GS Welcomes Record Number of Students to Dual Degree Program's Fall 2021 Incoming Class

The Columbia University School of General Studies (GS) will welcome the largest class of incoming students to the Dual Degree Program Between Columbia University and Tel Aviv University since its launch in December 2019. The Class of 2025 includes 40 students, out of a record 129 applicants.

In April, GS hosted two celebratory and informative welcome events for students who were admitted to the Program. Students and their families met with key representatives from both GS and Tel Aviv University (TAU), currently enrolled students and alumni of the Program, as well as their fellow newly admitted students. 

“After welcoming our first cohort to TAU in 2020, we are thrilled to see more students seek out an international program like the Dual Degree Program. It has been such a privilege to get to know the Dual Degree students, and I am looking forward to seeing them make the most of their time at TAU, Columbia, and beyond,” said Dafna Gottesman, Associate Admissions Manager at GS.

The Dual Degree Program Between Columbia University and Tel Aviv University is the newest of the International Dual Degree Programs offered by GS, which aim to attract bright, adventurous, and diverse students with a willingness to listen and learn from different perspectives and adapt to changing environments.

The Program provides students with the opportunity to engage in the study of their chosen fields with world-renowned faculty in two stimulating academic settings. This unique international educational experience allows students to enhance their global outlook and develop their language skills and communication abilities to the highest academic level. Dedicated Dual Degree Program advisors and tutors provide support and guidance for academics and student life throughout the four years to help students achieve their goals. 

An Overview of the Fall 2021 Incoming Class 

This year, the Program accepted 46% of its 129 applicants, with 73 students being offered the opportunity to interview with admissions representatives. The 40 students who have committed to the Program will make up a diverse student body, representing a total of 13 countries including Israel, the United States, Australia, Hungary, China, and more. 20% of accepted students are “international” students, with no American citizenship (dual or otherwise), and US residents hail from 18 states across the country. 42% of the accepted students are dual citizens, with the most common combinations being Israel and the United States.