Resources for International Students
We are excited that you are considering Teachers College, Columbia University, as the next step in your academic journey. As an international student, you may have questions about the cost of attendance, financial aid, employment opportunities, and the resources available to help support your graduate education.
While the U.S. financial aid system can be different from those in other countries, Teachers College offers a variety of resources to help you understand your options and plan for your educational expenses.
Before exploring the information below, we encourage you to review the important information available for international applicants at Teachers College.
International students pay the same tuition rate as domestic students. Teachers College does not distinguish between in-state and out-of-state tuition rates.
With the exception of a limited number of programs with specialized tuition structures, students are charged the standard per-credit tuition rate regardless of residency or citizenship status.
We encourage you to review our tuition and cost of attendance information to better understand the expenses associated with graduate study at Teachers College.
Your total cost of attendance will depend on several factors, including:
- Your academic program
- Enrollment status
- Housing and living arrangements
- Transportation costs
- Health insurance requirements
- Financial aid and scholarship eligibility
Most international students finance their education through a combination of personal savings, family support, employer sponsorship, government funding, educational ministries, and scholarship programs. We encourage you to begin planning early and explore all available funding opportunities.
International students are eligible for many institutional aid programs offered by Teachers College, including scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, grants, and other awards.
If you would like to be considered for institutional aid, you must indicate your interest when completing your Teachers College Application for Admission by selecting the option requesting consideration for financial aid.
Some institutional awards may require additional applications or supplemental materials. Your eligibility may vary depending on your academic program and the specific requirements of an award.
In addition to institutional aid, you may also explore other funding sources, including:
- Departmental awards
- External scholarships
- Employer-sponsored funding
- Government sponsorship programs
- Private educational loans
Please note that international students are not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid programs, including federal student loans, federal grants, and Federal Work-Study.
International students are eligible for most Teachers College scholarship programs available to Master's and Doctoral students.
Institutional scholarships are merit-based, competitive, and typically applied toward tuition charges only unless otherwise specified in the award terms and conditions.
Because scholarship funding is limited, admission to Teachers College does not guarantee that you will receive institutional aid. You should be prepared to meet your educational expenses through personal, family, or external resources if you decide to enroll.
To learn more about scholarship opportunities, please visit our main Scholarships page.
International students may also be eligible for graduate assistantship opportunities at Teachers College.
Assistantships provide an opportunity to gain valuable research, teaching, and administrative experience while helping to offset educational expenses.
Depending on the position, assistantships may include:
- Tuition support
- Hourly wages
- Salaried compensation
- Professional development opportunities
Most assistantship positions require students to apply directly through the hiring department or program.
Please visit our main Assistantships page to learn more about available opportunities and eligibility requirements.
If your education will be funded by a government agency, ministry of education, foundation, employer, educational institution, or another third-party sponsor, you must complete the required sponsorship documentation before your tuition payment deadline.
To establish third-party billing, you must submit:
- A sponsorship letter
- A Third-Party Billing Agreement
Please visit the Office of the Bursar for additional information about the sponsorship process and billing requirements.
International students may qualify for endowed scholarships, special awards, grants, and other funding opportunities offered by Teachers College.
Many of these awards are administered directly by academic departments and programs and may be based on factors such as:
- Academic program
- Area of study
- Research interests
- Professional goals
- Academic achievement
More than 300 endowed funds support students across Teachers College.
Some grants and awards require separate applications and have specific eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
To learn more, please visit our Endowed & Special Scholarships and Grants & Other Awards pages.
Some international students choose to finance a portion of their education through private educational loans.
Before borrowing, carefully review the terms and conditions associated with any private loan, including:
- Interest rates
- Repayment requirements
- Borrower protections
- Total borrowing costs
Many lenders require international students to apply with a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner.
Please visit our Private Loans page to learn more about available options and important borrowing considerations.
Employment regulations for international students vary based on visa classification and individual circumstances.
If you hold F-1 or J-1 status, you should familiarize yourself with the rules governing:
- On-campus employment
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Academic Training
- Employment authorization requirements
Please note that employment authorization often requires additional documentation and processing time. As a result, you should not assume that you will be able to begin working immediately after arriving in the United States or rely on employment as your primary source of financial support.
For information about employment opportunities and visa-related regulations, please visit the Office of International Students and Scholars.
The Office of International Students and Scholars provides resources and support to help international students navigate life at Teachers College.
Although OISS does not determine financial aid eligibility, the office can assist you with questions related to:
- Immigration and visa regulations
- Employment authorization
- Health insurance
- International travel
- Tax resources
- Student programs and events
- Legal status and self-advocacy
We encourage you to connect with Office of International Students and Scholars early and take advantage of the many resources available to support your academic and personal success at Teachers College.