Students who completed Grade 8 or equivalent may apply. Students who have successfully completed education levels of Senior Middle III, Secondary IV, Form 5, SPM, GCE "O" Level, or Grade 12 will be accepted directly into the Pre-university Year program. Students who have prior working experience or have completed military service will be given special considerations for the granting of credit equivalents. All students are required to write Columbia's own English and Math placement tests before or on the day of registration. The purpose of these tests is to ensure that the students are placed in classes that commensurate with their level of ability.

Complete a Columbia International College Application Form and forward it by mail, fax, or e-mail. Academic transcripts for all secondary school studies can be faxed or scanned and emailed. Students who have completed less than 3 years at the secondary school level should send their transcripts for their last 3 years of study. (Original copies of transcripts will be required at the time of registration.) Students will then be advised, in writing, whether they have the prerequisites for the desired courses and level of study. They will then be invoiced for the requested program, accommodation, and other relevant fees. With the invoice, students will also be provided with all other forms that they must complete and return to the College. Upon full payment of the invoice and receipt of all the necessary forms, a Columbia International College Official Letter of Acceptance will be forwarded to the student by e-mail or fax and the original by courier. In the event a student is unable to obtain the necessary Canadian visa and/or student authorization, the total amount of all the funds paid minus the Application Fee will be fully refunded to the student once the original Letter of Acceptance and a copy of the visa rejection letter has been returned to the school.