Game Development Program at Columbia 2026
Are you a high school student or in the first year of a bachelor’s degree and keen to explore video game development (design, programming and interactive storytelling) at a leading university over the summer? Enrichment programs in New York, NY offer an immersive 3-week experience: you study a subject in depth, spend time on a prestigious campus and strengthen your application to international bachelor’s programs.
Game development program: official booking
Registration, on-campus accommodation and YDS support are coordinated through our partner La Route des Langues, an agency specializing in campus programs in the US and the UK.
The program at a glance
The game development programs in New York, NY are run by Columbia University (Pre-College Programs: Game Design & Programming Track) and the School of the Arts. Typical format: residential, with student accommodation on campus, meals included and teaching by faculty or doctoral students. Admission is selective, based on an application (transcripts, a personal statement, and sometimes a letter of recommendation and an interview).
For further reading, see also: Journalism Program at Columbia 2026.
Who is this program for?
Students in the last two years of high school and first-year university students planning to apply to universities abroad.
- English level: TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 6.5+ (sometimes B2, verified in an interview)
- Academic profile: an average of 15/20 or a GPA of 3.5+, with a strong record
- Soft skills: independence and genuine curiosity about the subject
Curriculum and skills
Lectures, hands-on workshops, small-group projects and field visits.
Key skills you will develop:
- C# with Unity
- Game design principles
- Interactive narrative design
- Collaborative studio work
At the end of the program, you leave with a finished project, an official certificate from the university and often a letter of recommendation from your supervising instructor.
A typical day
The exact schedule depends on the program you choose. Excursions and visits on weekends.
Cost and accommodation
2026 budget: $10,000 to $13,500, including tuition, accommodation and meals. Flights, travel health insurance and spending money are extra. Partial scholarships are sometimes available.
Booking through La Route des Langues, a YDS partner
You register for the game development program in New York, NY through our partner La Route des Langues, which takes care of program selection, your application file, on-campus student accommodation, airport transfers, adult supervision and 24/7 on-site support. YDS adds admissions coaching so that you can make the most of this program in your bachelor’s application.
See prices & book →Frequently asked questions
How long does a game development program in New York, NY usually last?
3 weeks, depending on the format. Shorter programs are for discovery, longer ones for in-depth study.
What level of English do I need?
TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 6.5+ (B2-C1). Some programs accept B2 if it is assessed in an interview.
How do I register?
Through our partner La Route des Langues. See the booking page →
How can YDS help me make the most of this program in my application?
Choosing the right program + personal statement coaching + interview preparation + timeline planning. See our coaching service.
🎓 Ready to sign up for the game development program in New York, NY?
2026 prices, dates and availability directly from our partner La Route des Langues, on a page co-branded with Your Dream School.
Book the game development program →