Application Process
Learn how to apply for a term or year abroad at Penn.
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Your Study Abroad Journey Starts Here
Thinking about studying abroad? You’re in the right place. All undergraduate study abroad applications go through Penn Abroad, and we’re here to help you every step of the way—from setting your goals to choosing a program to completing your application.
Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand that your Penn Abroad Application has two main components: completing the Application and obtaining Home School Academic Approval. Both components must be completed by their stated deadlines to remain eligible to study abroad—no exceptions.
Application
This is where you outline your study abroad goals, confirm you meet your program’s eligibility requirements, and select your first-choice program along with three alternates.
Application Deadlines vary by program, with exact dates on each program brochure.
- Oxford & Cambridge (All Semesters): January 5
- Fall/Year: January 5, February 1 or February 15
- Spring: June 1 or September 1
- Summer: February 1
Home School Academic Approval
Your application remains incomplete until you receive academic approval from your home school. This typically includes meeting with your Major and/or Home School Academic Advisor for Study Abroad to confirm the term abroad fits your academic plan and degree requirements.
The Academic Approval Deadline is 15 calendar days after your Application Deadline:
- Oxford & Cambridge (All Semesters): January 20
- Fall/Year: January 20, February 15 or March 1
- Spring: June 15 or September 15
- Summer: February 15
In addition to completing the Penn Abroad Application, all students must also apply directly to their Host University. Instructions to complete the Host University Application are provided in your PASSPORT portal. Deadlines and requirements vary by program.
The steps below will walk you through the study abroad process in a way that is clear, manageable, and designed to keep you on track. Let’s get started!
Application Process
Step 1: Watch the Study Abroad General Advising Videos
We’ve created a series of short videos that walk you through the essentials of getting started on your study abroad journey. These videos cover key topics including PASSPORT Navigation – Eligibility Requirements – Finances – XCAT – and more! Taken altogether, these videos provide the foundational guidance you’ll need to get started with the study abroad application process.
Students should watch these videos, which are self-paced and available on demand below and via Vimeo, before attending a regional advising session.
Step 2: Explore Program Options on PASSPORT
Now that you have a broad understanding of the study abroad process, it is time to narrow down the programs that interest you! Use PASSPORT to compare program details and find the best matches for your academic goals and personal interests. Be sure to connect with your major and academic advisors—they can help you determine which programs fit your academic needs.
As you explore, think about why you want to study abroad. Knowing your goals will make it easier to choose where you want to go. Along with your top choice, make sure to identify three (3) alternate options.
Step 3: Attend Required Regional Advising
After watching the videos and beginning your program exploration in PASSPORT, sign up for a Regional Advising session. Advising is organized by program location for College and Wharton students, and by discipline for SEAS and Nursing students. Advising helps you understand the details and differences between programs.
By the end of this step, you should have the following identified:
- Your one (1) first choice program
- Your three (3) alternate programs of interest!
Do not forget to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for all of your programs of interest – you cannot move forward if you do not!
Important Notes about Advising
- You must attend at least one regional advising session before opening your application.
- Advising is only valid for the application cycle for the term you plan to go abroad. If you don’t go abroad that term, you will need to re-attend.
- Register early—sessions fill up quickly! Starting the application process early helps keep you in your preferred program pipeline.
- The advising & application cycles for each study abroad term are as follows:
- Fall or Academic Year Abroad: October – February
- Spring Abroad: April – September
- Summer Abroad: November – January
Step 4: Open Your Penn Abroad Application
Once you have attended advising and identified your first-choice program, click Apply on the brochure page of your first-choice program – it is time to begin the application process!
Note: Spring 2027 study abroad applications will open on April 15, 2026 at 12:00PM (noon) ET.
As you work through each part of the application, your application will move through a series of status stages. The Step-by-Step Application Guide below outlines what each status means, what’s happening at that stage, deadlines, and what you need to do next.
Important Notes about Your Study Abroad Application
- You can only have one study abroad application open at a time.
- Opening or submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance.
- Programs close to new applicants as soon as capacity is reached (based on submitted applications), even if this occurs before the stated application deadline.
- If a program reaches capacity before you submit your application, your incomplete application will be withdrawn and you must start a new one.
- Programs marked “Selective” on PASSPORT often receive more applicants than space available. As a result, applicants to these programs are reviewed by a selection committee, which determines which students advance in the applicant pipeline.
- You must choose up to three alternate programs in case you are not academically approved for your first choice or if you are not selected during the selection committee review. These selections are final and cannot be modified after the application deadline. List your alternate programs in rank order of interest.
Step 5: Apply
Once your application is open, you will gain access to instructions for completing both your Penn Abroad and host program applications. Begin working on your application immediately to ensure you have ample time to address any questions with your Penn Abroad and academic advising contacts and submit it before the deadline listed on the PASSPORT program brochure.
As part of the application process, you must meet with your home school academic advisor for study abroad. During this meeting, you will:
- Review your academic eligibility
- Discuss course options
- Begin the course approval process
College of Arts & Sciences students must also obtain academic approval from their major department.
Schedule these meetings early, as advisors’ schedules fill quickly, and they are not required to accommodate last-minute requests.
Additional Resources