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Columbia University

Columbia University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs for international students. Below is an overview of the application process, available courses, fees, and English language requirements for the 2026 academic year.

Courses and Subjects

Columbia University offers a comprehensive array of academic programs across its undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. Here's an organized overview of the subjects and programs available:

Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate students at Columbia can enroll in:

  • Columbia College: Offers a liberal arts education with over 80 majors and concentrations across humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
  • The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS): Provides Bachelor of Science degrees in various engineering disciplines.
  • School of General Studies: Designed for nontraditional students pursuing a liberal arts education.
  • Barnard College (affiliated): A women's liberal arts college offering Bachelor of Arts degrees.

Graduate & Professional Schools

Columbia's graduate and professional schools encompass a wide range of disciplines:

  • Graduate School of Arts and Sciences: Offers M.A., M.S., and Ph.D. programs in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
  • Columbia Business School: Provides MBA and executive education programs.
  • Columbia Law School: Offers J.D., LL.M., and J.S.D. degrees.
  • Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons: Provides M.D. and joint-degree programs.
  • Mailman School of Public Health: Offers degrees in public health disciplines.
  • School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA): Provides MIA, MPA, and Ph.D. programs in international affairs and public policy.
  • Graduate School of Journalism: Offers M.S. and M.A. degrees in journalism.
  • School of the Arts: Provides MFA programs in film, theater, writing, and visual arts.
  • School of Social Work: Offers MSW and Ph.D. programs.
  • School of Professional Studies: Provides master's degrees, certificates, and non-degree programs in various professional fields.

Academic Departments & Areas of Study

Columbia's academic departments span a broad spectrum of disciplines:

  • Humanities: Departments include English, Philosophy, History, Art History and Archaeology, Classics, and various language and literature departments.
  • Social Sciences: Departments such as Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, and Psychology.
  • Natural Sciences: Departments include Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth and Environmental Sciences.
  • Engineering and Applied Sciences: Departments such as Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
  • Interdisciplinary Programs: Programs like Sustainable Development, Data Science, Neuroscience, and Human Rights.

Interdisciplinary Centers & Institutes

Columbia hosts numerous centers and institutes that foster interdisciplinary research and education:

  • Institute for Comparative Literature and Society (ICLS): Focuses on cross-cultural and interdisciplinary studies.
  • Earth Institute: Dedicated to environmental and sustainable development research.
  • Data Science Institute: Promotes research and education in data science across disciplines.
  • Columbia World Projects: Bridges academic research with practical solutions to global challenges.

For a comprehensive list of departments and programs, you can visit Columbia University's Academics page or explore the Columbia College Bulletin for detailed course offerings and degree requirements.

 
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Tuition Fees

Tuition and fees vary by program and school. For the most current information on tuition and associated costs for the 2025–2026 academic year, please refer to the Tuition and Fees page.
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IELTS Requirements

  • Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency through standardized tests. The minimum required scores are:
    • TOEFL iBT: 100
    • IELTS Academic: 7.5
    • Duolingo English Test (DET): 135
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Application Process

Undergraduate Programs

International applicants follow the same application procedures as U.S. students, with some additional requirements:

  • Application Portal: Applicants can choose between the Common Application or the Coalition Application, both of which require the submission of the Columbia-specific supplement.
  • Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of $85 is required. Fee waivers are available for eligible students.
  • Standardized Tests: Columbia has a test-optional policy for the 2025–2026 application cycle; submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional for all applicants.
  • English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency through standardized tests. The minimum required scores are:
    • TOEFL iBT: 100
    • IELTS Academic: 7.5
    • Duolingo English Test (DET): 135
  • Cambridge English Qualifications (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency): 191 Scores must be reported directly to Columbia Undergraduate Admissions by the testing service.
  • Required Documents:
    • Secondary School Report with official transcripts.
    • Counselor Recommendation.
    • Two Teacher Evaluations.
    • Midyear Report.

Detailed application requirements are available on Columbia's International Applicants page.

Graduate Programs

Columbia's graduate programs have distinct application processes and requirements, which vary by department. Prospective students should consult the specific department's website for detailed information. A general overview is available on the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) Information for International Applicants page.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees vary by program and school. For the most current information on tuition and associated costs for the 2025–2026 academic year, please refer to the Tuition and Fees page.

Financial Aid

Columbia is committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted first-year students, including international students, through a combination of grants and work-study opportunities. Financial aid is need-based, and the university does not offer merit-based scholarships. More information on financial aid policies can be found on the Financial Aid for International Students page.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines vary by program and school. For undergraduate admissions, the deadlines are typically:

  • Early Decision: November 1
  • Regular Decision: January 1

Graduate program deadlines differ; applicants should consult the specific program's admissions page for exact dates.

Additional Information

For comprehensive and up-to-date details regarding applications, courses, fees, and other inquiries, please visit Columbia's Undergraduate Admissions page or the specific graduate program's admissions page.

Please note that application procedures and requirements may change, so it's essential to refer to the official university sources for the most current information.

 

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