Overview

The Germanic Languages programme at Columbia University provides students with a rigorous intellectual foundation in the literature, culture, and philology of the German-speaking world. This curriculum is designed to foster high-level linguistic proficiency while encouraging critical engagement with philosophical and historical texts. Students benefit from an interdisciplinary approach that connects Germanic traditions to broader global and European contexts.

Why Germanic Languages at Columbia University?

The department is recognised as one of the premier centres for Germanic studies in the United States. Students have access to the Deutsches Haus, a vibrant hub for cultural activities, lectures, and film screenings that enrich the academic experience. The programme offers unique opportunities for hands-on learning through internships with German firms, museums, and government offices. Furthermore, the university's strong partnerships facilitate study abroad experiences through the Berlin Consortium for German Studies, allowing for true linguistic immersion.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 70170 per year
National fee: USD 70170 per year
Local fee: USD 70170 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum balances intensive language acquisition with advanced seminars in cultural history. Modules may include:

Elementary German
Intermediate German
Advanced German
German Literature
Literature in the 18th and 19th Centuries
Readings in 20th and 21st century Literature
German Literature After 1945
Advanced Topics in German Literature
German Film After 1945

Careers with Germanic Languages

Graduates are exceptionally well-prepared for diverse professional paths and advanced scholarly research. Many students successfully secure prestigious Fulbright or DAAD scholarships to conduct further study in Germany or Austria.

The programme's emphasis on critical theory and interdisciplinary thinking ensures that graduates remain competitive in a globalised job market, moving into roles that require deep cultural expertise and linguistic precision.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Elementary German
Intermediate German
Intermediate Conversation
Advanced German
German Literature
Survey Of German Lit

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

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TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Language Studies German and Scandinavian studies View 313 other Bachelors in German and Scandinavian studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

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

Autobiographical information
Lists and descriptions of a student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities

Personal essay

An official high school transcript from all high schools attended

One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile

The completed midyear report

Columbia requires two teacher recommendations.
An $85 nonrefundable application fee is required as part of an application

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

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Out-of-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 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.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Germanic Languages.

Available Scholarships

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

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

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Manhattan

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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