September 10, 2025

Updates to the Study Abroad Application Process Starting Fall 2026

Program: Study Abroad

To ensure greater alignment with students’ needs, Penn Abroad is implementing several updates for the Fall and Academic Year 2026 study abroad application cycle. These changes are designed in response to student feedback and to help you plan ahead, provide clarity, and maximize your opportunities.  

What is staying the same?

  • Attendance at Group Advising remains mandatory. Advising for Fall/Academic Year 2026 will begin October 15th. Check back later in September to sign up for Fall 2026 Group Advising.

What is new for Fall/Academic Year 2026? 

  • There is a holding period between when advising begins and when students may request to open an application for study abroad.
  • Penn Abroad’s application request form for the Fall/Academic Year 2026 study abroad cycle will be made live the morning of November 17, 2025. Application requests are processed in the order they are received and during business hours only.  
  • The final dates to request to open an application for Fall/Academic Year 2026 study abroad are as follows:
    • January 10, 2026 at 3:00PM ET: Oxford & Cambridge 
    • February 5, 2026 at 3:00PM ET: Competitive Programs*
    • February 20, 2026 at 3:00PM ET: All other programs 

*Please check back in early October on each individual program brochure for exact dates for the Fall/Academic Year 2026 cycle.

Next steps?

  • Attend group advising. This is the required first step in the study abroad process. Check back later in September to sign up for Fall 2026 Group Advising.
  • Request to open an application beginning November 17, 2025 until the application request period closes in January or February, as applicable per program. 
  • Attend an optional regional advising session where you can learn more details about your specific program of interest and meet your assigned Global Programs Manager.
  • Read and follow all application instructions carefully, including the required meeting with your major advisor and/or home school academic advisor. Submit your application by the deadline(s) listed above. Late submissions will not be accepted. 

Penn Abroad looks forward to supporting students with their Fall 2026 and Academic Year study abroad plans! Please reach out with any questions about these application changes by contacting goabroad@upenn.edu.