BA

Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies

Learn more about studying Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies as an international student.

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Key facts

  • Degree type
    Bachelor's
  • Duration
    4 years
  • Delivery method
    On campus
  • Pace
    Full-time
  • Annual tuition fee
    72,800USD
  • Start date
    Sep
  • QS Ranking
    #43

Program overview

What Columbia University says about their program:

Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies is an undergraduate programme at Columbia University. The undergraduate program in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African studies (MESAAS) offers students the opportunity to study in depth the cultures, ideas, histories, and politics of several overlapping world regions. The program emphasizes a close engagement with intellectual traditions, creative movements, and political debates, drawing on a wide variety of historical and contemporary sources in literature, religion, political thought, law, the visual and performing arts, and new media. Courses also examine the historical and cultural contexts in which these traditions and debates have been produced.

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Admission requirements

Undergraduate academic requirements

  • Completion of high school education or equivalent.

English proficiency

If your native language is not English or your primary high school instruction was not in English, you must submit standardized test scores. Columbia accepts the following exams with typical competitive or minimum benchmarks:

  • TOEFL iBT

    Recommended score of 105 or higher.

  • IELTS Academic

    Recommended score of 7.5 or higher.

  • Duolingo English Test (DET)

    Recommended score of 125–135 or higher.

  • Cambridge English Qualifications

    Minimum score of 191 on C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency

English proficiency waivers

You do not need to submit an English proficiency exam if you meet any of the following conditions:

  • Scoring 29 or higher on the ACT English or Reading sections.
  • Scoring 700 or higher on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (note that Columbia reinstated SAT/ACT requirements for terms starting August 2027 onward).
  • Having English as your native/home language or completing your entire secondary education with English as the primary medium of instruction

Documents required

  • Secondary school report (transcripts)
  • Standardized test (SAT, ACT)
  • Teacher recommendations
  • Columbia-specific questions*

*Note: Columbia-specific questions, also known as the writing supplement, tell the Committee on Admissions more about your academic, extracurricular and intellectual interests.

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Required grades

We're still gathering required grade information for this program

Check back soon, or visit the official program page for the latest information on required grades.

to see how attainable this program is.

Additional requirements

Documents

  • Online application is required
  • High school transcripts, secondary school records, or GED/TASC results are required for applicants with fewer than 30 earned college credits
  • Transcripts from all colleges or universities attended are required
  • CSS Profile is required for applicants seeking financial aid

Essays and statements

  • One typed, double-spaced autobiographical essay of approximately 1,500-2,000 words is required

Recommendations

  • Two letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources are required

Tests and examinations

  • SAT, ACT, or the Online GS Admissions Exam may be submitted optionally
  • TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test is required for eligible non-native English speakers

How to apply

2 routes available:

Scholarships at Columbia University

  • International Student Financial Aid

    Official page

    Columbia provides information for international applicants seeking aid and notes that many Columbia students, including international students, receive financial awards from outside organizations. International students should follow Columbia Undergraduate Admissions and Student Financial Services guidance for international financial aid and scholarship funding.

All scholarship information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official scholarship page for the latest information on eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and application requirements.

Fees

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What is the cost of living near Columbia University?

Category Cost  (in United States Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$3,712
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$2,223
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$130
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$67
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$61· USA average
Monthly public transport pass$134
Monthly grocery basket$294
Books and study supplies (monthly)$107
Coffee shop drink$6
Cinema or cultural event ticket$21
Gym membership$118

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from livingcost.org (Crowdsourced), numbeo.com (Crowdsourced) and cc-seas.financialaid.columbia.edu (University published).

Visa requirements for Columbia University

Navigating the visa process is a crucial step in your study abroad journey. Make sure to seek guidance and support to ensure you meet all necessary requirements for your time at Columbia University.

USA student visa requirements