External Fellowship Policy External Fellowship Policy Frequently Asked Questions Statement of Understanding

If my external award is for one semester only, may I select the extension for one semester?

Yes, the term of the award, one semester or one year, is the term of the extension of GSAS funding.

I received a two-year external award. How many years of GSAS funding extension would I get versus how many years of GSAS top-off?

With the top-off, you would receive the supplemental top-off from GSAS for each year of the award. With the extension option, one year is the maximum for extension of GSAS funding regardless of the numbers of years of the external award. For the second year of your multi-year external award the topoff policy would apply.

Do the top-off and extension options apply to external travel awards that take students away from campus, or do they apply only to external awards used on campus?

This new policy applies to external awards whether they are used for study/research on campus or away from Columbia.

My program awarded me a GSAS four-year (multi-year) award, so I am not funded in my first year. If I get an external award in my first (unfunded) year, do I get an additional year of GSAS funding because I found an external awards for my unfunded year? May I request a top-off from GSAS for an external award in my unfunded year?

Unfortunately, no. The new external award options apply only to the years you have GSAS funding (years two through five, or years one through five, per your admission letter). The top-off policy, in place for several years now, has always applied only to years you would have received GSAS funding.

What impact does advance standing have on the number of years of GSAS funding?

Students who receive a five-year GSAS fellowship and subsequently are awarded advanced standing receive four years of GSAS fellowship. Students who receive four-year GSAS fellowships and subsequently are awarded advanced standing receive three years of GSAS fellowship. Choosing Option 2 (the extension rather than top-off) extends funding, but does not increase the number of years of GSAS funding.

I hope to get an external award in my sixth and seventh years. Can I get funding in my eighth year from GSAS?

In most departments, the 6th year is not a GSAS funded year so you are not eligible for the topoff policy and not eligible for the extension policy. Having a Teaching Fellowship in the sixth year does not count as s "GSAS funded year".

I plan to complete my degree in five years. Is there a better option for me?

Most definitely. Select Option 1, the Top-Off to External Fellowship option.