How to Apply

For Rochester students, applying to study abroad is a two-step process.

  1. Request approval from the University to go abroad, by creating a profile in the Education Abroad Portal.
  2. Complete applications for the specific programs in which you hope to participate.

Step 1—Request Approval

All students who intend to go abroad, whether on programs sponsored by the University, or on other institutions' programs, need to first request approval from us to go abroad. This request must be submitted no later than October 1 for spring programs, or March 1 for fall or full-year programs. 

Requests for permission to study abroad are reviewed on a regular basis for programs in the following term.  While we encourage students to submit applications in advance of program deadlines, requests for permission to go abroad cannot be reviewed more than one semester in advance of the term abroad.  Example:  Students requesting to study abroad in Spring 2020 will not be reviewed before June 2019.

Students can request approval by creating a profile for each program in the Education Abroad Portal. 

Step 2—Program Application

Once your request is approved, you will need to submit applications to specific programs in which you hope to participate. Each program has its own requirements; sometimes these requirements differ from our requirements. In all such cases, the University requirements override the program guidelines.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines vary. Check with the specific program to confirm.

  • Fall semester and full-year programs: from February 15 through April 15
  • Spring semester programs: between September 15 and November 15
  • Summer programs: as early as February 1 or as late as April 1
Note:

Expect to begin preparing your application at least four to six weeks in advance of the deadline. Allow plenty of time to obtain recommendations, transcripts, medical clearance, and security reports.

Application Requirements

All applications require that you submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended. In addition, you could be required to provide:

  • A personal statement and/or essay
  • A form or letter indicating the approval of your academic dean or study abroad office
  • The approval of a departmental adviser, or a confidential faculty recommendation

Application Tips

  • You may obtain program catalogs and materials for Rochester programs at the Center for Education Abroad.
  • Use the Study Abroad Checklist for a handy list of steps to take when applying to study abroad.

Applying for Passports & Visas

If you are not a US citizen, anticipate visa or passport complications. Look into this as early as possible in order to avoid problems at Immigration. Visas can take anywhere from six weeks to six months to obtain, depending on your circumstances. Consult with an advisor in the International Services Office in order to ensure that you remain in status, and may re-enter the U.S. without difficulty.

This page will give you information on applying for your passport or visa.

Applying to a Non-Partner program

 If you apply to a non-Partner program, you are responsible for determining the program's requirements and deadlines. Send applications directly to the program sponsor. Not all study abroad programs are accredited; check with a study abroad adviser to make sure that the credits will transfer back toward your degree. You will need to obtain course approvals before leaving campus to ensure that all credits will transfer.