Study at Columbia University | Admission, Fees, Scholarships & Loans

QS Ranking

#38

Established

1754

Students

21,608

International

28%

Columbia University

New York City, New York, United States

Columbia University, established in 1754 as King's College, is a prestigious research university renowned for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant scholarly community. It offers a diverse array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across multiple disciplines, fostering innovation and leadership in a global context.

Middle States Commission on Higher Education

QS Rank

#38

Programs

227

Highlights

Key Highlights for Indian Students

University Type

Private Ivy League Research University

Global Ranking

Ranked 38 globally

Available Intakes

Fall and Spring intakes available

Popular Programs

Includes Engineering, Business, Medicine, Data Science, Economics

Scholarships and Aid

Need-based financial aid; limited merit scholarships

International Student Support

Support available for international students

Advantage

Indian Student Advantage

#38

QS World Rank

~6.5K

Indian Students

PROGRAMS OFFERED

227

Columbia University offers strong international student support, making it easier for Indian students to transition and thrive in a new environment.

The university has a vibrant Indian Student Association, providing a sense of community and networking opportunities for Indian students.

Columbia boasts a strong alumni network in India, with notable figures in various fields, enhancing connections for current students.

The extensive internship opportunities available due to its NYC location and strong alumni network can significantly boost employability for Indian students.

The university's focus on research across multiple disciplines offers Indian students valuable opportunities to engage in innovative projects.

United States Study Guide

Everything you need to know about studying, working, and thriving abroad.

Strong Alumni Network

Alumni Network

Intakes

Fall, Spring

Employment Rate

Approx. 80%

Average Salary

₹2,500,000 - ₹3,500,000 per year (approx. $30,000-$42,000 USD)

Internship Opportunities

Extensive with NYC location advantage; strong alumni network

Top Hiring Companies

Google, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, Amazon, McKinsey & Company

Global Alumni

Strong network with several thousand alumni in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship%

Indian Alumni

Indra Nooyi (former CEO, PepsiCo), Raghuram Rajan (former RBI Governor), Fareed Zakaria (journalist)

Comparison

Balanced Assessment

Compare benefits and challenges before choosing this university

Why Consider

5 points

Diverse Program Offerings

Columbia offers popular programs in engineering, business, medicine, and data science.

Strong Research Funding

The university secures over $1 billion annually for research across various fields.

Extensive Internship Opportunities

Benefit from NYC's location and a strong alumni network for internships.

International Student Support

Columbia provides dedicated support for international students, including Indian students.

Need-Based Financial Aid

Columbia offers need-based financial aid and limited merit scholarships for students.

Things to Consider

3 points

Intake Timing

Columbia University offers intakes in Fall and Spring, with the next intake scheduled for August 2025. Prospective students should plan their application timelines accordingly.

Eligibility Criteria

Many graduate programs at Columbia require or recommend the GRE, while most MBA applicants need to submit a GMAT score. A competitive minimum GPA is typically above 3.7/4.0, and some programs may have additional strea...

English Language Proficiency

International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through accepted tests. Minimum scores include 65+ for PTE, 7.0+ for IELTS (with no band less than 6.5), 100+ for TOEFL, or 120+ for Duolingo.