Visiting Student Admissions

Program Options

Tailor your course plan to your unique needs by enrolling in the following programs:

• Visiting Undergraduate

• Visiting Graduate

• Visiting Postbaccalaureate

• Arts in the Summer

Visiting Focus Areas

Visiting Undergraduate, Graduate, and Postbaccalaureate students may elect to participate in a Focus Area, and upon successful completion will be awarded a certification of participation. 

Follow a more structured curriculum in one of Columbia’s programs leading to a certificate, Certification of Professional Achievement (CPA), or in an intensive language program:

• Critical Issues in International Relations CPA

• Human Rights CPA

• United Nations Studies CPA

• Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Certificate

• Quantitative Studies for Finance Certificate

• Arabic Summer Program

• Russian Practicum

Eligibility  

All students must be comfortable with rapid and idiomatic spoken English. Please review the English language proficiency requirements listed under Application Materials.

Visiting Undergraduate Program: Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at another institution and in good academic standing.

Visiting Graduate Program: Currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at another institution and in good academic standing.

Visiting Postbaccalaureate Program: U.S. bachelor’s degree holders or international equivalent.

Certifications of Professional Achievement Programs (CPAs): U.S. bachelor's degree or international equivalent, and undergraduate students who are rising juniors or seniors with strong academic records.

Certificate Programs: U.S. bachelor's degree or international equivalent.

Application Process

Courses frequently fill up before the application deadline, so students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Applications are processed on a rolling basis and will only be reviewed if all application materials have been submitted.

Start Your Application

• Step 1. Select your program option. If you are applying to the Visiting Undergraduate, Visiting Graduate, or Visiting Postbaccalaureate programs, determine if you want to participate in a Focus Area and if you are interested in University housing.
• Step 2. Gather your unofficial academic transcripts.
• Step 3. Create your account, submit your application, and review your application checklist to ensure all materials are submitted.
• Step 4. Receive your admissions decision, confirm intent to enroll in your application portal, and apply for housing (if applicable).
• Step 5. Submit your immunization documentation. International students must also submit an application or transfer application for and I-20 to Columbia ISSO. 
• Step 6. Meet with your advisor and register for class(es).

Checking Application Status

Please allow sufficient time after submitting your application before contacting the Office of Admissions about your application status. We encourage you to check your application status in the online application portal as often as you like. You will be notified via email when a decision letter is ready to be viewed in your application portal.

After submitting your completed application, you will receive an email notifying you that the decision is ready to be viewed within the application system. Once your application materials are complete, you should expect to receive a decision notification in 2 to 3 weeks.