International Students

Important

International students are applicants and admitted students who are not United States citizens or permanent residents. This information applies to the Summer Term only.

  1. Application Deadlines
    International students must submit completed applications to the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs at least 12 weeks before the beginning of the session or term the applicant wishes to attend.

    Applicants are strongly advised to apply by March for admission to the Summer Term.

  2. Translation of Documents
    Documents not in English must be accompanied by certified translations.

  3. English Language Proficiency
    Applicants who are non-native speakers of English, regardless of whether or not they have studied in schools where the instruction is in English, are required to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency either by taking the American Language Program (ALP) placement test at Columbia or by submitting recent (no older than two years) official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). (Use school code 2594 to report TOEFL scores.)

    Applicants must have a score of at least 600 on the paper version of the TOEFL, 250 on the computer version, or 100 on the Internet-based version to be considered for admission. The admissions committee may consider verbal scores from the SAT, the ACT, or the GRE in making admissions decisions if TOEFL scores are unavailable.

    Applicants who are admitted on the basis of TOEFL scores may be required to validate their scores by taking the ALP placement test at Columbia before registration. If the ALP test reveals insufficient preparation in English, students will be required to follow a course of English study in the ALP until satisfactory proficiency is attained-that is, until they are promoted to ALP level 10. If the ALP test reveals insufficient preparation in English, students will be required to follow a course of English study in the ALP until satisfactory proficiency is attained—that is, until they are promoted to ALP level 10.

    The ALP placement test evaluates language skills on a scale of 1 to 10. Part I of the ALP placement test is similar to the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Part II includes a test of writing skills. Students who score a 9 or 10 on Part I of the test must confirm their proficiency level by taking Part II of the test. Applicants who score below 9 on Part I are not required to take Part II.

    Applicants will be given access to courses based on their test scores in the following manner:

    1. Final score of 10: students will be allowed to take the academic course(s) of their choice through the School of Continuing Education .
    2. Final score of 7-9: students may take one or two subject-area courses in addition to full- or part-time English language courses through the ALP.
    3. Final score below 7: students may take ALP English language courses exclusively.

    ALP English Certification Test Schedule and Fees

    Applicants should take the ALP certification tests before they submit their applications. Test are given frequently during the following months:

    Fall: August and September
    Spring: January
    Summer: May, June, and July

    At other times, tests are given at least once every month.

    Fee for Part I: $20
    Fee for Part II: $20

    View the English Certification Placement Test schedule.

    For more information, see the American Language Program English Certification Test and the American Language Program.

  4. Visas and Registration Requirements
    People admitted to study at Columbia University who are not United States citizens or permanent residents must be a full-time student at Columbia - registered for at least 6 points of credit-bearing courses in a six week session or 12 points of credit-bearing courses in the entire 12-week summer term - in order to be eligible for a student (F-1) visa.

    Eligible international students who wish to apply for an F-1 visa should do so immediately after they have received their letter of admission to the School of Continuing Education by contacting the International Students and Scholars Office at Columbia (below) at least three months before the first day of class. Students will then be sent information about obtaining an F-1 visa. Once in the United States in F-1 status, students must register for at least 12 points of credit-bearing courses, including courses to be taken in the second session, during the first registration period, May 17-27, and remain so registered throughout the course of the academic term. If a student neglects to do this, or if a student falls below the 12-point minimum during the course of a term, the student will be reported in violation of F-1 regulations to the United States Department of Homeland Security.

    Visitors to the United States in B-1, B-2, WB or WT status are not allowed to enroll in classes at Columbia 's School of Continuing Education.

    International students who require a student (F-1) visa to study at Columbia are required to pay an International Services fee.

    For questions about individual cases please contact:

    International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)
    212-854-3587
    isso@columbia.edu
    www.columbia.edu/cu/isso