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Columbia University English Requirements

THE #20QS #=43ARWU #8CWUR #8

New York, United States

Columbia University (officially Columbia University in the City of New York) is a private Ivy League research university located in New York City, United States. Founded in 1754 as King's College, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education in the United States, known for its rigorous academics and extensive research output across liberal arts, sciences, engineering, business, law, medicine, and journalism.

Verified on the university's admissions pages · Jul 2026

Quick answer

Columbia University accepts Duolingo English Test, IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge English for international admission. Undergraduate applicants typically need TOEFL iBT 100 and IELTS Academic 7.

Undergraduate requirements

The university-wide standard for first-year international applicants.

Duolingo English TestUnknown
TOEFL iBT100
IELTS Academic7
PTE AcademicUnknown
Cambridge EnglishNo published minimum

Sources: tau.gs.columbia.edu/content/language-proficie…

Graduate requirements

Each graduate and professional school at Columbia University sets its own English test requirements; there is no single university-wide graduate minimum. Check the specific school or program you're applying to.

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Frequently asked questions

What TOEFL iBT score do I need for Columbia University?+

Undergraduate admission to Columbia University requires TOEFL iBT 100 or higher. Graduate programs may require more, depending on the program.

What IELTS Academic score do I need for Columbia University?+

Undergraduate admission to Columbia University requires IELTS Academic 7 or higher. Graduate programs may require more, depending on the program.

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Requirements are read from Columbia University's own admissions pages and refreshed regularly. Admission requirements change between cycles. Always confirm on the university's admissions page before applying.