
Columbia University in New York City is one of the top colleges in the United States for international students. In 2022, there were 20,347 foreign students enrolled at Columbia University, making up approximately 55% of the student population. The university offers a high-quality educational experience, ranking 1st out of 1,232 colleges for international students and providing a diverse range of cultural and community experiences. Columbia's international student population has been steadily increasing over the years, with a notable shift in enrollment resulting in a higher percentage of foreign students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of international students | 20,321 (as of 2023) |
| Percentage of international students | 55% (as of 2022) |
| Number of international students on campus | 13,838 (as of 2022) |
| Number of international students in OPT | 6,483 (as of 2022) |
| Number of international students from China | 9,961 (as of 2022) |
| Number of international students from India | 2,357 (as of 2022) |
| Number of international students from Canada | 751 (as of 2022) |
| Number of international undergraduate students | 1,000+ |
| Number of international students in College of General Studies | 484 (24% of the college) |
| Total number of students | 36,649 (as of 2022) |
| Ranking for popularity with international students | 3rd out of 1,279 colleges and universities |
| Ranking for providing a quality educational experience to international students | 1st out of 1,232 colleges and universities |
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What You'll Learn

Columbia University's international student population
Columbia University in New York City has a large international student population. The university is located in the Morningside Heights neighbourhood of Manhattan's Upper West Side and has a strong collegiate feel with a defined campus. In 2020, Columbia was home to approximately 10,522 international students, with 1,477 of them being undergraduates. This made up around 35% of its student population at the time.
Columbia University ranks highly for its quality of education for international students. CollegeFactual ranks Columbia as the best university for international students from China, Canada, and South Korea. It also ranks Columbia as the third most popular university for international students overall. The most popular degrees at Columbia with international students are Statistics, Liberal Arts and General Studies, and Business Administration and Management.
In 2021, Columbia University had a significant shift in enrollment, resulting in 37% of its student population being international. This trend continued, and in 2022, there were over 20,000 foreign students enrolled at Columbia, with almost half of them from China. This meant that approximately 55% of students at Columbia University in 2022 were international.
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International student visa data
International students at Columbia University in New York benefit from diverse cultures and communities, dynamic cuisine, and access to three international airports within 1 hour of their dorms. The university is committed to supporting international students, and the International Students & Scholars Office assists students with visas, travel, tax forms, and more.
Columbia University is one of the top colleges in the United States for international students, with sources ranking it 3rd out of 1,279 colleges for popularity with international students. In 2020, Columbia was home to approximately 10,522 international students out of a total of 30,135 students. Of these international students, 1,477 were undergraduates. The university's own data shows that in 2011, 25% of its student population was made up of foreign students, and by 2021, this had increased to 37%.
According to the latest DHS data, in 2022, there were 20,347 foreign students enrolled at Columbia University. The university's website has updated data for 2023, reporting 20,321 foreign students. This means that approximately 55% of students at Columbia University in 2022 were foreign students. The university has significantly increased its foreign student population in recent years, with 17,202 foreign students enrolled in 2017 and 20,347 in 2022, an 18% increase.
Columbia University does not provide data on the exact number of international students on visas, but it does provide a breakdown of its foreign students by country of origin. In 2022, almost half of the foreign students came from China, with 9,961 enrolled students, while Indian students accounted for 2,357, and Canadian students came in third with 751 enrolled foreign students.
International students at Columbia University come from a diverse range of countries, with notable populations from China, India, and Canada. The university's website provides a comprehensive breakdown of its international student population by country of origin.
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International student popularity rankings
Columbia University in New York is a popular destination for international students. In 2022, there were 20,347 foreign students enrolled at the university, according to the latest DHS data at the time. This number shifted slightly to 20,321 foreign students in 2023, according to the university's website. This means that approximately 55% of students at Columbia University were foreign students as of 2022. This is a notable increase from 2017, when there were 17,202 foreign students enrolled.
Columbia University has actively shifted its student population to favour foreign students in recent years. In 2011, 25% of its student population was made up of foreign students, but by 2021, this had increased to 37%.
Columbia University is ranked highly for its popularity with international students. College Factual ranks Columbia 3rd out of 1,279 colleges and universities for popularity with international students overall. The university is ranked 1st out of 1,232 colleges for providing a quality educational experience to international students.
When looking at specific countries, College Factual ranks Columbia 3rd out of 1,079 colleges for popularity with students from China. For students from India, Columbia is ranked 34th out of 999 colleges. The university is ranked 5th out of 662 colleges for providing a quality educational experience to Indian students. Columbia is also ranked highly for popularity with students from Canada, South Korea, Singapore, Israel, and Greece.
The most popular degrees at Columbia for international students are Statistics, Liberal Arts and General Studies, and Business Administration and Management. International students make up about 16% of the students enrolled in Columbia College and the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS). The College of General Studies, which caters to non-traditional applicants, has a higher percentage of international students, at 24%.
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International student enrolment trends
Columbia University in New York City has witnessed a notable shift in its international student enrolment trends over the past decade. In 2011, international students constituted 25% of the student population, while by 2021, this figure had risen significantly to 37%. This increase aligns with the university's growing appeal to international students, solidifying its position as one of the top choices for students from across the globe.
As of 2024, Columbia University is home to nearly 35,000 students, with approximately 1,000 international students pursuing undergraduate studies across its colleges. The university's diverse and vibrant community includes international students from various countries, with China, India, and Canada being the top three contributors. The popularity of Columbia University among international students is evident, with the university ranking 3rd out of 1,279 colleges in terms of popularity with international students.
The undergraduate colleges, Columbia College and SEAS, together host around 6,700 students, with international students comprising about 16% of the enrolled students in these colleges. The College of General Studies, catering to non-traditional applicants, further enriches the university's international student population, with 24% of its students being international. This college is particularly attractive to international students who may qualify automatically due to mandatory military service in their home countries.
The most recent data from 2022 indicates that Columbia University enrolled approximately 20,300 international students, constituting 55% of its total student population. This number has grown significantly from 2017, when the international student population stood at 17,202. The university's commitment to a diverse and inclusive community is reflected in this consistent upward trend in international student enrolment.
Columbia University's international student body is diverse, with varying degrees of popularity among different nationalities. While Chinese students represent the largest group, with around 5,000 students in 2020, Indian students also have a strong presence, with approximately 900 students in the same year. The university is highly regarded by international students, ranking 1st out of 1,232 colleges for providing a quality educational experience, particularly for students from China, Canada, and South Korea.
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International student life and support
International students make up a significant portion of Columbia University's student body, with approximately 10,522 international students out of a total of 30,135 students as of 2020. This number increased to around 20,321 foreign students in 2023, making up about 38% of the student population. Columbia University is ranked highly for its popularity with international students, and it is committed to providing a quality educational experience to this diverse group.
The university offers a range of support services and resources specifically for international students to ensure their success and well-being. The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) is a dedicated resource for international students, assisting them with various administrative tasks such as visas, travel, and tax forms. This office is likely the first point of contact for international students, helping them navigate the complexities of studying in a new country.
In addition to the ISSO, Columbia University provides other forms of support for international students. The university recognises that transitioning to a new academic environment can be challenging, so it offers academic support and resources to help international students succeed in their studies. This may include tutoring services, writing centres, or other academic development programs tailored to the unique needs of international students.
The university also fosters a sense of community and belonging among international students through various student groups and organisations. These groups provide opportunities for social connection, cultural exchange, and shared experiences. International students can find support and friendship within these communities, making their transition to life in New York City smoother and more enjoyable. The College of General Studies, for example, caters to non-traditional students, including international students who may have had mandatory military service in their home country. This college offers a unique learning environment where students from diverse backgrounds pursue the same course of study, creating a shared academic experience despite their varied personal histories.
Additionally, Columbia University's location in the heart of New York City provides international students with a vibrant and culturally rich environment. The university's strong collegiate feel and defined campus are complemented by the dynamic urban setting, allowing students to explore diverse cultures, communities, and cuisines. The proximity to three international airports also facilitates international travel and enhances the appeal of the university for students from around the world.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2022, there were 20,347 foreign students enrolled at Columbia University, with the number dropping slightly to 20,321 in 2023. This means that approximately 55% of students at Columbia University were foreign students.
Columbia University is consistently ranked as one of the top 5 college campuses with the highest number of foreign students. In 2021, 37% of its student population was made up of foreign students, a significant increase from 25% in 2011.
The most popular degrees for international students are Statistics, Liberal Arts and General Studies, and Business Administration and Management.
Columbia University has an International Students & Scholars Office, which assists students with visas, travel, tax forms, and other administrative tasks.
International students applying to Columbia University should have near-perfect grades, with most first-year students in 2022 being in the top 10% of their graduating class. While there is no minimum GPA requirement, students with more than one or two "B" level grades usually struggle to get in.










































