Financial Assistance, Fellowships, and Loans | Columbia Law School

Columbia Fellowships, Scholarships, and External Sources of Funding

The Law School has a robust financial aid program to support LL.M. candidates, but our funds are limited and we are not able to meet the needs of all admitted applicants. Because of the limited funding available for assistance and the high cost of attending law school in the United States, we encourage prospective applicants to begin seeking other sources of funds as early as possible, keeping in mind that some funding applications are due months before the LL.M. application deadline. Please see the "External Sources of Funding" section below for a non-comprehensive list.

• Financial Assistance from Columbia
• Columbia Fellowships Requiring a Separate Application
• Columbia Fellowships and Scholarships for Stated Purposes
• External Sources of Funding
• Private Loans

Financial Assistance from Columbia

We award financial assistance primarily on the basis of financial need. Most awards consist of a partial waiver of tuition and as such cover only a portion of the total amount required for tuition and living expenses. Financial aid recipients use the awards toward their studies or research; they are expected to focus their work on the subjects they emphasized in their applications.

Only admitted applicants who submit a completed application for financial assistance with their application for admission to the LL.M. Program will be considered for financial aid.

Columbia Fellowships Requiring a Separate Application

The fellowships described below require a separate application essay. Applicants should upload their fellowship essays to their LSAC online LL.M. application, and submit them with their applications for admission by the application deadline of December 18, 2018.

The Appel Fellowship on the Regulation of the Multinational Enterprise

Established in 2001 by Mark Appel, the Appel Fellowship awards an annual prize, up to full tuition for one academic year, to a candidate for the LL.M. or J.S.D. degree who intends to focus his or her research at Columbia Law School on regulatory or policy issues emerging from the trans-boundary operations of multinational or transnational enterprises, with priority given to students from emerging economies. Topics may include issues relating to, for example, corporate governance, labor issues, environmental concerns, or human rights. The Fellow, selected from applicants to the Law School, is expected to participate in a relevant research seminar culminating in a workshop on the subject that brings to the Law School prominent scholars and practitioners.

To apply for the Appel Fellowship, submit a complete application for admission to the LL.M. program and a separate two-page essay describing your background, interest in this area of law, and the research you would undertake at the Law School if you are awarded the fellowship. Label the first page of your essay “Application for Appel Fellowship,” and upload to the appropriate section of the LSAC online application. Only successful applicants will be notified.

Human Rights LL.M. Fellowship

Columbia Law School is pleased to award the Human Rights LL.M. Fellowship for individuals with extraordinary potential in the field of international human rights. The Fellowship is designed to support students pursuing an LL.M. degree at Columbia Law School who show exceptional commitment and potential to use their education to become innovators and leaders in human rights practice and/or academia.

The Human Rights LL.M. Fellowship is jointly coordinated by Columbia Law School’s Human Rights Institute, (the focal point of human rights work, education, critical reflection, and scholarship at the Law School) and the Office of Graduate Legal Studies (which manages the School’s LL.M. and J.S.D. Programs). Fellowships offer partial to full waivers of tuition and in some cases, a living stipend, depending on the applicant’s demonstrated level of financial need. Only successful applicants will be notified.

The Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship

The Indian government has underwritten the Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship to support graduate students at Columbia Law School who wish to specialize in the study of international trade law, WTO law, and related topics. The Law School offers a comprehensive course in these areas, co-taught by Professors Jagdish Bhagwati (Economics) and Petros C. Mavroidis (Law). In addition, the Law School and other divisions of Columbia University offer specialized seminars in international trade law and related topics.

The Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship will provide partial to full funding for up to three fellows per academic year.

Columbia Fellowships and Scholarships for Stated Purposes

Applicants requesting financial assistance are automatically considered for all other fellowships described below; it is not necessary to request consideration for any particular one.

The Appel Research Scholarship

Established in 2001 by Mark Appel, the Appel Research Scholar receives a $1,000 grant for each academic semester during which the individual engages in supervised research on behalf of a Columbia faculty member on a topic that relates to regulatory or policy issues emerging from the trans-boundary operations of multinational (or transnational) enterprises.

Baker McKenzie Scholarship

The Baker McKenzie Scholarship was established in 2015. It awards $50,000 to a Columbia Law School LL.M. student who demonstrates academic success and a need for significant financial aid. Priority is given to students who are citizens or nationals of countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia, or Eastern Europe, in line with efforts the Law School has made to welcome students from emerging countries.

Charles B. Bretzfelder Constitutional Law Scholarship Fund

Established in 1980 by Helen Bretzfelder in memory of her father, Charles B. Bretzfelder, this scholarship fund is for J.D. candidates and graduate students specializing or doing exceptional work in constitutional law. The selection shall be made solely on the basis of scholarship and financial need.

Charles B. Bretzfelder International Law Scholarship Fund

Established in 1980 by Helen Bretzfelder in memory of her father, Charles B. Bretzfelder, this scholarship fund is for J.D. candidates and graduate students specializing or doing exceptional work in international law. The selection shall be made solely on the basis of scholarship and financial need.

Burton Memorial Fellowship

This fellowship was established in 1968 by friends of the late Robert J. Burton, Law '37, who was president of Broadcast Music, Inc. The fellowship provides a stipend commensurate with need and is awarded annually to a graduate student of law for study and research on copyright or other laws affecting music, art, literature, or other products of the mind, or on laws affecting communications.

Catherine N. Niarchos Human Rights LL.M. Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2015 by Mary Anne Niarchos in memory of her sister, Catherine N. Niarchos ’94 LL.M. The scholarship supports LL.M. students who have experience in international human rights and a demonstrated commitment to a career in the field.

Chamberlain Fellowship in Legislation

This fellowship was established in 1953 by Thomas I. Parkinson in honor of Joseph Perkins Chamberlain, Ph.D. '23, Law '29, a member of the Faculty of Law from 1927 to 1950 and director of the Legislative Drafting Research Fund from 1919 to 1951. The fellowship is for study and research in the legislative development of the law and is awarded annually under regulations made by the Faculty of Law. The program of a Chamberlain Fellow is subject to approval by the director of the Legislative Drafting Research Fund and will normally be executed in connection with the work of that office. Fellows are appointed upon nomination made by the director of the Fund. The fellowship is open to LL.M. applicants, third-year students, and graduates of the School of Law, to graduates of other schools of law, and to other qualified persons. It is not required that the holder be a candidate for a graduate degree.

Charles B. Bretzfelder Constitutional Law Scholarship Fund

Established in 1980 by Helen Bretzfelder in memory of her father, Charles B. Bretzfelder, this scholarship fund is for J.D. candidates and graduate students specializing or doing exceptional work in constitutional law. The selection shall be made solely on the basis of scholarship and financial need.

Charles B. Bretzfelder International Law Scholarship Fund

Established in 1980 by Helen Bretzfelder in memory of her father, Charles B. Bretzfelder, this scholarship fund is for J.D. candidates and graduate students specializing or doing exceptional work in international law. The selection shall be made solely on the basis of scholarship and financial need.

Fubon Fellowship Fund

This fund was established in 2005 by Fubon Financial to provide fellowships to LL.M. students enrolled in the Law School, with a preference for students from greater China.

Herman N. Finkelstein Memorial Fellowship Fund

This fund was established in 1978 by family and friends in memory of Herman N. Finkelstein, Law '24, one of the first recipients of a Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.) degree. The fund is primarily designed to provide support for a J.S.D. candidate.

The Jack J.T. Huang Scholarship

Established in 2007 by Jack J.T. Huang, Esq., the Huang Scholarship provides financial aid to LL.M. students who are residents of Greater China, with a preference given to students who are residents of Taiwan.

José Francisco Gouvêa Vieira Scholarship

Established in 2013, the Gouvêa Vieira Scholarship provides financial assistance to Columbia Law School students with excellent academic credentials and demonstrated financial need, and who are residents of Latin America, with a preference for residents of Brazil.

Joseph V. Heffernan Fellowship

This fellowship was established in 1980 by Marion and Joseph V. Heffernan, Law '35. The students selected shall be enrolled in the Graduate Legal Studies Program exclusively.

The Judith R. and Michael E. Thoyer Scholarship

Established in 2008 by Judith Reinhardt Thoyer, Esq. ’65, and Michael E. Thoyer, Esq. '63 LL.M., the Thoyer Scholarship provides financial assistance to LL.M. students at Columbia Law School with outstanding academic credentials and demonstrated financial need who are citizens or residents of Sub-Saharan African nations.

Julius Silver Fellowship in Law, Science, and Technology

Established in 1984 by Julius Silver, '24, a leading attorney, corporate executive and philanthropist, the Silver Fellowship provides support for graduate students studying legal issues involved in law, science, health care, and technology.

Lawrence A. Wien Prize and Fellowship in Corporate Social Responsibility

Established in 1981 by Lawrence A. Wien, Law '27, the Wien Program is jointly administered by the School of Law and Columbia Business School. The program awards an annual prize to recognize corporations, professional associations, nonprofit organizations, or educational institutions that contribute to the well-being of society at the national or local level through enlightened philanthropic policies. Contributions must be sustained over time and expressed both by financial generosity and non-material support patterns, which include long-range planning and evaluation of philanthropic endeavors, innovative approaches to corporate giving, and the encouragement of participation by employees and other organizations. Several fellowships, named each year in honor of the recipient of the Wien Prize, are provided annually to outstanding law and business students whose scholarly and professional activities demonstrate their involvement in questions of the responsibility of business to social concerns such as the arts, energy and the environment, and social services.

The Lucius N. Littauer Foundation Grant to the Center for Israeli Legal Studies

Established in 2007 by the Lucius N. Littauer Foundation, under the direction of William Lee Frost, President, and in cooperation with Noah B. Perlman '97 and Robert D. Frost, the Littauer Fund supports graduate students and scholars from Israel.

Morris Fellowship

Established in 1924 by Newbold Morris, 1891, in memory of his father, Augustus Newbold Morris, Columbia College 1860, Law 1864, the fellowship is awarded to a student of public or private law who may be a candidate for the J.S.D. degree.

The Norman E. Alexander Scholarship

The Norman E. Alexander Scholarship was established in 2008 by a bequest of Norman E. Alexander '36. Mr. Alexander died in 2006 at the age of 92. At the time of his death, he was chairman of the board of Sequa Corporation, the company he founded and led for more than 50 years. One of the longest-tenured chief executives in American industrial history, Mr. Alexander relinquished the title and responsibilities of the chief executive officer in 2005 and became executive chairman, a post he held until his death. The Alexander Scholarship is awarded each year to Columbia Law School students with outstanding credentials, with award preference for students who are residents of Israel.

Raymond J. Baer Scholarship

Established in 2016 by Raymond J. Baer ’86 LL.M., the Scholarship provides financial support for three candidates for the LL.M. degree who have demonstrated strong academic credentials and potential for contribution in their areas of interest.

The Smith Family Opportunity Scholarship

Established in 2004 by Kathy Surace-Smith ’84 and Bradford L. Smith ’84, the Smith Family Opportunity Scholarship is awarded annually to JD and LL.M. students at Columbia Law School, with a preference for students from lesser developed countries which are underrepresented at the Law School.

W. Bayard Cutting, Jr. Fellowship

This fellowship was established in 1912 by W. Bayard Cutting, 1871, in memory of his son, W. Bayard Cutting, Jr. '04, to support study in the field of international law.

Wolfgang G. Friedmann Memorial Fellowship

This fellowship was established in 1976 by friends and colleagues in memory of Wolfgang G. Friedmann, Professor of International Law and Director of International Legal Research at Columbia. The Fellowship is awarded to students from foreign countries, particularly less developed countries, for the study of international law at Columbia, or to law school graduates for study abroad at institutions stressing transnational law.

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External Sources of Funding

When seeking funding from outside sources, you may want to inquire with the following foundations, as students in the graduate legal studies program have noted in the past that these foundations have been helpful in their search. Please note that many require application well in advance of your intended start date for graduate study (as many as eighteen (18) months in advance), including Fulbright, so you should inquire as early as possible. A list of further sources, while by no means exhaustive, is available at http://llm-guide.com/funding-your-llm.  

AAUW (formerly known as the American Association of University Women)

Since 1881, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has been the nation's leading voice promoting education and equity for women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change. One of the world's largest sources of funding exclusively for graduate women, the AAUW Educational Foundation supports aspiring scholars around the globe, teachers and activists in local communities, women at critical stages of their careers, and those pursuing professions where women are underrepresented.

The American-Scandinavian Foundation

The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) offers over $500,000 in funding to Scandinavians to undertake study or research programs (usually at the graduate level) in the United States for up to one year. Candidates for awards are recommended to the ASF by their cooperating organizations. Awards are made in all fields. Cooperating organizations:

The Denmark-America Foundation
The League of Finnish-American Societies
The Icelandic-American Society
The Norway-America Association
The Sweden-America Foundation

BFLSA (Australia and New Zealand)

The BFSLA was established in 1983 and has become the leading organisation for banking & financial services and insolvency law in Australia and New Zealand. Each year, the BFSLA offers a scholarship of up to A$50,000 to Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents to undertake post-graduate study in banking & financial services law (or related fields) at leading universities overseas.

COLFUTURO (Colombia)

COLFUTURO is a Colombian non-profit foundation that was established in 1991 with the support of the National Government and some of the most important companies of the private sector in the country at that time. Its main objective is to provide financial support and increase the possibilities of Colombian citizens to access high-quality postgraduate study programs abroad.

Ethel Benjamin Scholarship (New Zealand)

In 1997 the Trustees of the New Zealand Law Foundation unanimously determined to mark the centenary of the admission of Ethel Benjamin as the first woman barrister and solicitor by establishing this scholarship as a merit-based award to outstanding women scholars who are citizens or permanent residents of New Zealand. 

The Foundation Center

The Foundation Center, an independent, nonprofit information clearinghouse established in 1956, is an excellent source of information on grants. The Center's mission is to foster public understanding of the foundation by collecting, organizing, analyzing, and disseminating information on foundations, corporate giving, and related subjects.

Fulbright

Fulbright grants are administered by the Institute of International Education, and typically require an application up to a year in advance of your LL.M. application.

Fundação Estudar (Brazil)

Fundação Estudar is a merit-based scholarship program for Brazilian students which in addition to the scholarship, provides Career Development and Networking programs for its scholars, both during and after their academic experiences. Brazilian students already accepted in the best undergraduate programs and MBA, MA, MSc, LLM, MPA and MPP programs, with great intellectual and professional potential, leadership spirit, entrepreneurial drive and commitment to Brazil are eligible to apply. 2009 applications for graduate programs will be accepted from January 1st to March 31st. 

William Georgetti Scholarship (New Zealand)

The purpose of the William Georgetti Scholarships is to encourage postgraduate study and research, normally in New Zealand, in a field that, in the opinion of the Scholarship Board, is important to the social, cultural or economic development of New Zealand.

Inlaks Foundation (India)

The Inlaks Foundation was created in 1976. The major objective of the Foundation is to identify exceptionally talented young Indian students and support them financially to develop their special skill and talents to the maximum. It achieves this by awarding scholarships to outstanding young students to continue their post-graduate study/research abroad. 

Instituto Ling (Brazil)

Instituto Ling provides scholarships for Brazilian students admitted to an LL.M. program in the U.S.

The Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund (MMMF)

MMMF was established in 1981 to honor the late Margaret McNamara and her commitment to the well-being of women and children in developing countries. The purpose of the grant is to support the education of women from developing countries who are committed to improving the lives of women and children in their home countries.

Organization of American States

The Inter-American Agency for Cooperation and Development (IACD) of the Organization of American States (OAS) administers one of the hemisphere's largest multinational fellowships and training programs. Every year, the Agency provides several hundred fellowships for graduate studies and research at educational institutions and training centers in OAS Member and Observer States. In addition, the Leo S. Rowe Pan American Fund, a student loan program of the OAS , awards educational loans to qualified persons from Latin American and Caribbean countries, to help them finance their higher studies in the United States. These loans are made on the understanding that when the recipients have completed their studies they will return to their respective home countries to assist in their countries' development and further their welfare. 

P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship

P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) was founded in January 1869 by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan College. P.E.O. exists to be a source of encouragement and support for women to realize their potential in whatever worthwhile endeavor they choose. True to the mission of promoting educational opportunities for women, education continues to be the primary philanthropy of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) Fund was established in 1949 to provide scholarships for international women students to pursue graduate study in the United States and Canada. 

P.J.C. Lindfors Legal Studies Fund (Finland)

The P.J.C. Lindfors Legal Studies Fund is administered by Finlandia Foundation National (FFN), the premier network of Finnish-American organizations in the United States. The scholarship was established by Pertti Lindfors, a Finnish-american attorney in San Francisco, California, to encourage cross-cultural study and understanding by law students in Finland and the U.S.

Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships

The Ambassadorial Scholarships, the Rotary Foundation's oldest and best-known program, was founded in 1947. Since then, nearly 38,000 men and women from about 100 nations have studied abroad under its auspices. The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarships program is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries and geographical areas. The program sponsors several types of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies. While abroad, scholars serve as goodwill ambassadors to the host country and give presentations about their homelands to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with Rotarians and others the experiences that led to a greater understanding of their host country. 

IIE’s Scholar Rescue Fund (SRF)

SRF provides fellowship grants for scholars whose lives or careers are threatened in their home countries. The fellowships support temporary academic positions at universities, colleges and other higher learning institutions in safe locations anywhere in the world. Fellowship periods of up to one calendar year are intended to allow the scholars to continue their important work pending improvement in conditions allowing their safe return home. 

Yvonne A M Smith Scholarship (New Zealand)

The Yvonne A M Smith Charitable Trust, which funds the scholarship, has been promoting an annual scholarship for the advancement of the education of women graduates who wish to embark upon Masters or Doctoral studies. Preference is given to the subject areas of political studies, economics, business and law, as well as to candidates who demonstrate potential for leadership and a desire for the promotion of women in decision making roles. 
 

The J.N. Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians

The JN Tata Endowment was set up in 1892 by the founder of the Tata group, Jamsetji N Tata, to encourage young people to take up higher studies at some of the best universities in the world. For the past 114 years the Endowment has been helping scholars of merit to realize their dreams of a world class education through its loan scholarship program. The scholarships are awarded for higher studies abroad in all disciplines and subjects. Annually, the Endowment selects around 120 meritorious scholars through a rigorous selection process, for the award of the prestigious JN Tata Endowment scholarships for higher studies abroad. Over the years several JN Tata scholars have distinguished themselves in various walks of life. The Endowment awards only loan scholarships. However, the selected scholars may also qualify for a gift award.   

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Private Loans

For more information, students should visit the Law School Financial Aid Office’s website or contact the Financial Aid Office directly at:

Financial Aid Office
Columbia Law School
435 West 116th Street, Box A-4
New York, N.Y. 10027
Telephone: 212-854-7730
email: [email protected]

Please note that the Financial Aid provides information to LL.M. students on loans only; please do not contact that office for information on tuition waivers or any other form of aid.

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