Cornell University Academic Program

Academic
Times Top 100
Delivery Method:
In-Person
Duration:
Single Term

About the Program

The founding principle of Cornell University is “to do the greatest good”— the driving force behind the iconic Ithaca Ivy League institution since its founding in 1865. A private research university, it continues its emphasis on public engagement and innovation and is proud to call Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Toni Morrison, Bill Nye, and 50 Nobel prize winners among its alumni. On campus, you are surrounded by natural beauty, with tree-lined avenues, lawns, bridges, and waterfalls framing stunning old buildings alongside state-of-the-art facilities.

Over 4,000 courses to choose from in study and research

Top 20 school

Enjoy the color and school spirit of Dragon Day and the Chimes Concerts

Strong emphasis on hands-on, real-world learning

Program Advisor

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Student Counselor SAFFY

Your Student Counselor is your study abroad ambassador and supporter. They join your application journey when you’ve confirmed you’re interested in studying abroad. At this point, they guide you through each stage of the application, notify you of the documents you need, let you know when your admission results are in, and walk you through the next steps, including class enrollment and organizing pre-arrival tests. 

Schedule a Consultation

At a Glance

Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisite Level:
Advanced
GPA Requirements:
3.00
Academic Level:
Undergraduate
Academic Strengths:
Agriculture, Physics, Engineering, Chemistry
Housing:
On-campus dormitory
Visa Required:
Required

Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad

About the University

Cornell University

Cornell University, a true research-intensive Ivy League university, is renowned for providing exceptional education since its founding in 1865. The university is proud to have taken to heart a revolutionary spirit to encourage its students to pursue unpredicted lines of thinking to effect change on local and international scales. 

Located in Ithaca, New York, the city location is often ranked high on the lists of great places to live. Situated in the forested heart of New York state on Finger Lakes, the town of 30,000 is only four hours northwest of New York City - close to countless landmarks and the metropolitan East Coast, the city is the perfect doorway to experience small town life with large city possibilities.

Learn more at Cornell University's official website.

Academics

Cornell University's Academic Approach

A leading international research institution, Cornell expects the best. Rigorous enthusiasm for learning and moving the world and society forward is at the heart of every academic program. You can expect a dynamic classroom experience with a focus on interactive learning, hands- on projects, and collaboration. Interesting and interested teachers engage you in discussions, group work, and real-world problem-solving, fostering a vibrant academic environment. Leadership and entrepreneurship programs, along with numerous extracurricular activities, further enhance your learning experience.

Courses

Classes at Cornell emphasize interactive learning, hands-on experiences, and collaboration. You engage in peer-group discussions, group projects, and real-world collaboration in a dynamic and supportive environment. Research opportunities are abundant, especially in engineering, where cutting-edge projects are open even to undergraduates. The university offers over 4,000 courses, allowing interdisciplinary exploration across various fields and enabling you to return to your home university all the richer for your experience.

Get To Know Our Application Process

From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.

Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor

Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.

Application Requirements

When applying to study abroad, you must meet the entry requirements set by the host university—and SAF is here to set you up for success.

The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
  • Language Proficiency
  • Academics & GPA
  • Application Documents & Materials

Language Test Score Requirements

  • CET-4 (for Chinese students): 530 
  • CET-6 (for Chinese students): 500 
  • DET (Duolingo): 120 
  • IELTS: 7.5 
  • TOEFL iBT: 100 
    *Home Edition is accepted

Learn More About Language Requirements

Program Dates

When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.

The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.

Spring 2025 Academic

Program dates:
Late January - Mid May
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
49,470

Housing Information

You stay in a double bedroom and share a bathroom on campus (although campus housing is not guaranteed). You have your own extra-long twin bed, a closet, and a bureau as well as a desk, chair, and lamp. You need only bring your own bedding. You live alongside likeminded students, sharing a kitchen and laundry facilities. There are lounges, study areas, and music rooms for you to relax with your classmates and meet new people.

About Ithaca

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Why Ithaca

A classic American town with education at its heart, Ithaca and Cornell University are synonymous. The school's Botanic Gardens and arboretum complement the stunning natural parks and their many, many waterfalls to make this New York State city a genuine pleasure to explore. Farmers markets, vegetarian restaurants, and America's longest-running folk-concert broadcast make this a delightful place to experience.

Learn more about Ithaca

The Student Experience

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Orientation

On Arrival

Your SAF pre-departure process will arm you with all the information you need for a smooth arrival to your new campus, city, and country.

To Housing

Your SAF program will include a safe transfer from your arrival airport to your new study abroad housing. We'll even provide you with top tips to make the most of your new city!

Home Sweet Home

Your SAF Program Specialist will coordinate with you to ensure you have arrived safely and settled into your new secure housing.

Keeping You Safe

As you settle in, you will learn about the SAF emergency alert system, our 24/7 phone support, and any safety concerns relevant to you.

Get Social

Your new university and SAF will arrange social and cultural events so that you can meet other study abroad and local students. Make the most of your adventure

Advising and Support

The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it. 

Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.

Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.

Get To Know Our Application Process

From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.

Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor

Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.

Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad

Commonly Asked Questions About Academic & Concurrent Programs

Student Blogs

Fit

Staying Fit at DCU

Tips for staying all-around well while studying abroad at DCU.

Informational

Why Travel With SAF?

Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.

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