Help & Advice

Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (URF) supports undergraduates and alumni of Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, and General Studies in exploring and applying for internal, national, and international fellowships. We also assist current undergraduates with identifying and applying for research opportunities here at Columbia, nationally and internationally.

URF informs students, faculty, and staff about a full range of opportunities and help students determine which programs best meet their intellectual, professional, and personal goals. Our services also help students:

  • represent themselves at their best throughout the application process;
  • develop confidence in articulating and pursuing their aspirations; and
  • explore other avenues to achieving goals they discover are truly meaningful.
PLEASE NOTE: FOR ANY UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH OR FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES THAT ARE EXTERNAL TO COLUMBIA, THEIR LISTING AND ANY ACCOMPANYING LINKS ARE PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, COLUMBIA DOES NOT SPONSOR SUCH OPPORTUNITIES, NOR DOES COLUMBIA ENGAGE IN ANY SCREENING OF THEM. AT ALL TIMES, COLUMBIA IS COMMITTED TO ADMINISTERING ITS EDUCATIONAL POLICIES, ADMISSIONS POLICIES, SCHOLARSHIP AND LOAN PROGRAMS, AND OTHER UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS AND FUNCTIONS IN A NON-DISCRIMINATORY MANNER.

What is a Fellowship?

Fellowships are funded, short-term opportunities, that can last from a few weeks to a few years. Participating in and applying to a fellowship has several benefits. 

What is Research?

Research can be defined as an investigation or study of particular materials, subject matter, or sources, in order to establish facts or otherwise contribute to a discipline, area, question, or theme.

Finding a Fellowship or Research Opportunity

Are you looking for a research project? Are you considering postgraduate degrees in the U.S. or abroad? Interested in a summer fellowship experience?

Funding for Undergraduate Research

Resources for funding undergraduate research. 

Applying for Fellowship(s) or Research Opportunity

Learn more about the steps involved when applying for a fellowship and/or a research opportunity. 

Types of Research Opportunities

Different opportunities exist to engage in research over the course of the academic year and during the summer.

Undergraduate Research by Department

Opportunities and resources offered by departments. 

Finding a Faculty Mentor

Faculty members have spent many years conducting research, and are well-placed to guide you as you begin exploring research possibilities.

Advice for Letters of Recommendation

Advice for recommenders and for students seeking letters of recommendation.

Application Resources

Worksheets, brainstorming grids, and other resources to help students at every stage of the application process. 

Resources for Research & Publishing

There are several on campus resources available to students to plan, design, and implement their research ideas. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

See a list of answers for URF's most frequently asked questions.