How Do I Apply for a Study Abroad Program?

Once you have confirmed that you are eligible to apply for a study abroad program, there are generally 2 application processes.

Applying to Your Home Institution to Participate in Study Abroad

Each institution will have unique requirements and protocol for applying to study abroad. Many institutions require students to fill out an application form and mail or submit all completed documents in person, while other institutions have online application systems available for students to apply online.

Please consult your institution's study abroad website or speak with a study abroad advisor for more detailed information particular to your institution. If you have attended more than one institution of higher learning, you may be required to submit an official set of transcripts from each institution. For a list of study abroad offices and contacts at participating BCSAC institutions, please visit the Find a Study Abroad Program page.

What does the application consist of?

Each institution will have a different set of requirements, processes and documents that must accompany an application for studying abroad. It is important to remember to keep abreast of deadlines and to submit your study abroad application on time.

Some examples of potential study abroad eligibility and application requirements are:

  • be a registered full-time student
  • minimum GPA requirement
  • minimum age requirement
  • have completed a minimum number of academic credits at home institution
  • be involved in extracurricular activities such as campus or community clubs
  • provide a Statement of Intent, which details the expected contribution of studying abroad to the student's academic and career goals
  • provide letters of academic reference from faculty and personal references
  • produce a current Curriculum Vitae/Resume
  • a study plan
  • a detailed study abroad budget estimate and/or proof of funds
  • be willing to return to your home institution for a specified amount of time or minimum number of credits after studying abroad
  • submission of a study abroad program application on time!

What if I miss the Study Abroad Application Deadline?

Most institutions have a certain number of study abroad placements they are able to fill each semester or each year. Contact your Study Abroad Advisor to find out if there are additional spots available after your institution's deadline. Late applications may be considered on a case by case basis depending on space availability and lead time required for a successful study abroad program. To have the highest chance of getting a spot at the school or destination of your choice, you should apply before the deadline.

How competitive are study abroad programs?

Some schools and programs are more competitive than others. Although study abroad placements are not guaranteed, most institutions try to ensure that everyone who expresses a genuine interest in their application and meets the minimum eligibility requirements gets an opportunity to study abroad.

After submitting my application, can I change the courses that I want to take?

Depending on the flexibility of your home and destination institutions, you may or may not be able to alter the courses you wish to take at your study abroad destination once you have submitted your study abroad application. Before submitting your application, it is very important to consider what courses you will be able to take at the destination institution in order to ensure that they fit into your program and are eligible for transfer credit.

What happens after I've been accepted to study abroad?

Each institution has a variety of requirements you must complete before you go. Most students attend a pre-departure session which will cover an array of topics ranging from how you need to apply to the destination institution, how transfer credit works, information on cultural adjustment, health and medical insurance, and the application process for passports and visas.