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MS Courses at Columbia University
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Last updated on 7 Nov '25Columbia University MSWhat's new?
Below is the application deadline for Columbia University’s master's in Science courses. The University provides an array of courses under the MS program. Below is Columbia University’s admission deadline for the 2025 Intake:
Columbia Engineering:
Master's Programs:
- Priority deadline: Jan 15, 2026
- Regular deadline: Feb 15, 2026
Columbia School of Professional Studies (SPS):
Certificate Programs:
- Final deadline: Dec 1, 2025 (tentative)
Also check: University Application Process for the USA.
Columbia University Masters Program Overview 2026
Columbia Uni offers 9 to 24 months of MS program depending upon department and course chosen. Some professional programs like Journalism and Business Analytics may require 12 - 16 months to complete course.
Some most popular specializations opted for by Indians are Data Science and Business Analytics, Computer Science and Engineering Management, Finance and Financial Engineering, Public Health and International Affairs, Journalism, Architecture and Urban Planning. Tution cost of these programs lie between INR 29L and INR 94 L and living expenses may range between INR 15L and INR 20.6L per year. An MS in Columbia Uni is ideal for students aiming for Ivy League academic prestige and global exposure and seeking STEM OPT benefits. New York City is a global hub for Finance, Consulting, Media, and Tech, which is also reason why students give preference to Columbia MS. Also, the course is suitable for applicants with career goals in fields such as Data Science, Public Policy, Business Analytics, or Journalism.
Who is eligible to join the MS at Columbia University?
International students must hold a UG degree with a strong academic record from a reputable and known university or equivalent to be admitted to Columbia. They must show their English language proficiency by submitting the scores of IELTS and TOEFL. The university also demands a GRE or GMAT score for most programs, relevant work experience, and foundational knowledge. In addition to fulfilling the basic eligibility requirements, students must submit some mandatory documents. The following are the requirements for the Masters in Science program. Applicants must provide the following:
- A statement of academic purpose (SOP)
- Applicants must have a list of all their prior colleges or universities, accompanied by unofficial transcripts from each school. However, unofficial transcripts should be uploaded with the applicant's application.
- Three letters of recommendation: Applicants must enter the names of their recommender directly in the application, and they will receive a link to upload a letter on the applicant's behalf.
- Applicants must submit their Resumes and CV
- A USD 85 application fee for PG applicants
- A standardised test scores
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Columbia University does not set any minimum eligible scores for international students who want to join the MS programs. But, it is needed for the students to make sure to score above 320 on the GRE and over 700 on GMAT for successful admission.
Also, students who scored nicely and performed well academically and were involved in relevant internships may get some sort of relief in standardized test scores. So yeah! at the end of the day, without sugarcoating Columbia is tough to get into for international students, and that is why they must get much higher than the recommended scores.
Columbia University does not ask for work experience for most of the programs, particularly in
Engineering,
Computer Science,
Applied Science, where they prioritize academic excellence.
But, there are programs such as Business Analytics, Financial Engineering, or Management Science that mandate submission of relevant experience, internships, or research exposures. In addition, Columbia prefers students who have leadership potential, problem-solving ability, and real-world experiences.
With 4% acceptance rate, Columbia University offers tough admission to international students. To improve the chances of selection, students must take care of a few things that can also help to build a strong profile. Students can check the mandatory things below to improve their selection probability:
- Aim for high academic scores, including CGPA, GRE/GMAT, and English language proficiency, and more.
- Submit a well-written Statement of Purpose that includes all the goals and achievements.
- Ask professors to provide a letter of recommendation who know the students' abilities.
- Involved in leadership roles, gained relevant experience, international conference, and more to display the ability.
Columbia University MSPopular courses
1
Columbia University MSFees details 2026
| Fee components | Amount (for 9 months - 18 years) |
|---|---|
INR 29.28 L - 93.96 L | |
INR 15.73 L - 18.71 L | |
INR 3.27 L - 4.41 L | |
INR 1.02 L - 1.18 L | |
INR 7.57 K - 11.02 L | |
INR 49.38 L - 1.29 Cr |
These are estimated fees information. Actual values may differ.
Columbia University MS Application Process 2025
Below is the application process for MS process:
The first step one is to application Process can be made through the Columbia portal.
(www.gradengineering.columbia.edu/graduate-admissions/apply)
Then, check your requirements thoroughly and see if your current qualifications are recognised.
Later, you should meet the entry requirements checklist before applying:
- Transcripts of your degree.
- A minimum score of 7.5 and above in IELTS
- SOP ( Things you need to know about SOP)
- LOR ( letter of recommendation)
- Creative Portfolio ( Audition depending on your chosen course )
- Resume/ CV
- An Application fee of USD 85 ( INR 7,050)
- Entrance exam ( you just take GRE or GMAT, LSAT, MCAT) if you're planning to apply for the required programs.
- Step 4: Make sure your English requirements meet the standards of the University.
Step 5 is that you can submit your application after your requirements are ready.
The application fee might vary depending on the programs and courses the applicant chooses. However, for MS the application fee is USD 85 If the applicant can’t afford the application fee, they can waive it.
At the end of the application process, after submitting the application, applicants can check their status by logging in with their credentials through the Columbia portal.
MS Acceptance Rate
The Columbia University acceptance rate for the MS programme is around 4%. International students require a good GPA and academic profile to get into the university. Applicants must check their admission documents thoroughly to get selected.
To be admitted to the MS program at Columbia it is recommended to have a strong academic profile, including competitive scores in the GMAT or GREs. However the admission process at Columbia takes a holistic approach, considering multiple factors in the student's profile. These factors include Leadership, Work experience, essays, LOR and interviews that the students give during their admission process.
Columbia University MS English Language Proficiency Exams
International students must submit a proof of English Language proficiency to be considered for Columbia University admission ( especially non-english speaking countries). Students can demonstrate that they are proficient in English by submitting the English proficiency test scores.
|
English proficiency test |
Scores |
|---|---|
|
TOEFL |
A minimum score of 105 |
|
IELTS |
A minimum score of 7.5 |
|
DET |
A minimum score of 135 |
Columbia University MS Admission deadlines 2025
Below are the application deadline for Columbia University’s Masters in Science courses. The University provides an array of courses under the MS program. Below is Columbia University admission deadline for 2025 Intake:
Priority deadline: Jan 15, 2026
Regular deadline: Feb 15, 2026
Columbia School of Professional Studies (SPS):
Certificate Programs:
Early application deadline: Oct 15, 2025(tentative)
Final deadline: Dec 1, 2025 (tentative)
Columbia University MS
Compare MS at Columbia University with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 29.2 L - 93.67 L | #15 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 46.02 L - 55.37 L | #1 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 28.16 L - 84.34 L | #55 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 38.42 L - 75.33 L | #4 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 28.19 L - 37.29 L | #879 US News, 2023 | |
| INR 19.01 L - 80.72 L | #7 US News, 2026 |
Compare
Columbia University Popular Masters Specializations
Columbia University offers various master's programs to international students. The popular specializations are Industrial Engineering, Actuarial Science, Economics and Education, Data Science, Computer Science, Pharmaceutical Statistics, Business and Economics, etc. The tuition cost of these programs ranges between INR 29L and INR 94 L. Students can check the table below for the popular Columbia specializations with the tuition cost:
|
Popular Programs |
Tuition Cost in INR |
|---|---|
|
Industrial Engineering |
INR 49 L |
|
Actuarial Science |
INR 48 L |
|
Economics and Education |
INR 47 L |
|
Data Science |
INR 44 L |
|
Computer Science |
INR 51 L |
|
Pharmaceutical Statistics |
INR 55 L |
|
Business and Economics |
INR 61 L |
Columbia University MS Ranking
Columbia University has been consistently ranked well in engineering. In 2025, it secured 95 place in the QS Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering Ranking, improving from previous year which was 108th place. Its programs in Engineering and Technology, Business Analytics, as well as computer science, also received a notable ranking. These Rankings reflect as a good and reputable university in terms of MS and Engineering courses.
|
Ranked By |
2024 |
2025 |
|---|---|---|
|
QS - Engineering and Technology [10] |
44 |
50 |
|
QS - Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering Rankings |
108 |
95 |
|
Master's in Business Analytics |
NA |
6 |
|
THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering [11] |
25 |
28 |
|
PG Computer Science |
24 |
26 |
|
THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science [11] |
24 |
26 |
Columbia University Cost of Living
Below is the cost of living at Columbia University. However, the cost of living might vary as it totally depends on the individual and their spending. However, check out the below table:
1st year tuition fees
|
Fees components |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition & fees |
INR 49,00,759 |
Other expenses in 1st Year
|
Fees components |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Insurance |
INR 3,76,631 |
|
Transportation |
INR 94,800 |
|
Application Fee |
INR 7,050 |
|
Total |
INR 4,78,481 |
Columbia University MSExplore Other Courses
Columbia University MSStudents Ratings & Reviews
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The GRE is optional for doing an MS at Columbia University, but international students are required to meet certain admission requirements.
You should have a UG degree with English language requirements like IELTS or TOEFL.
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James Gunn is among those to have attended Columbia. He graduated with a Master of Fine Arts, having pursued his UG studies at St. Louis University.
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The youngest president in US History, Theodore Roosevelt Jr. is among those to have attended Columbia. He joined the Columbia Law School in 1880, before leaving his education midway to pursue a career in politics.
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| Size of city | Large |
| Population of City | 86,22,697 |
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