The IIJS Undergraduate Fellowship - Spring 2026
The Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies is pleased to offer the IIJS Undergraduate Fellowship, an opportunity for students to deepen their academic experience and connect with peers across Columbia. This spring, Fellows will take part in invitation-only programs that explore Jewish and Israeli studies, history, and culture through thoughtful discussions and events featuring leading scholars and experts.
Fellows will receive an award in recognition of their participation, with funding distributed after successful completion of the fellowship.
Applications are due by Friday, October 17, 2025. All undergraduates in Columbia College, Barnard College, the School of General Studies, and Columbia Engineering are welcome to apply. Previous fellows are encouraged to apply; however, first-time applicants will receive priority consideration.
IIJS Undergraduate fellows visit the Rare Book and Manuscript Library
Ready to take part? Download the application form via the button below or reach out to iijs@columbia.edu with any questions.
The IIJS Israel Fellowship
The Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies is delighted to offer a unique educational opportunity at Columbia University.
IIJS Israel Fellows awards fellowships in support of business or nonprofit-related internships, academic and/or research-based projects, immersive language programs, and/or university-offered courses during a summer in Israel. (Programs through religious institutions are not eligible.)
Students participate in a number of invitation-only educational opportunities to discuss matters related to Israeli politics, culture, and history during their summer in Israel and back on campus. Fellows participate in an evaluation survey upon return to campus and aid in recruitment for future Fellows.
Columbia-sponsored travel to Israel will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Students planning to travel must submit a draft itinerary for approval by the Undergraduate Travel Review Committee, ISOS, and their dean as part of the fellowship application process, details can be found on the application. We can not fund travel if a student’s itinerary is not approved. Please find instructions for this process linked here. If you have any questions regarding the UTRC approval process, please email utrc@columbia.edu.
The application period for summer 2025 has ended.
Naomi Prawer Kadar Fellowship
What is the Naomi Prawer Kadar Fellowship?
The 2025 iteration of the Naomi Fellowship will take the form of microgrants. Students are encouraged to apply for funding of up to 2,000 USD for their Yiddish-related research and/or creative project, to be carried out in the spring and/or summer of 2025. To qualify, applicants must have completed or be enrolled in at least one Yiddish course. The funding can be used toward research, translation, video editing, tutoring, travel to Yiddish language programs, creative projects, etc.
How do I apply?
In order to apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter including information about your Yiddish background, detailing your project and the budget, and send it to iijs@columbia.edu. Applications are due by Monday, March 31, 2025.
What further steps are required?
Upon completion of the project, the grantee is required to submit a report summarizing the project, its outcomes, and their experience as an award recipient. The report must be submitted to iijs@columbia.edu by September 15, 2025.