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International Students

International Students and Scholars Office Resources:

Scholarship Resources:

Columbia University Life Resources:

  • The Graduate Initiative for Inclusion and Engagement is part of Columbia’s commitment to diversity and the success of all graduate and professional school students. More information HERE.

  • Campus Conversations is a dialogue-based initiative created to promote understanding across differences. It offers students, undergraduate and graduate, a way to learn critical listening skills, manage difficult conversations, and talk about identity. Join a Campus Conversation and you will make a friend, have a real conversation and build community at Columbia. More information HERE.

  • University Life Ambassadors contribute ideas, engage with other student leaders, consult with University Life staff, promote events and more. Ambassadors also have opportunities to share their voice, perspectives or experience on timely topics for University Life’s communications channels. More information HERE.

  • CU Engage is a nonpartisan civic engagement initiative, created by University Life and the Office of Government and Community Affairs.

  • University Life Events and Opportunities HERE.

  • As a member of the Columbia community, your well-being outside of the classroom is just as important as your academic success. We have a range of campus resources, programs and practical strategies for well-being.

Additional Funding Sources

  • There are some US banks who offer loan to international students, which can be an option for meeting your educational costs while attending SIPA. While many loans available to international students require a creditworthy co-signer who is a US citizen or permanent resident, there are sometimes options available to students without a co-signer.  Some international students at SIPA borrow student loans from their homeland, and if those are available in your country, you should investigate those resources as well. Click here for more information on some suggested lenders.

  • Assistantship positions are available to both international and domestic students in their second year (for students in full-time, 2-year programs) and all students may apply by the deadline advertised by the Office of Student Affairs.  Applications open early in the spring semester of the first year of study.  International students are not eligible for the Federal Work Study program but may work part-time on campus as what is often referred to at Columbia as a "casual employee." These are not forms of financial aid, the SIPA Financial Aid Office does not administer such jobs, nor can staff assist students in finding such work.

    International students receiving any kind of stipend or salary from SIPA or Columbia University (including salary from an Assistantship) should review the information from the International Students and Scholars Office regarding taxation and obtaining a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer ID.