Columbia University: what international applicants need

What are Columbia University's application deadlines for 2026–27?

Columbia University has 2 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Decision on November 1, 2026 and Regular Decision on January 1, 2027.

• Early Decision is binding: if you're admitted, you commit to attend and withdraw your other applications.
• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is Columbia University's acceptance rate?

4% for students who started in fall 2024: Columbia University admitted 2,400 of its 60,115 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does Columbia University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

No. Columbia University is test-optional for 2026–27: you decide whether to send SAT or ACT scores.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Early Decision deadline (November 1, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• For the Regular Decision deadline (January 1, 2027), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is December 5, 2026: scores on December 18, 2026, registration by November 20, 2026 (late registration November 24, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for Columbia University?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 770–800 in Math and 740–780 in Reading and Writing (45% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 34–35.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is Columbia University's application fee for international students?

Columbia University's application fee is $85 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

Does Columbia University accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

Yes. Columbia University accepts the Common App fee waiver and doesn't limit it to US students.

• Your eligibility is confirmed through the Common App, usually with your counselor.

Which English tests does Columbia University accept?

Columbia University lists the TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, Duolingo English Test, and Cambridge English as accepted English proficiency tests for 2026–27.

• Columbia accepts your English without a test if English is your home language, if your school has taught in English for all of secondary school, or with SAT Reading and Writing 700+ or ACT English or Reading 29+. Otherwise a test is required: TOEFL 105, IELTS 7.5, Duolingo 135 or Cambridge 191 minimum. Source · checked September 25, 2026
• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

Does Columbia University accept the Duolingo English Test?

Yes. The Duolingo English Test is among the English tests Columbia University accepts for 2026–27.

How many recommendation letters does Columbia University require?

Columbia University requires 2 teacher recommendations and a counselor recommendation for 2026–27.

• It also asks for a mid-year report with your first-semester senior grades.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does Columbia University require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. Columbia University requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.

• It also asks for a portfolio, for some programs or for all applicants: check its site.

Does Columbia University have supplemental essays in 2026–27?

Yes. Columbia University asks 6 supplemental questions for 2026–27, on top of the Common App personal essay.

• Source · checked September 25, 2026

How many international students does Columbia University have?

1,879 of Columbia University's 9,164 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 20.5%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does Columbia University cost for international students?

Columbia University's published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $71,845, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $17,580. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $92,373 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source

Does Columbia University give financial aid to international students?

Yes. In 2024-25, Columbia University gave institutional scholarships or grants to 244 international undergraduates.

• Number of international students aided: the university's Common Data Set 2024-25 Source