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Columbia Pre-College Urban Planning and Design Program

by Columbia University Pre-College Programs

Columbia University Certificate

20+ participants

Columbia Pre-College Urban Planning and Design Program is a program by Columbia University Pre-College Programs for students in Class 8–11, open to students across India. Registration closes 1 May 2026.

Mode

In-Person

Eligibility

Class 8–11

Fee

$12,449

Duration

3 weeks

Format

Both · Teams of 12

Time needed

Full residential program at Columbia University, New York City

Key Dates

Registration opens
15 Jan 2026
Registration closes
1 May 2026
Dates
29 Jun 2026 – 17 Jul 2026

Columbia University - School of Professional Studies, New York, New York

About This Opportunity

This three-week residential program at Columbia University in New York City introduces rising 9th to 12th grade students to urban planning and design. Participants engage in hands-on projects, attend guest lectures by practicing urban planners, and visit iconic city landmarks. The curriculum covers land use policy, transportation systems, housing design, and sustainable city planning.

Designed for academically exceptional students, this program offers a rigorous college-level experience within an Ivy League environment. Students develop critical skills in urban development and present their own urban design proposals, receiving a certificate of completion from Columbia University. It prepares them for future academic and career pursuits in the field.

Eligibility

Grade Level
Class 8–11
Age Range
15 - 18 years
Location
Nationwide

Academic requirement

Academically exceptional students with a strong intellectual curiosity and the necessary academic background, motivation, and maturity for college-level coursework.

Prerequisites

  • English proficiency equivalent to 90 or above on the Internet-based TOEFL or at least 6.5 on the IELTS for international students.

Rising 9th to 12th grade students (currently completing grades 8 to 11) who are academically exceptional and possess strong intellectual curiosity. English proficiency is required for international students. The program is held on the Columbia University campus in New York City.

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Academic Details

Urban PlanningLand Use PolicyTransportation SystemsHousing DesignSustainable City PlanningUrban Data AnalysisCommunity DevelopmentEnvironmental ConcernsSocial Issues

Difficulty: Beginner

What's covered

Exploration of urban planning fundamentals, community building, land use best practices, and the impact of transportation, business, and environmental factors. Includes hands-on projects, guest lectures, and field visits to New York City landmarks. Culminates in team presentations of urban design proposals.

Rewards & Recognition

Certificate

Columbia University Certificate

Certificate of completion from Columbia University School of Professional Studies

Opens doors to

Gain valuable exposure to an Ivy League academic environment, enhancing your profile for future higher education applications, particularly to prestigious institutions like Columbia University.

Career pathways

Benefit from instruction and guidance by Columbia School of Professional Studies faculty and practicing urban planners, gaining insights into the urban planning profession.

Recognition

Ivy League university international recognition

Skills your child builds

Urban planning principlesLand use analysisSustainable city designPolicy analysisUrban data interpretationCritical ThinkingProblem-SolvingTeamworkPresentation Skills

Languages

English

What your child will do

  • Urban planning lectures and discussions
  • New York City field visits and site analysis
  • Design studio exercises and hands-on projects
  • Guest practitioner sessions with urban planners
  • Urban design proposal development and team presentations

Mentors & faculty

Columbia School of Professional Studies faculty and practicing urban planners in New York.

How to apply

  1. 1Submit an online application form.
  2. 2Pay a non-refundable $80 application fee.
  3. 3Provide an unofficial academic transcript.
  4. 4Submit a teacher recommendation from an instructor in a related field.
  5. 5Submit a school counselor/administrator recommendation (required for NYC Residential Summer).
  6. 6Complete an essay as part of the online application.

Fees & financial support

Fee details

The program fee is $12,449. This fee covers tuition, housing, and meals for the three-week residential program. Additional expenses may include an $80 non-refundable application fee, textbooks, and field trip-related costs (approximately $50). Specific deadlines apply for withdrawals and deferrals. Financial aid is not available for this program.

Financial support

Financial aid is not available for the NYC Residential Summer program. Students are encouraged to explore external scholarship opportunities.

Refund policy

Students may withdraw and receive a full refund minus the non-refundable enrollment deposit. Enrollment deposits are non-refundable. Specific deadlines apply for withdrawals and deferrals. Refer to the official program policies for detailed information.

Frequently asked questions

What is the last date to register for Columbia Pre-College Urban Planning and Design Program?

The registration deadline is 1 May 2026.

Is Columbia Pre-College Urban Planning and Design Program free?

$12,449 registration

Who can participate in Columbia Pre-College Urban Planning and Design Program?

Students in Class 8–11. children aged 15-18.

What will my child gain from Columbia Pre-College Urban Planning and Design Program?

Columbia University certificate of completion from an Ivy League institution. Real New York City field visits and urban planning projects. Instruction by Columbia School of Professional Studies faculty and practitioners. Exposure to Ivy League academic environment on campus. Engage in real New York City field visits and hands-on urban planning projects.. Benefit from instruction by Columbia School of Professional Studies faculty and practicing urban planners.. Gain exposure to a rigorous Ivy League academic environment on campus.. Develop critical skills in urban planning, design, and policy analysis.. Enhance your college application profile with a prestigious pre-college experience..

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Provider

Columbia University Pre-College Programs

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Categories

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