Home › Colleges › USA › Columbia University
12%
Acceptance rate
~$53k
Tuition / yr
7
IELTS required
30%
Intl students
1754
Founded
#23
QS World rank
Ivy League in the heart of NYC. This guide covers Columbia University's courses, fees, English & academic requirements, scholarships, the step-by-step admission process, student-visa and post-study-work rules, and tips to get in — everything in one place.
▶ Predict my admission chances (free)📚 Courses & programs at Columbia University
Columbia University is best known for Finance, Data Science, Journalism. Popular programs for international students include:
- MS Computer Science
- MS Data Science
- MBA
- MS Financial Eng
- MS Electrical Eng
Class profile: Highly selective intake.
✅ Entry requirements
| IELTS (Academic) | 7 |
| TOEFL iBT | 94 |
| PTE Academic | 65 |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 |
| GRE | Optional |
| GMAT (MBA) | 730 |
| Min GPA / grade | 3.5/4.0 |
| Work experience | 2–4 yrs (MBA only) |
💡
Below the English score? Don't pay to find out — take a free full-length IELTS mock (or PTE / TOEFL) and see your gap instantly. Full breakdown: IELTS score for Columbia University.
💰 Fees & cost of studying
| Tuition (international) | $50–56k/yr |
| Application fee | $50–100 |
| Living costs (est.) | $12,000–20,000/yr |
| Scholarships | Merit + dept assistantships |
Plan your budget for tuition + living + health insurance + the visa fee. Compare funding with the free scholarship finder.
📝 Step-by-step admission process
- Shortlist programs & note GRE/GMAT policy
- Take IELTS/TOEFL + GRE/GMAT if required
- Prepare SOP, 2–3 LORs, CV & transcripts
- Apply online (Fall deadlines Dec–Jan)
- Pay application fee; submit
- Receive decision → I-20 → F-1 visa
📄 Documents checklist
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- 2–3 Letters of Recommendation
- Resume / CV
- GRE/GMAT (if required)
- IELTS / TOEFL
- Application fee
- Passport copy
- Financial proof (I-20)
🛂 Student visa & post-study work · USA
- Student visa: F-1 student visa
- Work while studying: 20 hrs/week on-campus during term; full-time in breaks
- Post-study work: OPT: 12 months (36 months for STEM degrees)
🎯 Tips & tricks to get admission
- Beat the bar. With about 12% acceptance, aim above the minimums — target IELTS 7.5+ and a strong GPA, and lead with research, projects or publications.
- Write a tailored SOP. Name the exact program and 1–2 professors/labs at Columbia University and connect your background to them — generic essays are the #1 reason strong profiles get rejected.
- Hit the English score first. Columbia University needs IELTS 7 / TOEFL 94 / PTE 65. Take a free full-length mock to find your weakest section before you book the real test.
- Prepare finances early. Budget for tuition ($50–56k/yr) plus living costs ($12,000–20,000/yr); visa officers want clear, stable proof of funds.
- Apply in the right intake. Columbia University's main intakes are Fall (Sep) & Spring (Jan) — applying 4–6 months ahead keeps scholarships and on-campus housing open.
📅 Intakes & deadlines
| Intakes | Fall (Sep), Spring (Jan) |
| Typical deadline | Dec 15 (Fall) |
| Acceptance rate | 12% (competitive) |
All figures are indicative and change year to year — always confirm on the official site (columbia.edu) before applying.
Frequently asked questions
- What IELTS score do I need for Columbia University?
- Columbia University typically requires IELTS 7 (TOEFL 94, PTE 65). GRE: Optional.
- How much does Columbia University cost?
- International tuition is approximately $50–56k/yr, plus living costs of $12,000–20,000/yr. Application fee: $50–100.
- What is the acceptance rate at Columbia University?
- Columbia University has an indicative acceptance rate of about 12% (Highly selective intake).
- What are the intakes and deadlines at Columbia University?
- Intakes: Fall (Sep), Spring (Jan). Typical deadline: Dec 15 (Fall).
- Is Columbia University hard to get into?
- Columbia University is competitive, with an indicative acceptance rate of about 12%. Aim above the minimum scores and build a standout profile.
- Does Columbia University require GRE or GMAT?
- GRE: Optional. GMAT (for MBA): 730. Always confirm the exact policy for your specific program on the official site.
- Can I work after studying at Columbia University?
- OPT: 12 months (36 months for STEM degrees) (USA). You can typically also work part-time while studying: 20 hrs/week on-campus during term; full-time in breaks.
- What documents do I need to apply to Columbia University?
- Typically: Academic transcripts, Statement of Purpose, 2–3 Letters of Recommendation, Resume / CV, GRE/GMAT (if required), IELTS / TOEFL, Application fee, Passport copy, Financial proof (I-20). Check program-specific requirements before applying.