Regular Decision - Foreign

2012-2013 Application Process for Regular Decision Applicants

Admission is not need-blind for Foreign Students (see the Admissions website), meaning that the admissions committee takes into consideration how much financial aid a student requires when rendering an admissions decision.  Although financial aid is available for foreign students, candidates should be aware that their applications are read in a more selective process than are other candidates’.  Columbia admits a large number of foreign students who receive a substantial amount of financial aid.

The following information will help you determine which applications and forms you need to complete and the dates you should submit them. In order to submit your application materials by the March 1st due date, you may need to estimate some of the information.

Foreign citizens who are also US Permanent Residents should refer to the instructions for Eligible Non-Citizens. 

Please include our COVER SHEET with all documents to insure proper coding and filling.

Foreign Students Whose Parents Live Outside the US

Required Forms

How to Apply

Due Dates

CSS Profile

Complete the 2012-2013 CSS Profile online.
CSS School Codes: 2116

Profile data will be sent electronically from CSS to Columbia so you do not need to send us copies or printouts of your application.

We use the PROFILE Form to collect accurate, consistent information and to minimize the possibility for data entry errors. If the cost associated with the PROFILE Form is going to present a significant financial burden for your family, you may request permission to use an alternative form. Please send an email to cc-seas-aid@columbia.edu that provides the following information: 

  • Your country of residency
  • The number of family members who live in your parents' household
  • Your family's total 2011 income from all sources in US dollars
  • The equity (value minus debt) of your family's assets in US dollars
  • The exchange rate that you used to convert your currency to US dollars

We will review the information and respond to you by email.

March 1, 2012

Most Recent Tax Returns

Submit signed copies of your and your parents' most recently completed income tax returns (including all schedules and any business returns) to the following address:

Financial Aid & Educational Financing
Columbia University
1130 Amsterdam Avenue
100 Hamilton Hall, MC 2802
New York , NY 10027

Or FAX to 212-854-5353.

Remember to include our COVER SHEET with all documents.

If a tax return is not filed in your country, please provide a current statement of earnings from your parents' employers that state their yearly earnings.

All tax/income documents (if not already in English) should be translated into English but report all figures in local currency.

March 1, 2012
Non-Custodial Taxes and Financial Information

Both Custodial and Non-Custodial Parents should submit Tax Returns to Columbia; Non-Custodial Parents will also be required to submit additional information about their financial circumstances.  Please contact our office at cc-seas-aid@columbia.edu  to request further instructions on submitting the additional Non-Custodial forms.

If you think there will be difficulty in meeting this deadline, you must contact the financial aid office to discuss your extenuating circumstances.

March 1, 2012

Foreign Students Whose Parents Live Inside the US

Please note that as a non-US Citizen or Permanent Resident you do not complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Required Forms

How to Apply

Due Dates

CSS Profile

Complete the 2012-2013 CSS Profile online.

CSS School Codes: 2116

Profile data will be sent electronically from CSS to Columbia so you do not need to send us copies or printouts of your application.

March 1, 2012

2011 Tax Returns & W-2 Forms

Submit signed copies of your and your parents’ 2011 tax returns (including all schedules, W-2 forms, and any business returns) to the following address:

Financial Aid & Educational Financing
Columbia University
1130 Amsterdam Avenue
100 Hamilton Hall, MC 2802
New York , NY 10027

Or FAX to 212-854-5353.

Remember to include our COVER SHEET with all documents.

If you or your parents will not file a 2011 federal tax return, you/they must submit a Student/Parent Tax Non-Filer certification (available from our Downloads page) and provide a current statement of earnings from your parents’ employers that states their yearly earnings.  All tax/income documents (if not already in English) should be officially translated into English.

If 2011 federal income taxes are not available by March 1, 2012, please submit 2011 W-2 forms and 2010 federal income tax returns (personal and business returns: including all schedules and W-2 forms). Please note that a financial aid award will not be finalized until the 2011 federal income tax returns have been reviewed by the Columbia financial aid office.

Please do NOT send state income tax returns.

March 1, 2012

Non-Custodial Taxes and Financial Information Both Custodial and Non-Custodial Parents should submit Tax Returns to Columbia; Non-Custodial Parents will also be required to submit additional information about their financial circumstances.  Please contact our office at cc-seas-aid@columbia.edu  to request further instructions on submitting the additional Non-Custodial forms. March 1, 2012