Columbia University has been named a top-producing institution for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program in 2024-2025. As the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program, Fulbright fosters academic and cultural exchange worldwide. Columbia has consistently ranked among the top ten highest-producing universities for over a decade, reflecting its ongoing commitment to global engagement.
For Fulbright’s 2024-2025 selection, 25 undergraduate affiliates—comprising members of the Class of 2024 and recent alumni—were selected as awardees. This distinguished group includes two recent graduates from SEAS, three from GS, and twenty from CC. Of those offered a Fulbright, 23 accepted, embarking on opportunities to conduct independent research, pursue postgraduate studies, or serve as English Teaching Assistants in locations across the globe. From Japan to Mexico, from Nigeria to Germany, Columbians are advancing their professional and academic goals in diverse fields, ranging from environmental health to astrophysics.
The official announcement of this achievement highlights Columbia’s “deep commitment to international exchange and to building lasting connections between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.” Acknowledging this achievement, Ariella Lang, associate dean of Academic Affairs and director of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, notes that “this designation confirms what we know, namely that our students and alumni are dedicated to productive and generous international exchange, pushing the boundaries of research and actively engaging in host communities around the world.”
Established in 1946, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards approximately 2,200 grants annually in more than 160 countries. Since its inception, over 400,000 individuals have received Fulbright awards. As one of several U.S. cultural exchange programs, Fulbright aims to foster mutual understanding, cultural diplomacy, and intercultural competence through the exchange of people, knowledge, and skills. Its alumni include 44 heads of state or government, 62 Nobel Laureates, 90 Pulitzer Prize winners, 82 MacArthur Fellows, and countless leaders and change-makers who continue to advance the Fulbright mission.
Columbia undergraduates interested in learning more about applying for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, can join us for Columbia’s Fulbright Week, April 7-11, 2025, attend a dedicated Fulbright Information Session for Columbia students and alumni April 24, and connect with Undergraduate Research and Fellowships for more information about Fulbright grants and the application process. Specific information about each 2025-26 Fulbright grant is expected to be published by the Fulbright Commission online March 31st, 2025. Congratulations to our 2024–2025 Columbia Fulbrighters!