Dates and Deadlines
Check deadlines and plan your application process accordingly.
Overseas Programs Study Abroad Programs
Early application is strongly recommended. Deadlines that fall on a weekend/holiday are extended to the next business day.
| Program Term | Application Opens | Application Deadline |
| Fall Semester & Academic Year | November 1 |
February 1 |
| Summer |
November 1 |
February 1* |
| Spring Semester | March 1 |
May 1 |
- *These are general deadlines. WashU faculty-led summer programs have different deadlines. Please refer to the specific Brochure Pages to confirm deadline
- Applications are due by 11:59 PM CST on the deadline date.
Petition for Alternative Program
Submit Petitions early to allow time to apply to the program for approved petitions or to make other plans for denied petitions.
| Program Term | Application Opens | Application Deadline |
| Fall Semester & Academic Year | November 1 | January 15 |
| Summer | November 1 | January 15 |
| Spring Semester | March 1 | April 15 |
Leave of Absence
Register for a Leave of Absence if participating in a semester program not approved by Washington University and not receiving Washington University credit or paying Washington University fees.
| Program Term | Application Deadline |
| Fall Semester | May 1 |
| Spring Semester | December 15 |
Application Process
Once you have chosen a program, follow the instructions for your WUSTL Application and your Program Admission Application. Many programs involve a two-step application and admission process and you will need both WU Approval to transfer credit and Program Admission from the provider or host university to participate in study abroad.
Application Process
1. WUSTL Approval Application
Opening an Application | Click Apply for a Program and search for the program to which you would like to apply. Click the Apply Now button at the top of the brochure. You may only apply to one program per term. Your application is in Pending status while you complete the following components,all of which will be available once you open an application:
Recommendations | Most applications require two recommendations. Please make recommendation requests at least three weeks prior to the application deadline. Students should discuss their program with recommenders prior to requesting the recommendation through the online system.
Required Forms to Complete and Turn In | Submit printed forms to McMillan 138. Overseas Programs will check off these materials within 5 business days once submitted.
Required Documents Needing Your Signature | You are responsible for reading and understanding all signed materials. WUSTL students can digitally sign materials 24 hours after opening an application. If you are not a registered WUSTL student, you must submit photo identification to be able to digitally sign.
Questions You Must Answer | Complete all essays and questionnaires. Make a meeting with your Departmental Study Abroad Advisor at least two weeks before the deadline to complete the Study Plan.
Submit all components by the appropriate deadline.
2. Program Admission Application
In addition to the WUSTL application, many providers and partner institutions require an application for program admission. If your are required to sign the Acknowledgement of Secondary Application document as part of your WUSTL application, then you are responsible for submitting the program admission application by the WUSTL deadline or as early as possible. Application forms for most approved programs are available on-line at the program’s or university’s website. You are responsible for completing all forms and requesting any additional recommendations from faculty. Overseas Programs will forward your recommendations in some cases.
Application Review
1. WUSTL Approval Decision
WU Approved | If you are approved by Overseas Programs, your application will be moved to WU Approved status and you will receive an approval email. The WU Approved status means Overseas Programs has reviewed your application and approved you to participate in the program for WUSTL credit. At this time you can login to the Study Abroad Portal to view and complete pre-departure requirements.
2. Program Admission Decision
Confirmation of Admission Offer | If applicable, you need an acceptance offer from the program provider or partner institution to participate in the program. When you receive admission notification, please provide Overseas Program with a copy of the admission letter or email. Your WUSTL Application will then be moved to the Confirmation of Admission Offer status.
Petition and Leave of Absence Process
Overseas Programs' list of approved programs will meet the needs of most students. In some cases students will have compelling academic reasons to submit a departmental or alternative program petition in order to be eligible to earn Washington University credit abroad. Students can also take a leave of absence to study abroad without earning Washington University credit.
Departmental Petition
Students seeking to participate in an Overseas Programs study abroad program not currently approved for their major/minor will need to obtain approval from the department and Overseas Programs.
Alternative Program Petition
Students seeking to earn Washington University credit for an alternative program not on the list of Washington University approved programs are required to petition the Study Abroad Advisory Board (SAAB) for approval. Students must have compelling academic reasons, strong academic preparation, and strong endorsement of the appropriate academic department in order to successfully petition for an alternative program.
Examples
- A political science and economics major wishes to study the European Union. He has taken a number of courses in both of his majors, on Europe, and has studied some French. He petitions for participation in the Educational Programmes Abroad program in Belgium and is approved.
- A political science major has always wanted to live in Spain and loves Spanish food and culture. She has not taken any Spanish language and has only taken one course in her major. She finds a program in Spain taught in English that allows plenty of time for recreational travel. Her petition is denied.
Petitioners must complete a petition advising questionnaire, meet with Dr. Amy Suelzer, and submit an application.
Review Alternative Program Petition Instructions and Application
Approved Petitions | If the petition is approved by the SAAB, your online petition application will be moved to a program application and you will need to complete a set of materials. The program will be considered a WUSTL-approved program with all of the rights and responsibilities that come with that designation. The payment of fees and application of financial aid will follow Overseas Programs financial procedures and policies. The program transcript will be reviewed upon return for Washington University credit and you will be required to fulfill all academic requirements while abroad.
Denied Petitions | If the petition is denied, the student may apply for a regularly approved program or appeal the petition.
Leave of Absence
Students who are interested in the experience of studying abroad for one or two semesters without receiving Washington University credit can take a Leave of Absence (LOA). Credit earned abroad while on a LOA cannot be transferred to Washington University. A LOA will allow you to retain your WUSTL email address and to be automatically reinstated for registration for your return to Washington University. Carefully research program options that will meet your needs and provide a level of support. You are responsible for paying the program sponsor yourself and no Washington University financial assistance can be applied to a program during a LOA. Check with the program about applying federal aid and outside scholarships, grants, and loans.
Washington University International Scholarships
There are Washington University scholarships and national scholarships specifically available for students who are planning to study, research, work, and volunteer abroad. We highly recommend you apply to ALL scholarships for which you are eligible and plan ahead.
The following scholarships are available to Washington University students. Each scholarship has unique requirements that may focus on financial need, academic excellence, non-traditional destinations and underrepresented groups.
Overseas Programs Summer Study Abroad Scholarships
Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Theodore D. Eisler, the Rowe Family, and Washington University in St. Louis, Overseas Programs is pleased to be able to offer scholarships to support summer study abroad. These scholarships are competitive grants of up to $5,000 awarded to WU undergraduate students demonstrating a high level of financial need. Preference is given to students participating in WU-administered programs and/or programs outside Western Europe.
Ratkin
The Ratkin Fund offers funds to a Washington University study abroad participant to undertake a service-oriented project or volunteer opportunity during or after their study abroad experience. Within the context of their host community, recipients may participate in a project helping to address a social welfare, educational, cultural, or environmental problem, or work with an established organization that seeks to alleviate social and economic inequalities. Program location in no way determines a student’s eligibility for an award, as long as a student has identified an opportunity for participating in a socially-conscious community service or engagement effort.
External Scholarships
There are Washington University scholarships and national scholarships specifically available for students who are planning to study, research, work, and volunteer abroad. We highly recommend you apply to ALL scholarships for which you are eligible and plan ahead.
As you plan your time abroad, you have the opportunity to apply for scholarships funded by study abroad program providers, independent organizations, and the U.S Government. The list provided, though not exhaustive, includes some frequently recommended scholarships.
AASAP/UK Lord Acton Memorial Scholarship
This merit-based scholarship is offered to students studying abroad in the United Kingdom for a semester or year. Eligible students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the value of international education.
Arcadia Program Scholarships
Students studying abroad on programs through Arcadia may eligible for several different types of scholarships. Semester scholarship awards range between $500-2,500 with an average award of $1,500. Summer scholarship awards range between $250-1,000 with an average award of $700.
Boren: National Security Education Program (NSEP) Daved L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarship
Undergraduate scholarships for study abroad. Designed to provide students with the resources and encouragement they need to acquire skills and experience in countries and areas of the world critical to the future security of our nation.
CET Program Scholarships
Students studying abroad on programs through CET may eligible for several different types of scholarships. Most CET scholarship decisions are based on financial need, and scholarship awards are intended to encourage study abroad by helping to alleviate financial burden.
CIEE Program Scholarships
Students studying abroad on programs through CIEE may eligible for several different types of scholarships. CIEE offers need-based, merit bases, and other semester scholarships.
DIS Program Scholarships
Students studying abroad on programs through DIS may eligible for several different types of scholarships. DIS offers need and merit-based awards and is committed to supporting students with limited financial resources, from diverse backgrounds, and/or underrepresented populations in study abroad. Apply for up to $6,000 per semester! During the summer, awards range from $250-$1,500 depending on program cost and duration. International (non-U.S. citizen) students are welcome to apply.
Diverse International Women of Color (DIWC) Scholarship
The Diverse International Women of Color Study Abroad Scholarship is a nonprofit organization intended to assist women of color who are exceptional in their studies and in need of financial assistance to study abroad.
First Trip Scholarship
First Trip values the philosophy of global citizenship and promotes travel to non-traditional study abroad destinations. Students traveling outside of the USA for the first time on a WashU-approved program are eligible to apply for this award.
Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA)
Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with demonstrated financial need wanting to study abroad on a WashU-approved program in East or Southeast Asia are eligible to apply for this award.
Fulbright Scholarship
The Fulbright US Student program offers recipients the opportunity for an academic year of independent research, graduate study, or English teaching in one of the 140+ countries participating in the Fulbright program. Overseas Programs, in cooperation with International & Area Studies, provides current WU students and recent graduates with guidance in the preparation of their proposals, arranges student interviews with members of the on-campus Fulbright faculty committee, and submits applications to Fulbright on behalf of students.
You can also learn more about applying to Fulbright at WashU and tips for creating a strong application.
Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)
The mission of the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) is to provide scholarships and ongoing support to students who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population. FEA supports students of color, community college, and first-generation college students before, during, and after they participate in education abroad programs.
To be eligible for an FEA scholarship, you must be:
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a college or university in the U.S. (graduate students are not eligible)
- Study abroad program must be eligible for credit at the student’s home institution
Please be aware that this scholarship has early deadlines!
Gilman Scholarship
To be eligible for a Gilman Scholarship students must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program, among other criteria. Awards up to $5,000. Award amounts will vary based on student’s recommendation group in the selection process, their financial need and length of program. The Gilman Scholarship Program is a national, highly competitive scholarship. Approximately 1 in 4 Gilman Scholarship applicants are selected to receive the scholarship.
IES Program Scholarships
Students studying abroad on programs through IES may eligible for several different types of scholarships. IES offers need-based, grants, and other study abroad scholarships.
SIT Program Scholarships
Students studying abroad on programs through the School for International Training (SIT) may be eligible for several different types of scholarships; need-based, merit-based, diversity, and location-based.
Scholarship Search Engines
For additional national scholarship opportunities, check out these scholarship search engines. You may be able to apply general scholarships toward international experiences, so extend your search beyond study abroad scholarships.
IIE Institute of International Education