Important Updates: NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE FALL 2026 SALTZMAN STUDENT SCHOLARS COHORT!

The application deadline for the Fall 2026 cohort of the Saltzman Student Scholars Program is 11:59pm (Eastern Time) on May 21, 2026. Please see below for application instructions.

The Program

To encourage and mentor the next generation of scholars in international relations, politics, and policy making, the Arnold A. Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies, while under the direction of former Director Keren Yarhi-Milo, created a special program for select undergraduate majors in political science, history, human rights, computer science, and area studies, the Saltzman Student Scholars Program.

Chosen through competitive application, Saltzman Student Scholars will be invited to public and private Institute events including seminars, round tables, and meetings. They will receive mentoring from members and affiliates of the Institute, and guidance on next career steps including, but not limited to, applying to graduate school, think tanks, fellowships, and government positions. Saltzman Student Scholars will also be listed in a special section of our website along with their photo and profile. Please note, students accepted into the program are expected to attend monthly cohort meetings and regularly participate in Institute events.

You can view our current cohort of student scholars HERE.

Qualifications      

Applicants must be rising juniors or seniors with a declared major in Political Science, History, Human Rights, Computer Science, or Area Studies, with an interest in international relations, politics, or policy making, and must have completed courses that demonstrate an interest in international relations at the time of application. Applicants may be from CC, GS, SEAS, or BC.

Application Procedure 

The application deadline for the Fall 2026 cohort of the Saltzman Student Scholars Program is 11:59pm (Eastern Time) on May 21, 2026. In order for your application to be considered, you must submit the following materials by the deadline:

  1. Academic or Professional Reference Google Form (access HERE)
  2. Application Google Form (access HERE)
  3. Emailed Application Packet
    • 1-page cover letter
    • 1-page resume
    • Unofficial Transcript(s)

In-depth application instructions are listed below. Please review them carefully, as there are three separate components to this application. All three components must be submitted by 11:59pm (Eastern Time) on May 21, 2026 in order for your application to be considered. Any questions can be directed to Saltzman Institute Coordinator OG Grinberg at ojg2112@columbia.edu.

  • Academic or Professional Reference Google Form: Please request that an academic or professional reference fill out THIS FORM by 11:59pm (Eastern Time) on Thursday, May 21, 2026. 
    • Your recommender should be able to comment on the quality of your academic work, such as a faculty member or teaching assistant from a class you have taken in political science, history, human rights, computer science, or area studies, where a research project or research paper was required. 
    • If you are a transfer student or in a dual-degree program, your reference may also come from a faculty member or teaching assistant from your previous institution.
    • Alternatively, you may request a reference from a supervisor from a job or internship in the fields of political science, history, human rights, computer science, or area studies. In this case, your recommender should be able to speak to your analytical and research skills.
  • Fall 2026 Saltzman Student Scholars Application Google Form: Please fill out THIS FORM by 11:59pm (Eastern Time) on Thursday, May 21, 2026. This form will help us track your application, and includes additional questions, so please read thoroughly. 
  • Emailed Application Packet: Please email your application materials to Saltzman Institute Coordinator OG Grinberg at ojg2112@columbia.edu by 11:59pm (Eastern Time) on Thursday, May 21, 2026. 
    • Application materials include:
      • 1-page Cover Letter (size 12 font)
      • 1-page Resume
      • Unofficial Transcript(s)
        • Note: If you are a transfer student or in a dual-degree program, please include your transcript from your previous institution
    • Please combine all materials as a single PDF, and label your application packet in the following format: Last Name_First Name_Fall 2026 Saltzman Application

Please direct all questions to Saltzman Institute Coordinator OG Grinberg at ojg2112@columbia.edu.

MORE INFORMATION