Your Journey to Study Abroad
Application Deadlines
Fall, Fall-Winter, Full Year, Summer: February 10, Winter: June 10, Winter-Spring: September 10, Spring: November 10
4-5 MONTHS BEFORE DEADLINE
Identify Your Goals
The best action begins with reflection. Why do you want to study abroad? The study abroad goals assessment tool can help you break down your goals and needs. Academic planning resources help you make study abroad work with your major/minor.
Explore Programs
Considering your academic, personal, and financial goals, begin to narrow down your search by learning about different program types and exploring programs in GLObal Gateway.
Consider Your Identity(-ies)
You should also explore identity considerations and reach out to student ambassadors with identity-specific questions.2-3 MONTHS BEFORE DEADLINE
Talk it Out
Use this time to attend a Study Abroad 101, meet with GLO advisers, financial aid advisers, academic advisers, NCA advisers, and/or GLO student ambassadors. Note: Meeting with academic advisers is required as part of the application process.
Attend Info Sessions
GLO info sessions are a great way to learn more about specific programs, hear from past students, and speak to advisers. Keep an eye on our calendar for upcoming info sessions.
Apply for Scholarships
Many scholarships have very early deadlines, especially for summer study abroad. Apply early, even if you don't know your program yet (you can usually switch later). We've compiled some scholarships to get you started.1-2 MONTHS BEFORE DEADLINE
Narrow Down Your Choices
About two months before the application deadline, you should begin narrowing down your program choices. You are only permitted to apply to one program per term, so you'll have to determine your top choice before you apply.
Determine Your Eligibility
Northwestern encourages all students to consider study abroad; however, each school and program has their own requirements. Learn more about these requirements and policies.
Figure Out Finances
Program costs vary widely; find total cost estimates on each program page. Review the Finances & Funding FAQs, and check out Money Matters for details about program costs and billing, financial aid and scholarships, and managing expenses.
Start Your Application
Use downtime over breaks (e.g., winter break, summer break) to work on your application. Even if you aren't set on a program, start your application now - you can always change your program later.
Applications open in early-November
0-1 MONTH BEFORE DEADLINE
Submit Your Application
Finalize and submit your Northwestern study abroad application. Note: Some components of the application, such as meeting with an academic adviser and completing an interview, require advance planning. Review specifics on the Apply page.POST-DEADLINE
