applicants must have a specialization or demonstrated interest in areas related to international trade, trade law, public interest, or human rights. The fellowship aims to support students with a focus on these fields.
  • Application Submission: Applicants should submit a complete application for admission to the LL.M. program through LSAC (Law School Admission Council), following the designated application process and deadlines.
  • Financial Aid Essay: The application must include a "Financial Aid Essay" of maximum 500 words. In this essay, candidates should provide reasons supporting their candidacy for the Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship. It is crucial to describe academic and professional exposure to international trade and outline specific interests within this area. If applicants have plans to conduct research on international trade during their LL.M. program, they should discuss their research agenda in the essay.
  • It's important to note that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee the award of the fellowship. The selection process may consider various factors, including academic achievements, professional experiences, and the quality of the financial aid essay.

For detailed information on the application process, eligibility requirements, and any updates or changes to the fellowship, it is recommended to visit the official Columbia Law School website or contact the admissions office directly.

Application Process for Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship

The application criteria for the Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship at Columbia Law School are as follows:

  • Admission to LL.M. Program: Applicants must apply and gain admission to the LL.M. This is a Master in USA Program at Columbia Law School. The fellowship is available for graduate students pursuing their LL.M. degree.
  • Application Deadline: The application deadline for the Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship is December 1, 2023. Applicants must ensure that their complete application for the LL.M. program, including all required documents, is submitted by this deadline.
  • Financial Aid Essay: As part of the application, candidates must submit a "Financial Aid Essay" addressing their candidacy for the Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship. The essay should be a maximum of 500 words. In this essay, applicants should discuss their academic and professional exposure to international trade, as well as their specific interests within this field. If applicants plan to conduct research on international trade during their LL.M. program, they should also outline their research agenda in the essay.
  • Résumé/CV: Along with the LL.M. program application, candidates must submit a current résumé or curriculum vitae (CV) detailing their educational background, work experience, and any relevant achievements or publications.

Selection Process for Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship

Apart from the tuition costs, candidates must also keep in mind the approximate cost of living in USA. The selection process for the Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship at Columbia Law School typically involves the following steps:

  • The admissions committee at Columbia Law School reviews all completed applications for the LL.M. program, including those from applicants interested in the Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship. They assess the candidates' academic qualifications, professional experiences, and the content of their financial aid essay.
  • The committee evaluates the qualifications of the applicants, considering their academic achievements, including undergraduate and/or previous graduate degrees, and relevant coursework. They also take into account the applicants' professional experiences, such as internships, research positions, or work in the field of international trade, trade law, public interest, or human rights.
  • The committee carefully reviews the "Financial Aid Essay" submitted by each applicant. They assess the reasons presented in support of the candidate's candidacy for the Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship. This essay should demonstrate the applicant's academic and professional exposure to international trade and highlight their specific interests within the field. If applicants express an intention to conduct research on international trade during their LL.M. program, the committee evaluates their research agenda.
  • Based on the evaluation of applications and the qualifications of the candidates, the admissions committee selects a limited number of recipients for the Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship. Typically, up to three fellows are awarded the fellowship for each academic year.

It's important to note that the selection process may vary, and the final decision rests with the admissions committee. The committee considers various factors, including academic achievements, professional experiences, the quality of the financial aid essay, and the number of available fellowship positions.

FAQs

Ques: What is the purpose of the Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship?

Ans. The Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship aims to support graduate students specializing in international trade, trade law, public interest, and human rights at Columbia Law School.

Ques: Who is eligible to apply for the Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship?

Ans. To be eligible, applicants must first be admitted to the LL.M. Program at Columbia Law School and have a specialization or demonstrated interest in areas related to international trade and related fields.

Ques: How many fellows are selected each academic year?

Ans. Up to three fellows are selected for the Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship each academic year.

Ques: What is the application deadline for the fellowship?

Ans. The application deadline for the Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship is December 1, 2023, which is the same deadline as the LL.M. program application.

Ques: What should be included in the "Financial Aid Essay"?

Ans. The "Financial Aid Essay" should address the reasons supporting the candidate's candidacy for the Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship. It should discuss academic and professional exposure to international trade, specific interests within this area, and any research agenda related to international trade.

Ques: How do I apply for the Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship?

Ans. To apply, you need to submit a complete application for admission to the LL.M. program through LSAC, including your résumé/CV and the "Financial Aid Essay" addressing the fellowship candidacy.

Ques: Is the Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship a fully funded scholarship?

Ans. The fellowship provides partial to full funding for up to three fellows per academic year, depending on the individual circumstances and the discretion of the selection committee.

Ques: Can I still apply for the fellowship if I am not admitted to the LL.M. program?

Ans. No, applicants must first be admitted to the LL.M. Program at Columbia Law School to be eligible to apply for the Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship.

Ques: Can international students apply for the fellowship?

Ans. Yes, the fellowship is open to both domestic and international students who meet the eligibility criteria.