Frequently Asked Questions
For researchers interested in the Columbia-Kalaniyot Sabbatical Scholar and Postdoctoral Fellow programs
General questions for Columbia-Kalaniyot Sabbatical Scholar and Postdoctoral Fellow applicants
Columbia-Kalaniyot is a faculty-led initiative that is funded by generous philanthropic donations and administered through Columbia.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you are welcome and encouraged to apply. Columbia-Kalaniyot does not consider national origin, religion or ethnicity in its selection process.
Yes! Columbia-Kalaniyot does not consider religion in the selection process.
Please contact us, sending us your CV and information about the professors whom you have tried to contact. Due to the large number of applications, we cannot guarantee a response, but we will examine your case and help if possible.
Unfortunately, no. While we understand that some amount of travel might be required during your fellowship period, we require that all fellows’ appointments be stationed at Columbia, where they can interact with the campus community.
No, including a list of references will not be counted against the page limit of the research proposal.
If figures are included in the research statement, the page limit may be increased by up to one page.
No, you may use any format desired.
No, once submitted, the applications are sent to the selection committee and cannot be updated.
Yes. The Fellowship provides health insurance coverage for the duration of your appointment at Columbia University.
When a Fellowship is awarded, the host department, lab, or center at Columbia will work with the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) to guide you through the visa application process. ISSO is highly experienced and has an excellent track record in assisting postdoctoral fellows in securing the appropriate visa.
However, please note that visa approval is ultimately determined by U.S. authorities, and therefore we cannot guarantee that a particular visa category will be granted.
Obtaining a legal status that allows employment at Columbia is required. As needed, we will do what we can to help with your visa application. However, if for any reason you are unable to secure a visa and/or proper legal status for employment purposes, your fellowship offer will be deferred until the situation is resolved or may be revoked.
We encourage applicants to reflect on how their time at Columbia can create meaningful connections with their home communities in Israel. Examples include:
- Collaborating with existing programs that build scientific, technological, or educational bridges between Israel and the U.S.
- Developing initiatives that showcase Israeli innovation, technology, science, or entrepreneurship to the Columbia community.
- Proposing outreach or educational activities—either in Israel or at Columbia—that enhance mutual understanding, mentorship, or knowledge exchange.
Applicants are encouraged to review the links in the engagement page. We welcome creative and impactful proposals that align with your interests and expertise.
While Columbia hosts a very active Jewish community, Columbia-Kalaniyot fellows are not required to engage with it. As detailed above, the community statement can address your local community in Israel, independently of its religious and/or ethnic affiliation.
Columbia researchers with PI status are eligible to serve as a faculty advisor or host.
In principle, this is possible under special circumstances, but it is generally not encouraged. If multiple candidates express interest in working with the same faculty member, the Columbia–Kalaniyot selection committee will consult with that faculty member before making a final decision to ensure appropriate alignment and capacity.
Questions for Sabbatical Scholar applicants
Unfortunately, no. All applicants for the sabbatical program must hold sabbatical-eligible academic or research appointments at Israeli research institutions.
Sabbatical Scholars should be in residence for at least one fall and one spring term. Summer may be used for time off.
Questions for Postdoctoral Fellow applicants
Unfortunately, no. All applicants for the postdoctoral program must be enrolled or have recently received their PhD from an Israeli university. Columbia-Kalaniyot does not consider the applicant’s national origin, religion or ethnicity in its selection process.
Yes, a Columbia-Kalaniyot fellow can enjoy support from additional sources and/or programs. Fellows are requested to be transparent about any additional support they receive to ensure their total compensation does not extend beyond the allowed maximal amounts.
Yes, please apply. Columbia-Kalaniyot can supplement your partial funding and support you in other ways.
Columbia-Kalaniyot fellows are selected following a highly competitive review process. It is possible to be considered a Columbia-Kalaniyot fellow even if eventually you do not require funding by the program.