Congratulations on taking the next big step toward your study abroad adventure with UCEAP! With the support of your campus study abroad office, academic advisors, and the UCEAP team, you have the guidance you need to make your dream of studying abroad a reality. 

Let’s walk through the steps together to help you stay on track and feel confident every step of the way.

Jump to Steps

First Things First

Applying to study abroad with UCEAP is a slightly different process from when you applied to attend the University of California. The first difference is that applying to UCEAP is free! (Although some UC campus study abroad offices collect an application fee.)

The second difference is that as a UC student, you're already eligible to start a UCEAP application if you meet the following criteria:

  • You are enrolled as a degree-seeking student with a UC campus, are on filing fee status, or are on approved leave status.
  • You are in good academic standing as defined by your UC campus.

If you meet these criteria, you are eligible to apply to UCEAP! If you have any questions about your eligibility, contact a UCEAP study abroad advisor.

Note for transfer students: Incoming transfer students are eligible to apply for UCEAP programs; however, you must check with your campus study abroad office to determine when you can participate in study abroad.

Will You Get In?

Here's the good news: if you're eligible and submit a complete application before the program fills, you're almost guaranteed a spot.

Seats are assigned to qualified students in the order applications are received, so submitting early and making sure everything's complete gives you the best chance at your first-choice program.

If your top choice fills up or isn't available for any reason, don't stress—the UCEAP team will work with you to find your next best option and transfer your application. We're here to get you abroad!

When Do Applications Open?

Mark your calendar! Applications typically open:

  • Mid-November for summer, fall, and year-long programs
  • Mid-April for winter and spring programs

When do applications close?

Deadlines vary by program, but generally fall between:

  • Early December to mid-March for summer, fall, and year-long programs
  • Early June to early October for winter and spring programs

As programs are filled, the application deadlines page is updated.

Pro tip: Some programs fill quickly, so don't wait until the last minute! Spots go to eligible students with complete applications on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting into your first-choice program.

Quick Tips

Review the timeline before starting

The UCEAP program portfolio is extensive, and studying abroad takes some planning. Check out the timeline before you dive into your application—it'll help you understand what's coming and keep you on track.

Complete the Study Abroad Planner

The study abroad planner will help you reflect on your personal and career goals, academic needs, and personal aspects of your identity so that you can select the right program for you. Plus, our expert advisors are here to help you navigate your options and find your perfect program fit. 

Submit one application per term

Here's an important one: stick to one application per term. Submitting multiple applications for the same term creates confusion and can slow down your processing (or even get your duplicates canceled). That said, if you're thinking about studying abroad more than once, you're totally welcome to apply for different terms!

Steps to Apply

Here are the steps to apply to study abroad.

Recommended: Have your completed study abroad planner on hand as you go through these steps!

1. Create an account

Creating an account in the UCEAP portal gives you access to more detailed application instructions, including a list of required documents. 

Note: Every UC campus has its own requirements for studying abroad, which must be met for your application to be considered. Campus-specific requirements are listed in the UCEAP Portal.

2. Review instructions and requirements

Open the program you want to attend on the UCEAP website and click the orange Apply Now button. 

Hint: Use the website search or program finder to locate your program if you didn't bookmark it.

You'll be prompted to log in to your UCEAP portal account to see campus-specific application instructions and requirements.

Pro tip: Now is a good time to double-check the application dates and plan to have all the required documentation ready before the application opens.

3. Gather the required documents

Every program has a specific list of required documents, which can take weeks or months to gather. You'll increase your chances of reserving a spot on your first-choice program if you have the required documents saved and ready in digital form ahead of time.

Start gathering the required documents, such as transcripts and passports, as well as academic planning forms, so you can be ready to complete your application and reserve your seat when the application for this program opens. 

Note for graduate students: Before applying, see the Graduate Student Program Inquiry Form (GPIF) and prepare to submit the Graduate or Professional Student Agreement (GSAG) and Academic Planning Form with your application.

4. Complete and submit your application

When the application opens, log in to complete and submit your application along with all the required materials as soon as possible. 

If you have any questions or concerns, the UCEAP study abroad advisors will be happy to provide guidance and support.

 

Applying FAQs

Each application is reviewed by staff at your campus study abroad office and by UCEAP staff.

  • If your application is accepted, you will receive an email within one month of submitting it indicating that your application is moving forward. Some programs may require a secondary application to a host university before acceptance is finalized.
  • If the program is affiliated with a third-party provider or host university, your application may also be reviewed by the partner before final acceptance (in some cases, a second application may be required).

If there are any questions about your application, you will be contacted by email, so you must check your inbox regularly for messages regarding your application. Don't forget to check your spam folder!

First, take a breath—this doesn't happen often! If your application is submitted after the program has filled, for example, we'll reach out to you right away by email. And here's the thing: we're not going to leave you hanging. The UCEAP team will work with you to explore alternative programs. Students in this situation often report that the alternative program aligned with their goals even better than their original choice. 

Just know that we're committed to helping you study abroad!

If you change your mind after submitting an application, you have options. For example, you could study abroad in a different location or on a different term, and your UCEAP study abroad advisor can help you find a program that is a better fit.

Hint: Refer to the Contacts tab on your program page to get in touch with the program-specific advisor.