Enrollment Next Steps

In order to secure a place in the program you must complete the enrollment form within the online application system.

Complete and submit the application for the form I-20 to the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). Please note that this is only required of international students requiring a student (F-1) visa. If you are not a United States citizen or permanent resident, you must be a full-time student at Columbia in order to be eligible for a student (F-1) visa. If you have questions about the visa application process you can email the ISSO at newintlstudent [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu (newintlstudent[at]columbia[dot]edu).

Fee payment must accompany the online application.

A housing application link with log-in information is provided to students upon admission. SPS students have the opportunity to apply for housing through Columbia Residential.

Visit our students portal to learn about SPS Housing options and how to apply.

How to Apply for SPS Housing

Before being permitted to enroll, new students must provide official verified transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended for academic credit. The submission of these documents is required in the manner outlined here.

FOR VISITING UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

For each institution attended, you must provide an electronic transcript directly from the institution to transcripts [[at]] sps [[dot]] columbia [[dot]] edu (transcripts[at]sps[dot]columbia[dot]edu). The transcript must reflect the completion of any in-progress study reflected on transcripts provided for admissions consideration. If your prior institution does not offer electronic transcript transmission, you must write to transcripts [[at]] sps [[dot]] columbia [[dot]] edu (transcripts[at]sps[dot]columbia[dot]edu) with the link to your prior U.S. or international institution’s web page concerning transcript orders to confirm that paper is the only option and obtain permission to submit a paper transcript.

FOR VISITING GRADUATE STUDENTS

For each U.S. institution attended, you must provide an electronic transcript directly from the institution to transcripts [[at]] sps [[dot]] columbia [[dot]] edu (transcripts[at]sps[dot]columbia[dot]edu). Among these transcripts must include a transcript showing the conferral of your bachelor’s degree and the completion of any in-progress study reflected on transcripts provided for admissions consideration. If your prior institution does not offer electronic transcript transmission, you must write to transcripts [[at]] sps [[dot]] columbia [[dot]] edu (transcripts[at]sps[dot]columbia[dot]edu) with the link to your prior U.S. institution’s web page concerning transcript orders to confirm that paper is the only option and obtain permission to submit a paper transcript.

Official transcripts from prior academic institutions outside the United States must be submitted through World Education Services, Inc. (WES) as a course-by-course evaluation. If a WES transcript was provided reflecting in-progress study, a follow-up WES course-by-course evaluation showing the complete academic record and degree conferral is required.

Your UNI is created three to five business days after we receive your tuition deposit. To activate your UNI, click the “Activate Your UNI or LionMail Account” option on the Manage My UNI page. If you are unable to look up your UNI using the available search tool and more than five business days have passed, please contact apply [[at]] sps [[dot]] columbia [[dot]] edu (apply[at]sps[dot]columbia[dot]edu).

*Applies to in-person or hybrid students only. Does not apply to fully online students.

New York State Law requires that all students document their immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. To do so, you must submit the Columbia University Measles, Mumps, and Rubella form to the Columbia Health Immunization Compliance Office and confirm your Meningococcal Meningitis decision online.

Read more about immunization requirements.

Register for classes by following these instructions. Review the academic calendar for a comprehensive list of registration dates and other important deadlines.

All SPS students are expected to complete online pre-orientation requirements through Canvas, our premiere learning management system. Canvas modules include Academic Integrity, Campus Policies and Procedures, Haven - Sexual Assault Prevention Training, University Welcome, Career Competencies, International Student Services, Office of Student Life, Student Success Tips, University Health Services, Public Safety, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, and Gender-Based Misconduct. Failure to complete the designated required sections will result in a registration hold on your student account which will prevent you from registering for classes. New students will receive an email with details on how to access and complete the tutorials.

To ensure your academic and professional success, all students are expected to take part in New Student Orientation. Students will receive an email invitation that includes registration instructions.

To access libraries and secure campus locations, to purchase services at campus cafés and the University bookstore, and to take advantage of cultural discount programs in New York City, you must have a Columbia ID card. Read the instructions on how to submit your photo to the ID Center.

The Sexual Respect and Community Citizenship Initiative was created by students, faculty, and administrators, and asks students to examine the link between sexual respect and membership in the Columbia community. The goal is to reinforce, for all Columbia students, that sexual respect is integral to being a member of this University community. The initiative takes place during your first semester on campus. You will receive an email with details on how to fulfill this requirement.

Again, there will be a required program orientation prior to the start of the program. At orientation you will receive additional information relevant to your new role as a student at Columbia University including details about and instructions for registering for classes.

If you are enrolling full-time (12 credits or more each term), you must confirm your enrollment in the Basic level of the Columbia Student Medical Insurance Plan, upgrade your selection to the Comprehensive level, or request a waiver. If you are enrolling in fewer than 12 credits each term, you may opt into receiving health insurance through Columbia, but are not required to do so.

Your E-bill statement will be available through Student Services Online (SSOL). You will receive an alert at your Columbia email address indicating that it is available. Please visit the Student Financial Services website to find out more about financial aid and tuition payment options.