Columbia University expands international dual bachelor’s programs: Here’s what students should know

Columbia University is widening the horizons for its students. On September 10, the Ivy League institution announced an expansion of its international dual bachelor’s degree programs, adding the City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) to its roster of partner universities.

Columbia’s dual degree offerings already include Sciences Po in France, Tel Aviv University in Israel, and Trinity College Dublin in Ireland.For students seeking a truly global undergraduate experience, this expansion opens doors to living and studying across continents while earning two degrees in just four years. With options spanning business, science, technology, and social sciences, these programs promise to reshape what it means to be a Columbia student in the 21st century.

How the programs work

Students enrolled in these dual degree programs earn two bachelor’s degrees in four years. They spend the first two years abroad at a partner university and return to Columbia’s School of General Studies (GS) for the latter half of their studies. The programs are designed for “nontraditional” students, providing opportunities to earn credentials across continents while exploring different academic systems and cultures.

The Columbia–CityUHK partnership originally began in 2012, allowing CityUHK students to apply to Columbia and complete an additional degree in four years. Currently, 54 CityUHK students are enrolled in the program at Columbia. Starting fall 2026, high school graduates will have the chance to apply directly to the dual bachelor’s program, bypassing the need to first enroll at CityUHK.Students at CityUHK can choose from eligible majors in business, science, technology, and social sciences, allowing for flexibility and cross-disciplinary exploration.

Why the expansion matters

Columbia’s School of General Studies has historically faced financial challenges. Its smaller endowment has limited resources such as need-blind financial aid. University administrators have noted that the growing focus on international dual degree programs also aligns with efforts to increase revenue. By fall 2025, nearly a third of the incoming GS class is participating in one of these dual degree programs.

A model built on decades of experience

Columbia’s international dual degree programs are modeled after its first dual degree initiative, the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) Joint Program, established in 1954. Unlike the international programs, JTS students take classes at both institutions simultaneously throughout their undergraduate education. Similarly, the Columbia–Juilliard Exchange Program allows students to earn their Columbia degree while receiving conservatory-level training in music, dance, or drama at Juilliard.Former University President oversaw the development of Columbia’s international dual degree programs and global centers, aiming to expand the University’s global reach.

A history of partnerships

Columbia launched its first transatlantic dual degree program in 2010 with Sciences Po, a French university with seven campuses across France, four of which are open to dual degree students. While all campuses offer a social science curriculum, students can choose regional specializations, such as Asia-Pacific or Middle East and Mediterranean studies.In 2017, Columbia partnered with Trinity College Dublin, Ireland’s oldest university, offering students one of twelve program pathways ranging from English studies to biological and biomedical sciences.The program with Tel Aviv University began in 2019, offering degrees in eight academic tracks at Israel’s largest university. According to the Columbia Spectator, the School of General Studies cited the program as an extension of its “deep connection with Israel” and the strong GS community residing there.

However, the program has faced opposition: pro-Palestinian activists have called for ending Columbia’s dual degree partnership with Tel Aviv University. In March 2024, Columbia College held a divestment referendum, where just over 65% of voters supported the cancellation of the program.

What students need to know

Starting fall 2026, high school graduates can apply directly to the Columbia–CityUHK dual bachelor’s program. With flexible academic tracks, international exposure, and the chance to earn two degrees in four years, the program represents a major opportunity for students seeking global experiences and cross-cultural learning.For students navigating Columbia’s growing international dual degree ecosystem, these programs offer more than just academic credentials, they provide lessons in adaptability, global awareness, and independent thinking, preparing learners for a complex, interconnected world.