The Application Process

Before starting an application to study abroad, your student should take time to learn more about the overall process by attending a  Study Abroad 101 Workshop and doing our online Pre-Advising Module, then taking advantage of the virtual and drop-in advising offered by our peer advisors.  From there, our peer advisors can connect your student with the appropriate member of our professional study abroad staff for questions about their specific program(s) of interest. 

Also, before selecting a program and beginning the application, we strongly encourage students to review their current Degree Progress Report and speak with an academic advisor in their department/college to review how possible abroad coursework might fit into their degree requirements.

Because Cal Poly offers a wide range of program types, the actual application process will vary from program to program. Generally, though, it is a two-step process that involves a student applying to Cal Poly for approval to study abroad and to the program itself for admission. 

For Cal Poly Global Programs and First Year GO, the application students complete on our website actually serves both purposes, but for all other programs, students complete a Cal Poly study abroad application for approval study abroad/away and a separate application to a partner program or host university for admission.

Deadlines for programs vary and students need to pay attention to the deadlines listed on both their Cal Poly application and the program or host university application.  For the most part, though, we have two major application cycles with an April deadline for summer, fall, and full-year programs and an October deadline for winter and spring programs. 

Useful Links

• Study Abroad Policies page, which includes general eligibility for study abroad/away, Cal Poly’s academic policies relating to study abroad, and the required International Center Fee.
• Our How to Apply page provides an overview of the steps students should take.