Penn Abroad’s PASSPORT to undergo a software transition this spring!
Penn Abroad is excited to announce PASSPORT will have a new look and feel later this spring! In coordination with a transition of its software, the new PASSPORT interface will offer a range of features that will improve the Penn student experience, including:
- Intuitive Interface: PASSPORT’s new look will be easy to navigate, making the research, planning, and application process more efficient.
- Earlier Engagement: Students will have the ability to engage with Penn Abroad through PASSPORT from the start of their Penn career, before their first application is even opened.
- Thematic Events: PASSPORT will now have seamless integration between event attendance and program application.
This software transition is part of Penn Abroad’s ongoing commitment to providing an accessible, user-friendly application platform for students, faculty, and staff.
Transition Timeline
Penn Abroad’s software transition began in December 2025. Utilization of the new platform will take place on a rolling basis through spring 2026, and will be completed by June 2026.
Spring 2027 Study Abroad applicants will be the first to utilize the new PASSPORT interface starting April 1, 2026, with other student cohorts following in May and June.
What does this mean for me?
By June, PASSPORT will look different, but your past applications and information will stay the same. You will continue to log in with your PennKey and password.
| I am… | What does that mean for me? |
| a new applicant for study abroad in the spring 2027 term. | Beginning April 15, 2026, you will be directed to open an application on the new PASSPORT platform at pennabroad.via-trm.com. If you’ve already applied to a spring 2027 program through PASSPORT (Oxford University: Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University: Mansfield College, or University of Cambridge: Pembroke College), no action is needed at this time. |
| applying for a fall 2026 Penn Global Seminar. | Whether you’ve already started your application or will soon begin, you will continue to use passport.upenn.edu. Starting in late May, PASSPORT will look different, but your application materials and information will stay the same. |
| a current summer 2026 GRIP applicant. | Continue to access your application at passport.upenn.edu. Starting in late May, PASSPORT will look different, but your application materials and information will stay the same. |
| a current 2026 Penn Global Research Institute applicant. | Continue to access your application at passport.upenn.edu. Starting in late May, PASSPORT will look different, but your application materials and information will stay the same. |
| a current summer 2026 study abroad student. | Continue to access your application at passport.upenn.edu. Starting in late May, PASSPORT will look different, but your application materials and information will stay the same. |
| a current spring 2026 study abroad student. | Continue to access your application at passport.upenn.edu. Starting in late May, PASSPORT will look different, but your application materials and information will stay the same. |
| a current spring 2026 PGS student. | Continue to access your application at passport.upenn.edu. Starting in late May, PASSPORT will look different, but your application materials and information will stay the same. |
| a current fall 2026 study abroad student. | Continue to access your application at passport.upenn.edu. Starting in late May, PASSPORT will look different, but your application materials and information will stay the same. |
Questions
Penn Abroad is holding open office hours! Drop by the Penn Abroad office April 1 and April 2 from 12:00PM – 4:00PM to speak with staff directly about your questions, or email goabroad@upenn.edu.