Education Abroad Application Process and Timeline

Students who have completed the Steps to Study Abroad and are ready to open a Penn State Education Abroad program application must follow the instructions and process outlined on this page.

All students are required to submit an online application through the Penn State LionsABROAD application portal by the appropriate deadline for the term they are applying to (see the Application Deadlines listed below). To assist students with the process, this page will provide application instructions and an explanation of how to request an electronic academic recommendation.

Please note: If you are interested in an embedded program, deadlines and instructions listed on this page do not apply to you. Please contact the faculty leader of your selected embedded program for more information.

*Certain fall and academic year programs have an earlier deadline. See the "Fall and Academic Year Deadline Exceptions" tab below for more information.
**Applications for certain spring programs must be submitted by the Early Action Deadline. See the "Spring Deadline Exceptions" tab below for more information.

Applications for summer, fall, and academic year programs typically open in early October. Applications for spring programs typically open in late January.

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Application Instruction Guide

Detailed instructions are listed at the top of every student's LionsABROAD portal once they've opened an education abroad program application. This application guide is a summary of what students can expect for submitting a Penn State education abroad application.

Application Guide

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Host Institution Application Note

Students applying to an education abroad program in partnership with a host institution abroad will also be required to submit an application directly with that host institution. Further instructions for students applying to these types of programs will be available in the LionsABROAD portal.

Program Type Overview

Will My Application be Approved?

Whether a student receives approval to participate in a Penn State education abroad program depends on a variety of factors and Education Abroad, in conjunction with program partners when applicable, reserves the right to make admission decisions regarding all approved programs. Applicants are not guaranteed acceptance into any program. Since each program has its own set of academic and admission standards and capacity requirements, students should investigate the requirements of their desired program before applying.

Factors that may impact admissions outcome

Age (all Penn State students must be at least 18 years old by program start date)

GPA and/or grades earned in specific courses

Semester standing or credits completed before the program/at time of application review

Course pre-requisite(s) completion, recommended pre-travel coursework, or academic preparation

Language proficiency

Student conduct history at Penn State

Interview process (some internship or faculty-led programs require interviews)

Program capacity limitations

University Restricted Travel or health and safety protocol

Vaccination or health requirements

Additional Application Considerations

Please make time to complete the Penn State application requirements and open your application well before the deadline to ensure that you have enough time to create a quality application.

Applications are evaluated on an individual basis. The Education Abroad office does not guarantee requests to study abroad with friends.

Even if Penn State Education Abroad approves a student's application, this does not guarantee they will be accepted by the host institution abroad, if applicable.

Penn State applications cannot be deferred. Students must withdraw and reapply to a later semester.

For more information about Penn State application requirements and eligibility, please visit the Education Abroad Policies page.