What are the application deadlines for Columbia MSBA?

Question

I’m planning to apply for Columbia University’s MS in Business Analytics for the Fall 2026 intake. I saw something about a priority and a regular deadline but I’m not sure of the exact dates or if international students should apply in the first round. Does applying in the priority deadline also help with scholarship chances?

Mansih K · Accepted Answer

Columbia MSBA runs on two fixed deadlines:
&bull; Priority deadline: January 15 &mdash; decisions by late March. &bull; Regular deadline: February 15 &mdash; decisions by late April.
Applying in the priority round is particularly useful for international students. It not only allows more time for I-20 issuance and visa appointments but also means you&rsquo;ll be considered when the majority of scholarship funds are still available. Early admits often have first choice for on-campus housing and program-specific electives that can fill quickly. For regular round applicants, late April decisions can compress relocation timelines, making it harder to secure housing and book affordable travel in time for the August start.
For more details you can read this blog on "Columbia MSBA"

T Mehta · Answer

For Fall 2026 entry, Columbia&rsquo;s MS in Business Analytics has two deadlines &mdash; priority: January 15 and regular: February 15. Priority round results are typically released in late March, while regular round results come out in late April.
International students, including those from India, are strongly advised to apply by the January 15 priority deadline. This ensures more time for visa processing, securing housing, and arranging finances. It also increases your chances for merit-based scholarships, as many awards are decided earlier in the cycle. Applying early can also give you a head start on networking with admitted students and faculty through Columbia&rsquo;s admitted student events, which can be valuable for lining up internships and industry contacts before the program begins.