Choosing to study abroad is exciting, but there are a number of steps you need to take in order to apply. Read below to learn about the process for applying to study abroad and the deadline by which you need to submit your application.
Applications open in the fall each year. Start your application right away.
Note: You are only permitted to apply to one program per term.
You will need to provide proof of a valid passport or proof of a submitted passport application as part of the Northwestern application process. The processing time for passport applications is up to 14 weeks. For more information, visit the passports page.
All students must meet with and obtain approval from their School Adviser(s). By approving your application, your School Adviser(s) are indicating that they have discussed your study abroad plans with you, that you are in good academic standing and making satisfactory progress towards completion of your degree, and that they believe your study abroad plans make sense academically, considering your overall plan of study at Northwestern.
Note: while School Advisers are able to discuss school policies for fulfilling distribution/foundational discipline/theme and other school-level requirements, they are not able to help you choose a study abroad program or determine how your credit will transfer back to Northwestern.
To request approval for study abroad:
Start conversations and request meetings early; calendars fill up quickly.
In addition to meeting with academic advisers, within the application you will also need to:
Details on all of these requirements can be found in GLObal Gateway. Plan to complete all sections of the application by the deadline for your selected program.
For all programs, the Northwestern study abroad application must be completed by the appropriate deadline. Note that all deadlines fall 1-2 terms before the term when your study abroad program begins. For example, you must apply in November (Fall Quarter) of your junior year to go abroad in Spring Quarter of your junior year, or by February (Winter Quarter) of your sophomore year to go abroad in Fall Quarter of your junior year.
All deadlines are clearly listed on the program brochure in GLObal Gateway.
| Term | Date |
|---|---|
|
Early Deadline Fall & Full Year Programs |
December 10 |
|
Summer & Fall Start* Northwestern Programs and Exchanges |
February 1 |
| Summer & Fall Start* Partner/Independent Programs | February 25 |
| Winter Northwestern Programs and Exchanges | June 10 |
| Winter and Winter-Spring Partner Programs | September 10 |
| Spring Programs | November 10 |
*Fall Start indicates a program that begins in the fall and includes fall, fall-winter, and full year programs.
Note: Exchanges and affiliated programs require a separate program application in addition to the Northwestern study abroad application, and some of these program applications have early deadlines. Refer to the program page to confirm the application deadline for your program.
Once you submit, you're one step closer to studying abroad! You can expect a decision within six weeks after the deadline. In the meantime, there are several steps you should take to prepare for your study abroad adventure.