The Shardashish Interschool Fellowship, generously supported by the UNM Foundation, aims to provide bright and economically challenged students from India with access to global educational opportunities. This fellowship is an initiative to expand educational horizons and contribute to the development of India by nurturing talented individuals. With a focus on education and health, the UNM Foundation strives to create a positive impact in a developing country like India. Through the Shardashish Fellowship, students to study in USA for Indian students after 12th are encouraged to push their boundaries, excel in their chosen fields, and give back to society in the future.

Fellowship Criteria for Shardashish Interschool Fellowship

To be eligible for the Shardashish Interschool Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria offered in US Education System:

• Established commitment to India and its future: The fellowship seeks individuals who have demonstrated a strong dedication to India's progress and have a vision for contributing to the nation's development.
• Demonstrated financial need: Candidates must exhibit financial need, highlighting their limited resources and challenging economic circumstances.
• Preference to residents of India: The fellowship prioritizes applicants who are residents of India, emphasizing the importance of nurturing local talent.
• Admission to specific Columbia University schools and programs: Candidates must have applied and been admitted to one of the following programs at Columbia University:

1. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences: MA in Biotechnology, MA in Mathematics of Finance, MA in Statistics, MA in Economics, or MA in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology.
2. The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science: MS programs in any engineering discipline.
3. School of International and Public Affairs: MPA in Environmental Science and Policy.

Application Process for Shardashish Interschool Fellowship

The application process for the Shardashish Interschool Fellowship varies depending on the specific school or program within Columbia University. Here is a step-by-step guide to the application process:

1. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the Shardashish Interschool Fellowship, which includes having a commitment to India and its future, demonstrating financial need, and being admitted to one of the eligible Columbia University schools and programs.
2. Choose the specific school or program from the list provided that aligns with your academic interests and goals. The eligible schools/programs are:

1. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS): MA in Biotechnology, MA in Mathematics of Finance, MA in Statistics, MA in Economics, or MA in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology.
2. The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS): MS programs in any engineering discipline.
3. School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA): MPA in Environmental Science and Policy.

3. Visit the respective school's website or contact the admissions office to obtain the specific application instructions and requirements for the Shardashish Interschool Fellowship.
4. Download the Shardashish Interschool Application Form and the Shardashish Interschool Fellowship Needs Assessment Form, if applicable. These forms will typically be available on the school's website.
5. Fill out the Shardashish Interschool Application Form and the Fellowship Needs Assessment Form, providing accurate and detailed information about your background, academic achievements, financial need, and commitment to India's future. Follow any specific instructions provided by the school.
6. Save both the completed Shardashish Interschool Application Form and the Fellowship Needs Assessment Form as a single PDF file. Ensure that the documents are properly formatted and organized.
7. Depending on the school/program, follow the designated method of submission:

1. School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA): Email the single PDF file directly to Maya Lugo, Assistant Director of the MPA in Environmental Science and Policy program, at mll2195@sipa.columbia.edu.
2. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS): Submit the single PDF file through the designated application portal provided on the GSAS website. Follow the instructions and complete the required fields.
3. School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS): Initiate a Master's of Science application with SEAS, and once the application is started, apply for the Shardashish Interschool Fellowship through the provided application link. Log in with your application credentials and follow the instructions to upload the single PDF file.

8. Ensure that you submit your application and required documents before the specified deadline. Refer to the fellowship's application deadline for the respective school/program you are applying to.
9. After the application deadline, the selection committee will review the applications and notify recipients of the Shardashish Interschool Fellowship. The notification dates may vary, so refer to the fellowship's specific timeline provided by each school/program.
10. Contact Admissions Office (if needed): If you have any questions or need assistance throughout the application process, contact the admissions office of the school/program where you intend to apply. They will be able to provide guidance and support.

Selection Process for Shardashish Interschool Fellowship 

The selection process for the Shardashish Interschool Fellowship involves a competitive evaluation of the applicants based on their submitted materials and qualifications. Candidates most consider checking cost of MS in USA for Indian students before applying. Here is an overview of the typical selection process:

• After the application deadline, the selection committee, comprising faculty members and admissions professionals, reviews all the submitted applications.
• The committee assesses the applications based on various criteria, including but not limited to:
• This includes assessing the applicant's academic records, transcripts, standardized test scores (if required), and letters of recommendation.
• English Proficiency Evaluation: Applicants' English proficiency is assessed based on official TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English, PTE.
• The committee looks for evidence of the applicant's dedication and vision for contributing to the development and progress of India.
• The applicant's financial circumstances and the demonstration of financial need are considered to ensure that the fellowship is awarded to those who require financial support to pursue their studies.
• The committee evaluates how well the applicant's academic and career goals align with the specific Columbia University school/program they have applied to.
• Based on the evaluation of applications, the committee shortlists a pool of candidates who demonstrate strong potential and meet the fellowship's criteria.
• The committee further assesses the shortlisted candidates to determine the final recipients of the Shardashish Interschool Fellowship. This evaluation may involve additional rounds, such as interviews or additional document requests.
• Once the final selection is made, the fellowship recipients are notified by the respective school/program. The notification dates may vary, but applicants are typically informed within a specific timeframe mentioned in the fellowship guidelines.

It's important to note that the selection process may vary slightly depending on the specific Columbia University school/program you have applied to. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to the fellowship guidelines provided by the school/program and reach out to the admissions office for any specific inquiries regarding the selection process.

Application Deadlines for Shardashish Interschool Fellowship

Application can also consider other scholarships for Indian students in USA. For individuals selected to begin their fellowship in the summer or fall of 2023, the deadlines for submitting the Shardashish Application Form and Financial Needs Assessment Form are as follows:

• School of International and Public Affairs: January 15, 2023.
• SIPA recipients will be notified no earlier than February 15, 2023.
• Graduate School of Arts and Sciences & School of Engineering and Applied Science: February 17, 2023.
• GSAS & SEAS recipients will be notified no earlier than March 25, 2023.

Contact Information for info Regarding Shardashish Interschool Fellowship

If you have any inquiries regarding the Shardashish application, please reach out to the admissions office of the respective school/program:

• School of International and Public Affairs: Contact Pearl Gray at pfg2108@columbia.edu.
• Graduate School of Arts and Sciences: Contact gsas-admissions@columbia.edu.
• School of Engineering and Applied Science: Contact seasgradmit@columbia.edu.

The Shardashish Interschool Fellowship, made possible by the UNM Foundation, provides an exceptional opportunity for economically challenged but highly motivated Indian students to pursue their dreams at Columbia University. By leveraging global educational resources, the fellowship empowers individuals to excel academically, expand their knowledge, and make a positive impact on India's future. The commitment to pay it forward by enabling others further enhances the transformative potential of the Shardashish Fellowship, creating a cycle of empowerment and societal development.

FAQs

Ques: Who is eligible to apply for the Shardashish Interschool Fellowship?

Ques: What programs at Columbia University are eligible for the fellowship? 

Ques: What is the funding amount for the Shardashish Interschool Fellowship?

Ques: How can I apply for the Shardashish Interschool Fellowship?

Ques: What is the deadline for submitting the application?

Ques: How are recipients selected for the fellowship?

Ques: When will I be notified if I am selected for the fellowship?

Ques: Can I contact the admissions office for assistance with the application process?

Ques: What documents are required for the application?

Ques: Is the fellowship renewable for multiple years?