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Private · United States

Columbia University

Ivy League in the heart of New York City

#20
QS Rank
1754
Founded
~30%
Intl. students
~4%
Acceptance
Official website ↗Find a consultant →Study in United States

About Columbia University

Columbia is an Ivy League university in Manhattan, strong in journalism, business, engineering, international affairs, and the sciences, with the resources of New York City on its doorstep.

💰 Tuition Fees for International Students

Undergraduate
USD 65,000–70,000/year
Postgraduate
USD 50,000–85,000/year (varies)

Fees are indicative for international students. Verify current rates on the university's official website.

📋 Entry Requirements

IELTS7.0+ overall
PTE68+
GPAHighly competitive

🌏 Life as an International Student

📍 Location
New York, NY, United States
💼 Working while studying
On-campus up to 20 hours/week; off-campus only via CPT/OPT
🎓 After you graduate
OPT — 12 months (up to 36 months for STEM fields)
🏥 Health cover
Private health insurance is required (~US$1,500–2,500/yr).
💰 Living costs
US$12,000–20,000 per year
🗓️ Main intakes
Fall (main) and Spring

Country-level guidance for international students. Visa, work and cost figures change — confirm current details with Columbia University and the United States immigration authority.

Popular Programmes

Computer ScienceBusinessJournalismInternational Affairs (SIPA)Engineering

🎓 Scholarships Available

  • Need-based undergraduate aid
  • Graduate fellowships and assistantships
  • School-specific awards

Also check: government and national scholarships →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Columbia a good choice for students who want to be in a big city?

Yes. Columbia is located in New York City, giving students direct access to finance, media, the arts, and the United Nations for internships and careers.

Where is Columbia University located?

Columbia University is located in New York, NY, United States.

Can international students work while studying at Columbia University?

United States generally allows students to work on-campus up to 20 hours/week; off-campus only via CPT/OPT. On-campus roles — library, admin or research-assistant work — are often available too. Always confirm the work conditions attached to your student visa.

Can I stay and work after graduating from Columbia University?

Yes — United States offers a post-study work pathway: OPT — 12 months (up to 36 months for STEM fields). Eligibility and length depend on your course and level, and immigration rules change, so confirm the current policy before relying on it.

How much should I budget for living costs at Columbia University?

Plan for roughly US$12,000–20,000 per year in living costs on top of tuition. New York, NY can run above or below that national range depending on rent and lifestyle.

Do I need health insurance to study at Columbia University?

Private health insurance is required (~US$1,500–2,500/yr). Build this into your budget before you arrive.

When are the main intakes at Columbia University?

United States's main university intakes are Fall (main) and Spring. Apply well ahead of your intended start — popular intakes and scholarships fill early.

🎯

Need help applying to Columbia?

A verified consultant in your country can guide you through the application, documents, and visa process.

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