International Freshman/Transfer
An international student at Columbia College Chicago is an individual who is neither a citizen nor a permanent resident of the United States, or any individual who is “in process” to receive U.S. permanent residency.
The instructions below are for both international freshmen and international transfer students.
A freshman student is an individual who has completed or will complete high school/secondary school or GED, by the time he or she has enrolled at Columbia, and who has not earned college credit after high school.
A transfer student is an individual who has earned college credit after high school/secondary school but has not completed a baccalaureate degree.
Columbia’s own application is available online.
Ready to apply?
Go directly to Columbia’s Admissions Application.
Planning to live on campus?
Go to the Housing Application.
- Essay
Question1 Essay Question - Recommen-
dation1 Letter of Recommendation - English
ProficiencyProof of English Proficiency - Application
Fee$100 Application Fee - Educational
RecordsCertified Educational Records - Portfolio
SamplesTalent, ability, & accomplishments - Financial
Documentation*Official Financial Documentation - Immigration
Documents*Immigration Status Documents - Immunization
Records*Official Immunization Records
* Denotes additional documentation needed for the I-20 that is not due until after a student is admitted to the college.
Complete the online application and essay question
Essay question options:
- Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
- Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.
- Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.
- Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.
- A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you.
- Topic of your choice.
Official or Certified True Copies of Educational Records (Transcripts, Mark Sheets, or School Records)
Students must submit all official educational records of high school, secondary school, or college/university work. Official educational records not written in English should include an English translation when possible.
If applying as a freshman
Applicants must submit official or certified true copies of their educational records demonstrating successful completion of a high school or secondary education as noted above. In some cases this may require applicants to submit a “leaving certificate” or “graduation certificate” along with their translated, certified educational record. Official educational records not written in English should include an English translation when possible.
If applying as a transfer student
Applicants must submit official or certified true copies of their educational records demonstrating successful completion of a high school or secondary education as noted above. In some cases this may require applicants to submit a “leaving certificate” or “graduation certificate” along with their translated, certified educational record. Official educational records not written in English should include an English translation when possible.
Additionally, transfer applicants are required to submit official transcripts from any colleges previously attended.
We are unable to accept transcripts sent directly from the individual applicant. Transcripts sent via e-mail must be sent directly by the issuing institution.
Proof of English Language Proficiency
Proof of English language proficiency is required for admission into the College’s undergraduate degree program if English is not your country’s primary language. This can be demonstrated by submitting at least one of the following:
- An official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of at least 200 CBT (computer-based test) or 80 composite IBT (internet-based test) is recommended
- Successful completion of the US equivalency of high school where the primary language of instruction was English
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of at least 6.5 is recommended
- TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) score of at least 725
- Evidence of completion of at least one semester of university-level coursework in English Composition at an accredited college/university in the United States with a grade of “C” or better
We are unable to accept transcripts sent directly from the individual applicant. Transcripts sent via e-mail must be sent directly by the issuing institution.
Portfolio Samples
The Admissions committee welcomes the submission of portfolios that may help the Admissions Committee better understand an applicant’s talent, ability, or accomplishment in his or her intended major. Portfolio submission is not required, but is encouraged.
You may submit your portfolio samples at colum.slideroom.com.
Financial Documentation
For F-1 and J-1 visa issuing purposes, you must submit evidence of adequate funding to meet Columbia College Chicago’s estimated tuition and living expenses. Proof of sufficient funds from reliable and renewable sources to cover the first year “cost of attendance” is required.
International students who will not require an F-1 or J-1 visa to study in the United States do not need to submit financial documentation.
Please determine your cost of attendance with the current cost of attendance budget. If you are married and plan to bring your spouse and/or children, proof of additional funds will be required.
Financial documentation includes:
- Original certified or notarized “Certificate of Sponsorship”
- Sponsor’s original, current bank statement, issued within six months of your anticipated entry term, reflecting the appropriate amount in U.S. dollars, preferably in savings, certified in English
- Other acceptable financial documentation may include proof of income, stock portfolios, and/or affidavits of free room and board Keep in mind that each dollar not personally provided by you must be promised through sponsorship. If you have multiple sources of funding, each sponsor must submit official documentation detailing what they will provide.
As you prepare your financial documents to send to Columbia College Chicago, be sure to keep official copies of all documents to be used in the visa application process.
Financial Documentation Guide(optional)
Certificate of Sponsorship
Affidavit of Free Room and Board(optional)
Letter of Recommendation
At least one letter of recommendation from your instructor, counselor, advisor, or other individual is required to complete your application.
Your recommender may choose to submit a letter they have written, or they may download our recommendation form. Please note: the applicant must complete the top portion of the form.
The full name and date of birth of the applicant should be featured at the very top the message.
Immunization Records
All applicants are required to have their immunization records provided to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Students are required to submit records showing proof of specific immunizations as follows:
- One tetanus/diphtheria shot within the last ten years
- Two separate measles shots during your lifetime
- One rubella shot, and one mumps shot;
—OR—
- one tetanus/diphtheria shot within the last ten years
- A combination of one MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and a second measles vaccination.
Students born prior to January 1, 1957 and students enrolled in fewer than six credit hours are exempt from complying with this law, Illinois Public Act #85-1315.
Completed applications can be reviewed without immunization records on file. However, all students are required to have complete immunization records on file prior to Orientation/Registration.
Immigration Status Documents
All applicants must submit a photocopy of his/her passport page(s) showing the applicant’s full name and passport expiration date.
Applicants currently in the United States must also submit a photocopy of his/her I-94 card (front and back sides).
Additionally, applicants currently holding F-1 student visa status must submit:
- Photocopy of his/her current I-20
- Photocopy of the F-1 student visa stamp in his/her passport (if applicable)
- Columbia’s Immigration Pre-Transfer Verification Form, completed by the Designated School Official or International Student Advisor at the applicant’s current U.S. institution.
The Common Application is a not-for-profit organization that serves students by providing an admission application—online and in print—that students may submit to any of the more than 400 colleges that are members of the organization.
Ready to apply?
Go directly to The Common Application.
Planning to live on campus?
Go to the Housing Application.
- Essay
Question1 Essay Question - Recommen-
dation1 Letter of Recommendation - English
ProficiencyProof of English Proficiency - Application
Fee$100 Application Fee - Educational
RecordsCertified Educational Records - Portfolio
SamplesTalent, ability, & accomplishments - Financial
Documentation*Official Financial Documentation - Immigration
Documents*Immigration Status Documents - Immunization
Records*Official Immunization Records
* Denotes additional documentation needed for the I-20 that is not due until after a student is admitted to the college.
Complete the online application and essay question
Essay question options:
- Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
- Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.
- Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.
- Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.
- A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you.
- Topic of your choice.
Official or Certified True Copies of Educational Records (Transcripts, Mark Sheets, or School Records)
Students must submit all official educational records of high school, secondary school, or college/university work. Official educational records not written in English should include an English translation when possible.
If applying as a freshman
Applicants must submit official or certified true copies of their educational records demonstrating successful completion of a high school or secondary education as noted above. In some cases this may require applicants to submit a “leaving certificate” or “graduation certificate” along with their translated, certified educational record. Official educational records not written in English should include an English translation when possible.
If applying as a transfer student
Applicants must submit official or certified true copies of their educational records demonstrating successful completion of a high school or secondary education as noted above. In some cases this may require applicants to submit a “leaving certificate” or “graduation certificate” along with their translated, certified educational record. Official educational records not written in English should include an English translation when possible.
Additionally, transfer applicants are required to submit official transcripts from any colleges previously attended.
We are unable to accept transcripts sent directly from the individual applicant. Transcripts sent via e-mail must be sent directly by the issuing institution.
Proof of English Language Proficiency
Proof of English language proficiency is required for admission into the College’s undergraduate degree program if English is not your country’s primary language. This can be demonstrated by submitting at least one of the following:
- An official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of at least 200 CBT (computer-based test) or 72 composite IBT (internet-based test)
- Successful completion of the US equivalency of high school where the primary language of instruction was English
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of at least 5.5
- TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) score of at least 725
- Evidence of completion of at least one semester of university-level coursework in English Composition at an accredited college/university in the United States with a grade of “C” or better
We are unable to accept transcripts sent directly from the individual applicant. Transcripts sent via e-mail must be sent directly by the issuing institution.
Portfolio Samples
The Admissions committee welcomes the submission of portfolios that may help the Admissions Committee better understand an applicant’s talent, ability, or accomplishment in his or her intended major. Portfolio submission is not required, but is encouraged.
You may submit your portfolio samples at colum.slideroom.com.
Financial Documentation
For F-1 and J-1 visa issuing purposes, you must submit evidence of adequate funding to meet Columbia College Chicago’s estimated tuition and living expenses. Proof of sufficient funds from reliable and renewable sources to cover the first year “cost of attendance” is required.
International students who will not require an F-1 or J-1 visa to study in the United States do not need to submit financial documentation.
Please determine your cost of attendance with the current cost of attendance budget. If you are married and plan to bring your spouse and/or children, proof of additional funds will be required.
Financial documentation includes:
- Original certified or notarized “Certificate of Sponsorship”
- Sponsor’s original, current bank statement, issued within six months of your anticipated entry term, reflecting the appropriate amount in U.S. dollars, preferably in savings, certified in English
- Other acceptable financial documentation may include proof of income, stock portfolios, and/or affidavits of free room and board Keep in mind that each dollar not personally provided by you must be promised through sponsorship. If you have multiple sources of funding, each sponsor must submit official documentation detailing what they will provide.
As you prepare your financial documents to send to Columbia College Chicago, be sure to keep official copies of all documents to be used in the visa application process.
Financial Documentation Guide(optional)
Certificate of Sponsorship
Affidavit of Free Room and Board(optional)
Letter of Recommendation
At least one letter of recommendation from your instructor, counselor, advisor, or other individual is required to complete your application.
Your recommender may choose to submit a letter they have written, or they may download our recommendation form. Please note: the applicant must complete the top portion of the form.
The full name and date of birth of the applicant should be featured at the very top the message.
Immunization Records
All applicants are required to have their immunization records provided to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Students are required to submit records showing proof of specific immunizations as follows:
- One tetanus/diphtheria shot within the last ten years
- Two separate measles shots during your lifetime
- One rubella shot, and one mumps shot;
—OR—
- one tetanus/diphtheria shot within the last ten years
- A combination of one MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and a second measles vaccination.
Students born prior to January 1, 1957 and students enrolled in fewer than six credit hours are exempt from complying with this law, Illinois Public Act #85-1315.
Completed applications can be reviewed without immunization records on file. However, all students are required to have complete immunization records on file prior to Orientation/Registration.
Immigration Status Documents
All applicants must submit a photocopy of his/her passport page(s) showing the applicant’s full name and passport expiration date.
Applicants currently in the United States must also submit a photocopy of his/her I-94 card (front and back sides).
Additionally, applicants currently holding F-1 student visa status must submit:
- Photocopy of his/her current I-20
- Photocopy of the F-1 student visa stamp in his/her passport (if applicable)
- Columbia’s Immigration Pre-Transfer Verification Form, completed by the Designated School Official or International Student Advisor at the applicant’s current U.S. institution.