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UNITED STATES · NEW YORK CITY

Columbia University

private · Founded 1754 · Languages: en

In short

Columbia University, an Ivy League institution founded in 1754, is a world-renowned research university located in New York City, consistently ranked among the top universities globally. It offers a rigorous education with a unique Core Curriculum and provides significant need-based financial aid to eligible students, including international applicants.

Key facts

Type: Private
Founded: 1754
Students: 36,000
International students: 976
Acceptance rate: 4%
Tuition (intl): €55–65k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: New York City, United States

Columbia University is an Ivy League research university founded in 1754 in New York City, consistently ranked among the top 35 universities worldwide. With 20 schools and affiliates, the university enrolls about 36,000 students and boasts over 100 Nobel laureates among its faculty and alumni. Columbia is renowned for its Core Curriculum, its professional schools in law, business, medicine, and journalism, and its unmatched location in Manhattan giving students access to global industries and cultural institutions.

Why study here

Ivy League prestige with a global top-35 ranking and over 100 Nobel Prize winners among faculty and alumni.
Unique Core Curriculum providing a rigorous interdisciplinary foundation shared by all undergraduates.
Unparalleled NYC location: access to Wall Street, Broadway, the UN, top hospitals, and leading tech and media companies.
World-class professional schools: Columbia Law, Columbia Business School, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia Journalism.
Strong need-based financial aid program — Columbia meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students.

Student life

Columbia's Morningside Heights campus offers a traditional collegiate environment within New York City. Students enjoy access to over 500 student organizations, a vibrant arts scene, NCAA Division I athletics (Columbia Lions), and all the cultural riches of Manhattan. The Manhattanville campus hosts the new Columbia Business School with LEED Platinum-certified buildings. Housing is guaranteed for undergraduates for four years, making it easier to establish roots in the city. The city itself is an extension of campus with internships, networking events, and cultural immersion available at every turn.

Fees

InternationalAnnual tuition for undergraduates is approximately $65,524 (2024–25). Graduate and professional school tuition varies: Columbia Business School MBA approximately $82,000/year; Law School approximately $74,000/year. All figures in USD.

HomeSame tuition as international; Columbia is need-blind for US students and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need.

LivingNew York City is expensive. Annual room and board on campus is approximately $16,500–$20,000. Total cost of attendance (including fees, books, personal expenses) is approximately $90,000+ per year.

Columbia operates a robust need-based financial aid program. Over 50% of undergraduates receive need-based aid. The average aid package for aided students exceeds $65,000/year. International students are eligible for need-based aid.

Admissions

UndergraduateCommon App or Coalition App with Columbia writing supplements; high school transcript; SAT/ACT (test-optional through at least 2026); two teacher recommendations; school counselor report; acceptance rate approximately 3.9%.

Graduate/ProfessionalVaries by school. Typically requires bachelor's degree, transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and standardized tests (GRE/GMAT/LSAT depending on program).

TransferAvailable for sophomore and junior year entry. Columbia-specific transfer application required.

TOEFL iBT100+ (105 recommended for some programs)

IELTS Academic7.0 overall (7.0 per band recommended)

Duolingo English Test120+ for most programs

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 202533

Times Higher Education World Rankings 202512

Shanghai ARWU 20248

US News & World Report National Universities 202512

University scholarships

Columbia Need-Based Financial AidAverage award over $65,000/year for aided undergraduates — meets 100% of demonstrated need

Columbia Scholarship for Displaced StudentsFull aid for students from conflict-affected regions

Graduate FellowshipsVaries by PhD program — many include full tuition and stipend

Accreditation

Columbia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Individual schools hold their own professional accreditations: AACSB and EQUIS (Business School), ABA (Law School), LCME (Medical School), and ACEJMC (Journalism School).

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,420/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Columbia University · United States

20th Century Latin America: Revolutions, Dictatorships, Globalization

This course delves into the complex socio-political landscape of 20th-century Hispano-America, exploring the forces of revolution, dictatorship, and globalization that shaped the region. It examines key historical events and figures, providing a critical understanding of the continent's recent past. The curriculum focuses on the interplay of political ideologies, economic changes, and their impact on societies.

Columbia University · United States

Advanced Architecture Tutorial

This course, the Advanced Architecture Tutorial, is offered as part of the M.S. Advanced Architectural Design program at Columbia University. It focuses on advanced architectural design concepts and practices. The tutorial is structured to be a full semester experience within the summer session, involving intensive studio work and design seminars.

Columbia University · United States

Advanced Certificate Programs

Teachers College offers Advanced Certificate Programs designed for individuals seeking specialized knowledge and skills beyond their initial degree. These programs provide focused study in various academic areas. Admission to an advanced certificate program does not guarantee future admission into a degree program. Importantly, advanced certificate students are not eligible for financial aid, housing, academic advisement, or student visa sponsorship.

Columbia University · United States

Advanced Studio VI

Advanced Studio VI is a core studio course required for students in their third year of the Master of Architecture (M. Arch) and M.S. Advanced Architectural Design programs. This studio focuses on advanced architectural concepts and design methodologies, providing students with an intensive design experience. The course is typically held over a full semester and is taught by faculty with significant expertise in the field. Admission to specific studio sections is often determined by a lottery system.

Columbia University · United States

Advanced Studio VI (ARCH4106-4)

Advanced Studio VI is a core studio course within the Master of Architecture (M. Arch) and M.S. Advanced Architectural Design (AAD) programs at Columbia University. This studio is designed for third-year students in these programs and is a required component of the curriculum. It is a full-semester course focused on advanced architectural design principles and practices. Students engage in intensive studio work, exploring complex design challenges under the guidance of faculty. The course is offered in multiple sections each spring semester, allowing students to choose a studio led by a specific faculty member whose research and teaching interests align with their own. This structure provides diverse perspectives and approaches to architectural design. The studio environment is collaborative and aims to foster critical thinking and innovative design solutions.

Columbia University · United States

AI and the Future of Cities

This course explores the profound impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, automation, and digital infrastructure on the evolution of cities. You will delve into the economic and political forces driving urban technology, investigate the spatial and environmental consequences of data centers and AI systems, and examine the shifting dynamics between the public sector, private companies, and communities. The course also considers how technological disruptions are influencing public policy related to climate, energy, and infrastructure. Additionally, it addresses how AI adoption may reshape work, leisure, and daily life, and what these changes mean for real estate, public spaces, mobility, and local economic development. Learning will involve case studies, guest lectures, and group projects to analyze the potential influence of AI on the future form and function of urban environments.

Scholarships

for United States

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Duke University

Karsh International Scholarship Program

Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.

University of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)

University of Miami Stamps Scholarship

Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.

QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship

Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.

Argonne National Laboratory

Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).

Boustany Foundation / Harvard Business School

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

What are the approximate costs for international students at Columbia University?

Annual undergraduate tuition is around $65,524 USD for the 2024-25 academic year. Graduate and professional school tuition varies significantly by program. Living costs in New York City are substantial, with on-campus room and board estimated between $16,500-$20,000 annually.

Does Columbia University offer financial aid to international students?

Yes, international students are eligible for Columbia's robust need-based financial aid program. The university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students, with average aid packages exceeding $65,000 per year for undergraduates.

What is the acceptance rate at Columbia University?

Columbia University has a highly selective admissions process. The undergraduate acceptance rate is approximately 3.9%.

What are the English proficiency requirements for international applicants?

For international applicants, Columbia typically requires a TOEFL iBT score of 100+ (105 recommended for some programs), an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 overall (7.0 per band recommended), or a Duolingo English Test score of 120+ for most programs.

What makes Columbia University unique for international students?

Columbia offers Ivy League prestige with a global top-35 ranking and over 100 Nobel laureates. Its unique Core Curriculum provides a rigorous interdisciplinary foundation, complemented by its unparalleled New York City location, offering access to global industries and cultural institutions.

Last updated 3 July 2026