United States · Columbia University
Columbia University Fellowship
IELTS Requirement & Application Guide
- IELTS
- 7
- Components
- L 6.5 / R 6.5 / W 6.5 / S 6.5
- Level
- PG, PhD
- Deadline
- October–December
Last verified: 2026-03
About Columbia University Fellowship
Columbia University guarantees funding to all admitted PhD students through its fellowship programme, covering full tuition, a monthly living stipend, and health insurance. Master's fellowships are competitive and vary by school. Columbia is located in New York City, offering access to one of the world's most dynamic academic and professional environments.
IELTS Required
| Overall | L | R | W | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
Accepts: Academic ✓ / General ✗
Also accepted: TOEFL iBT 100
Tips for Meeting the Requirement
- 1Columbia requires IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each band. This is the standard requirement for Ivy League doctoral programmes.
- 2For PhD applicants, Columbia guarantees full funding upon admission. Focus your IELTS preparation on achieving the minimum quickly so you can dedicate more time to your research proposal and application materials.
- 3Master's applicants face more competitive fellowship conditions. A strong IELTS score (7.5+) can strengthen your overall application when competing for limited master's funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IELTS score is required for Columbia University Fellowship?
Columbia University requires IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each component for graduate admissions. This applies to both PhD and master's applicants. TOEFL iBT (100+) is also accepted.
Does Columbia University guarantee funding for PhD students?
Yes, Columbia University guarantees full funding — including tuition, a living stipend, and health insurance — to all admitted PhD students in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Are Columbia master's fellowships available for international students?
Yes, international students are eligible for Columbia master's fellowships, but these are competitive and vary by school and programme. Check with your specific department for available funding opportunities.
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