The University of Pennsylvania is updating its study abroad application process
The University of Pennsylvania has updated its study abroad application process and programs, introducing a new system that will take effect for students applying for spring 2027 programs.according to Daily Pennsylvanian, the changes are part of a broader set of updates that Penn Abroad has rolled out over the past year. These include modifications to program caps, application timelines and approval processes.
The new system changes the way applications are submitted
The most noticeable change is the introduction of the new PASSPORT application platform. The updated system is expected to change the way students search for programs and submit applications.Under the new system, students will be able to open their own applications starting April 15.
Previously, students were required to submit an access request, which was then processed by staff.The change is intended to make the process easier, said Greta Kaczynski, associate director of Penn Abroad. “We try to make things seamless and user-friendly for students and not cumbersome for our staff’s workflow as well,” she said. Daily Pennsylvania.
More options required in choosing the program
The application requirements have also been updated. Students will now need to list three alternative programs when applying, compared to one alternative program previously required.
This change is intended to improve placement flexibility, especially for selective programs where seats are limited.At the same time, the number of applications each selective program can receive has been increased from 15 to 25. The maximum number of students for other programs will continue to be 40 students.Penn Abroad has also revised how these caps are calculated. Instead of tracking open requests, it will now be based on submitted requests.
The academic approval process proceeds after application
Students will still need academic approval from their home schools, but the timing of this move has changed. Approval will now be requested after the application is submitted and not during the application process.Students will also be able to track their approval status directly through the system.
Deadlines have been moved earlier for selective programmes
The timetable for applications to study abroad has also been modified.For selective programmes, the deadline has been postponed from September to June.
The academic approval deadline for these programs is now June 15.For non-selective programmes, students must open their applications by September 1, with academic approval by September 15.The only exceptions are programs offered by the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, which continue to follow the previous timetables.According to Kaczynski, the earlier deadline is intended to give students more time to consider alternatives if they are not accepted into their first choice. “If students find out they will not get into their first choice program, they will have more time to submit their secondary applications,” she said. Daily Pennsylvania.
A gradual change in how the process works
By adjusting deadlines, increasing alternative options, and updating the system, the University of Pennsylvania aims to make the process more streamlined and better manage study abroad demand and application flow.The updated system will be used for the first time for applicants in the spring of 2027, marking the next stage in how study abroad programs are managed at the university.