Overview

The International Affairs programme at Columbia University provides students with the analytical tools and practical skills necessary to address complex global challenges. This Master degree integrates rigorous academic theory with professional practice to prepare graduates for influential roles in the international arena.

Students engage with a diverse community of scholars and practitioners, fostering a deep understanding of the political and economic forces shaping our world. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing individuals to tailor their studies to specific regional or functional interests within the global landscape.

Why International Affairs at Columbia University?

Studying at this institution offers unparalleled access to global policy hubs and international organisations. The faculty consists of world-renowned experts and former diplomats who bring real-world insights into the classroom, ensuring that the educational experience is both current and impactful.

The university provides state-of-the-art research facilities and a robust network of alumni spanning across every continent. This environment encourages collaborative learning and provides students with a platform to engage in high-level debates on security, human rights, and international trade.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 26928 per year
National fee: USD 26928 per year
Local fee: USD 26928 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

International Relations
Microeconomics
Macroeconomics
Quantitative Analysis
Global Security
International Business
Human Rights Policy
Economic Development

Careers with International Affairs

Graduates from this programme frequently secure leadership positions within intergovernmental organisations, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector. The multidisciplinary training ensures that alumni are well-equipped for roles in policy analysis, international consultancy, and diplomatic service.

Many former students have gone on to work for global entities such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and major international financial institutions. The career support services provide extensive networking opportunities, helping students transition into impactful careers in international trade and global governance.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

International Security Policy
International Finance and Economic Policy
Economic and Political Development
Human Rights and Humanitarian Policy
Energy and Environment
Urban and Social Policy

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 21 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-05 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

30 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

International Relations International Business View 194 other Masters in International Business in United States

This information is based on LinkedIn alumni data for graduates from 2018 to 2024 and may not fully represent all career outcomes

Total alumni

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

GMAT

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

At a minimum, all applicants must:

Have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution prior to enrolling at SIPA.
Provide valid GRE or GMAT test
Demonstrate proficiency in the English language adequate for study at the masters level, if required, through a proficiency exam.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

26928 USD / year

≈ 26928 USD / year
Out-of-State

26928 USD / year

≈ 26928 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

26928 USD / year

≈ 26928 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for International Affairs.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying Business & Management

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Manhattan

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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