Columbia International University started in 1923 as Columbia Bible College, and faith is still at the centre of the place. It is a private Christian university on the Broad River just outside Columbia, South Carolina's capital. Students study Bible and theology, intercultural studies, counselling, education and business, and the seminary trains pastors and missionaries. International students are common, many sent by churches abroad.
Columbia, South Carolina, United States
Official website: ciu.edu
1923 as Columbia Bible College
Private Christian university and seminary
SACSCOC
$24,000 – $28,000
International students, undergraduate and seminary
$11,000 – $14,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on ciu.edu before you apply.
BA Bible and Theology
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
BA Intercultural Studies
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
BS Business Administration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Masters DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
Master of Divinity
Masters DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
Bible-centred teaching across every degree.
A seminary with a long record of training missionaries.
A riverside campus with a Christian community life.
Graduates serve as pastors, missionaries and leaders in churches and ministries worldwide.
Counselling graduates work toward licensure in mental health practice.
Business and education graduates work in schools, charities and companies.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Columbia is South Carolina's capital, with the State House, the University of South Carolina and a riverfront along the Congaree. Congaree National Park, with its old-growth swamp forest, is half an hour away.
Summers are long and very hot. Living costs are low, and most students live on campus or in nearby apartments with a car.
Form I-20 issued by Columbia International University
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
CIU admits students on a rolling basis. International applicants should apply four to six months before the start term so there is time for the I-20 and visa appointment.
Most programmes start in fall (August) or spring (January). Some graduate courses have summer sessions.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, Columbia International University issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Bible and theology, intercultural studies, business, counselling and the MDiv are common choices. Applicants usually give a personal Christian testimony and a pastor's reference, plus transcripts and IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 79.
CIU offers some scholarships and grants to international students, and a few are linked to ministry or church sponsorship. Ask the admissions office what applies to your programme.
