Your Journey to Study Abroad

Early Deadline Fall & Full Year Programs: December 10; Summer & Fall Start Northwestern Programs and Exchanges: February 1; Summer & Fall Start Partner Programs: February 25; Winter Northwestern Programs: June 10; Winter & Winter-Spring Partner Programs & Exchanges: September 10; Spring: November 10

4-5 MONTHS BEFORE DEADLINE

Apply/Renew Passport

Regardless of your program, you need a passport valid for at least 6 months after your return. You will need to provide proof of passport during the application process, so apply for/renew your passport now! Processing times can be as long as 14 weeks.

Identify Your Goals

The best action begins with reflection. Why do you want to study abroad? The study abroad goals assessment tool can help you break down your goals and needs. Academic planning resources help you make study abroad work with your major/minor.

Explore Programs

Considering your academic, personal, and financial goals, begin to narrow down your search by learning about different program types and exploring programs in GLObal Gateway.

Consider Your Identity(-ies)

You should also explore identity considerations and reach out to student ambassadors with identity-specific questions.

2-3 MONTHS BEFORE DEADLINE

Talk it Out

Use this time to attend a Study Abroad 101, meet with GLO advisers, financial aid advisers, school advisers, NCA advisers, and/or GLO student ambassadors.

Note: Meeting with school advisers is required as part of the application process.

Attend Info Sessions

GLO info sessions are a great way to learn more about specific programs, hear from past students, and speak to advisers. Keep an eye on our calendar for upcoming info sessions.

Apply for Scholarships

Many scholarships have very early deadlines, especially for summer study abroad. Apply early, even if you don't know your program yet (you can usually switch later). We've compiled some scholarships to get you started.

1-2 MONTHS BEFORE DEADLINE

Narrow Down Your Choices

About two months before the application deadline, you should begin narrowing down your program choices. You are only permitted to apply to one program per term, so you'll have to determine your top choice before you apply.

Determine Your Eligibility

Northwestern encourages all students to consider study abroad; however, each school and program has their own requirements. Learn more about these requirements and policies.

Figure Out Finances

Program costs vary widely; find total cost estimates on each program page. Review the Finances & Funding FAQs, and check out Money Matters for details about program costs and billing, financial aid and scholarships, and managing expenses.

Start Your Application

Use downtime over breaks (e.g., winter break, summer break) to work on your application. Even if you aren't set on a program, start your application now - you can always change your program later.

Applications open in early-October

0-1 MONTH BEFORE DEADLINE

Submit Your Application

Finalize and submit your Northwestern study abroad application. Note: Some components of the application, such as meeting with your school adviser and completing an interview, require advance planning. Review specifics on the Apply page.

POST-DEADLINE

What Happens Next?

It can take up to 6 weeks after the deadline for your application to be reviewed. In the meantime, review what happens between submission and approval.