Columbia Business School MBA Admissions: Requirements, Deadlines, and Interview
Application rounds for August 2027 and January 2027 entry, application requirements, fee, interview policy, and deposits for the Columbia Business School full-time MBA.
Application overview
Columbia Business School admits full-time MBA students for August entry and January entry. August-entry applications are reviewed in three rounds after each deadline; January-entry applications are reviewed on a rolling basis within each round. An application is complete only when the recommendation and the US$250 application fee have been submitted by the deadline; an incomplete application is rolled into the next available round in the current cycle. For August 2027 entry, the application deadlines are September 9, 2026 (Round 1), January 5, 2027 (Round 2), and March 29, 2027 (Round 3), each at 12:00 PM Eastern Time. Final decisions are released on December 14, 2026, March 24, 2027, and May 12, 2027. For January 2027 entry, the application is closed; its deadlines were June 17, 2026, August 13, 2026, and September 1, 2026 (Round 2 Extended), with rolling review within each round. Columbia does not offer Early Decision; its FAQ encourages candidates who would previously have applied Early Decision to apply in Round 1.
August 2027 entry rounds
| Round | Application deadline | Interview decisions released | Final decisions released |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | September 9, 2026 at 12:00 PM (ET) | By November 2, 2026 | On December 14, 2026 |
| Round 2 | January 5, 2027 at 12:00 PM (ET) | By February 17, 2027 | On March 24, 2027 |
| Round 3 | March 29, 2027 at 12:00 PM (ET) | By April 30, 2027 | On May 12, 2027 |
January 2027 entry rounds
| Round | Application deadline | Interview decisions released | Final decisions released |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | June 17, 2026 at 12:00 PM (ET) | Rolling | Ongoing, and no later than July 31, 2026 |
| Round 2 | August 13, 2026 at 12:00 PM (ET) | Rolling | Ongoing, and no later than October 1, 2026 |
| Round 2 Extended | September 1, 2026 at 12:00 PM (ET) | Rolling | Ongoing |
Application components
- Transcripts: PDF copies from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended; a bachelor's degree or equivalent is required
- GPA as it appears on the transcript
- Test: self-reported valid GMAT (10th Edition or Focus Edition), Executive Assessment, or GRE score at submission; no test waivers
- Resume or CV: ideally one page; one to two pages accepted
- Essays: two short answer questions and three essays (500, 250, and 250 words); optional essay up to 500 words
- Recommendation: one, ideally from the current supervisor
- Interview: by invitation only
- Application fee: US$250, nonrefundable; fee waivers for full-time students, active duty US military personnel, eligible displaced persons, and Peace Corps or Teach For All members currently in service
Interview process
Interviews are by invitation only and cannot be requested. The Admissions Office contacts applicants selected for an interview.
Deposits
| Application | Deposit 1 | Deposit 2 |
|---|---|---|
| January (Round 1 and Round 2) | US$2,000 | US$1,000 |
| August Round 1 | US$6,000 | US$1,000 |
| August Round 2 | US$2,000 | US$1,000 |
| August Round 3 | N/A | US$3,000 |
Key facts at a glance
- Application fee
- $250
- Tuition (2026-27, first year)
- $93,908
- First-year budget (2026-27)
- $143,030
- English test
- Not required
- Deferral after admission
- Not offered
- Applications (entering 2025)
- 7,477
Sources
- 1. Columbia Business School, MBA Options and Deadlines
- 2. Columbia Business School, MBA Application Requirements
- 3. Columbia Business School, MBA Admissions Frequently Asked Questions
- 4. Columbia Business School, Full-Time MBA and MBAxMS Costs (2026-2027)