Overview

The Portuguese Studies programme at Columbia University provides students with a rigorous interdisciplinary framework to explore the diverse cultural, linguistic, and historical landscapes of the Lusophone world. By engaging with materials from the medieval period to the globalised present, participants develop a deep understanding of the Iberian Peninsula, Latin America, and former Portuguese colonies. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking through the lens of literature, film, and social history.

Why Portuguese Studies at Columbia University?

Columbia University is home to the Department of Latin American and Iberian Cultures, an internationally recognised centre for Hispanic and Lusophone research. Students benefit from the resources of the Hispanic Institute, founded in 1920, which sponsors cutting-edge research and publishes the distinguished Revista Hispánica Moderna. The programme's location in New York City provides a vibrant backdrop for studying the Lusophone diaspora, while close cooperation with Barnard College allows students to access an expanded range of faculty expertise and course offerings. Furthermore, the university encourages global immersion through established study abroad opportunities in Portuguese-speaking regions.

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 focuses on advanced linguistic proficiency and thematic cultural analysis. Modules may include:

Conversations about the Lusophone World
Advanced Language through Content
Portuguese Studies
Lusophone and Afro-Brazilian Cultures
Race, Medicine, and Literature in Brazil
Language and Queer Identities in Brazil
Brazilian Society & Civilisation
Intermediate Portuguese
Elementary Portuguese

Careers with Portuguese Studies

Graduates of the programme are equipped with high-level linguistic skills and cross-cultural competencies that are highly valued in an increasingly interconnected global economy. The interdisciplinary nature of the studies prepares students for diverse professional paths in international relations, non-governmental organisations, and global business. Many graduates leverage their specialised knowledge of the Lusophone world to pursue roles in education, translation, and cultural consultancy. Additionally, the programme provides a strong foundation for those seeking advanced research degrees or academic careers in Luso-Brazilian studies and comparative literature.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Afro-Latin America in the Artistic Imagination
Topics in American Studies
History of Urban Crime and Policing in Latin America in Global Perspective
Latin American Politics
The Immigrant Experience, Old and New
Latino Political Experience

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 Iberian studies View 703 other Bachelors in Iberian 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

Common Application
Barnard Writing Supplement
$75 non-refundable application fee or fee waiver request
Official high school and college transcripts
Secondary school report and high school profile: These are documents that your high school counselor will submit along with your transcript that help our office contextualize your achievements.
SAT or ACT scores
High school counselor letter of recommendation
Two teacher letters of recommendation
Official TOEFL , IELTS, or Duolingo English Test Scores

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 Portuguese Studies.

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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