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Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of frequently asked questions from across the offices supporting Columbia College and Columbia Engineering collected here in one place for your convenience. You can browse by topic/department or search by keyword.

International Student Programs and Services, Prospective International Students

I want to study in the U.S. Where do I start?

Students interested in studying in the United States can start researching the process by using their secondary school’s resources (like a college or career office if one exists) or the nearest EducationUSA office. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers resources on the Study in the States website for further browsing.

What does Columbia require to apply?

If you are applying to Columbia College or The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science as an undergraduate candidate, please read the Application Requirements. As an international student, it is important to read the section for International Student Admission and the frequently asked questions for international students.

What are the financial aid options for an international student?

Columbia does offer financial aid to international students (non-U.S. citizens). The Columbia Undergraduate Admissions reviews international students applying for admission with financial aid through a need-aware process, which means the chances of being admitted with funding are competitive. Those who seek financial aid must apply at the same time they apply to Columbia for admission. Students without U.S. citizenship or U.S. Permanent Resident status who are not admitted with financial aid are not eligible to apply for financial aid once at Columbia; however students admitted with financial aid are guaranteed 100% of financial need based on the financial aid application. Please see the Financial Aid website for information regarding the application process.

Residential Life, Prospective International Students

I am applying to one of Columbia's graduate schools. Who can I contact with questions?

If you are applying to one of Columbia University’s graduate programs, you can search the University admissions website by for the appropriate contact page. If you need to locate a program please search by school or department.

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