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Columbia University Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs
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International undergraduate students can take Columbia University admission in Early or Regular decision. The Early decision application deadline is Nov 1, 2025, where, Regular decision application deadline is in early Jan 2026. Graduate programs priority deadlines and regular deadlines in Jan 2026, and Feb 2026. Additionally, students can check Columbia University application deadlines along with financial aid and enrollment deferrals below:
First year applicants/ Undergraduate Deadlines:
Early Decision:
Application Deadline: Nov 1, 2025
Response Deadline (if admitted): Early January 2026
Regular Decision:
Application Deadline: Jan 1, 2026
Financial Aid Application Deadline: Feb 15, 2026
Admissions/Financial Aid Decision Release: Late Mar 2026
Postgraduate Deadline:
Columbia Engineering:
Master's Programs:
Priority deadline: Jan 15, 2026
Regular deadline: Feb 15, 2026
Columbia University Computer Science:
Spring: Oct 15, 2025
Columbia School of Professional Studies (SPS):
Certificate Programs:
Early application deadline: Oct 15, 2025(tentative)
Final deadline: Dec 1, 2025 (tentative)
Things to keep in mind before applying:
- Deadlines are generally Eastern Time (ET).
- International applicants must try to apply early to secure visas.
- Some programs have specific deadlines and decision release dates.
- Columbia University Admissions 2025
- How to get into Columbia University?
- Columbia University Enrollment Statistics 2025
- Columbia University Students review
- Columbia University Admission FAQs
Columbia University Admissions 2025
One of the top-ranked Ivy League universities, Columbia University is renowned for its research centers, distinctive and distinguished learning environment, excellence in teaching, and the large campus in New York City. Students are also compelled by Columbia University rankings and its campus. As per the Fall 2024 enrollment, over 57,000 students applied for Columbia University admission, of which over 2,000 were admitted and around 1,500 were enrolled.
The university offers a wide range of Columbia degree programs. The Columbia University majors include over 100 programs in specializations, such as Computer Science; Data Science; Sustainability Science; Applied Physiology; Business Analytics; Financial Engineering; Management Science and Engineering; and more.
The Columbia University cost for international students range between INR 50L and INR 57L for UG, and INR 19L and INR 1.2Cr for PG. However, there are various Columbia University scholarships available for international applicants to reduce the cost to some extent.
As per the official enrollment statistics for Fall 2023, the Columbia University acceptance rate was 4%. The low percentage shows that the university is extremely stringent during admissions and follows the toughest selection criteria to select the students for its class. Factors, such as class rank, rigor of secondary school record, academic GPA, application essay, recommendations, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities are prioritized during the selection process.
Also, check the Ivy League universities, courses, eligibility in the video given below:
Tips for a strong Columbia Application:
Columbia University reviews the application based on each part of the application submitted by the students. Some of the crucial factors on which students must work to increase their admission chances are:
Academic Performance: Columbia prioritizes students’ applications with a strong academic record, including a high GPA, challenging coursework, and a strong class rank.
Extracurricular Activities: Students must be involved in extracurricular activities, and volunteer work that can positively impact the community is a big factor
Standardized test scores: The university offers test options for the SAT/ACT. However, students must prefer to submit them if they score well.
Application Essays: Here, students must discuss their values, why they want to join, their achievements, why they should be them, their personality, and interests.
Recommendations: Students must be ready with two teacher recommendations. Strong letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors can positively impact admissions decisions.
Also Check: Study Guide to USA for International Students
Columbia University Admissions 2025 Highlights
International students can complete their Columbia University application process via the Common App/ Coalition App for UG and the Columbia University application portal for PG. Students must fulfill the basic eligibility and submit the required documents requested by the university. Once fulfilling the eligibility and submitting the necessary paperwork, students must pay the Columbia University fees to apply. Below are the Columbia University admission requirements for international students:
|
Particular |
Columbia University Info |
|---|---|
|
Application portal |
UG: Common App/ Coalition App on Scoir PG: University portal |
|
Application fee |
UG: USD 85 PG: USD 85- USD 150 |
|
Acceptance rate |
4% |
|
English language tests accepted |
|
|
Standardized tests required |
|
|
International application deadlines |
UG: Nov 1, 2025 (Early Decision) PG (Columbia Engineering): closed |
Columbia University Courses and Fees 2025
Columbia University offers more than 100 degree programs on the undergraduate as well as postgraduate levels in leading fields such as Arts, Business, Engineering, Medicine, Law, Sciences, and several more. Coming to the Columbia University admission fee varies depending on the level of study and the course chosen by the applicant. Check below the list of Columbia University admission requirements, 1st-year tuition fees, and duration:
Columbia University PG Programs and Requirements
|
PG Programs |
Academic Qualifications |
English Proficiency Requirements |
Documents Required |
Interview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(9 months-2 years) |
|
TOEFL: 99 - 114, IELTS: 7 & Above, GRE, PTE, Duolingo, GMAT |
|
Required |
|
(9 months-3 years) |
|
TOEFL: 99 - 114, GRE, IELTS: 6.5 - 7, PTE: 68 & Above, Duolingo: 134 & Above, GMAT |
|
Video interview required |
|
(9 months-5 years) |
|
TOEFL: 100 - 114, GRE, IELTS: 7 - 7.5, GMAT |
|
Not required
|
|
(9 months-2 years) |
|
TOEFL: 99 - 114, IELTS: 7 & Above, GRE, PTE, Duolingo, GMAT |
|
Required |
|
(1 year-4 years) |
|
TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo |
|
Not required |
Columbia University UG Programs and Requirements
|
UG Programs |
Academic Qualifications |
English Proficiency Requirements |
Documents Required |
|---|---|---|---|
|
(4 years) |
|
IELTS: 7 - 7.5, TOEFL: 100 - 105, Duolingo: 135 & Above |
|
|
(4-5 years) |
|
IELTS: 7 - 7.5, TOEFL: 100 - 105, Duolingo: 135 & Above |
|
|
(4 years) |
|
IELTS: 7 - 7.5, TOEFL: 105 & Above, Duolingo: 135 & Above |
|
|
(4 years) |
|
IELTS: 7 - 7.5, TOEFL: 105 & Above, Duolingo: 135 & Above |
|
|
( 4 years) |
|
IELTS: 7 - 7.5, TOEFL: 105 & Above, Duolingo: 135 & Above |
|
Also Read: Cost of living in the USA for Indian students
Columbia University Tuition Fees and Other Expenses 2025:
Columbia University tuition for international students is based on the program and level of study. For undergraduates, the tuition cost ranges between INR 51L and INR 58L, whereas the graduate tuition cost lies between INR 20L and INR 1 Cr. Along with the tuition, students must cover various expenses including housing, international service fee, health insurance, books and personal expenses, transportation, and more. However, students can avail need-based financial aid which typically include non-repayable Columbia grants and students work study opportunities. Students can check the tuition cost and cost of attendance below:
|
Courses |
1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
|
MS (56 courses) |
INR 28 L - 1 Cr |
|
MBA/PGDM (20 courses) |
INR 44 L - 78 L |
|
BE / BTech (14 courses) |
INR 50 L - 58 L |
|
MA (140 courses) |
INR 20 L - 73 L |
|
MIM (19 courses) |
INR 44 L - 78 L |
|
BA (56 courses) |
INR 57 L - 58 L |
|
Others PG (27 courses) |
INR 28 L - 99 L |
|
BSc (20 courses) |
INR 57 L - 58 L |
|
Particulars |
Cost of Attendance |
|---|---|
|
Tuition |
UG: USD 68,400 (INR 58 L) PG: USD 38,214 (INR 32 L) |
|
Housing and Food |
USD 16,800 (INR 14 L) |
|
Books and Personal expenses |
USD 3,742 (INR 3.1L) |
Also Check: Columbia University Rankings
Columbia University Application Deadlines 2025
Students from all over the globe can take admission to Columbia University in Spring, and Fall intakes or on an Early, Regular, or Priority basis. The Columbia University admission deadlines for undergraduates and graduates are given below:
|
School/college |
Early |
Regular |
Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Columbia School of General Studies(UG):
|
Nov 1, 2025 |
closed |
Closed |
|
Columbia College/ Columbia Engineering(UG):
|
Closed |
Closed |
- |
|
Columbia Engineering (MS/MBA):
|
- |
Feb 15, 2026 |
Jan 15, 2026 |
Also Read: Admission Intakes in US Universities
Columbia University Visa Requirements for International Students
International students must receive their I-20/DS-2019 and pay the SEVIS fee, after that, they must fill out their DS-160 visa application and schedule visa interview. Students must submit the following documents before attending the interview and get the review mail from the university:
- Passport
- D-160 Confirmation Page
- Valid I-20/DS-2019
- Copy of Columbia offer letter
- SEVIS fee receipt
- Financial documents
Also Read: USA Study Visa Requirement for Indian Students
Check out the below video of Columbia University for more Information:
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Columbia University offers applications to international undergraduate and graduate applicants at the start and end of the year. Undergraduate applicants can take Early or Regular admission, whereas postgraduate students' application deadlines vary based on the college and specialization. The UG and PG application deadline for international students are given below:
Particulars | Deadline |
|---|---|
Early Decision UG | Nov 1, 2025 |
Regular Decision UG | Jan 1, 2026 |
Columbia Engineering PG | Jan 15, 2026 |
Computer Science PG | Feb 15, 2026 |
Columbia School of Professional Studies (Early) | Oct 15, 2025 |
Columbia University MS Admissions 2024
Columbia University provides 9-month to 3-year Master's courses for international students in specializations such as Computer Science, Data Science, Neuroscience & Education, Sustainability Management, Environmental Science & Policy, and Statistical Genetics. The tuition fee ranges between INR 27L and INR 76 L. The basic eligibility criteria include a bachelor’s degree from an institution of acceptable standing, transcripts, GPA, GRE, essay, 3 LORs and Resume.
Eligibility Criteria
- Accepting Exams: TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, GRE, IELTS, GMAT
Commonly asked questions On MS Admissions
The university seeks students who can take advantage of Columbia's experience and will return something meaningful to the community. They prefer students whose interests, skills, goals, and values align closely with them. Columbia University looks at various academic and non-academic factors in international or domestic students. Some crucial factors along with their level of importance are discussed below:
Academic/Non-Academic Factors | Level of Importance |
|---|---|
Rigor of secondary school records | Very Important |
Class rank | Important |
Academic GPA | Very Important |
Application Essay | Very Important |
Extracurricular activity | Important |
Character/Personal quality | Very Important |
Columbia University MBA Admissions 2024
Columbia University provides 9-month to 2-year MBA courses for international students in specializations such as Business Analytics, Financial Engineering, Management Science & Engineering, Technology Management, Economics, Applied Analytics, Financial Economics, Enterprise Risk Management, Marketing Science, and Sports Management. The tuition fee ranges between INR 44L and INR 76 L. The basic eligibility criteria include a bachelor’s degree from an institution of acceptable standing, transcripts, GPA score, GMAT/GRE score, essay, Letter of Recommendation, and Resume.
Also Read: How to write Columbia MBA Essay?
Eligibility Criteria
- Accepting Exams: PTE, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, GRE, GMAT
How to get into Columbia University?
International students must start their application by fulfilling the eligibility criteria by focusing on academic performance, test scores, a strong essay, English language requirements, and other important factors. Students must also demonstrate their strong standardized test scores and engaging extracurricular activities. The Columbia University application process is given below:
- Students must fulfill their eligibility like aiming for a GPA of 4.1 or higher taking challenging courses, and showcasing consistent academic performance. The university provides test options, but it is recommended to submit the scores and fulfill the English language requirements (TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo).
Students must provide academic transcripts, a personal essay, and recommendations from teachers or counselors who can prove their academic and personal abilities. They must involve in some extracurricular activities to demonstrate their interest, leadership abilities, and achievements. - They can either apply through the Common app or Coalition Application, and submit academic history, essay, test score, English language score, and more.
- Once fulfill the requirements, pay the application fee of USD 85 (INR 7K) for UG and between around INR 7K -20K for PG
- The university will provide a response via mail. Students can expect their confirmation within a few weeks.
- The tuition fees range for UG is between INR 50L and 54L and for PG, it is between INR 23L and1Cr.
Also Read: How to get admission to Columbia University?
Commonly asked questions On Application Process
The Columbia University tuition fees for international applicants are based on the programs and the year of study. The tuition cost is quite high for Indians, and ranges between INR 51L and INR 59 L for undergraduate and INR 20L and INR 1.23 Cr for postgraduate. Students must make a separate budget for housing and food, books, and personal expenses, and more. Students can check the table below for the first-year tuition fees of popular programs:
Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
BBA (7 courses) | INR 58 L - 59 L |
B.E. / B.Tech (14 courses) | INR 52 L - 59 L |
B.A. (55 courses) | INR 58 L - 59 L |
M.A. (140 courses) | INR 20 L - 75 L |
MS (74 courses) | INR 28 L - 1 Cr |
MBA/PGDM (19 courses) | INR 45 L - 80 L |
Others PG (28 courses) | INR 28 L - 1 Cr |
B.Sc. (20 courses) | INR 58 L - 59 L |
MBA/PGDM6 (6 courses) | INR 52 L - 84 L |
Columbia University Enrollment Statistics 2025
According to Columbia University enrollment data for 2023 - 2024 international applications received by Columbia University was 57126 out of which 1454 students were enrolled in UG program. Below table includes Columbia University enrollment statistics for UG:
|
Particular |
Statistics 2022-2023 |
Statistics 2023-2024 |
|---|---|---|
|
Application Received |
60,374 |
57,126 |
|
Admitted Students |
2,255 |
2,284 |
|
Total Students Enrolled |
1,454 |
1,454 |
|
Yield Rate |
64.5% |
63.7% |
|
Acceptance Rate |
3.74% |
4.00% |
|
Ethnicity |
Ethnicity enrollment percentage Fall 2022 |
|---|---|
|
White |
32% |
|
Minority Enrollment |
46% |
|
Asian |
18% |
|
International |
19% |
|
Hispanic or Latino |
15% |
|
Black or African American |
7% |
|
Two or more races |
6% |
|
Unknown |
2% |
Commonly asked questions On Admission
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.
Columbia UniversityStudents Ratings & Reviews
2 Verified Reviews
- 67% students never faced discrimination in this university
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Columbia University Admission FAQs
Yes, Columbia University is known to offer athletic scholarships for a number of sports including American Football.
The scholarships are given on the basis of need & overall performance of a student & are available for NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NAIA & NJCAA.
As per data curated from unofficial sources, 34% athletes at the university are awarded scholarships.
Columbia University
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