American Language Program

Admission and Application

The American Language Program is open, without regard to race, creed, color, national origin or sex, to all students who are at least 17 years old.

To apply, send the materials detailed below to:

American Language Program
Columbia University
504 Lewisohn Hall
Mail Code 4113, 2970 Broadway
New York, NY 10027
U.S.A.

Required Application Materials

1. Completed application form:

   In order to download and print the application form, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.

   English for Professional Purposes: Business

   English for Professional Purposes: Law

   All Other Programs

   Download Adobe Acrobat

2. U.S. $50 nonrefundable application fee (check or money order drawn from a U.S. bank—international money orders, credit cards, wire transfers and bank drafts are not accepted).

   No application will be processed without this fee.
   

Instructions for Student Visa (F-1) Applicants

You must enroll in a full-time course (20 hours or more per week) in order to qualify for the student visa.

If you enter the U.S. on the American Language Program's I-20, and that I-20's duration of stay is 3 to 12 months, you must study at the American Language Program for at least 3 months before you will be permitted to transfer to another school or university.

If you require a student visa, please send the following items along with your completed application and application fee at least three months before your expected study date:

1. Bank statement (dated within the last three months). You must show that you have at least $3100 per month to live and study at Columbia University

   Tuition and Fees

2. Sponsor letter (dated within the last three months)

   If you are sending your own bank statement, you do not need to send this letter.

   If someone (your mother, father, brother, aunt, friend or employer) is supporting you in your studies in the U.S., you do need to send this letter.

   In the letter, your sponsor should say that he or she promises to fully support you financially in your studies at the American Language Program.

3. Photocopy of your passport name and date-of-birth page

Once your completed application and accompanying materials and fees have been received and processed, you will receive a U.S. government I-20 A-B form. Bring the I-20 A-B form, along with your letter of acceptance and original financial documents, to a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country to apply for a student (F-1) visa.

All students must take the ALP English Placement Test (EPT) upon arrival. There is no minimum score required for admission. You may call or e-mail the ALP office in advance to make an appointment to take the test.

English Placement Test Information and Schedule

The American Language Program is a member program of University and College Intensive English Programs (UCIEP), of the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP), and is accredited as part of Columbia University.

Return to Continuing Education