Full funding · Study in the United States
Obama Foundation Scholars Program
Full tuition, living costs and programme expenses for a one-year master's
- Funder
- The Obama Foundation
- Level
- Postgraduate
- Coverage
- Full
About this scholarship
The Foundation places a small international cohort at Columbia University and the University of Chicago for a year that combines a master's degree with leadership training and fieldwork.
It is aimed at people already leading work in their communities rather than at recent graduates, and scholars join a global network that continues after the year ends.
🗓️ Deadline
Applications typically open in the autumn and close in the winter for the following year
Award cycles shift year to year. Confirm the current deadline on the official site before you plan around it.
Eligibility
- A record of civic or community leadership, usually with several years of experience
- A clear plan to return home and continue that work
- Meeting the admission requirements of the partner university programme
- Open to applicants of any nationality
- Available to be in residence in the United States for the full year
How to apply
- Watch for the application window on the Obama Foundation site
- Prepare evidence of the impact of your community work
- Complete the Foundation application and, if shortlisted, the university application
- Attend the interview stages the Foundation runs
- Ask your Tutopiya counsellor to help frame your leadership narrative
Studying in the United States
The world's largest choice of universities, cutting-edge research and up to 3 years of practical training. Post-study work: 12 months OPT (36 for STEM).
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Obama Foundation Scholars Program: your questions, answered
What does the Obama Foundation Scholars Program cover?
Full tuition, living costs and programme expenses for a one-year master's. The Foundation places a small international cohort at Columbia University and the University of Chicago for a year that combines a master's degree with leadership training and fieldwork.
Who is eligible for the Obama Foundation Scholars Program?
Core requirements are: A record of civic or community leadership, usually with several years of experience; A clear plan to return home and continue that work; Meeting the admission requirements of the partner university programme; Open to applicants of any nationality; Available to be in residence in the United States for the full year. Eligibility rules are set by the funder and can change each cycle, so confirm on the official site before applying.
When is the Obama Foundation Scholars Program deadline?
Applications typically open in the autumn and close in the winter for the following year. Because award cycles shift year to year, always check the official programme website for the current date.
What does the placement service cost?
A flat SGD 50, billed as two monthly instalments of SGD 25. That covers everything: counselling, university matching, application support and guidance right up to your offer. There are no hidden extras, no agent fees and no commission on your tuition, because our counselling is funded by our university partners, the SGD 50 only covers administration. Separately, you pay the university’s own tuition or semester fees directly to the university after you accept your offer.
What exactly do you help with?
Everything from start to finish: understanding your options, shortlisting the right programme, preparing your application and personal statement, submitting to the university, and guiding you through the offer, enrolment and visa paperwork, all with a dedicated counsellor.
Which universities can you place me into?
We place students into a range of UK and international universities, and we shortlist the best-fit options for your grades, budget and goals rather than pushing a single school. On some pages we run dedicated SGD 50 placement drives for a specific partner university, and we are always adding more partners. Tell us your goals and your counsellor will map out your options.