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.
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 WashU and Program admission applications. Many programs involve a two-step application and admission process, and you will need both WashU Approval to transfer credit and Program Admission from the provider or host university to participate in study abroad.
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.
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 (summer term only) in order to be eligible to earn WashU credit abroad. Students can also take a leave of absence to study abroad without earning WashU credit.
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.
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 WashU email address and to be automatically reinstated for registration upon 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 an LOA. Check with the program about applying for federal aid and outside scholarships, grants, and loans.
Overseas Programs Summer Study Abroad Scholarship
The following summer study abroad scholarship is available to Washington University students. We highly recommend you apply to ALL scholarships for which you are eligible and plan ahead.
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 a scholarship to support summer study abroad. These scholarships are awarded to WashU undergraduate students demonstrating financial need. Preference will be given to those participating on WashU faculty-led programs
External Scholarships
There are various national scholarships specifically available for students who are planning to study 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.
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.
U.S. 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. Open to U.S. citizens only.
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.
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.
Students studying abroad on programs through DIS may eligible for several different types of scholarships. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
School for International Training (SIT) overs a broad range of study abroad scholarships and grants for students studying on their programs.
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.