Application Information

IMPORTANT!

Please note that this online application is no longer available. The new online application will be available by the end of December 2009.

Meanwhile if you would like to know what the application requirements are or if you want to begin preparing your application materials, you can review the items below because the application materials will not change. You can begin to write your personal statement, request transcripts, and think about who will write your recommendations. You should also make sure you have a valid passport by the time of application.

If you would like us to notify you when the new online application is available, please send an email to with the following information:

Full name
Email address
Home school
Name of program
Study abroad term and year

We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause and we appreciate your interest in the program.

Office of Global Programs, Columbia University

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT PASSPORTS: Most consulates will only issue a visa for a passport that is valid for at least 3-6 months past the end of the program date. If your passport does not meet this requirement, please consider renewing your passport. Remember that passports can take several weeks to renew and plan accordingly.

Columbia University/Barnard College Students
Visiting Students

Columbia University/Barnard College Students

Application Deadline

Spring term: October 15

Fall term/Academic year: March 15

** Applications may be accepted after the deadline on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Office of Global Programs if you would like to inquire about submitting an application after the deadline.**

How to Apply

All required application materials may be submitted as part of the online application, except for official transcripts. An admissions decision will not be released until we have received your official transcript. Complete applications are due by the deadline. A complete application consists of the following:

Completed online application form.
Statement of purpose (500 word statement about personal and academic goals and how you intend to achieve them). This may be uploaded into the online application.
Completed online study abroad approval form:

Barnard students: Dean should complete this form for you.
Columbia College students: Do not complete this form. Please see Dean to be cleared for study abroad.
General Studies students: Do not complete this form. Please see Dean to be cleared for study abroad.

Completed online faculty recommendation form.
Completed online language recommendation form.
Transcript. To expedite the admissions process, you will be asked to upload a scanned copy of your transcript into the online application. However, to complete the application you must submit an official transcript to the Office of Global Programs.
Writing sample from your most recent Chinese course (test or homework). You may upload a scanned copy of your writing sample into the online application.

You may access the online application by clicking here.

Submitting the Application

Once you have completed and submitted the online application, please make sure to submit your transcript(s) to:

Columbia University in Beijing
Office of Global Programs
Columbia University
204 Lewisohn Hall, Mail Code 4111
2970 Broadway
New York, NY 10027
212-854-2559
Fax: 212-854-5164

Visiting Students