The second largest international student population on an American college campus. Over 90 countries represented among the undergraduate student body. More than 40 languages taught on campus and over 180 languages spoken every day in New York City. Over 150 study abroad opportunities. Dozens of research centers all over the world and on every continent including Antarctica. The world’s most international city. Global learning.

Columbia faculty are leading figures of the world who moderate and shape conversation. Filmmaker Mira Nair. Global economist Joseph Stiglitz. Literary genius and political leader Orhan Pamuk. United Nations advisor and economist Jeffrey Sachs. Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun recipient Carol Gluck. Eight Nobel Laureates currently teaching undergraduates.

The annual World Leaders Forum, in conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly, brings together countries from Azerbaijan to Zimbabwe. The Earth Institute is leading the world in addressing complex issues, with particular focus on sustainable development and worldwide poverty. The Committee on Global Thought generates ideas and activities to influence policy and research.

Columbia alumni have moved the world forward. Pixley ka Isaka Seme, co-founder of the African National Congress. Tang Shaoyi, the Republic of China’s first prime minister. Madeleine Albright, the first United States female Secretary of State. Milton Friedman shaped modern economic theory on monetarism. Will you be the next great global leader?

International Students

At Columbia, we recognize “international” has many definitions. This webpage is designed to help you find answers to questions specific to all “international” students - from students born abroad who have never been to the United States, to students from abroad who attended high school in the States, to American students going to school abroad and for all students who seek a global community. Columbians are citizens of the world.

Links

Columbia: An Introduction

Learn more about the undergraduate experience at Columbia and tour campus in a short film by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ric Burns, CC ’78.

Columbia and the World

Discover Columbia’s international scope and how our faculty, students and research are making a difference all over the world through groundbreaking initiatives such as the Earth Institute, the Committee on Global Thought, and the World Leaders Forum.

Overview of Programs Offered at Columbia

Start here to learn about all of the possible ways international students can study at Columbia University.

Admission for International Students

Learn about the holistic admissions process, testing requirements and how to apply.

Financial Aid for International Students

A link to Frequently Asked Questions about financial aid forms and procedures for international students.

International and Cultural Student Organizations

Columbia is one of the most diverse universities in the world. Learn about some of the many cultural clubs active on campus.

Society for International Undergraduates (SIU)

SIU sponsors many events and initiatives to help international students orient to campus, New York City and the United States, and to celebrate the many global perspectives in the Columbia community.

Language Study

Learn about studying one or many of the 40+ languages offered.

Study Abroad

Find out more about studying abroad in one of 150+ different programs.

International Research & Centers

Columbia sponsors innovative research and learning centers all over the world.