Columbia University Admissions 2026: Requirements, Application Deadlines & Fees

Columbia University ask for a GPA of 4 or above from Indian students. Students should fulfill the basic qualification and submit all the documents like ACT or SAT scores, transcripts, English language requirements, and more to increase the chances.

International students can take Columbia University admission by taking care of few factors of selection. The factors are test scores, GPA score, degree proof, proof of work experience, volunteer work, and English language requirements. With low acceptance rate, the Columbia admission are quite tough and students should perform excellent to increase their chances.

Columbia University provides test option for SAT and ACT score to international students. If students wish to submit it, they accept it as a part of selection process. Students who are choosing to submit the score should try to get above 1520 with good GPA, to improve the chance.

New York University and Columbia University are one of the best universitues in the world. The universitys are the bets in the city of New York. However, while they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universities. The below table compares the rankings, fees and acceptance rate of NYU and Columbia. Overall this information could be useful for students who are considering them.

Here is the comparison highlighting the differences between the Universities:

(The comparison of fees was between the BTech course for UG and the MBA course for PG)

Columbia University is test-optional for applicants to Columbia College or Columbia Engineering. Standardized testing is not a required component of the Columbia application. International students may choose to submit testing or choose not to submit test scores. Below are the testing policies for students who do choose to submit testing:

• Take either the ACT or the SAT

• Columbia does not consider the optional writing section

• Students can take standardized tests as late as November for Early Decision and January for Regular Decision

• International applicants and non-native speakers of English should refer to our English proficiency requirements:

1. TOEFL - A minimum score of 105

2. IELTS - A minimum score of 7.5

3. DET - A minimum score of 135

Major ranking providers like QS and Times Higher Education rank Columbia University among the top universities in the world while US News has ranked it among the top 15 Universities in the World for 2025. Given below are Columbia University world ranking as mentioned in the prominent rankings:

Students can also check the list of the World's Top 100 Universities 

The Columbia University tuition fees for international students is based on the programs and the year. The tuition fees is quite high for Indians, and lie between INR 51L and INR 59 L for UG and INR 20L and INR 1.23 Cr for PG. Students can check the table below for the tuition cost of popular programs:

Check below the requirements to get into Columbia University for Master in data science:

1. Eligibility Requirements

• Undergraduate degree

• Prior quantitative coursework (calculus, linear algebra, etc.)

• Prior introductory computer programming coursework

2. Application Requirements

• Online application

• Personal Statement

• Academic transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended

• Three recommendation letters

• Curriculum vitae / resume

• GRE General Test Scores are optional for the 2023 applications (optional)

• $85 non-refundable application fee

• TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic test scores, if applicable

Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most popular courses offered by Columbia Uni and students across the globe desire to pursue this course. Mentioned below are some interesting facts of the Columbia University MBA course:

• MBA course stands in the top 10 business schools across the world.
• Median salary of an MBA graduate of Columbia University is USD 175,000 per year.
• Columbia Business School (CBS) is about 12 km from New York City which paves the way for students to have one of the best job opportunities in the world. New York City is known as "door to success"
• Columbia University MBA is in seventh position in Forbes’ list of Best US Business Schools and sixth in US News’ Best Business School (US) list.
• Its core structure consists of two full-term courses and eight half-term courses, forming the foundational experience for its students. This core curriculum is designed to help students with a deep understanding of essential academic disciplines and practical skills for success in the competitive business world. 

Columbia University usually replies in 6 to 8 weeks, once applied for undergraduate or graduate studies. Students must make sure they fulfill the basic eligibility requirements and submit all the required documents before paying application deadline, and apply. The school of General Studies provide their decision in Mar of Fall intake and Oct of Spring intake. 

 Some of the tips for students starting their first-semester at the Columbia University are: