International Students

You must follow the additional application requirements detailed below if you are:

• applying from abroad

• a nonimmigrant international student already in the United States

• a nonnative speaker of English

• a permanent resident who has had a foreign education

Additional Application Requirements

1. Documents not in English must be accompanied by certified translations.

2. All nonnative speakers of English will be required to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency by taking the American Language Program (ALP) placement test at Columbia before registration.
   
   The ALP placement test is similar to the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and includes a test of writing skills. Students who have received a minimum score of 600 on the paper-based TOEFL (or a minimum score of 250 on the computer-based TOEFL) are likely to do well on the ALP placement test and may be allowed to take the academic course(s) of their choice in the Special Students Program. However, even those who score above the TOEFL minimum of 600 (or 250) may be required to study English in combination with one or more academic courses.
   
   Those who score below the TOEFL minimum are likely to be placed into one of two categories below, depending upon their score on the ALP placement test:

   1. Students who may take one or two subject-area courses in addition to full- or part-time English through the ALP.

   2. Students who may take an English language course in the ALP, but not any other course.

   ALP Placement Test Schedule and Fees

   Students should plan to take the ALP placement test at least one week before they plan to register. For the placement test schedule, contact the ALP.

   Fall: August and September

   Spring: January

   Summer Session: May, June, and July

   Additional tests are given at least once every month.

   Fee for Part I: $20
   Fee for Part II: $10

   For more information, contact the American Language Program

3. If you intend to enroll at Columbia as a full-time student and wish to have a student visa, you should complete the Application for Visa Certificate form and return it to the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). The ISSO will issue you a Visa Certificate (form I-20) upon your satisfactory completion and submission of the form together with the appropriate documentation.

4. You are strongly advised to apply by June if you hope to enroll in the fall term, by October if you hope to enroll in the spring term, and by March if you hope to enroll in the Summer Session.

Certain international students are required to pay an International Services fee. See Tuition and Fees for more information.

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