SPS International
Updated: August 26, 2026
Below you will find information, tools, and opportunities available to you as an international student at the School of Professional Studies.
International students must consult Columbia’s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) for the most current information and guidance on visa, immigration, travel, and related compliance matters.
Please visit the ISSO website or contact ISSO directly with any questions about your individual circumstances.
International Student Orientation- Fall 2026:
Thursday, September 3rd, 2026 | 1:30-4:30pm EST
View the Slideshow
View the Recording
International Student Hardship Fund
International students who are facing unanticipated costs may request support for the following reasons:
- Unanticipated housing or living expenses related to unexpectedly remaining in the U.S. rather than traveling due to visa or travel uncertainty (i.e., continuing to rent in New York rather than going home during a break due to travel concerns or concerns related to the new Fixed Time Period Rule).
- Unanticipated travel expenses due to changing visa or travel guidance (i.e., canceled or changed flights due to shifting geopolitical factors).
- In September/October 2026 only, the fund can be used to support the following students affected by the new advisories narrowing eligibility of CPT authorization:
- Students who received an email directly from ISSO on August 31 with the announcement that their CPT authorization was affected by the August 12 and August 24 advisories. This includes students with paid internships whose CPT approval was canceled, and those students whose approval for a paid internship was issued between August 12 and August 24, who then chose to drop their previously arranged internship.
- Students who have documented proof of a paid internship for Fall 2026, but who had not yet submitted a CPT request to ISSO, or whose request was denied in early September. These students must demonstrate that the August CPT advisories made a previously guaranteed internship impossible to pursue via CPT.
Ineligible expenses include standard visa processing fees, family or financial situations that are not related to shifting geopolitical factors.
International Student Humanitarian Fund
Grants are available to students from countries undergoing hardship as identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in their Special Student Relief list and World Health Organization Humanitarian Crises list, both of which are updated when new events warrant the inclusion of a country and/or region.
Students are only eligible to apply for one award.