How to Apply

Check the application dates page, and plan to apply 7-12 months in advance of your program. Your campus study abroad office, campus academic advisors, and an advisor from UCEAP are available to guide you through the application process. 

Here are the steps to apply to study abroad:

1. COMPLETE THE STUDY ABROAD PLANNER 

The portfolio of programs offered by UCEAP is extensive, and the UCEAP study abroad planner is designed to help you choose and confirm that a program fits your goals and academic needs. Completing it will put you in the best position to be sure you have selected the right program for you. 

If you need one-on-one personal guidance to select a location or program, contact your campus study abroad office.

2. REVIEW THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND PROGRAM DETAILS

All UCEAP programs are different, and it’s critical to review all the information to understand the specifics of this program. 

Under Dates and Eligibility, for example, you can find the minimum requirements for this program. Most requirements must be met at the time you apply, and they must be maintained through the application process to the end of your program. 

Carefully review all the program pages to understand what classes you can take, where you’ll live, what the program will cost, and more. If you have questions, the UCEAP study abroad advisor for the program can help.

3. CREATE AN ACCOUNT WITH UCEAP 

Create an account in the UCEAP portal – this is where you will start and complete your application. Registering for an account gives you access to more detailed application instructions, including the list of required documents. 

Every UC campus has its own requirements for study abroad, and they must be met for your application to be considered. You can review the campus-specific requirements in the UCEAP portal. 

Start gathering the required documents like transcripts, your passport, academic planning form, etc., so you can be ready to complete your application and reserve your seat when the application for this program opens. Be aware that gathering all the required documents can take weeks or even months. 

Tip: Having your documentation saved in digital format will help you apply more quickly.

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

4. COMPLETE AND SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION 

While you’ll have access to review application information using your portal account, you won’t be able to start an application until the applications are open. Program applications are open for a specific amount of time, and when a program is filled, it is closed to new applications. 

  1. Check the application dates and have all the required documentation ready before the application opens. Don't forget the required campus documents!
  2. When the application opens, complete and submit your application, with all required materials, as soon as possible. 

Note: You cannot submit more than one application per term. There is no need to submit multiple applications because the UCEAP study abroad advisors will provide guidance and support if you have concerns or need to change your program choice.

Will you get in?

You should be able to study abroad if you meet and maintain the eligibility requirements and submit your application before the deadline. 

Open seats on a program are assigned to qualified students with complete applications in the order they were submitted. 

  • If your application is submitted on time but incomplete, it may be passed over in favor of complete applications. 
  • If your application is started but not submitted in time to hold a seat on the program, you will be notified by email.
  • If your application is submitted on time, but too many students submitted ahead of you, you'll be notified by email. 

If your first choice of program isn't available for any reason, UCEAP will work with you to identify the next best option and transfer your application.

What happens after an application is submitted? 

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

  • If your application is accepted, you will receive an email within one month of submitting it indicating that it is moving forward. 
  • 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!

What happens if you change your mind?

If you change your mind after submitting an application, you have options. Contact the UCEAP study abroad advisor for the program to discuss them. 

You may choose to study abroad in a different location or on a different term, for example, or you may find that a different program is a better fit. 

Alternatively, you may choose to withdraw from the program. Withdrawing from a program can have monetary and academic consequences, depending on the timing, so it’s important to notify UCEAP as early as possible.