Columbia offers merit-based financial assistance to some Executive LL.M. and LL.M. candidates in the form of grants and institutional loans. These awards typically cover only a portion of the cost of tuition and fees, allowing us to provide some form of assistance to a greater number of students.
We expect applicants to share in the cost of the Executive LL.M. and LL.M. Program and actively seek other sources of funding for their studies throughout the application process.
To apply for merit-based awards you must complete the merit-based awards section of the application. We encourage you to reference any named fellowships you wish to be considered for in your Personal Statement.
Types of Merit Aid
Columbia Law School Grants
These awards include our general Merit Aid Grant and named fellowships, such as the Human Rights Fellowship, Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship, and Appel Fellowship (see full list below). They require no repayment. Some allow you to study in any area you desire while at Columbia, while others do expect the focus in the area of law to which the Fellowship pertains. Please review the list closely before requesting to be considered for a named award.
Loans
Columbia Law School also awards institutional loans which require full repayment with interest. Applicants are considered for loans at the same time as they are considered for grants.
There are private loan programs available for international students. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may also apply for U.S. Federal Loan programs.
External Sources of Funding
Many students locate sources of funding on their own, typically through their home countries.
More on Financial Aid
Applicants who complete both the Executive LL.M. and LL.M. Program application and indicate on the application that they wish to be considered for a merit-award will be automatically considered for all fellowships described below. Please note: No separate application is required.
The Appel Fellowship on the Regulation of the Multinational Enterprise The Appel Fellowship was established in 2001 by Mark Appel. It awards an annual prize to one or more LL.M. degree candidates who intend to focus their research on regulatory or policy issues emerging from the transboundary operations of multinational or transnational enterprises. The fellow is expected to participate in relevant coursework including those on issues relating to corporate governance, labor issues, environmental concerns, or human rights.
Baker & McKenzie Endowed Scholarship
Established in 2015, the endowed scholarship supports a Columbia Law School LL.M. student who has demonstrated exceptional academic success.
Burton Memorial Fellowship
This annual fellowship was established in 1968 by friends of the late Robert J. Burton Law ’37, who was president of Broadcast Music, Inc. It provides funding to graduate students for study and research on copyright or other laws affecting music, art, and literature; other products of the mind; or laws affecting communications.
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 candidates specializing in or doing exceptional work in constitutional law.
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 candidates specializing in or doing exceptional work in international law.
Catherine M. Karatzas ’88 Scholarship
This scholarship was established by Catherine M. Karatzas ’88 in honor of her 35th reunion. This scholarship supports LL.M. students who have lived, worked or studied in Greece.
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. This fellowship is awarded to a student intending to study the development of law.
Eric M. Rosof Scholarship Established by Eric Rosof ’97 and made possible through a generous match from the Jerome L. Greene Foundation. This scholarship supports LL.M. students, with a preference for those who demonstrate a commitment in pursuing a career in public interest.
Eugene and Barbara Rostov Scholarship Established by Eugene Rostov ’64 and made possible through a generous match from the Jerome L. Greene Foundation. This scholarship supports LL.M. students, with a preference for students who have lived, worked or studied in Latin America.
Fubon Fellowship Fund
This fund was established in 2005 by Fubon Financial to provide fellowships to LL.M. students who have lived, worked or studied in China.
The Jack J.T. Huang Scholarship
Established in 2007 by Jack J.T. Huang Esq., the scholarship provides financial aid to LL.M. students who have lived, worked or studied in Taiwan.
Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship Columbia Law School’s Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship supports graduate students specializing in international trade, trade law, public interest, and human rights. The Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship—established by the Indian government—provides partial to full funding for up to three fellows per academic year. The Law School as well as other divisions of Columbia University offers specialized seminars in international trade law and related topics.
Joseph V. Heffernan Fellowship
This fellowship was established in 1980 by Marion and Joseph V. Heffernan ’35 to provide funding for LL.M. students. .
The Judith R. and Michael E. Thoyer Scholarship
Established in 2008 by Judith Reinhardt Thoyer ’65 and Michael E. Thoyer '63 LL.M., the Thoyer Scholarship provides financial assistance to LL.M. students who have outstanding academic credentials and have lived, worked or studied in sub-saharan Africa.
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.
Jun He Scholarship Fund Established by Columbia Law School alumni and friends at Jun He LLP. The scholarship supports LL.M. students who have lived, worked or studied in the People’s Republic of China.
Lawrence A. Wien Corporate and Social Responsibility Fellowship
Established in 1981 by Lawrence A. Wien ’27, the Wien Fellowship. Is 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.
Morris Fellowship
Established in 1924 by Newbold Morris 1891 in memory of his father, Augustus Newbold Morris CC 1860, LAW 1864, the fellowship is awarded to a student of public or private law.
The Norman E. Alexander Scholarship
The Norman E. Alexander Scholarship was established in 2008 by a bequest of Norman E. Alexander ’36. The Alexander Scholarship is awarded each year to Columbia Law School students with outstanding credentials.
Raymond J. Baer Scholarship
Established in 2016 by Raymond J. Baer ’86 LL.M., the scholarship provides financial support for candidates for the LL.M. degree who have demonstrated promise for outstanding contributions in the future.
The Smith Family Opportunity Scholarship
Established in 2004 by Kathy Surace-Smith ’84 and Bradford L. Smith ’84, the scholarship is awarded annually to J.D. and LL.M. students.
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. 1904, 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 for the study of international law at Columbia.
Columbia Law School has identified three types of loan programs available to incoming LL.M. students:
- Columbia Law School Loans
- U.S. Federal Loan Programs (for U.S. citizens and permanent residents only)
- Private Loan Programs
To learn more about any of these loan options, visit the Law School Financial Aid Office’s website or contact the office at [email protected] or 212-854-7730.
Note about loan fees: For students borrowing federal student loans, the average educational loan fees for borrowers at Columbia Law School will automatically be added to the cost of attendance at the time of loan certification.
While Columbia Law School has a robust funding program to support LL.M. candidates, it cannot meet the financial needs of all students. In line with our cost-sharing philosophy regarding funding your LL.M. program, prospective applicants should seek other sources of funding as early as possible.
Are both Executive LL.M. and LL.M. students able to receive merit-based awards?
Yes. Columbia Law School has a robust funding program to support both Executive LL.M. and LL.M. candidates. We have merit-based awards, including named fellowships, and institutional loans.
How do I apply for a merit-based award?
Please select 'yes' to the question "Are you applying for a merit-based award from Columbia Law School?" in the application.
I am an international student. Am I still eligible for a merit-based award from Columbia Law School?
Yes. The merit-based award application process is the same for all students.
Does the fact that I am applying for a merit-based award affect my chances for admission?
No. All admission decisions are made separately from award decisions.
I will need funding in order to study at Columbia Law School. Can I count on the Law School’s financial support if I am admitted?
No. Because our merit-awards are limited, applicants who will require financial assistance to attend Columbia Law School should also seek assistance from other sources. Awards are generally in the form of partial waivers of tuition and, in some cases, loans. Full tuition waivers are not granted.
I just received a scholarship from an outside funding agency. Do I need to notify the Office of Graduate Degree Programs?
Yes. You must notify us of any funds you know you will be receiving or you anticipate receiving for your studies at Columbia. If your total funding including outside awards exceeds the cost of attendance, we reserve the right to reduce our award. If you are awarded an outside scholarship after submitting your application, you must notify us within seven days of receiving the award.
