Intensive Programs

Fall, Spring, Summer Institute, and Winter Institute.

Application Deadlines

Application Materials

Prospective students should read Visa Procedures and Regulations for International Students prior to applying.

Applicants are strongly urged to apply online. Online applicants may be processed more efficiently. Only applications submitted from the ALP Web site are accepted.

1. Completed online application form.

2. Non-refundable application fee: U.S. $150.00 for online application; and non-refundable $350.00 tuition deposit, payable by credit card only. These fees are paid when you complete the ALP's online application. 

In general, an F-1 (student visa) is required for study in the US. International applicants are required to request an I-20 in order to obtain the F-1 visa and must enroll in a full-time program (18 hours or more per week).

If you enter the US on an I-20 processed through the American Language Program, and the period of study indicated on the I-20 is 3 months or more, you must study at the American Language Program for at least 3 months before you will be permitted to transfer to another school or university.

If you are already holding an F-1 visa and attending another school you must also transfer your SEVIS record from your current school to the ALP. Please speak to your Advisor at your current school.

3. Bank statement: this document must be in English and dated within the last three months. It must be from checking or savings accounts and must show sufficient available funds to pay the estimated tuition, fees and living expenses. The estimated amount required for an I-20 is $5,400 per month.
   • Summer 2011 sessions A and C are each a 1-month intensive course and require a 1-month I-20. The required amount (in your account) for the 1-month I-20 for Summer A or C is $5,400. Summer 2011 session B requires a 2-month I-20. The required amount (in your account) for the 2-month I-20 for Summer B is $10,800.
   • You may choose to attend the entire Summer (AB). This will require a 3-month I-20. The required amount (in your account) for the 3-month I-20 for Summer AB is $16,200.
4. Sponsor letter: If you are sending your own bank statement you are not required to submit a sponsor letter. The sponsor letter is necessary only if a bank statement will be submitted on your behalf by another person. The person whose bank statement you will submit is your sponsor.
   
   Your sponsor must submit a letter (sponsor letter) stating that s/he will provide you with full financial support during the period of your study in the ALP. The sponsor letter must be in English and dated within the last three months. It must also be signed by the sponsor.
5. Photocopy of your passport’s identification page.
   • The page in your passport that shows your photograph, your name and your date of birth.

Once your completed application and accompanying materials and fees have been received and processed, you will receive a US government I-20 A-B form. Bring the I-20 A-B form, along with your letter of acceptance and original financial documents, to a US embassy or consulate in your country to apply for a student (F-1) visa.

We strongly recommend that you apply online.

Application materials may also be submitted in a single packet to:

American Language Program
Columbia University
203 Lewisohn Hall
Mail Code 4119, 2970 Broadway
New York, NY 10027
U.S.A.

Applicants who are unable to apply online may download a paper application, complete it, and mail it together with all supporting materials to the address below:

American Language Program
Columbia University
203 Lewisohn Hall
Mail Code 4119, 2970 Broadway
New York, NY 10027
U.S.A.