Funding for Undergraduate Research

Resources for funding undergraduate research:

Fellowships

Fellowships offer many opportunities for you to develop your academic and professional interests. They can help you study abroad, get involved in research or public service, or take on a postgraduate degree. Fellowships are also a networking opportunity. Recipients become part of a lasting network of like-minded people from around the country and around the world. Fellowship advisers can help you determine which opportunities help you meet your goals. Once you find a fellowship, they support you throughout the entire application process.

Opportunities exist for every class year, so it is never too early to begin to explore your options.

Columbia College Senior Thesis Funding

Columbia College offers a modest stipend, in the amount of $250, to defray associated expenses that Columbia College students may incur as they work on a senior thesis or honors project.

In order to apply for CC Senior Thesis Funding, please complete an application by the deadline, which is the last day of classes for the Fall term.

Eligibility is limited to current Columbia College juniors and seniors. Students may only receive the award once (if successful, reapplication will not be permitted).

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING STEPS REGARDING THE PROCESS FOR REQUESTING THIS FUNDING:

  • Complete the online Columbia College Senior Thesis Funding Application by the deadline provided.

  • Inform your Thesis Adviser that they must sign off on your project via the link which will be sent to their email. (You will be asked to provide your Thesis Adviser’s email in the application.) This email will contain additional instructions for your adviser. If you or they have any questions or issues, please email us at ugrad-urf@columbia.edu.

  • Students with approved applications will receive a notification from Undergraduate Research and Fellowships.

  • Students majoring in architecture, dance, theatre, visual arts should speak with their respective Directors of Undergraduate Studies about funds available for particular thesis projects.

The deadline for senior thesis funding each year is the last day of classes for the Fall term. Please refer to the Academic Calendar to confirm the date for the last day of classes. Late applications will not be accepted.

Information Regarding Funding and Eligible Expenses

Eligible Expenses

Expenses that are eligible for reimbursement may include research materials, transportation, entrance fees, etc.

Non-eligible expenses include durable equipment such as audio, video, hardware, software, cameras, laptops, etc. If any non-eligible items are listed in a proposal or submitted, Undergraduate Research and Fellowships will inform the student.

Services, such as choreography, are not reimbursable through the University. While students may still apply for funding for these types of services, they must not be paid for directly by the student. All services are paid directly to the vendor by the University. For additional details, please contact URF at ugrad-urf@columbia.edu.

Regarding the purchases made with your debit card and/or credit card

You will be asked to provide a copy of your bank statement and/or credit card statement, and label the charges according to the expense number that you list on the reimbursement form. You may black out all other information on the statements. Please note, if you used someone else's credit card to pay for your expenses, they will receive the reimbursement.

Please remember to retain all original receipts and invoices for expenses to be submitted for reimbursement.

Questions? Contact URF at ugrad-urf@columbia.edu.