Lori Meadows
Columbia College welcomes international students from more than 25 countries, offering them a diverse and multicultural community. The college defines an international student as a foreign-born person without US citizenship, residency, or permanent residency status. The admissions process for international students is largely the same as for domestic students, with applications evaluated within the context of their secondary school and personal experiences. International applicants must submit various documents, including academic transcripts, test scores, and financial records, and may be eligible for scholarships and visas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of an international student | An international student is a foreign-born person who is not a citizen, national, or permanent resident of the United States. |
| Application process | Columbia's admissions process is largely the same for everyone, regardless of citizenship or country of residence. |
| Application requirements | International students must submit official transcripts, educational records, and test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo). They may also need to submit additional documents, such as a passport, visa, and proof of financial support. |
| Admissions criteria | Columbia admits students without regard to citizenship status. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic performance, personal experiences, and cultural background. |
| Visa requirements | International students may need an F-1 Visa or a J-1 Visa, depending on their student status. Columbia College can issue the Form I-20 to assist students in applying for the F visa. |
| Financial aid | International students at Columbia College are automatically considered for the Columbia Excellence Award, a merit-based scholarship. |
| Acceptance rate | The acceptance rate for Columbia College is 3.9%, making it competitive to gain admission. |
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What You'll Learn
International student definition
An international student is a student who chooses to undertake higher education in a country other than their own. The definition of an "international student" varies from country to country.
In the context of Columbia College, an international student is a foreign-born person who is not a citizen, national, or permanent resident of the United States. This includes individuals who have been granted asylum or refugee status in the United States. Applicants who have applied for residency or citizenship must provide all necessary application materials to be considered for international admission until residency or citizenship is granted.
Columbia College's admissions process for international students involves demonstrating college readiness and providing additional documents, such as official bank documents, to prove eligibility to receive an I-20 Form from the college. International students seeking an I-20 Form are eligible for undergraduate admission through the Main Day Campus or Denver Campus only.
The college welcomes international students with academic credit from other institutions. To be considered for admission, students typically need to present a minimum cumulative grade point average from previous university-level coursework. Columbia College reviews applications from international students on a case-by-case basis, taking into account their secondary school context and personal experiences, including their cultural background and where they have lived.
International students bring diversity and a range of perspectives to the college, enriching the educational experience for all students.
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Application process
Columbia College does not have a separate application process for international students. The college's admissions process is largely the same for everyone, regardless of citizenship or country of residence. The college welcomes applications from international transfer students.
To be considered for admission, international students must complete the Admissions Procedures and demonstrate college readiness. They must also provide proof of English proficiency and meet the requirements for new freshmen, transfer freshmen, and transfer students. This includes evidence of successful completion of secondary school (high school equivalency) from an accredited institution. Official transcripts must be provided within 90 days of enrollment and can be submitted electronically or by mail.
International students must also submit additional documents to prove eligibility to receive an I-20 Form from Columbia College. These documents include official bank statements to provide evidence of adequate financial support (in US dollars) for one year of study.
Columbia College encourages international applicants to use the Common App and submit all necessary documents by the specified deadlines. An application essay is required, and a photocopy of the applicant's passport or current visa should be uploaded or emailed to ensure the correct spelling and order of their name. Official transcripts from each school attended should be sent directly to the college, and the applicant must utilize World Education Services (WES) to complete a comprehensive report of their previous academic record.
Columbia College evaluates applications holistically, considering all parts of the application, including the personal statement, transcript, school report, and teacher recommendations. There is no "cut-off" GPA or test score for admission, and academics are considered alongside the full application. The college seeks to identify students who will benefit from and contribute to the Columbia experience.
For applicants to Columbia College's Main Campus Day Program, internal and external exam results, such as A Levels, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced Placement (AP) exams, must be submitted if required for secondary school completion. Columbia College accepts all secondary school curricula and reviews applications within the context of the student's curriculum.
Columbia College is a highly selective institution, receiving numerous applications each year. The college considers each application in relation to others, striving to bring together a diverse community of students with varying interests, ideologies, and identities.
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Required documents
International students applying to Columbia College must submit a range of documents as part of the admissions process. While there is no separate application for international students, they are required to provide additional documentation to prove their eligibility and readiness for college.
Firstly, international students must submit official educational records of their high school, secondary school, or college/university work. This includes official or certified true copies of educational records that demonstrate the successful completion of secondary education. A "leaving certificate" or "graduation certificate" may also be required, along with official English translations for records not in English.
Secondly, international students must prove their college readiness by submitting scores from standardised tests. Columbia College accepts scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo tests.
Thirdly, international students must demonstrate English language proficiency. While there is no specific score requirement, students must submit official transcripts in English. Columbia College requires the use of World Education Services (WES), a third-party credential evaluation service, to assess a student's previous academic record.
Additionally, international students seeking an I-20 Form from the College must submit further documentation. This includes a completed I-20 request form, a photocopy of their passport, and evidence of financial support for one year of study. The specific documents required may vary depending on the applicant's status and visa type.
It is important to note that Columbia College has specific deadlines for receiving all required documents, which are typically four to five weeks before the start of the fall or spring semester, respectively. International students are encouraged to use the Common Application and can expect an application fee of up to $205 for document evaluation.
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Visa requirements
International students at Columbia College, Missouri, are categorized as individuals who are not citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States. International students are required to submit a range of documents as part of the admissions process, including official bank documents, transcripts, and proof of English language proficiency.
Columbia College is a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school, and its Designated School Officials (DSOs) can issue the Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) to assist eligible students in applying for the F-1 visa. International students must submit the following documents to receive an I-20 form and be considered for admission:
- Official bank documents demonstrating evidence of adequate financial support (in U.S. dollars) for one year of study at the College.
- Official transcripts of previous academic records. Transcripts not in English must include an official English translation.
- Scores from English language proficiency tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.
- Photocopy of passport or current visa.
- Certification of Finances form, indicating the maximum resources available for study in the US.
International students must also complete a full sequence of university-preparatory studies and present a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 from previous university-level coursework to be considered for admission.
It is important to note that Columbia College does not extend admission to undocumented persons, except for students who are currently granted classification as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Additionally, Columbia College does not issue visa documents for international non-degree-seeking students.
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Scholarships and financial aid
Columbia College welcomes international students with academic credit from other institutions. In general, students who present a minimum of 2.0 cumulative grade point average from previous university-level coursework are considered for admission. The college also accepts all secondary school curricula, including International Baccalaureate, Cambridge A Levels, and National School curricula.
Columbia College provides financial aid packages to meet the needs of its students. Scholarships are awarded to both US and international students. These scholarships are based on academic merit and other varying factors. All Columbia College scholarships and grants are awarded based on the availability of funds.
Columbia College also offers athletic scholarships, which can be combined with merit scholarships. These are selectively awarded by the Athletic Department to students participating in one of the college's 17 NAIA athletic programs and eSports.
Additionally, the Art/Music Talent Scholarship is available to incoming students majoring or minoring in Art or Music. Students must apply for this award.
Need-based aid is also available as institutional aid, awarded based on a student's financial need. The Ivy Grant amount is based on a student's calculated financial need and can only be applied toward tuition. To be considered for this grant, a student must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
For admitted international students, Columbia College commits to meeting 100% of a family's demonstrated need. The average award for international financial aid recipients is $79,375, usually including a Columbia grant and a student work-study job.
International applicants must indicate their plan to apply for financial aid when submitting their admission application. If admitted without requesting financial aid, international students may not change their status to apply for aid, even if their financial circumstances change. An international student whose family experiences a severe and unforeseen change in circumstances may apply for financial aid at any time, and such requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
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Frequently asked questions
An international student at Columbia College is defined as a foreign-born person who is not a citizen, national, or permanent resident of the United States, nor an individual who has been granted asylum or refugee status.
International students applying to Columbia College must submit official transcripts, test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo), and proof of financial support. They may also be required to submit a "leaving certificate" or "graduation certificate". All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.
Yes, Columbia College offers the Columbia Excellence Award, which is a merit-based scholarship for incoming international students. There are also over 30 internal scholarships available for both undergraduate and graduate international students.
Yes, Columbia College welcomes international students from more than 25 countries and is committed to celebrating diversity and multiculturalism. The college has one of the most internationally diverse student bodies in the country.
The acceptance rate for Columbia College and SEAS combined is 3.9%, making it one of the most competitive undergraduate programs in the country. However, Columbia College does not discriminate based on citizenship status and evaluates all applicants based on their academic merit and personal experiences.
