How to Apply

To give yourself time to research, select, and apply to a program, we recommend that you begin planning your education abroad experience a year in advance. Most Application deadlines are early in the semester before the term you intend to go abroad. Admissions is rolling for most programs, so it’s wise to apply early (over summer or winter breaks). Some scholarship deadlines precede program deadlines, and planning early will enable you to apply for more scholarships!

The application can be completed in less than a few hours. However, if your application includes a recommendation, it’s better to give yourself a couple of weeks (recommendations are not a common requirement).

An application typically includes short-answer questions, transcript(s), online forms, the study abroad organizations application, and an application fee.  A few programs also ask for an academic recommendation (from a college-level professor or graduate TA).

Your application is complete when all of the items in your MyCUAbroad checklist are completed and you click the Submit button in your application. Your application will then be marked "Ready for Review."

We verify your eligibility when we open your application (see our eligibility page). If you submit a quality application by the posted deadline, you will likely be accepted. Weak personal statements and/or discrepancies in your academic/disciplinary histories may affect your chances of acceptance. Most programs fill on a rolling basis and some have limited enrollment. It is always wise to apply early!

We aim to help you find a program that is a good fit for your academic and personal goals. We limit you to one program per term, so that you can invest your time and effort into one strong application. You may apply for more than one summer program if the dates don’t overlap and you plan to attend both.

For programs that review on a rolling admissions basis, you can expect an admission decision 1-3 weeks after you submit your application. Some programs, primarily exchange programs, will only review applications after the deadline has passed. In these cases, you can expect an admission decision 1-2 weeks after the deadline has passed. You will be notified via email of our decision.

If you are not accepted to your first-choice program, a good alternative is likely available. We will work with you to explore options that suit your academic and personal goals. If you are not accepted because of your disciplinary status, you may be eligible to reapply at a later date. Our office cannot guarantee acceptance into any program.

Start reviewing visa requirements for your country (if necessary) and make sure your passport is valid. It should be valid for at least 6 months after the end of your program (you can find more info on our Passports & Visas page). Search for course offerings for potential courses you may want to take while abroad, and submit courses for evaluations if necessary.

Yes, both applications must be complete by the CU Boulder deadline.

Read the instructions in your MyCUAbroad or education abroad organization application about the reference requirements. Several weeks before the application deadline, ask a professor, instructor, or graduate-level TA if they are willing to complete a short academic recommendation. If they agree, log in to your MyCUAbroad and enter their contact information into the Academic Recommendation form.

Usually no. For most programs, references must come from a graduate TA or faculty member who has taught you in a college course, either at CU Boulder or another institution. References that come from an advisor or supervisor will be considered supplementary and will not count as a required reference.

For internship programs, your references may come from an employer, professor, or academic advisor.

Use the costs that are posted from the most recent term as an estimate. If you don’t see any costs posted for your program, this means that the program is new. Please contact our office for assistance.

Yes. You are required to report all incidents--including warnings--on or off campus. For questions about how your disciplinary history can affect your participation, refer to the Eligibility page.