Start Now - Eligibility and Timing
Eligibility Requirements
Summer Study Abroad
Summer is a good opportunity for students to explore study abroad if they wish to go early or for a shorter duration. Programs range from 2-10 weeks in length. Students may consider a summer study abroad program as early as the first year (two completed semesters). Some programs may have additional eligibility requirements. Check with your academic advisor to ensure you do not risk exceeding the entrance-to-major credit window by adding summer credits.
Semester Study Abroad
Full semester study abroad programs, in the fall or the spring, allow students to have a longer and more immersive international experience. Students that are planning for a Smeal major (BA and DUS) must have completed all ETM courses and be in their major before they leave for a fall or spring semester program. Minimum GPAs and other prerequisite courses are required for some programs. Penn State World Campus is NOT a Penn State Study Abroad program. Please read this brochure for a better understanding of the differences.
Non-Penn State Semester Programs
Credits taken abroad during fall or spring semester at a non-PSU study abroad program will NOT be accepted toward any Smeal degree requirements, including general education and electives. Students must attend an active program from the full list of Penn State Education Abroad Office programs. Candidates for the International Business Minor must attend a program on the Choosing a Program list. Students with compelling academic motivations for considering non-PSU study abroad programs may contact the Strickler Office of International Programs to inquire about a petition process.
Application Deadlines
Applications must be submitted to PSU Education Abroad for all approved programs. Some programs require additional application materials to be submitted directly to the host institution. Please visit the PSU Global website for more information about the Application Process.
Fall Semester & Academic Year Abroad Deadline: March
The Fall 2025 and Academic Year 2025-2026 deadline was March 3, 2025
*Exception - These programs have a January 23rd deadline: IES: Nagoya, Nanzan University, IES: Oxford, St. Catherine's College (Fall, Academic Year, and Spring applications), Mito: Ibaraki University, Kuala Lumpur: Monash University Malaysia
Spring Semester Abroad Deadline: May Early Action Deadline
The Spring 2026 early action deadline is May 15th. If programs fill at this date they will be closed to applicants in later application cycles. Final deadline for application is September 10th. We highly recommend students submit all materials by May 15th.
Summer Study Abroad & International Internship Deadline: January 23
The Summer 2025 deadline for all PSU-approved study abroad programs was January 23, 2025. This includes Maymester and International Internship programs also.
Summer Virtual International Internships: January 23 or March 1
Apply by January 23 to be considered for Penn State Global Programs Scholarships.
Apply by March 1st as the final deadline. Scholarship consideration depends on remaining funding and is not guaranteed.
Timeline
Careful planning to include an educational experience abroad from the first year at Penn State will contribute to a timely graduation.
First Year
Tell your Smeal or DUS Adviser if you want to study abroad and they will help you reserve course requirements to complete abroad. Consider a summer study abroad program as many are open to students completing their first year at Penn State.
Sophomore Year
Set goals, research programs, review course offerings and decide which semester to study abroad. Then, apply by the program deadline; many deadlines are almost a year in advance of departure.
Junior Year
Plan specific courses to take abroad with your Smeal Adviser and your advisers for any minors. Complete minor applications and get department permission if you want to take any courses abroad for the minor. Save syllabi from all courses taken abroad.
Senior Year
Share your experiences with other students and get your course equivalency paperwork completed so courses may be placed into your degree audit for your major and any minors.
Schedule an Appointment
An appointment with the Strickler Office of International Programs is recommended during the program selection process to ensure your goals fit well with the chosen program. As you narrow your choices find out more about courses and other program specifics.