Admission is not need-blind for International Students (see the Admissions website), meaning that the admissions committee takes into consideration how much financial aid a student requires when rendering an admissions decision. Although financial aid is available for international students, candidates should be aware that their applications are read in a more selective process than are other candidates’. Columbia admits a large number of international students who receive a substantial amount of financial aid.
The following information will help you determine which applications and forms you need to complete and the dates you should submit them. In order to submit your application materials by the March 1st due date, you may need to estimate some of the information.
International / non-domestic citizens who are also US Permanent Residents should refer to the instructions for Eligible Non-Citizens.
Please include our COVER SHEET with all documents to insure proper coding and filling.
2013-2014 Application Process for Regular Decision Applicants
International Students Whose Parents Live Outside the US
| Required Forms | How to Apply | Due Dates |
|---|---|---|
CSS Profile | Complete the 2013-2014 CSS Profile online. Profile data will be sent electronically from CSS to Columbia so you do not need to send us copies or printouts of your application. We use the PROFILE Form to collect accurate, consistent information and to minimize the possibility for data entry errors. If the cost associated with the PROFILE Form is going to present a significant financial burden for your family, you may request permission to use an alternative form. Please send an email to cc-seas-aid@columbia.edu that provides the following information:
We will review the information and respond to you by email. | March 1, 2013 |
Most Recent Tax Returns | Submit signed copies of your and your parents’ most recently completed income tax returns (including all schedules and any business returns) to the following address: Financial Aid & Educational Financing Or FAX to 212-854-5353. Remember to include our COVER SHEET with all documents. If a tax return is not filed in your country, please provide a current statement of earnings from your parents’ employers that state their yearly earnings. All tax/income documents (if not already in English) should be translated into English but report all figures in local currency. | March 1, 2013 |
CSS Noncustodial Profile (Only required if your parents are divorced, separated, or were never married.) and Noncustodial Tax Returns | If you indicated on the CSS Profile that your parents are divorced, separated, or were never married, your non-custodial parent will need to complete the CSS Noncustodial Profile. You will be sent an e-mail containing a link and login instructions for the Noncustodial Profile website that you will need to forward to your noncustodial parent for completion by March 1. Please have your noncustodial parent forward to Columbia their 2012 federal income tax return as soon as it has been completed, (including all schedules, attachments, and any business returns), preferably no later than March 1, 2013. If you think there will be difficulty in meeting this deadline, or if you have an unusual or complicated situation, you must contact the Columbia financial aid office to discuss your extenuating circumstances. | March 1, 2013 |
2013-2014 Application Process for Regular Decision Applicants
International / Non-Domestic Students Whose Parents Live Inside the US
Please note that as a non-US Citizen or Permanent Resident you do not complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
| Required Forms | How to Apply | Due Dates |
|---|---|---|
CSS Profile | Complete the 2013-2014 CSS Profile online. CSS School Codes: 2116 Profile data will be sent electronically from CSS to Columbia so you do not need to send us copies or printouts of your application. | March 1, 2013 |
2012 Tax Returns & W-2 Forms | Submit signed copies of your and your parents’ 2012 tax returns (including all schedules, W-2 forms, and any business returns) to the following address: Financial Aid & Educational Financing Or FAX to 212-854-5353. Remember to include our COVER SHEET with all documents. If you or your parents will not file a 2012 federal tax return, you/they must submit a Student/Parent Tax Non-Filer certification (available from our Downloads page) and provide a current statement of earnings from your parents’ employers that states their yearly earnings. All tax/income documents (if not already in English) should be officially translated into English. If 2012 federal income taxes are not available by March 1, 2013, please submit 2012 W-2 forms and 2011 federal income tax returns (personal and business returns: including all schedules and W-2 forms). Please note that a financial aid award will not be finalized until the 2012 federal income tax returns have been reviewed by the Columbia financial aid office. Please do NOT send state income tax returns. | March 1, 2013 |
| CSS Noncustodial Profile (Only required if your parents are divorced, separated, or were never married.) and Noncustodial Tax Returns | If you indicated on the CSS Profile that your parents are divorced, separated, or were never married, your non-custodial parent will need to complete the CSS Noncustodial Profile. You will be sent an e-mail containing a link and login instructions for the Noncustodial Profile website that you will need to forward to your noncustodial parent for completion by March 1. Please have your noncustodial parent forward to Columbia their 2012 federal income tax return as soon as it has been completed, (including all schedules, attachments, and any business returns), preferably no later than March 1, 2013. If you think there will be difficulty in meeting this deadline, or if you have an unusual or complicated situation, you must contact the Columbia financial aid office to discuss your extenuating circumstances. | March 1, 2013 |