Applications
Full-semester programs ask for a list of courses you might take abroad. All programs require at least one faculty recommendation, and some require two.
Forms and application methods differ from program to program, but most are online and ask variations of the following questions:
- Why did you choose this program?
- What will you gain from living in another culture?
- Which graduation requirements will the courses you take overseas complete?
- How does studying abroad fit in with your career goals?
When you’ve narrowed your choice of program and are ready to apply, schedule an appointment with Ruth Pflueger, director of the Center for Learning Excellence, to review the process required for that program. Call 814-898-6140 or email [email protected] with questions or to schedule an appointment.
Application Deadlines
Deadlines for 2027–28 will be posted soon.
| Term | Penn State Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Summer 2026 | January 22, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 and Academic Year 2026–27 | March 2, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 (Early Action Deadline)** | May 15, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 (Final Deadline for Select Programs)** | August 1, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 (Final Deadline for All Other Programs)** | September 10, 2026 |
*Fall and Academic Year Programs
Some fall and academic year programs have earlier application deadlines than the date listed above. If you are applying for fall or an academic year abroad, review the “Fall and Academic Year Programs with Earlier Deadlines” section below to confirm your program’s deadline.
**Spring Programs (Three Deadlines)
Spring semester programs are offered across three different application deadlines:
- Early Action Deadline
- Final Deadline for Select Programs
- Final Deadline for All Other Programs
The deadline that applies to you depends on the program you are applying for. Students applying for the spring semester must review the “Spring Program Deadlines” section below to determine which deadline applies to their specific program before submitting an application.
Application Opening Dates
Applications for summer, fall, and academic year programs open in early October. Applications for spring programs open in late January.
Students are responsible for identifying and meeting the correct application deadline for their program.
Fall and Academic Year Programs with Earlier Deadlines
The following programs have an early Penn State application deadline of January 22, 2026, for the fall and academic year terms due to early partner application deadlines:
- Dept ENGR & EMS: Sendai, Tohoku University
- IES: Nagoya, Nanzan University
- Mito: Ibaraki University
- IES: Oxford, St. Catherine's College
- The January 22, 2026, deadline for the IES Oxford program is for the fall, academic year, and spring terms.
Spring Program Deadlines
Spring semester education abroad applications are reviewed across three deadlines. Some programs require submission by a specific deadline, while others will remain open for multiple deadlines, allowing students to apply earlier if they choose. Students must confirm which deadline applies to their program before submitting an application.
Early Action Deadline: May 15
Who should apply by this deadline:
- Students applying to any program listed with a May 15 deadline
- Students who wish to submit their application early and receive an earlier admission decision
Only a small number of programs require submission by the Early Action deadline. However, any student may choose to apply to any spring program by this date if they are ready.
Final Deadline for Select Programs: August 1
Who should apply by this deadline:
- Students applying to programs in Italy or Spain
- Students applying to any program listed with an August 1 deadline
- Students who wish to submit their application early and receive an earlier admission decision
A larger number of programs require submission by the Final Deadline for Select Programs. Any student may submit their application to any spring program (with the exception of programs that required submission by the Early Action deadline) by August 1 to receive an earlier admission decision.
Final Deadline for All Other Programs: September 10
Who should apply by this deadline:
- Students applying to all other spring programs not listed as requiring submission by May 15 or August 1
This is the latest possible deadline for spring study abroad. Applications for programs that require submission by May 15 or August 1 will not be accepted at this deadline. Applications for all other programs must be received by this deadline.
September 10 Deadline Programs
Note about the CIEE Open Campus Block Program
The Penn State application deadline for the CIEE Open Campus block program varies by location and length of stay. Students may need to apply by the Final Deadline for Select Programs on August 1. Students should check the CIEE Open Campus program brochure or contact the Penn State education abroad adviser for Open Campus to confirm the exact Penn State deadline for their selected blocks.