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Visiting Students

Whether you’re seeking to take a deep dive into an area of interest or incorporate a cross-disciplinary perspective into your studies, the Visiting Students program offers students enrolled in a degree program at another institution the specialized, world-class instruction that you would expect in the Ivy League. Visiting students are enrolled alongside matriculated Columbia degree students, and earn credits that may be used towards graduation at your home institution.

As a student in the Visiting Student Program you will work with an advisor to create a customized schedule to reflect your individual academic and career goals from a selection of the 3,000+ University undergraduate and graduate courses available to you. If you are looking for a more structured curriculum you may apply to one of our structured programs open to visiting students. All visiting students have access to Columbia resources, including the libraries, writing center, academic advisors, fitness center, and student services. Learn more here.

Visiting students may enroll during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students interested in studying in the summer may do so for either six or 12 weeks and should visit our summer website for program options.

If you are a current high school student, you can kickstart your college education and experience Columbia University in the City of New York through our rigorous pre-college academic programs. High school students from all grades are encouraged to apply. To request information about or to apply to a program, visit the Programs for High School Students website.

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Tailor Your Experience Work with an admissions counselor to create a program of study aligned with your goals.
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100 Learn from Columbia's world-renowned faculty in 100 subject areas.
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3,000 Choose from more than 3,000 courses.

You are in the middle of New York City, but when you are on campus, it feels like another place. It feels like home instantly.

Catarina Guimarães de Mello — Columbia student from Brazil
Program Options
Program Option Required Experience Time Committment
Visiting Graduate Students

Currently enrolled in a master’s degree program at another university and in good academic standing

TOEFL IBT score of 100+, 7+ on the IELTS Academic or DET Duolingo English Test score of 130+ required 

A maximum of two terms plus Summer sessions

Continuation into the second term is contingent on successful completion of the first

Visiting Undergraduate Students

Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at another college or university and in good academic standing

TOEFL IBT score of 100+, 7+ on the IELTS Academic or DET Duolingo English Test score of 130+ required 

A maximum of two terms plus Summer sessions

Continuation into the second term is contingent on successful completion of the first

High School Students

Students in grades 9-12 and recent high school graduates

Eligibility varies by program

Ranges from one week to one academic year, depending on the program

Summer Session

Currently enrolled in a master's or bachelor's degree program at another college or university and in good academic standing, or U.S. bachelor’s degree or international equivalent.

TOEFL IBT score of 100+, 7+ on the IELTS Academic or DET Duolingo English Test score of 130+ required 

Six or 12 weeks of study

Connect with Us

Learn more about Visiting Students at Columbia University School of Professional Studies or contact the program advisor.

Request more information

Study with Us

As admissions to our program are highly competitive, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Learn more about the application process, deadlines, and requirements.

Academic Year:                     Summer Session:

212-854-9666                                               212-854-9666

visiting [[at]] sps [[dot]] columbia [[dot]] edu (visiting[at]sps[dot]columbia[dot]edu)                    summersession [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu (summersession[at]columbia[dot]edu)

* International students are responsible for ensuring they have read and understand the University’s student visa application eligibility and requirements. Please note that it is not permissible to enroll while in B-1/B-2 status. In addition, if studying on a student visa, you must enroll in the full-time option (12 credits per term), if available, and study on campus.