Application Steps: Global Learning Office

Application Steps

Step 1: Start Your Application in GLObal Gateway

Applications open in early November each year. Start your application right away, even if you are not completely certain of your program selection(s).

Step 2: Complete Time-Sensitive Requirements

Meet With Your Academic Adviser(s)

You must consult with your Major, Minor, and/or School Advisers about your study abroad program and course plans and how study abroad may impact your degree progress. Unsure who to contact about what and when? Review the Academic Advising Guide. Start conversations and request meetings early; calendars fill up quickly.

Complete Interviews

Most programs do not have an interview requirement. Only exchanges and some Northwestern and affiliated programs require an interview as part of the application. Learn more about interview requirements and refer to your program brochure to see if this applies to you. Request an appointment early; calendars fill up quickly.

Note: If your GPA is below 2.5, you will also need a Letter of Recommendation from a Northwestern professor. Make this request early to allow time to write the letter before the deadline. Learn more about this process.

Step 3: Complete Other Application Requirements

In addition to meeting with academic advisers and completing interviews, within the application you will also need to:

Write a personal statement
Complete program-specific requirements
Upload your unofficial transcript
Review and sign the student agreement
- 2020-2021 Student Agreement (Summer 2020 and Fall, Winter, and/or Spring 2020-2021)
- 2021-2022 Student Agreement (Summer 2021 and Fall, Winter, and/or Spring 2021-2022)

Details on all of these requirements can be found in the GLObal Gateway. Plan to complete all sections of the application by the deadline for competitive consideration for your selected programs.

Step 4: Remember Your Deadline

For all programs, complete the Northwestern study abroad application 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 by November 10 (Fall Quarter) of your junior year to go abroad in Spring Quarter of your junior year, or by February 10 (Winter Quarter) of your sophomore year to go abroad in Fall Quarter of your junior year.

Program timeframe and deadline date for applications.
Term	Date
Fall, Fall-Winter, & Full-Year Programs	February 10
Summer Programs	February 10
Winter Programs	June 10
Winter-Spring Programs	September 10
Spring Programs	November 10

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.

If you're applying to a Northwestern program, GESI, or a CASA program, you do not have to complete a separate program application.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

You're one step closer to studying abroad! You can expect a decision within six weeks. In the meantime, there are several steps you should take to prepare for your study abroad adventure.