International Applicants

1. Visit us if you can.  General campus tours can be arranged with the College's Undergraduate Admissions Office.  Also, we have two Graduate Open Houses per year- one in the fall and one in the early spring.

2. Check deadlines. They vary by program.  We only admit for the fall semester.  Please note that it usually takes a minimum of eight to ten weeks after the deadline to receive an admissions decision.

3. Complete the application. Your application should include the application form, self-assessment essay, resume, recommendations, and transcripts from your previous institutions (if your transcripts are from schools outside of the United States, you will also need to submit a credential evaluation).  Check your program-specific checklist for special requirements, such as work samples. Remember!  We cannot return a work sample unless we have pre-paid mailing materials.

4. Complete the International Supplemental Application.  Please refer to the International Student Information Packet for instructions. The International Student Information Packet contains the supplemental application and all other supplemental forms needed for immigration purposes.

5. Complete the Certificate of Sponsor Form (This form should be completed only if someone else is providing funding for your graduate education, they will need to complete this form and have it notarized).

6. Certificate of Sponsor Providing Free Room & Board (This form should be completed only if you have a sponsor providing free housing for you while studying here in Chicago.  The form should be accompanied by a photocopy of the lease or deed of the property.)

7. Submit official financial documents.  Official bank letter/statement must state that you and/or your sponsor have funds to be used for your educational and living/personal expenses, a minimum balance of $35,714 and it must be dated within 6 months of the start of the semester.  Please refer to the International Student Information Packet for more information.

8.  Complete the Immigration Pre-Transfer Verification Form.  (Only complete this form if you are currently in the United States on a F-1     visa.)

9.  Submit an official TOEFL score.  If English is not your first language, a minimum score of 100ibt, 250cbt, or 600pbt is required.  Scores should be sent to Graduate Admissions.  We do not accept IELTS scores.

Questions?  Call 312.344.7260 or email us at gradsch@colum.edu

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