International Students At Columbia University: Who Gets Accepted?

Columbia University welcomes applications from international students, with international students making up 16% of the student body. The admissions process is the same for everyone, regardless of citizenship or country of residence. Columbia accepts all secondary school curricula and students must submit internal and external exam results, such as A Levels, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced Placement exams. English proficiency is required, and students must submit scores from English proficiency tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. International applicants should have the equivalent of a U.S. baccalaureate degree and should be proficient in idiomatic English.

Application process

Columbia University welcomes applications from international students. The application process for international students is largely the same as for any other student, regardless of citizenship or country of residence. However, there are a few additional requirements and considerations for international applicants.

Complete Your Application:

Use the Common App to create an account and submit your application. An application essay is required. Upload a photocopy of your passport or current visa to ensure the correct spelling and order of your name.

Request Official Transcript:

Request official transcripts from each school you have attended. Only English-translated transcripts are accepted. Columbia College requires an evaluation of your previous academic record by World Education Services (WES), a third-party credential evaluation service.

English Proficiency Requirement:

Submit scores from an English proficiency test. Accepted tests include TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. Columbia has minimum score requirements for each test.

Submit Additional Documents:

International applicants may need to submit additional documents, such as certified translations of all non-English documents. Students from non-English-speaking schools must submit official translations of transcripts or recommendations along with the original documents.

Financial Documentation:

Submit proof of financial resources to cover the cost of education. This is required for the university to issue an I-20 form for a student visa. International students are encouraged to apply for scholarships and grants, as funding sources for international students are limited.

Deadlines:

International applicants should be mindful of application deadlines. The deadline for Fall Enrollment is July 1, and for Spring Enrollment, it is November 1.

Visa Application:

After receiving an offer of admission, international students will receive information on applying for a student visa. An F-1 or comparable student visa is required for international students at Columbia University.

Additional Considerations:

International applicants should ensure they meet the academic requirements, including having the equivalent of a U.S. baccalaureate degree and demonstrating proficiency in the English language.

Furthermore, international students should be aware of the strict distribution requirements at Columbia, which mandate a comprehensive course distribution for admission. This includes specific unit requirements in English/Literature, Mathematics, Science, Foreign Language, and Academic Electives.

Lastly, it is important to note that Columbia University has a very low acceptance rate, so applicants should focus on differentiating themselves through extracurricular activities and pursuing their passions.

English proficiency requirements

Columbia University accepts international students and welcomes applications from them. The admissions process is the same for everyone, regardless of citizenship or country of residence. However, international students must meet certain English proficiency requirements as part of their application.

Columbia University requires all international applicants to submit proof of English language proficiency. This is necessary because, as an international student, you will be expected to be comfortable with rapid and idiomatic spoken English.

There are several ways to provide this proof:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Exam:

• Minimum scores:
• 100 on the Internet-Based Test (iBT)
• 600 on the Paper-Based Test (PBT)
• 79 on the web-based test
• 213 on the computer-based test (testing center)
• 550 on the paper-based test (testing center)

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Exam:

Minimum score: 7.5

Duolingo English Test:

Minimum score: 125

Cambridge English:

C2 Proficiency or a minimum score of 191 on C1 Advanced

Submission of a Transcript:

• Submit a transcript showing a degree obtained from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction, or
• Show at least one year of full-time study at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction, in addition to your unofficial undergraduate transcript.

It is important to note that the School of Arts at Columbia University reserves the right to verify your English proficiency through an interview. Additionally, TOEFL and IELTS scores are only valid for two years from the test date. Therefore, if your scores are older than two years, you must retake the test and submit current scores.

Additional Information:

When submitting TOEFL scores, use the institutional ID number 5117 for Columbia College. For the School of Arts, use the school code 2171.

For IELTS scores, only official scores submitted electronically by the IELTS test center via the E-Delivery service are accepted. An institution code is not required for IELTS.

The Duolingo English Test is an online test that can be taken on-demand in under an hour for $49. The test includes a proficiency score, video interview, and writing sample. Certified results are available within 48 hours.

Visa requirements

Columbia University welcomes applications from international students, and the admissions process is the same for everyone, regardless of citizenship or country of residence. The university is home to a diverse student body, with international students making up about 16% of the total student population.

If you are an international student, you will need to apply for a student visa to study in the United States. Columbia College, as a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school, can issue the Form I-20, which establishes your eligibility for nonimmigrant student status and assists in applying for the F-1 visa. The F-1 visa is required for all international students at Columbia, and accepted students will receive information on how to apply for this visa.

To apply for the F-1 visa, you must submit the following documents:

• Form I-20: This form is issued by Columbia College and establishes your eligibility for nonimmigrant student status.
• Proof of sufficient funds: You must provide proof that you or your sponsors can cover the cost of education and living expenses for the duration of your program.
• Passport: A copy of your passport's biometrics page, showing your full name, date of birth, photo, and passport expiration date.
• Previous visa (if applicable): If you are already in the United States on a different visa, you will need to provide a copy of your current visa.
• SEVIS form I-901: You must complete this form and pay the associated SEVIS fee.

After submitting these documents and receiving your I-20 form, you may apply for the F-1 visa at any American embassy or consulate.

It is important to note that Columbia University requires proof of English language proficiency for admission. This can be demonstrated through tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo, and the minimum scores required vary depending on the specific program you are applying to. Additionally, all documents submitted as part of your application that are not in English, such as transcripts or recommendations, must be officially translated and submitted alongside the original documents.

Funding

International students at Columbia University can access various funding sources, although these are limited. It is the student's responsibility to fund their education, and it is critical that they have a plan in place for funding the entire length of the program, not just the first year.

Scholarships and Grants

Columbia University offers some scholarship support to students based on a combination of merit and need. However, this funding is not guaranteed and, if granted, may only apply to the first and/or second year of study. The Columbia Excellence Award, for example, is a merit-based scholarship that recognises the academic excellence of incoming international students and assists them in paying tuition costs. International students are automatically considered for this award and no separate application is required. The award amount ranges from $7,000 to $11,000 per year, depending on the student's cumulative GPA.

External Scholarships

External scholarships are funds that students can apply for and receive from sources outside of Columbia University. These are a common way for international students to fund their studies.

Loans

Loans to international students are available from U.S. lenders, but most require a co-signer who is a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Payment Plans

Columbia University offers a monthly tuition payment plan, such as the Nelnet Payment Plan, to help make tuition payments more manageable.

Student Visas

International students may be eligible for a non-immigrant student (F-1) visa, which allows them to study in the United States. The university can issue the Form I-20, which is required for applying for the F-1 visa. To obtain the I-20 form, international students must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of education. This typically includes an official bank letter or statement showing the account holder's name, the amount available, and a bank official's signature.

Other Costs

In addition to tuition fees, international students at Columbia University should also budget for other costs, such as housing, transportation, and personal expenses. The university recommends that students live in the residence halls on campus during their first year, and a $500 prepayment is required when applying for housing. International students may also need to purchase health insurance and should be prepared to cover any additional costs associated with their visa application process.

Course distribution

Columbia University welcomes applications from international students. The admissions process is the same for everyone, regardless of citizenship or country of residence. The university is home to a diverse student body, with international students making up 16% of the total student population.

Columbia University has a comprehensive course distribution requirement for admission. The university requires applicants to have a broad academic background and mandates a minimum number of units in several subjects. The specific course distribution is as follows:

• English/Literature: 4 units (where a unit typically equals one year)
• Mathematics: 4 units
• Science: 3 units with labs
• Foreign Language: 3 units
• Academic Electives: 3 units

In addition to the above, Columbia University also requires applicants to have a well-rounded education with a variety of elective courses.

For international applicants, Columbia University accepts all secondary school curricula, including International Baccalaureate, Cambridge A Levels, and National School curricula. The university evaluates applications within the context of the specific curriculum followed by the applicant.

Furthermore, Columbia University requires international applicants to demonstrate English language proficiency. This can be done through various tests, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo, with minimum scores set by the university.

The university also provides the option for applicants to submit a conversational video to emphasize language fluency. Additionally, international applicants must submit official translations of all documents that are not in English.

It is important to note that Columbia University has a low acceptance rate of 3.9% for its undergraduate programs, making it highly competitive. Therefore, applicants should strive for exceptional grades and a well-rounded academic profile to increase their chances of admission.

Frequently asked questions